The Jacobite 2017

I wonder if Hogmanay might become part of the season plus 2nd January is a Bank Holiday in Scotland too. Loads of tourists up there at that time of year in my experience.
It's getting to the stage that a running shed will be needed!

 

Good news ... except it probably means Mr Riley's Black Fives won't be available for CathEx and RTC Santa trips down south this year

 

It seems that nothing is impossible with the Riley team, Mark

 

WC might have 44932 to call upon once again in due course as well as the Riley trio?

 

I had heard that the K1 is definitely out this year which is a pity as the only authentic loco to work the Mallaig road. Does anyone know any different?

 

It was mooted a while back that NELPG might want the K1 closer to home this year being the 50th anniversary of north east steam finishing as well as the birth of the group. The J27 and Q6 as well as the J72 could be available too which might present unique opportunities.
Off topic!
A lot of onus on the Riley stable Jacobite-wise then?

 

So what are the chances of having triple-headed steam going north with the coaching stock just before Easter?

 

Zero.
According to the thread @RalphW started about Bury Works, 44871 is to undergo heavy general and join the party some time during the season. The other 2 are to be ready for the season start at Easter. In fact they are rostered for a Tin Bath on 5th March, are they not, so that is presumably the target?

 

2016 was 50th celebrations for the group so I would be surprised if that was a major consideration. But I am always willing to be surprised!

 

Ah, well it looks like a repeat of Christmas then. Two steam engines led by a diesel. Still, as you say, at least we have the Tin Bath to look forward to.

 

60009 could also be available for down south.

 

NELPG have made assurances that the K1 will be overhauled in time for the 2017 Jacobite season and that a whole new raft of R.O's are ready to look after her in Fort William, so it will be two fives and the K1

 

Thanks Ian, we hear these stories and never know where they start so it's nice to have confirmation from someone who definitely does know what's going on.

 

Evening all,

The season is officially in full swing, and it's encouraging to see West Coast's dipping of their toes into the Easter water paying off, as each train I've witnessed over the weekend and today have been fully loaded and the reception in Mallaig has been a roaring success.

I've attached a few photographs from the odd occasions of sun, plus the empty coaching stock movement that kicked the West Highland season off :

Black 5's No. 45212 and 45407 - Tyndrum Upper by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 - Morar Viaduct by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' - Fort William Yard by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' - Lochy Viaduct by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' - Morar by Jonathon Gourlay, on Flickr

 

Looks like you've had a good weekend Jonathon.
Doesn't seem any time since last season finished, let alone 33 years since 5407 opened the very first season on the Mallaig line with the SLOA special on 27th May 1984.

Scott

 

It did certainly seem to be busy, Friday the queue was very sizeable by 9.30.

I'll just add one to Jonny's collection

https://www.flickr.com/photos/146487151@N02/34104638575/

 

Today's Jacobite was headed by 45212 with a 37 at the rear - due, I presume, to fire risk. I imagine this situation is likely to continue until there is some appreciable rain in the West Highlands (not a phrase you hear very often!).