ScotRail Steam

How does that come about, Ian? Curious to know?

 

I would have put a '5' as RA7 given an 8F is RA6 (according to Wikipedia) and has more driving wheels etc... I can't think of a large steam loco with low axel loading to be honest...

 

I always thought Black 5's were RA7 but I've been trying to confirm this and, so far, failed. The BR Cl.5's were definitely RA7.

 

When Brian Penney and Sam Foster, the highly respected locomotive mechanical examiners, and VAB first 'certified' 45407, they researched and the 'Rolling Stock Library' confirmed that ex LMS Stanier Class Fives were to be restricted as RA 5, when 76079 was registered, they restricted it as RA4............

 

The BR Cl.4 2-6-0's were RA4. Their 4-6-0 equivalents depended on which tender they had. The NYMR's 75029 is also RA4

 

Here's a good one: Original Bulleid Light Pacifics are RA5.......

 

Go anywhere loco. Maybe, one day, 34067 will be liberated from the south for an extended period to visit some more exotic locations
Or someone stumps up to put Wells back where it belongs.

 

Tornado has been there before, June 13 2013, seen on the way back just South of Aviemore.

Edit....just realised that you said "North of Inverness" sorry!

 

Tornado has indeed been as far as Inverness, but AFAIK not on the line via Dingwall. To be pedantic, she has been "north" of Inverness, but only to the extent that the Highland line around Culloden is slightly north.

 

What's the far north line like for gradients ? I know Kyle has a few nasty ones. but never been north of Dingwall, only west.

 

According to my gradient proflie book nearly 3 miles of 1 in 72 after Invershin, then just of 2 miles of 1 in 70 after Lairg, then down mainly between 1 in 80 and 1 in 95 for just over 7 miles, 2 miles of 1 in 60 before Dunrobin followed by about 1.5 miles down 1 in 60 the otherside. This covers the section up to Brora.

 

But a 66 (RA6) was allowed to Mallaig recently and they go to Fort William all the time !

 

According to scot-rail website Crianlarich to Fort William is RA5 but Class 66&67 are allowed with reduced speed over certain sections and bridges. Mallaig is perhaps subject to further special permission.

 

RA number depends not only on the loading on each individual axle but also on the spatial distribution of the axles. I believe that on the LNER pacifics it is actually the tender which is the limiting factor, so presumably if the tender is not fully loaded then there may be scope for a special dispensation. ? Just a thought !

David

 

If the spacing of the tender axles is the problem then surely 60163's 4 axle tender might cause problems on the curvature of the lines north of Inverness - irrespective of the quantity of coal and water being carried ? The tender weight of approximately 60 tons on 4 axles gives 15 tons per axle which is comparable to the 125 tons of a Stanier 5 carried on 8 axles giving 15.6 tons per axle (assuming equal weight distribution) hence the importance of ensuring that the axle spacing permits route access.

 

The more sceptical amongst us may also suggest that as these tours are being promoted by ScotRail and operated by DBS, it may be easy to gain the necessary dispensations than if they had been operated by WCR and promoted by RTC (for example).

 

If only weight distribution was that simple!

 

Agreed but I was trying to explain why it's the tender (and its 4 axles) that will be the source of the problem rather than any weight considerations.

 

WCR woulden't need to, rather than try and get a juggernaut up a dirt track as is being attempted with 60163 here, they would just use a Black Five, DBS don't have that option.

If it's true that Mr Varser (yes that one) is now involved with Scotrail as well as NR, then I'd be surprised if WCR are anywhere near the Scotrail steam now, even if they were willing to talk, would the WCR head be open to listening given past dealings ?.