70013 to Fishguard, 22 May 2010.

Just noticed on UK Steam info (and read in Steam Railway two months ago) that 70013 is heading into my neck of the woods (passes through my village, anyway) on a jaunt from Bristol to Fishguard Harbour and return. It is being run by RTC, although it hasn't yet featured on their website (presumably because they want to announce it as part of their summer programme of trips). Whilst I could just go and see it at Fishguard, I've decided that it is time I did the Fishguard branch (with its fairly savage gradient at Manorowen Bank) by steam (having already done Milford Haven behind 71000). Is there anyone else interested in doing this trip?

 

Yes, I'll be on it - returning to home territory (in the 1950/60s) for me, when Brits appeared quite regularly on Fishguard trains. Manorowen bank is quite a severe test for a cold engine, ... even more so for the fireman. The fire has to be just right before departing from the Harbour station as one or two firemen have discovered to their embarrassment in recent times. This is one of the very few places on the network where HSTs are required to have both power cars operational.

David

 

I think in recent years, only 5051 and 71000 have successfully 'climbed' the bank without stalling, so it will be interesting to see how 70013 compares. I suspect the sound of the exhaust will echo throughout the valley! As a point of interest, what is the gradient of Manorowen Bank? I know it is steep, but how steep?

 

6024 has been up several times without any difficulty, but on one occasion, the fire was whoefully unprepared, and speed fell back to about 3-4mph ! I never realised it was possible to go so slowly without actually stalling or slipping to a halt. Manorowen bank is around 1 in 50 ish but is quite twisty. In my book Cockett bank westbound is even more of a challenge with a 10mph crossover right at the bottom at Landore. I don't think any pacific has climbed it successfully in preservation. I am not sure of the route for 70013 but I expect it will be sent around the Swansea District line instead in the westbound direction.

David

 

I was at the back of the train behind 5051 but it made the hair stand on listening to the loco. In fact it was fabulous run all round by 5051 that day. After the way 70013 tackled the Devon Banks last year I have little doubt she will put up a good performance.

 

Cockett eastbound is no joke, either, especially the quarter of a mile just before the tunnel. Whenever I'm on the Arriva 175s, I can always hear the engine straining after Gowerton. I too wouldn't be surprised if the trip will be routed westbound via Felin Fran, especially after the slip to a standstill on 'Tornado's ascent.

 

Oh well, a 'slight change of plan' from RTC, this is now starting at Birmingham rather than Bristol (probably due to scheduled engineering works in the Severn Tunnel, which are a common occurrence in May). Also to change is the motive power, which will consist of 5029 Nunney Castle, which will come on at Newport. A slight let down for a non-GWR enthusiast like myself, but considering that I want to do the Fishguard branch, I'll be doing this trip anyway, getting on at Newport. It is also taking on the eastbound ascent of Cockett Bank.

 

We'll soon convert you

 

give me the castle any day, especially on that route, considering this one myself.

 

Many have tried and failed miserably... I just prefer the Bulleid chatter, which to me implies efficiency. I wasn't overly impressed with 5051 in March 2007, but I think she was reaching the end of her ticket at that point.

 

Still, it makes a change from 70013, 60163 or any of the other big 'celebrity' engines. It's nice to have something different

 

Only 40 standard seats remaining on this tour, and a few of us from the Gwili Railway near Carmarthen will be in attendance from Newport...

 

5051 was steaming badly that day due to lousy coal. But a Castle on song is hard to beat eg 5051 out of Fishguard in August 2006, 5029 to Bristol in July 2008 or 5043 on the Bristolian last week. And I speak as an admirer of Bulleids too (and a member of a Bulleid Pacific team).

I will look out for you on 22-May.

David at www.uksteam.info

 

Castles have given me the best and worst of main line experiences but maybe that is because, as a favourite class, I have pursued more runs behind them and the law of averages takes place. When I got back into main line steam, my first trip was behind 5029 on a Newton Abbot to Bridgend tour in 2003. There was quite a load behind the tender, maybe 12 or 13 on and that included a generator car. She slogged and pounded up Whiteball and Filton but came out of the Severn tunnel at a speed I was later told would have been considered a top performance in steam days. The fire had to be thrown out at Newport and people thought the trip was over. But she re-appeared and continued on around the vale of Glamorgan line in fine style and making a terrific racket. It remains one of the gutsiest performances I have witnessed from a main line steam loco. I often think the problem with castles on main line tours are the loads they are expected to drag around or the places they are made to go ( Thornbury quarry branch ). VT seem to have the knack of getting the best out of them.
I can't miss a Castle (and an old favourite) on my doorstep , so i've booked my ticket . I am equally enchanted by Bullieds:-35028 to York the following weekend. Exciting times !!!

 

Three weeks to go, and both Standard and First class seem to be going nicely. However, there doesn't seem to be all that much interest in terms of Premier Dining (which alarms me because it is this aspect of a railtour that effectively pays for the trip)...

 

I must say I'm really looking forward to this one now. 5029 out of Fishguard... Perfect! Remember to bring your ear defenders guys!

 

... And goggles... And a decent bottle of ale for when the buffet runs out!

 

On 6233 to Carlisle on 22nd,will still be a good trip but i really wish i could of had Nunney out of Fishguard The noise will be immense.

 

Hi Ben - do you know yet whether you will have banking assistance from a "box"? I expect the train will turn at Carmarthen and be diesel-hauled to Fishguard. That's the usual pattern.

(I'll be in Dorset with 777 and 70013 on 22nd, which should be just as loud!)

 

No idea I'm afraid, I just make sure Nunney's nice and shiney!