More Spitfires

[37412]

http://www.spitfirerailtours.co.uk/Future tours2.htm#The Jorvic Growler

Another four Spitfire tours advertised, looks like a busy few weeks, tours 21st & 28th of November & 5th of December. Anyway all seem pretty good, think I may do all of the latest selction.

 

[alex57601]

Anyway all seem pretty good

Only if you like 37s that is!

Looking through the entire programme for the rest of this year (including this weekend's tour) the common theme is that all tours feature a 37 of some sort.:roll:

I don't think I'm tempted this time round, but I hope they go well for Spitfire regardless. Maybe next year...

 

[37401]

[wow all look great, that a lot of tours too
ill book onnnnnn.....

The Jorvik Growler
Yuletide York

 

[Ferret]

I guess for Spitfire, 37s are a winning formula! Seems to be a cast iron way of filling a train

Be nice to see some tours with alternative traction next year though...

 

[37401]

I guess for Spitfire, 37s are a winning formula! Seems to be a cast iron way of filling a train

Be nice to see some tours with alternative traction next year though...

Aye id like to see D1015,86101,D444 and the other "Hardly used" locos on the mainline

 

[43034 The Black Horse]

Might do that one starting from Taunton

 

[alex57601]

I guess for Spitfire, 37s are a winning formula!

I quoted Jo Ford from Spitfire in an interview with Railways Illustrated saying that 37 tours sell, so you're pretty much striking the right notes. As I said, 37s are not to everyone's tastes and could be tempted if there was more variety - I do the odd 37 tour as well as steward on a few if that's the motive power, but don't go out of my way to do every 37 tour on the land - but whatever works for them really. I will await the 2010 programme once that's released.

 

[Phoenix]

To be honest in the past I have travelled on three tours by Spitfire.

The Wayfarer
The paighton pudden
The cumbrian fellsaman

But as of late I haven't found much interest in this DRS 37 fest (okay not exactly but you get my drift)

 

[37401]

I want there to be more Class 50 hauled charters, personally i find them better than 37`s, like Phoenix im starting to get sick of seeing 37`s, ive taken 150+ "fots" of 37`s this year, and ive only seen 1 50 this year (however she is my favorite of the class D444)

Spitfire do have the winning forumla they offer 37`s at a price cheaper than the rest, in times like these people dont mind waiting a extra month if it means they save £25-£50

dispite what i have posted I may acctually wait because knowing my luck ill book on it then they`ll advertise one in Jan featuring D444 and 37401 (Hint hint if your reading this)

 

[37412]

I want there to be more Class 50 hauled charters, personally i find them better than 37`s, like Phoenix im starting to get sick of seeing 37`s, ive taken 150+ "fots" of 37`s this year, and ive only seen 1 50 this year (however she is my favorite of the class D444)

Spitfire do have the winning forumla they offer 37`s at a price cheaper than the rest, in times like these people dont mind waiting a extra month if it means they save £25-£50

dispite what i have posted I may acctually wait because knowing my luck ill book on it then they`ll advertise one in Jan featuring D444 and 37401 (Hint hint if your reading this)

You have a username of 37401 and have had a handful for haulage this year yet you prefer 50's and have not had any, the mind boggles. If you rate a class (i.e. 37) I can't see how you can become sick of them like that?

Anyway as there is only one 50 fit for the mainline that is probably the reason why there is a lack of them currently running tours. If you do want to travel behinf '44 then as your location is 'New Street' it should not be much of problem to get to Kiddy tomorrow for 65 miles behind it, do wave as you pass me in the yard

 

[Phoenix]

Personally it isn't the classes that bother me to much it's the alliences formed that I don't always like because for the last three tours I was on with the company it was DRS traction with WCRC Mk1's.
We all understand that there are reasons behind this such as safetey cases and what not but sometimes I wish Spitfire was as imaginative with their traction as they were with there destinations and routes which are always top notch.

For example you can use any Spitfire route as they are always great but instead use a class 20 (which DRS these days are happy to supply) and a WCRC class 33 which im sure if it were viable could be done and either TNT or double headed.

 

[37412]

Personally it isn't the classes that bother me to much it's the alliences formed that I don't always like because for the last three tours I was on with the company it was DRS traction with WCRC Mk1's.
We all understand that there are reasons behind this such as safetey cases and what not but sometimes I wish Spitfire was as imaginative with their traction as they were with there destinations and routes which are always top notch.

For example you can use any Spitfire route as they are always great but instead use a class 20 (which DRS these days are happy to supply) and a WCRC class 33 which im sure if it were viable could be done and either TNT or double headed.

Alliances between companies such as spitfire using DRS & WCRC is just the same a Pathfinder use DBS engines & Riviera stock because the companies are happy to work with each other, you don't tend to see DBS engines on WCRC stock or WCRC/DRS engines on Riviera stock, each promoter tends to use one company for its stock on every tour rather than chop and change, Compass always have Riviera's Crewe based aircons while Green Express/Railtourer always use WCRC for example.

Your quote about a West Coast 33 & a DRS 20 top and tail may seem an interesting tour to yourself but how many people do 20's & 33's, a lot of cranks tend to be into Sulzer or EE so mixing them is not a good idea, although in saying that with so little action from either class on the mainline these days I would guess thier followers would probably put up with another loco.

 

[alex57601]

a lot of cranks tend to be into Sulzer or EE so mixing them is not a good idea

Correct. Although I know of at least one promoter who is giving it a go very soon.

 

[37412]

Correct. Although I know of at least one promoter who is giving it a go very soon.

Could that be anything to do with Compass as i know you steward for them I have noticed that they recently have gone to using a freight engine with something heritage, the next two 37 tours for example both feature a shed and one a 92 as well, I presume this is to entice some scratchers aboard? Hope it works for them, I found Compass to be a well run organisation and the last tour I did with them was most enjoyable, have not been on any of there 37 jaunts this year, but then again I have not done any with DB 37's.......

 

[87015]

Could that be anything to do with Compass as i know you steward for them I have noticed that they recently have gone to using a freight engine with something heritage, the next two 37 tours for example both feature a shed and one a 92 as well, I presume this is to entice some scratchers aboard? Hope it works for them, I found Compass to be a well run organisation and the last tour I did with them was most enjoyable, have not been on any of there 37 jaunts this year, but then again I have not done any with DB 37's.......

More likely to be our mutual acquaintance although Compass do seem to be broadening their horizons aswell. Be interested to see if Spitfire see bookings drop once all the DRS 37s have worked - can't be too many serviceable ones that are still 'big'.

 

[37412]

More likely to be our mutual acquaintance

...but will he get a shredder on it?

 

[alex57601]

Could that be anything to do with Compass as i know you steward for them I have noticed that they recently have gone to using a freight engine with something heritage, the next two 37 tours for example both feature a shed and one a 92 as well, I presume this is to entice some scratchers aboard? Hope it works for them, I found Compass to be a well run organisation and the last tour I did with them was most enjoyable, have not been on any of there 37 jaunts this year, but then again I have not done any with DB 37's.......

Correct to me stewarding for Compass, but not the one I had in mind.

Was actually referring to Joint Line Railtours.

 

[37412]

Was actually referring to Joint Line Railtours.

Yes, got it with the clue from 87015, although in JL's case knowing the person running the tour I would say it is being run more for what he would like to see than a commercial gain in this case, probably because he requires the chiltern for a 33 and a 37, i'm sure 87015 would know?!

 

[33011]

More likely to be our mutual acquaintance although Compass do seem to be broadening their horizons aswell. Be interested to see if Spitfire see bookings drop once all the DRS 37s have worked - can't be too many serviceable ones that are still 'big'.

Are the bookings for Pathfinder or Compass dropping? I only ask because they seem to be using the same DBS 37's all the time

 

[37412]

Are the bookings for Pathfinder or Compass dropping? I only ask because they seem to be using the same DBS 37's all the time

Compass nearly always seem to sell out whatever traction they use because I gather they have a large number of passengers who go for the day out, all their tours are aircons so not really aimed for the cranks, i suppose using DB 37's or the 40 as they have done just adds an extra coach or two of garunteed custom. Pathfinder don't seem to have anything lined up at the moment with 37's so not alot going on the DB front.

 

[33011]

Yes Spitfire use 37's alot but as pointed out 37 tours sell.Can't use D1015 as DTG seem to biased to Pathfinder/Riviera.Spitfire have or will be using the following classes in 2009 20/37/47/57/66/87 and a Black 5.Deltic 22 on one engine at the mo so can't be used.One must also remember that Spitfire had a 33/73 tour last year which made a big loss so forgive them for running a lot tours that make money to help subsidise the ones that don't
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Compass nearly always seem to sell out whatever traction they use because I gather they have a large number of passengers who go for the day out, all their tours are aircons so not really aimed for the cranks, i suppose using DB 37's or the 40 as they have done just adds an extra coach or two of garunteed custom. Pathfinder don't seem to have anything lined up at the moment with 37's so not alot going on the DB front.

What you have to take into account is not all cranks are the red pen brigade.Some will travel because their favorite class is on the front regardless of sticky digits where as some do certain loco's for mileage so you have to try and cater for everyone the best you can.Most of the red pen brigade i should imagine do the pay on the day part fare option.

 

[alex57601]

Yes, got it with the clue from 87015, although in JL's case knowing the person running the tour I would say it is being run more for what he would like to see than a commercial gain in this case, probably because he requires the chiltern for a 33 and a 37, i'm sure 87015 would know?!

I think that's it really. He said to me a while ago that the chosen traction was based on the history of the line, although he has gone on record saying he wants 33207 and 37516 specifically.

While I'm not against specifying specific locos, I would be more concerned on getting the bookings in and being thankful on the day that the specific class of locos are on rather than specific locos. As far as 37s go, I think most people will be happy with either 516, 676 or 706 - or if 685 returns before then.

There's about 7 weeks or so before his first tour, so anything can happen really.

Compass nearly always seem to sell out whatever traction they use because I gather they have a large number of passengers who go for the day out, all their tours are aircons so not really aimed for the cranks, i suppose using DB 37's or the 40 as they have done just adds an extra coach or two of garunteed custom. Pathfinder don't seem to have anything lined up at the moment with 37's so not alot going on the DB front.

The target market is daytrippers and it is something they are very good at. Regular customers have become accustomed to seeing air-conditioned coaches on Compass trips, so it makes sense to stick with them. However, cranks are always welcome and the cranks who I've spoke to on board are always satisfied. The decision to use a wider range of locos besides 47s has been a good move as they do sell - the tours last year with 37s and the 40 either sold out or were very full.

 

[fgwrich]

once all the DRS 37s have worked - can't be too many serviceable ones that are still 'big'.

Erm...not as little as you might think actually...and the reason i know this...becasue some are in for storage, and others are in for overhauling at the works...

The Works being Eastleigh...

 

[Chester025]

Erm...not as little as you might think actually...and the reason i know this...becasue some are in for storage, and others are in for overhauling at the works...

The Works being Eastleigh...

Just because they've been in storage for ages doesn't make them big. What's all this frothing about how 'big' 37510 is supposed to be? It was a sleeper loco back in the day: http://www.c37lg.co.uk/fleet/fleet.asp?number=37510

 

[37412]

Just because they've been in storage for ages doesn't make them big. What's all this frothing about how 'big' 37510 is supposed to be? It was a sleeper loco back in the day: http://www.c37lg.co.uk/fleet/fleet.asp?number=37510

But last worked in '95, probably the longest time since a DRS one worked, don't think they have many that have not worked for 14 yrs now, 069 and 602 were considered 'rare' even though 69 had worked in 98 on the coast. At the end of the day though different people need different ones making certain engines bigger to some people than others.

 

[37113]

Just because they've been in storage for ages doesn't make them big. What's all this frothing about how 'big' 37510 is supposed to be? It was a sleeper loco back in the day: http://www.c37lg.co.uk/fleet/fleet.asp?number=37510

Personally I would say 510 is pretty massive, despite me having it many many times while on the sleepers, I do hope it will appear "for old times sake" on a tour this year. One thing that needs to be remembered is that it last really worked in 1995? on the last of the diagrammed sleepers, a lot of people have come and equally gone from the haulage scene in that time.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
With regards to the many questions/suggestions, we did look seriously at 33 tour for equally one of the November and the December tours, unfortunatly there are no guarantees of this traction being available, with only one serviceable WCRC 33, it does make it a little difficult.

2010 in prospect will hopefully see the return of Deltic's, 50's, potentially 45's and preserved 37's. We will of course look to use these locomotives in our program as and when (or IF) they become available. Hopefully throwing other traction in daily use on the mainline into the mix also, including AC and type 1 tours.

 

[The_Stig]

On the topic of Spitfire tours- The West Highlander passing Bowling station- Saturday 18th July 2009-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HflcDNsx-hk

 

[Chester025]

2010 in prospect will hopefully see the return of Deltic's, 50's, potentially 45's and preserved 37's.

What about D1015, there was a nice tour advertised with you last year to Penzance? Or how about 40145, another go at Skegness?

 

[33011]

What about D1015, there was a nice tour advertised with you last year to Penzance? Or how about 40145, another go at Skegness?

DTG will only allow D1015 to work Pathfinder/Riviera tours so no D1015 i'm affraid.

 

[87015]

DTG will only allow D1015 to work Pathfinder/Riviera tours so no D1015 i'm affraid.

Has this come about since past-time went under? As they used to get it out fairly often.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

With regards to the many questions/suggestions, we did look seriously at 33 tour for equally one of the November and the December tours, unfortunatly there are no guarantees of this traction being available, with only one serviceable WCRC 33, it does make it a little difficult.

If Spitfire can't get WCRC to guarantee 33s it certainly doesn't look too rosy for them working much at all in the future. Shame really