Churnet Valley Steam Gala - November 7/8

According to CVR website, steam gala now listed in November...

Has the February event been postponed?

 

Believe so - problems in getting enough running locos to make it a worthwhile steam gala.

 

Yes, was waiting for official confirmation and the website is as good as any. As Neil mentions it's proved difficult to source a loco capable of handling trains to Ipstones solely, though there's also the side issue that Cheddleton may look like a bombsite in Feb as three projects are planned for the winter shutdown.

The platform is being extended (to accomodate 5 coaches as apposed to the current 3), a water column is being erected and piped in to replace the one opposite the yard and the first stage of repairs to the landslip is expected to have started too! Hopefully the change of date wont cause much inconvenience but gives us a better chance of completing all three projects and ensuring we offer the best experience possible for all our would be visitors.

 

Sounds like a sensible idea. Thanks for the update.

 

Out of curiousity, will GWR loco's fit up to Ipstones/Cauldon ?, was only running to Leekbrook when Ditcheat Manor was about, not fussed if the gala is in a different month long as there is one in 2015, November does tend to be otherwise quiet as a "no mans land" between autumn gala's and santa specials in most places.

 

I seem to remember riding up to Cauldon behind Large Prairie 5199, back in about 2010 or 2011, so instinct says yes, but aren't some GWR locos "wider" than others?

 

Width is not considered an issue on the Cauldon Lowe branch, the normal area of concern is the height of the loco/ cab radius that can give a tight clearance on some of the bridges on the branch.

The main width issue is normally Cheddleton platform, the widest loco that we had was 5224 and that fitted through ok.

With regards to the gala the guest loco that we wanted to get in was not available in February and with the damage that the S160 6046 suffered that won't be ready and this has also put work back on S160 5197.

The November gala should see 1 or 2 S160's, the TKH and 2 visiting locos.

Regards

Chris

 

Seem to remember there's only a King that wont fit, but that's due to the low platform at Chedd that Chris mentions and not the Cauldon line. Height is the issue up there, along with the 9F issue.

 

New thread started, separating it from the "CVR in 2015" thread.

 

The 9F issue is of course an issue that may not be an issue, there is no documentation stating that they are allowed or that they are banned from the route just rumours.

There is probably every chance that a 9F could go up the branch, we would just have to get a consultancy in to analyse the track profile and the 9F in question taking into account the side movement in the axleboxes etc.

 

If it was available at the time I suspect standard 4 76079 would be a "barking" good engine for the bank - and its regular use on Goathland bank proves it has the power to succeed.

 

I seem to recall having a photo somewhere at home of 76079 in the yard at Chedd - so I'm sure it would be a welcome return guest.

 

But why hire in a loco that regularly works hard on a decent bank? Something rarely heard in main valve would surely be a bigger draw?

 

Because 76079 has a lot of "support" in the North West by people who cannot get to the NYMR to sample its ability but CAN get to the CVR ! It's not only the passengers who need to be mobile in order to maximise income from locomotives but the high transport costs (approaching 5 figures for a round trip) are making the economics something to be approached very carefully.

In my case I have memories of it from its time in Steamport through many visits to the ELR and main line around the North West but have yet to see it in action on the NYMR; as such I would be very happy to visit the CVR to sample it as that would be a much easier day to arrange than visit(s) to the NYMR.

 

Anything from the GCR, GWSR, Nene Valley, MRC, Didcot then! I'd still like to see a couple of locos from Foxfield - Whiston and Florence doubleheader!

 

We've had BP1827 running last year (I fired her three days I think). Also had Hawarden visit about 10 years ago I seem to remember.

Doubt we'll have anything from Foxfield for the steam gala, but there is another 363 days of the year...

 

63395 gets my vote- A proper thuggish looking thing! Seen/heard it at the NYMR but yet to sample a run behind it. Any 'heavy freight' loco that can tackle Cauldon with a good load solo would be worth a visit!

Chris

 

Sounds promising!

 

I remember it leaving Goathland once. It trundled along in the usual manner until it got about half a mile away then suddenly opened up the way you only hear once every 5 years or so. It was ear-splitting even that far away. I can't imagine how it would sound coming round that corner into the tunnel.

 

Just a question for those that have attended our recent Cauldon Galas. Have you preferred having the CVR shuttle run in between the 2x Cauldon services (N7 on Goods / Railmotor) or would people prefer we operate just a 2x train service as we did with 5199 / 45379 in 2012?

Few irons are in the fire, which I'm sure Chris will inform us of should anything come to fruition, but just wondering what sort of service do people like us to offer. With the way our signalling system is set up with the CVR shuttle the UP train does end up sitting at LBJ for 15mins ish, and we had a few complaints over this wait. The 3-train timetable that saw all trains run to Ipstones whilst popular also resulted in a 40mins wait at Froghall and with our coach situation we would only be able to run 3-coach trains by November with such a timetable. So just trying to find out what the thoughts are of those who visit & travel, as simply without you guys they wouldn't be run! TIA