The Cornish Riviera, 26 & 28 June 2010

Who's joining us on this epic journey to the West Country and back to the capital then?

It certainly looks like it will be an interesting and action-packed couple of days!

Ben

 

My wife and I are booked, with a stay at the Tregenna Castle hotel in the middle.
Looking forward to it!

 

Sounds very nice! I'll be thinking of you in that comfy bed whilst i'm (trying) to sleep on a MK1 coach seat at St. Blazey!!!

I have to say i'm looking forward to the return working. All the way from Penzance to Paddington with a Castle and a King.... Bring it on!!!


Edit: Don't worry, I won't be thinking of you in THAT way! Haha!

 

Phew! - glad to hear it.

 

What are people's thoughts on the alleged 14 coach load?

 

That's "only" 7 each. The two locos should be able to handle that OK, though they'll have to work hard on Hemerdon. It's a good sign that Steam Dreams can sell that many seats. What's the likely make-up of the train - 11 passenger, 2 kitchen, 1 support? OTOH, they need to sell more seats than normal to pay for two locos.

 

As far as I know we are taking the Green Train and both support coaches, one of which will be taken off during somepoint of the last leg (I assume Bristol) and taken to Southall by diesel. This is so both engines, the 13 coaches and a diesel can fit behind the signal at Paddington. This could all change of course, but I believe that is the plan.

 

Understandable, but a shame, none the less. 14 choc-&-cream, or blood-&-custard (or even a mix of the two) would have looked the part. Never mind. Let's hope there are not too many flat wheels in the set (has been a recurring problem on the Green Train).

 

I presume that the diesel will just come on at Paddington to remove the stock from the terminus?

 

I'm guessing that will be the case.

 

Has the bridge restriction at Hayle been addressed by Network Rail? Last thing I heard was that Penzance was now inaccessible to all steam in both directions (i.e. up and down lines). This was stated in an open meeting by a well respected source just a month or so ago. I assume that with RTC and Steam Dreams having trains from Penzance in the next few months appropriate steps have been taken? Can anybody confirm?

 

I've heard this story too. I've also heard that Network Rail were sorting out the issue... So who knows! Although I did speak with Mr Bunker and he said we would get to Penzance....

Can anyone shed anymore light on this and whether the issue has been resolved?

 

First we get no ex GWR locos on the Great Britain,
now we manage to get two, but with pseudo ex SR stock.
All in the GW 175 year!!!

Still as I'm not on eiither trip, I must not complain.

 

Like I said, this is as far as I know, so I may be wrong.

From an operational point of view I can understand why it would be desirable to use the Green Train, being based at Southall where the train begins and ends. Also, using Choc & Cream stock will add costs as WCRC don't own any coaches in this livery and they would need to be hired from Riviera Trains (I think?).

Personally I'm not too bothered about the colour of the coaches (as long as they are a 'proper' colour), I'm just looking forward to what should be an excellent couple of days!

 

Don't think I'll notice the coach livery from inside!

 

Ditto, although the coach I'll be in will be in the correct livery!

 

What's wrong with SR Green stock exactly ? Inter Regional's were as everyday as the crack express of uniform choc n cream.

 

Don't think i will care either The most important thing is that its a pair of brilliant locos on a brilliant route,not the colour of the coaches!

 

Well said that man!

 

Edited