Home»All Photographs»Year Albums»2017»June»2017_06_10 Coast to Coast Express

Oh! What a mess? "The Coast to Coast Express" on Saturday 10th June 2017 was one of those trains that seemed to be subject to all of the problems faced by steam hauled excursions in recent years. There were route changes, uncertainty about motive power, where steam would terminate, departure time and diesel provision for either assistance or reassurance. In the final event, despite awful weather, "LEANDER" performed well on the outward journey except for some timekeeping issues. It was the return run where all the practical problems developed. An on time departure from Scarborough progressed to passing Malton late followed by an early arrival in York. In fact realtimetrains.co.uk reported the train passing York about 15 minutes early, only for this to be corrected later! The train ground to a halt approaching Church Fenton and then the rumours started. Take your pick - it's failed; it was signalled on the direct line to Leeds; there's been a SPAD; there's no siding space at Milford; no water can be taken due to hydrant failure, etc. The fact is that it was almost 50 min late at Sherburn-in-Elmet. But don't expect to find this on the much revered realtimetrains.co.uk - it has been cosmetically adjusted.