Llangollen Railway

I thought I heard the LR trust were after that one, so they’ll probably bid.

 

I think what was referred to (and used) as the exhibition coach was the LMS BG. This is not part of the sale so no need to worry about it being scrapped because of not selling.

I think you are referring to the function coach (now correctly listed as a MK1). This has been identified as a target for the trust to bid for, so if there is no other interest in it, I’m sure the trust will be able to purchase it.

 

Unfortunately for the Trust, I’m sure there will be plenty of other interest in the function coach. Potentially very lucrative for railways that want to host weddings and other functions on board trains.

 

This is pure guesswork on my part, but the sort of lines which may be interested in these carriages could be those which have started operations too recently to be able to buy Mark 1 stock direct from BR and also have backers with fairly deep pockets. I could list a few lines that certainly meet the first criterion but am not privy to the second, so I won't name any names. Steam locos did haul Mark 2 stock in the very final years - sometimes in two-tone blue (such as the Warwickshire Railway society's trip to Swanage and Weymouth on 11th June 1967 featuring 34004 and 35030) - but it's not the typical image of the last years of steam which springs to mind.

 

A small number Of Mk2s were even delivered in BR maroon and southern region green. I remember the Mid Hants trying to use this as justification for it’s mass purchases of Mk2s in the 1990s. Thankfully the Mid Hants is now devoid of these ‘grotty modern things’ as I once heard a fellow Mid Hants passenger describe them.

Yes the late starters in preservation are probably keen to get hold of some decent Mk1s from Llangollen. However I’d imagine a lot of more established lines might be keen to expand their fleets too. All will be revealed in a few days.

 

RBR 1697 has also been added to the list as presumably the owner was not able to prove ownership adequately.

Listed as lot 11A.

 

So, Which vehicles have left Llangollen and where are they going to, Hopefully not to the scrappy!

 

The auction does not end until the 12th, so it’s too early to draw up a full list of departures.

 

That must be quite upsetting; their pocket is lighter by however much they've paid, and now it's gone. Been there...

Noel

 

I believe the owner has decided to put it in the auction himself rather than it being owned by the railway. Makes a lot of sense given it’s the only item with a reserve.

Hopefully there’s no confusion of anyone bidding on it to save it for the railway with it being in the same auction.

 

RMB 1864 was sold ahead of the auction and has gone to Spa Valley. As stated auction doesn’t end until 12th so nothing else has left yet.

It’s safe to say no coaches will be going for scrap, lots of interest from railways and high prices likely to be paid.

 

A bit of a bidding war breaking out on 4947 and to a lesser extent 4702. I’m guessing these are two of the better condition coaches. Several coaches with no bids at all. Looks like it will be a bit like EBay with people waiting till the last 24 hours before serious bidding starts.

 

Meanwhile the Trust's appeal for funds has brought in a few large donations and many small ones but is still less than half way to the £50k target.