2014 Fellsmans

48151 High up at Birkett - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h2a6a03a7#h3e0374a0

And departing Lancaster - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p143854893/h2a6a03a7#h28ff5d7f

 

Well done Phil to catch the sun yet again - do you have a direct line upstairs ?

 

Good stuff Phil

 

Thanks Fred. Yes thats my 'Red' phone, it's engaged alot though!!!

 

Cheers Shep.

 

Good stuff Stephen, I was t'other side of the bridge at the summit

 

Surprised a Tues/Thurs train not been trialled for at least part of the season. The rate these sell out shows the demand is there. Unless the preferred path is only available on Weds?

 

I've not travelled on a Fellsman, but I've been told that one of the reasons they fill so quickly is that they get repeat block bookings from coach/holiday companies. If this is true, there may not actually be the demand for a trip on another day of the week.

 

powering away from Settle junction

 

Nice shot with the 8F sounding brilliant, one I have intended to use on a number of occasions but haven't actually yet.

 

Cheers Shep , thought that was your motor I passed near the big barn .

 

There could be a demand for other days but - if the coach / tour bookings are supporting the enterprise - then there has yet to be some evaluation of the "pay on the day" or "turn up and go" passenger potential. My wife and I have thought of going but since we normally only know about 2 weeks in advance of our free time then fully booked seasons deny us the opportunity of sampling the service; how many others are similarly debarred from

 

I was actually thinking a Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday is already a success and Friday being the day before the weekend starts is my thought.

I'm still wondering if the K4 might show up along with the A4 after the MNR gala.
I underestimated what the 8f was going to do yesterday. She is in the best shape that I have ever seen.

 

Mallerstang Common

 

Super clips as usual - great noise - hope the 8 is on again next Weds when I am "ooop north" to see the Fellsman...........

 

Appreciate the info but unless there is an operational reason can't see any point in using anything other than the 8F if available.
The others are more glamorous perhaps but not essential especially if already sold out.

 

Well, I hope the rumour mill is correct. I love red engines. Selfish in a way but hey we don't have engines in different colors here in the states and Galatea is proving to be a great performer. I guess we are on the different sides of the fence on this one.

 

Visually of course the colourful locos are attractive.
From an operational perspective the most rational loco for the Fellsman is the 8F, probably the Cumbrian Coast too after the success yesterday. Any thing where outright speed is not demanded, it's a simple, rugged, free steaming, strong and reliable loco which makes it a traction managers dream I would have thought.
The lineside fraternity might not be suited but if passengers have booked for "steam" it fits the bill and does the job ably.