LE movements, ECS and test runs 2022

Any idea why the first one appears to start tender-first to Preston instead of going more directly to the WCML?
The second seems unlikely: two posts on the FS thread said

 

That's a bloody strange route via Preston and rather brave taking a locomotive fresh out of the box down a big lump of the WCML in pretty peak hours. I assume she will have some sort of minder with her (or if not even bloody braver).

 

Presumably because FS is smokebox first when leaving ELR / entering Castleton hence tender first between Castleton and Preston after reversal where reversal (again) makes it smokebox first heading south

 

"fresh out of the box" feels a weird way to describe an engine that'll be 100 years old (well, parts of her will anyway) next year.

 

Jacobite ECS south
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91215/2022-10-30/detailed
45212 to Keighley
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91222/2022-11-01/detailed

 

Just passed Crewe on it's tod...

 

Saw that on the Crewe webcam. It's a measure of the confidence Ian Riley has in his business that they're sending her onto the mainline fresh from overhaul without a diesel for back up.

 

Yes it's back.

 

Done and dusted ...arrived at Southall.

 

Is the move of 76017 from the MHR to the Bluebell still happening today or is there a problem?
A note has appeared on RTT next to the STP schedule: "Cancelled from WTT today". https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66172/2022-10-13/detailed
There is also a VST schedule from the MHR to EG which is identical to the STP schedule. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:87013/2022-10-13/detailed
No activity on the diesel move from Southall down to Alton yet either. https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66171/2022-10-13/detailed

Edit: Diesel move now operating 30 minutes late.

 

The STP path is mistakenly? for a light locomotive 0Z35 and appears to have been replaced by the correct 5Z35.

 

Class 33 delayed at Southall Station by a failed freight train in the loop.

 

Yup.

 

Gutted to miss 76017 on the Main Line today. Had other commitments at the same time as the move. Does anyone know when she is returning to the MHR after the Bluebell Gala? Can't find anything in RTT yet?

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Is the loco passed for mainline running ? or just allowed to be a trailing load...

 

Light steam??????

Always nice to see a pocket rocket on the mainline.

 

Not passed for mainline running.

 

So presumably the only reason more locomotives dont move between rail connected heritage railways this way is cost ?