West Highlander

Just received a letter from RTC regarding change of dates on this. Now starts Sat10 to Sept to13th. Looks like a loco change on Glasgow to Ft Bill, but what?

 

Letter also came through today, my guess is 70013.

 

Probably a good guess.

 

I got the letter too. Says "awaiting gauging for a special locomotive to haul the train from Glasgow to Fort William".

Verrrry interesting.......

 

just thinking about this possibility. I wonder how, if it ever happens those 6' 2" drivers would cope. We slipped to a halt in Glen Douglas last year behind 61993 in the wet returning to Glasgow. 6' 2" for a Brit 6' for a Black five and 5' 2" for K4. It would be interesting, if it ever happens.

 

Sheer bloody silliness if its the Brit - now - is he trying to steal a march on Cathedrals Express by taking Tangmere north?

With the curves and grades on the West Highland line they will need something on the back if it is Cromwell - hopefully with an RETB box this time for shoves as found necessary - the whistles for assistance will, however, sound great amongst the mountains.

 

I'd be more than happy with the original 2 black fives plan. Don't want to be shoved thank you.

 

What have you in mind, Ralph? A double-chimney Castle? Surely shome mishtake.... ;-))

 

Well 70013 would sound nice,at least!

 

What about a single Chimney Castle?

 

Any idea why they have changed the dates of the tour?

 

Operational difficulties.

 

What’s the likely hood of 62005 being able to run its role on the Fort William - Mallaig - Fort William, or will it be hauled by a black 5 from the Jacobite pool?

 

Maybe Network Rail would like the check rails easing out a bit and have asked for the Brit? Adhesion and the ability to go round curves is surely the best way forward operationally. Probably a good reason why Eastfield used to kick out Black Fives, Standard Fives and B1s in pairs on the WHL.

 

I love all this subterfuge - all those green 4-6-0s would incur substantial light mileage costs to be in place. There's only one that would be close at hand in Scotland that weekend.

 

62005 isn't available for the annual photo charters in October, so I very much doubt it'll be ready for this.

 

It was never in the original plan to take 2 x Black 5's to Mallaig, it was booked for 62005 solo. Obviously that will not now happen as it is under repair so presumably it will be 1 x Black 5 to Mallaig. Still interested though in what is going to do the Oban leg ........ 46115?