Steam on the Cambrian Coast

The Cambrian Coast Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth & Pwllheli hasn't had steam tours on the route since 2010 when the last of "The Cambrian" trips ran in August of 2010, since the route has had ERTMS introduced throughout the system it hasn't been possible to get steam tours down the route unless the steam engine had a class 97 coupled in front.

Steam Dreams are advertising a multiday tour for June of next year running along the Cambrian Coast from Paddington to Pwllheli but at present no steam engines have had ERTMS fitted, no manors are out on the mainline at present due to this so the only suitable tender engines that could work on the route are a black 5 or the pocket rocket no 76084. Should ERTMS become viable for steam engines and the tour does run steam hauled I would love to see WCRC restart the regular Cambrian trips running along the route to Pwllheli as it would be the first time in 6 years.

 

I know all of us at the Welsh Highland Heritage railway used to enjoy the daily influx of CCE passengers wanting a ride on another steam train, and I am sure the FR at the other end of town also benefited. At the time GELERT was fitted with a stainer 8F whistle which used to amaze the mainline loco crew when they heard it for the first time, such a small engine with a bigger whistle than the pocket rocket!!!

I thought that work had begun on a portable ERTMS unit had begun?

Oh for a mainline certified Manor and Dukedog...

 

Would either K1 or K4 be suitable?

 

I reckon 61994 would be quite suitable unless heavy on it's axles, moot point until ERTMS on steam is viable though, I think that day will come though as the technology gets smaller, will probably take the GWML and ECML going live with ERTMS for it to happen mind as it's a lot of cost and effort for just the Cambrian.

I miss that itinery immensley, just about possible on a day trip if taking the first ATW unit off Brum to Machynlleth, greats scenary, climbs, some speed in places, and 76079 getting a decent workout.

 

I've heard it said that WCRC is compensated annually for each season it is unable to run the Cambrian and that NR has to bear the cost of fitting the equipment to locos with approval prior to the prohibition. Not sure how factually correct either is.

 

I don't believe that's feasible, not with the necessary functionality - you may be thinking of portable GSM-R.

As for Steam Dreams operating over the Cambrian, this might be influenced by the fitment of ERTMS to a pair of WCRC 37's which should make it easier to organise charters over the line.

 

And I can safely say there's quite a few others that miss it too! We had great fun working these trips, reasonable starts along with decent finish times and most importantly of all, massive enjoyment and
camaraderie between everyone that ran them.

The Cambrians will always hold a special place in my heart as I used 76079 to propose to my now wife whilst pulling into Mach station, happy days indeed!