Launceston Steam Railway

I really appreciate the time and trouble you have put in to your reply! I have 3 separate weeks in July and August when I'm largely free so will give you a bell and hope for the best! I am old enough to (just) remember steam in the quarries and have seen some of the final trains on the lines to porth Penrhyn and Felinheli. I have copped a surprising number of .north Wales quarry locos in the South of England in the last 30 years or so, but not been to Launceston yet!

 

We had a lovely day today with our daughter Elizabeth (20 months). Every body was very friendly, it was a delight to ride behind the driver in the view from the balcony. Thanks to the guard for taking us around the shed, and for Kay for arranging this. A lovely railway thoroughly recommended. We shall return.

 

Excellent, hope you can make it down soon. If you happen to have the only driver under the age of about 50 do say hello!

Good to hear you enjoyed your visit. The end balcony is often very popular - I can't think of many other railways where you can watch the driver's every move from the carriage.

 

All four Hunslets have been out at the start of this week - Velinheli & Covertcoat yesterday, Dorothea & Lilian today.

How many other steam railways can field all their passenger locomotives over the course of 2 days...?

 

Hmm, that's excellent and interesting news given that I am in the area for the first two weeks in August and have never seen Velinheli or Dorothea in steam on previous visits - a family visit to the Railway and farm park beckons I think! You used to run two engine days one day a week I think - or is that more ad hoc now?

 

All ad hoc and has been for many years - see the detailed reply up thread! If you want to know when V and/or D are out best to give us a ring.

 

Thank you! A phone call is likely..

 

Hi Charlie,

What shade of green is dorethea? I am currently making a 16mm scale model of her. Is the intention to fit spectacle rings or did she never have them? I have seen her in the shed but never thought to ask at the time.

thanks
Ian

 

Nigel calls it Land Rover Green - it's quite similar! I think it was specifically mixed based on the few remaining bits of paint though.

Front and rear spectacles will be fitted when Kay has the time to do so (along with the cab doors, shutters and sandpots). Front ones swivel but the back ones are fixed.

 

Thanks Charlie, I shall resist the temptation to ask which land rover green....! now I know that I will match it from the photos. It looks like the darker shade. I now have a reason to visit again. Great Railway by the way.
Ian

 

The train now arriving on Platform 1...



End of main season today, next trains at end of October for half term week.

 

Gorgeous station! Well, fab railway all told

 

Lilian getting ready for half term week this afternoon.

Trains running Sunday - Friday.

 

Thanks for the reminder.

 

We'll be down to three working Hunslets for a large part of this season as Velinheli is off on a grand summer holiday. Visits to the Ffestiniog, Welsh Highland, Bala, L&B and wherever else her "tour manager" fits in!

Trains again at Easter and then following the usual pattern for when we're open this season.

 

Hi Charlie,

Quick question regarding Dorethea: did it ever have fire iron rests on the back of the cab like the dinorwic port class variety? I cannot find an old photo that shows the cab back.

Thanks
Ian

 

I don't think she did but I will double check with Kay.

 

This winter's track relaying well underway:


300yd stretch just before 'the long straight' using ex. Dean Hill 50lb rail on new sleepers.

 

Very impressive Charlie. Really must get down and have a ride this summer. I am trying to get a paint colour match to Dorethea. I believe it was matched from some original paint. Would it be possible to have the ROW (I think) number so I can get some mixed (according to Halfords this should be possible). Or can I have some?
Thanks
MrC

 

Having missed Easter, last week Lilian was stripped for boiler overhaul. She will be back in action in time for the main summer season.




If you want to catch Velinheli out and about this summer, the full list of confirmed events she's off to are now on our website.