2013 Fellsmans, The Season Is About To Start

Nearly a month to go before the Fellsman season starts. Seeing as to how it is May 3 the Fellsmans begin of June 12th.


Is Carnforth ready or will they need to hire in anything for the summer season?

 

I suspect things could be pretty much like last year. Depends on the degree of attrition, the pool of locomotives available for the Summer excursion season will open quite healthily (with luck) but come August and things may well look rather bare. The K4 looks as though it might be around again - being penciled in for The Welsh Mountaineer trips - Carnforth should have a large enough allocation but if the experience of the previous season and the GBVI this year is anything to go by little will be sure until the day prior to the tour.

 

My understanding is that - following last year's performance - 61994 is to be the regular Fellsman loco this year.

 

How Delightful, we shall see.
I would like to see more of Mayflower after this weeks tests though as well. I think that is a zero in terms of happenning

 

Not necessarily - lineside rumour suggests that 61306 is to join the WCRC pool after the NYMR Gala this weekend. Sounds like a fair exchange if Virgin gains East Coast routeing and ER locos take over WCRC pool.

Will Gresley teak rakes be WCRC's next purchase ?

 

Looks like I might have to move my working hours around a little. I suspected that the K4 might get some work this year and was hoping that someone on the forum was rather better informed. So, thank you. Though I have to admit that after last year's performances the idea had crossed my mind that WCR might be tempted to test the engine a little further with something a fraction more challenging .

 

Does this mean WCRC have a new driver so he can drive his own engine?

 

Braunton might come into the equation as well if it suits the respective parties.

 

Is that a typo?

 

With RTC postponement of the Jolly Fisherman the K4 has been freed of some of its schedule. Maybe she shall go to Carnforth earlier than expected, if need be..

 

Most of the publicity posters etc feature 61994. Might be a coincidence.

 

So without a doubt, 61994(3442) shall be Pulling most or all of the Fellsmans? Any confirmation would be helpful to Dave at UKsteam.

 

"Without a doubt... most or all..."? It would be nice if The Great Marquess does haul some of The Fellsmans, but unless you have gen. from a reliable source that leads you to say that, I'd think it's still a bit too early to say.

 

That is the reason I asked because we have talked about 61306, 61994 and a few other. Maybe again they want to leave a mystery as to what is showing up on any given day.

 

I don't think Statesman are trying to create an air of mystery. Rather, they want to keep their options open and avoid disappointing some passengers if the suggested loco isn't available on the day. The Fellsman is sold, mostly to tour companies, as a trip on the S&C behind a steam locomotive. Which locomotive is not part of the pitch (unlike, say, a tour promoted by the A1 Trust where Tornado is the USP and the destination may be secondary). Going on previous years, it becomes clear 2-3 weeks beforehand which loco is most likely to be used. Of couse, this policy has the side-effect of getting us talking about it...

I suspect that any working loco on-shed at Carnforth will be in the frame, especially if the current run of problems (affecting all locos, not just WCRC's own) continues through the summer. Last year The Fellsman was timed at 50 mph, for 48151, so any current loco (except Tyseley's panniers!) could work it.

 

61994 moving to Carnforth this weekend in readiness and Mayflower also due soon as well. The pair seem to be the preferred motive power at this stage.