First of all, Valentas RIP. Second of all, well done to Grand Central for running a few trips for enthusiasts, in quite difficult circumstances, what with the short notice, one of the two Valentas going pop and obviously the dreadful weather and delays on the ECML.
Third, while it is disappointing about the level of support for these runs, I think people have to be a bit realistic about why there wasn't as many supporters as there could have been for the farewell:
Wednesday - Quite simply, A lot of bashers work during the week. With it been three days before Christmas, people might not have any annual leave left at this stage of the year or simply cannot get time off at what is a lot of companies busiest week.
Weather - People from further afield quite rightly would have been forgiven if they were put off from travelling due to the weather. With the state of the East Coast this week, who can blame people from been wary, and facing the prospect of been potentially four hours late arriving back to their destination.
43123 - I suppose, I myself would not have had any interest in doing it with just one Valenta power car, and perhaps other people would be in the same mindset as me. I know its take it or leave it, but this is the way enthusiasts think.
Christmas Week - For enthusiasts with families, quite simply it is the most expensive time of the year and cannot afford to be spending money on train trips, or cannot convince the wives to let them go.
