071 tour in Ireland September 9th 2011

[89-763-733]

http://www.steamtrainsireland.com/downloads/mayrailtour/PoL_Booking_Form_Silvermines.pdf

 

[merlodlliw]

http://www.steamtrainsireland.com/downloads/mayrailtour/PoL_Booking_Form_Silvermines.pdf

Note the 5% hike for debit card bookings which in effect have taken over from cheques, that is naughty.And what is in effect a 3% management charge for credit cards,which guarantees the money, where cheques do not.

Bob

 

[GM078]

This is being run in conjunction with the RPSI's International steam tour to Kilkenny and Mullingar (including the newly reopened M3 Parkway branch), more details on this and the 071 tour in this thread.

 

[4SRKT]

Note the 5% hike for debit card bookings which in effect have taken over from cheques, that is naughty.And what is in effect a 3% management charge for credit cards,which guarantees the money, where cheques do not.

Bob

OTOH RPSI tours offer value for money that is in a different league from anything Chingfinder or even Spitfire are able to do, so while it is a bit naughty, it's still a good deal.

 

[89-763-733]

The RPSI have announced their positioning train, provisionally 1000 from Whitehead to Dublin, will be worked by a 111 class loco instead of steam (Thursday September 8th)

 

[I T S]

The RPSI have announced their positioning train, provisionally 1000 from Whitehead to Dublin, will be worked by a 111 class loco instead of steam (Thursday September 8th)

To also be noted, the 111 Class loco will return Light to Belfast once arrived at Dublin departing sometime around 3pm.

 

[4SRKT]

10:00 is a ridiculous time to run this at. Locally based cranks will have to take an extra day off work for it, and GB based cranks will have difficulty getting to Whitehead in time for it. What's more, if the 80 is still running on 8th September, GB based cranks are likely to be over for that before heading to Dublin later in the day. They will then be giving their ching to NIR/CIE rather than the RPSI and travelling south in something rubbish. A great chance to combine all that's best about railways in Ireland in two fantastic days wasted by a ridiculous schedule.

On another thread I commented that the MRSI doesn't understand GB based enthusiasts. I wouldn't level that against the RPSI who have been providing solid entertainment for people on both sides of the Irish Sea for years, but I do wonder if they understand the crank market at all. If they don't they will have to learn as it will become bigger and bigger, but sadly by the time they do learn it will be too late to repeat this last chance to do 80/111/071 in one trip

 

[I T S]

10:00 is a ridiculous time to run this at. Locally based cranks will have to take an extra day off work for it, and GB based cranks will have difficulty getting to Whitehead in time for it. What's more, if the 80 is still running on 8th September, GB based cranks are likely to be over for that before heading to Dublin later in the day. They will then be giving their ching to NIR/CIE rather than the RPSI and travelling south in something rubbish. A great chance to combine all that's best about railways in Ireland in two fantastic days wasted by a ridiculous schedule.

On another thread I commented that the MRSI doesn't understand GB based enthusiasts. I wouldn't level that against the RPSI who have been providing solid entertainment for people on both sides of the Irish Sea for years, but I do wonder if they understand the crank market at all. If they don't they will have to learn as it will become bigger and bigger, but sadly by the time they do learn it will be too late to repeat this last chance to do 80/111/071 in one trip

I'll be straight to the point. Do they understand cranks market? NO

There is no reason why that train can't run later in the afternoon -

For Example - Timed in accordance with all service trains etc

Whitehead 1440
Belfast 1520/1525
Lisburn 1542/1544
Portadown 1602/1604
Newry 1624
Dundalk 1644
Drogheda 1707/1725 (Stretch your legs)
Dublin 1805

In time for evening supper and a good morning bash on the 80s to Larne.

 

[4SRKT]

A real shame. I'd fly in early doors for that, and get a couple of round trips on the 80. Still, as it is I'll do Rail and Sail overnight via Holyhead, sampling the 57 on the North Wales coast so as to compare it with the 071 the following day.

A real missed opportunity for the RPSI to raise funds and provide something really good to prove their credentials to the vital crank market.

 

[89-763-733]

The RPSI ask that anyone who would like to book the Thursday train additionally do so via the booking form on their website, option B1, rather than pay on the day. The booking form is at

http://www.steamtrainsireland.com/downloads/mayrailtour/PoL_Booking_Form.pdf

 

[4SRKT]

A further problem. I was considering going to Belfast on the 8th, and if the 80 wasn't working, taking the positioning move, otherwise going on the Enterprise. If you have to book in advance then that's that one totally out of the question. Have they really thought this through? They need someone with a crank's eye view in there.

 

[I T S]

......

 

[89-763-733]

They take credit cards and while they charge an extra 5% for this they are open about the fact.

The RPSI do take cheques, I just sent them one. It is because banks no longer guarantee cheques that organisations such as translink no longer accept them.

I agree that the RPSI should accept paypal though

 

[4SRKT]

@ I T S What's happened to the GM in yr avatar 165 boy?

 

[89-763-733]

I think he prefers 165s to GMs now

 

[89-763-733]

For the NIR GM move on 08.09.2011 Pay on the day WILL be accepted although advanced booking is preferred.

Confirmed times:

Whitehead Excursion Station 10:25
Carrickfergus 10:40
Belfast Central 11:00
Lisburn 11:15
Portadown 11:45
Dublin 13:30