Churnet Valley Steam Gala - November 7/8

Ahh ok.

Well again only my point of view but its this. If you have a loco thats going to pull the crowds then have a 5 rake and 4 rake. But try to keep the star on the 5 rake as its most likely going to be the full train. But if you were going to have 2 tank engines then maybe 3 rakes of 3 (would 1 be 4 with the kitchen doing all day breakfasts?). Are you expecting either or both of the s160s in steam along side the Tkh? And im presuming there is no running towards endon? I remember somewhere in the past about possible 12 journeys per year? A top and tailed service from p2 ched or from leekbrook would be interesting down to there.

With regard to big named engines.... a certain A4 that needs to come to Crewe from the Mid hants would be nice... im sure its still in ticket, just!

 

2 rakes with goods shuttle (with a early morning run up Cauldon), would be my vote. Have public ridable goods trains been possible at Churnet Valley yet?

 

The only problem with 63395 is or a 28/38xx is that you would need to hang all 9 carriages off it to make it 'work'- somewhat limiting the potential service ;-)

Chris

 

43106 would look very nice on the CVR, and would make me book on some photo charters if there are the usual ones accompanying the gala!

 

S160s - Hoped to have both, but won't be able to confirm until the autumn.
Endon - Still waiting for Network Rail to grant access
Rideable Goods - No vac fitted Brake Vans so a no-go
Charters - We are already in discussions with Martin etc, dates pencilled in we just need to get an agreement in place!

 

Good evening run though!

 

Shame we haven't got the staff for such. One day...

 

Another nice guest would be 73129 if still in ticket.. Or any standard!

 

Yes. 73129 is an absolute beast. 63395 doesn't take much persuading to put on a show. GWR 2-8-0s would have to work with 6 coaches on the 1 in 45. I don't think you need to worry about that!

 

That is on the wishlist of many CVR members, and requests have been made. Sadly never been able to arrange a visit that suits both parties so far.

 

I'm sure I read somewhere recently that 73129's ticket has been extended into 2016. The next overhaul is looming of course and so they may be quite keen to get some more steaming fees to help finance it..... and she would certainly keep clag addicts happy as well as being one of only two examples (I think) of British Caprotti valve gear left, so a bit of a story for a press release.

On a slightly different tack.... I was watching a DVD the other night featuring an SLS railtour of old Knotty lines, including up to Cauldon Quarry, hauled by 45020. Now you might think with such a low number she'd have the domeless boiler so a photo charter "recreating" the event would need 45110 which is, of course, out of ticket. However she had the more normal boiler with dome and top feed so you could use one of many Black 5s currently in ticket....

So, maybe a Black 5 suitably renumbered would be an opportunity to sell a photocharter as well as having a story for a Gala and keep the rivet counters quiet (well OK, they'd probably start banging on about vertical or sloping throatplates and boiler washout plugs but ho hum).

I wonder if someone could get (e.g.) 45337 from Llangollen?

Just a thought.

 

Any news on what might be appearing in November?

 

Nope, hoping to have something by the beginning of the September but struggling to find locos that are worth the transport costs. Will keep on trying though!