44871 & 45407 - The Cheshireman - 16/11/19

Times below, return leg via Crewe.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52453/2019-11-16/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52456/2019-11-16/detailed

 

Given what's happened with 70000, is it possible WCR could play it safe and opt for some insurance ? Usually these trips run pure steam but with a standing start of Llanfihangel and still in leaf fall season I'm slightly regretting my booking !

 

Apparently the railway banking has been washed away due to yesterdays floods at pontrilas near abergavenny according to B.B.C. red button travel updates

 

There are some images in this article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-50199080

 

The Cheshireman has always been diesel assisted except one year when the 2 Black 5s hauled it.

 

The Transport for Wales Twitter feed is now stating disruption until at least end of 01/11/2019, which is well before the date of the railtour

 

We could only do this date as a week later there's the small matter of two LNER Pacific's over the same stretch so need to be lineside. I assume you're booked on the 23/11 given your confidence on the Chesireman ?

 

Certainly are.

 

Just had email from RTC. I quote -

‘We were informed yesterday that steam locomotive No. 60009 Union of South Africa had been discovered to have a small crack in its firebox late on Friday which needed to be repaired and whilst every effort was made over the weekend to complete the repair it will sadly not be ready in time to haul our train on Saturday.

We have therefore arranged for the train to be double headed throughout by two Black 5 locomotives, No. 45407 and No. 44871.’


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Disappointing news on the no9 front but hopefully with the fives up top, there should be no need for a third loco.

 

Mr C is not having much luck with the final fling of his locomotive, kudos to him for keeping funding these repairs and not just saying enough is enough!

 

Hope not Liam as I've just grabbed 2 of the very few remaining standard Class tickets. Only a couple in the buffet and a few in the brake left in Standard Class.

 

Agreed, especially as No.9 is working on an extended main-line boiler ticket. She has done an awful lot of running this year, which is a credit to JC and those maintaining/caring for her.

 

Indeed rather unfortunate still DH on the marches still worth it, positioning.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...19-11-15/0100-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt

 

Load 10. No tailgunner. Min. 30.5 up Horfield Bank.

 

Does the train get turned at Chester ? We're stuck at the rear, almost !

 

Don't see why, the return to Shrewsbury is via Crewe and Whitchurch .

 

I thought that was the case. Oh well, at least the steam heating is working

 

No. Just crosses into the reception sidings for the layover.

 

Decent climb away from Cwmbran up the 1in106 then the 1in95. Min. 36. 50 through Pontypool Road. No problems on Llanvihangel Bank. Picked up 3mph as grade eased from 1in82 to 1in95. Summit speed 41/42.