Sugar Loaf Mountaineer : 7/07/18 - now 23/09/18

Cheers!

 

I'm booked on this, and all the other steam trips Pathfinder are doing as well. It's nice to see them flexing their steam muscles outside of TBEX operations this year! This will also be the first steam trip I've been on where both the primary TOC that operates on the line (Arriva) is involved in the trip, and that TOC's parent company (DB) is the operator of the trip. Hopefully everything will come together nicely for a great day out.

 

I see that the SRPS stock is being utilised for this one ! (assuming uksteam is correct ?)

 

Yes, looks like SRPS Stock, not many vacuum carriages are available to hire. Another question, who will provide the diesel between New St and Shrewsbury? Dbc don't have any vacuum diesels now - one from LSL?

 

is that rake not dual braked?

 

That looks the likely scenario in that case.

 

Isn't the SRPS rake dual braked?

 

I believe so. DBC have used it in the past a fair bit with Tornado amongst others.

 

SRPS stock is dual braked, dual heat. Also being used on the 10th July on the tour with Tornado to London so not all the way for One trip.

 

Plus 45231 is dual through piped for air so it would potentially be possible for an air braked rescue diesel to be used should the need arise. A vac diesel not so vital perhaps for DBC to call upon?

 

The Welsh Dragon, 18 October 1997. The load was 9, including a heavy generator car, for around 400 gross tons. The BR limit for a class 5 was 7 or 240 tons, so effectively a 50% overload. The first two attempts ran short of steam through over-firing; for the third attempt the firing was reduced on the advice of the owners' rep (who had worked the line in steam days) and the loco made the summit before a blow up was needed. Info from the SMF's publication.

Back on topic, and just booked on this one myself.

 

In which case a DBC 67 likely from Birmingham - if had been something more vintage from LSL might have been tempted to join at Birmingham!

 

Thanks for that, there was some brilliant footage on one of the Psov steam videos at the time - can't believe it was 21 years ago..

 

Iv also booked a ticket on this tour and it will be the first time I will have travelled with Pathfinder, although 45231 has got air pipes fitted she doesn't have an air pump fitted unless LSL are planning to have one fitted very soon. Plan I have is to stop overnight in Chester prior to the tour and then catch a connecting service to Shrewsbury where I plan to board the special.

 

Heart of Wales done on Mon 22nd April 2013 as part of RTC Great Britain 6 trip

0841 departure from Cardiff with 44871 and 45407 in the hands of Ray Churchill and Ray Poole

Included a 50 minute leg stretch at Llandrindod

Driver change that day at Shrewsbury before a run to Preston ending the day a couple of minutes early at 1918

a cracking run on the heart of Wales line from memory

 

Iv been keeping watch on the number of seats that are left for the tour and after I booked my seat there were 218 spaces left in standard and with first class there are presently 72 places left, as for the first class compartment's for 6 there was 28 available when I booked but now there is just 5 left available to book. Here's the link for people who might be considering but havent yet booked. https://bookings.torbayexpress.co.uk/bookings/BookingForm_UK.aspx?Action=New&C=20

 

Booked on this, but will get on at Telford, as it could be a really long day if we get on at Brum. Hopefully with Arriva on board we will get the rub of the green pathing wise. I wonder how long we will get in Camarthen ? Hopefully minimum 90 minutes.