Tornado

As a matter of interest, what (steam) options might there be should the A1 still be in bits?

Britannia stepped in to the breach for the ill fated GB8, but is that an option, and if not, which other locos do DBS sign that are currently fit to run?

 

Sutherland? Or is that WC only?

 

Air braked so can work for DBS in theory, though I think it's been some time since a non WCRC crew have been on it.

 

I did think the same. I don't think theres an awful lot out there at the mo is there? Edit just had a look at Mainline locos on UK steam info and the choice is a tad limited would have to be one from 6233, 60007, 60009 or 70000 @ the moment. Not good at all

 

Nope, everything else is either knackered or WCRC/Vac only, is 60009 still in bits ?, 70000/46233 seems to be about all there is in terms of operational air braked class 7/8 currently, I suppose technically there is 34067 but even in the highly unlikely event that was made available, I woulden't see DBS touching it with a bargepole.

 

60009 is in bits at present, and like David1984 says, 46233 hasn't worked for DBS for a while. So looks like 60007 and 70000 only.

 

And No7's ticket expires soon...

 

Thanks everyone for the information. I'll keep a close eye on the Pathfinder and A1 websites for updates.

In the absence of a suitable alternative, there is always the option which appears to be the norm at the moment; cancellation or postponement...

 

September 2015, so should be fine...

 

Thought Broonton and Tangers we're air braked. I know that for various reasons coughwestcoastcough they havent been used by DBS before, but that doesnt completely proclude their employment.... ( quite)

 

Braunton is part of the LSL stable and has been used by DB Schenker many times however she is currently undergoing an intermediate overhaul.

 

Braunton is in lots of little peices at a place in Cheshire at mo which prevents anyone using it.

 

Thinking about it, isnt it unusual in itself to still have the like of 60163, 34046, 60009 still out of action in May with the summer season starting to come over the horizon ?, 46100 still seems to be a myth, though one needed more than ever currently.

 

I believe it's called Sods Law... Fingers crossed 46100 and 6201 aren't too far away though.

 

LSL stated earlier in the year it would not be ready to about June and would then have a period of running in on a preserved railway not far from Crewe.

 

Apologies, eye off the ball...

 

No worries.

I have to say that I'm a little concerned about the direction this thread is taking anyway; one post suggesting that 60163 might not be ready has led to lots of speculation about which loco may or may not be available to substitute. Let's wait and see - the A1 Trust are pretty good at sorting things out and if, as reported, the boiler has been steam tested I'm sure they can be relied upon to do their best. I might be tempted to nip across to Darlington to help them out.. ;-)

 

Does that mean the boiler ticket has been reset?

Dave

 

The boiler has been away for overhaul in Germany so it will be starting a new ticket.