The Great Britain XI - 2018

34046 and 44932 top and tailed the Bluebell/Uckfield tour a few years ago with Braunton on the south end and 44932 the north, that would seem the most logical with 31625 leading to Weymouth banked by 34046 (turned at Yeovil to face north) then reversed onto Swanage. Will be interesting to see what happens that's for sure!

 

I hope we get double headed jubiless down HOWL, especially with Galetea having run on the line in service.

 

Last time I did the HOWL with steam (was northbound) we left Cardiff at 0924 and got to Shrewsbury at 1837. There was a lengthy break at Llandrindod Wells but much of that is caused by pathing issues I think. Add Grange over Sands to Shrewsbury on the front of it and it sure is a lengthy day. OK for the diners maybe not so good for those in First Class looking to find somewhere to eat at the end of the day. Still the 8F should provide lots of noise on the HOWL

 

and/or 60009 perhaps?
Incidentally, the A4 is booked round the Cumbrian coast on GBXI; might it be the TBC loco for the CCE on 30th September?

 

Re the GB XI, scrolling through UK Steam and 60009 listed for Perth - Grange over Sands. Aren't A4s banned on the Cumbrian Coast for gauging or am I making that up? I remember 46233 was?

 

They have previously run the train over Shap to Oxenholme and bused the passengers to Grange from there.

 

Sir Nigel Gresley has come down the coast before as well as 45690 which was banned until October 2017

 

Hopefully its all cleared with the TOC that the advertised route and traction are permissible ...... or perhaps its WIBN, at this stage. The advert is unequivocal though, "your journey to Grange takes in the Cumbria coastline". It does not say whether both the A4 and B1 or just one hauls the train, so it could be the B1 which has a better chance of being in gauge?

 

Could be going Carlisle - Carnforth (reverse) - Grange, still takes in some of the coastline

 

It could but would that fulfil the criteria "pass by numerous harbours and coastal towns along the western edge of the Lake District" , "spectacular open sea vistas" too? Your local knowledge is better than mine to comment on the accuracy vis your proposal.

 

Arnside historically had a harbour as did Milnthorpe further up the estuary (albeit visible from Arnside viaduct), the sea vistas are very pleasant also - however as you know well all falls down by not being in the western edge....

 

Bittern was supposed to have done a run down the Cumbrian Coast in May 2012 called "The Cumbrian Streaker", but it was cancelled due to gauging issues.

I'm not aware of any A4's going up or down the coast in the past two decades at least.

 

Its fairly common up here....

 

Ive heard a rumour that the problem was fixed

 

Further to this post about gauging, RTC have said no.9 (and the B1) will haul the GBXI over the Highland Main Line from Inverness on day 4. Last year's leg over the HML was changed at the last minute to 45212 as the A4 was deemed out of gauge for the route (as well as having failed the day before).

The last time no.9 ran over the HML was, I think, 2009? If the A4 isn't in gauge to haul this leg, what else could do it providing support crew/availability etc could be found? Thinking of locos that have run over the route in the last few years, there are only a handful that are WCR operated and may be in gauge... 46100? One of the Jubilees? One of Ian Riley's Black 5s? 35018?!

James

 

Rather than clogging up this thread where it may get missed, would now be a good time to start the GBXI thread to discuss which promised locomotives will not materialise for various reasons?

 

Is this the same day as the Cumbrian Coast run

 

Yes, Inverness to Grange over Sands (day 5?)

James


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