Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway General Discussion

Sorry it’s bad, I quickly sketched a Mickey Mouse/ Bonnie Dundee tank, and I could draw better if needs be

 

After a few visits to Cumbria, I finally got chance to enjoy La'al Ratty last Thursday (30th Aug) , what a great little line (and great staff)

 

It’s that time of year again

 

A common sight these days on many heritage railways I'd imagine, Santa Specials always are a crucial source of income, and a good way to get the kids introduced to steam engines and the hobby in general too.

 

Just curious, as it's been a while since brought into service now, how has Whillan Beck been performing on the R&ER? Be interesting to know, seeing as it wasn't specifically designed for operating on the railway, unlike the other resident locomotives.

 

She's performed brilliantly, never seen an engine tackle Beckfoot Bank so well. There's a couple of videos on my channel of the loco if you are interested to see her working

 

What... better than River Esk ?

 

Well there’s a right competition between them

 

Interesting to hear, thanks for the info.

 

Some images of the railway over the past few weeks during the start of the season.

 

Nice to see the pictures of Eskie. I have moved on now to the Patriot so don't see Esk any more.

 

She’s doing incredibly well since she came back Nigel, as has the Beck. Rock and Irt however are quite poorly at the moment.

 

Nothing an overhaul wouldn't cure I hope? What's Mite's current status please?

I noticed the carriage Blodge have named 'Ratty2' under construction. This new generation of R&E stock looks absolutely superb.

 

Mite was out yesterday with the Beck and Esk. She seems to do quite well now. Rock’s cylinders have just worn down so in need of new ones I think. Irt has just had either it’s top end or bottom overhaul so should be out soon as it’s going to Beamish next month.

 

The Birthday Gala during the first May Bank Holiday is looking to be a good one.

Saturday
Trips with Katie to Murthwaite
Trains hauled by The Bug from RH&DR
Double Headed Diesel with Douglas and Lady Wakefield
15.50 hauled by The Bug and Whillan Beck
Photography Evening after 17.30

Sunday
Trips with Katie to Dalegarth
Trains hauled by The Bug
15.50 hauled by River Esk, River Mite & Whillan Beck
18.30 Departure behind Whillan Beck & River Irt for Staff and Volunteers

Monday
Driver for a Fiver with Katie in Workshop yard
Trains hauled by The Bug
15.50 hauled by The Bug, River Irt and Northern Rock

 

Whillan Beck off to RHDR for their steam and diesel gala 11/12 May, according to a post on another forum.

 

Yes she is, being fitted with vacuum brakes so it can work trains on it’s own if needed.

 

Video featuring River Irt and Katie on their visit to Beamish over the weekend.

 

Thanks for a great video. I have never been there - I must go!

 

Outline timetable and loco roster for the Big Birthday Gala next weekend - usual caveats apply! BBC reckons the weather on Sat and Sun should be good with a slightly higher chance of rain (but still under 20%) on Mon.

https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/pdfs/190426 GALA WEEKEND ROSTER - RG & DG.pdf