Welsh Mountaineer Tues 26th July.

Interestingly looking at last years timings for when it ran in August they don't seem far away from this years outlining ones which is what you'd expect from a repeat itinerancy

As Ralph W mentions, why have they only just been advised. Also note they're not in RTT yet

On this from Preston, fingers crossed for a dry day as I've never done Ffestiniog before and don't particularly want a farce meaning I have to try again

 

We'll just have to get out and push.

The gradient is probably fine if it wasn't for the curves. The weather prediction is clouds in Betws, and light showers at Blaenau, so it depends.

If they leave the support coach at Llandudno Jct., as has happened occasionally in the past, then there's five bogies, which brings it closer in line with the standard tanks in the 1990s. Anyway, glad I booked from Preston so I get the mileage in.

 

Anything preventing a 37 on the rear as an assisting loco?

 

For purely selfish reasons I'd prefer it to shadow the tour if there was one, otherwise it would be tucked inside for half the trip.

 

That implies some fairly complicated manoeuvres at Chester (outward), BF and Llandudno Junc (both ways) if the 37 is to stay on the back throughout. Will they bother?

 

As suggested above, I suspect there will be occasions where the 37, if attached, will be tucked-in behind 46115. At least you can tell when its working, but alas, the extra weight and rolling resistance makes this almost inevitable on the Conwy Valley line. There's also the risk that it will drag the train downhill to Llandudno Jct., thus precluding the need for shunting at Blaenau.

How an 8F is deemed out of gauge and a Scot in gauge is beyond me, and one wonders whether it is NR's code for not wanting the 8F anywhere near the WCML leg. The only consolation is that the 37 shouldn't be needed between Preston and Llandudno Jct.

 

It would be fascinating to learn more about the measurement criteria that seems to make a Scot more gauge friendly than an 8f and Jubilee recently.

 

I could speculate that the issues MAYBE linked to the Conwy Valley line having to be relaid in January/February after the Boxing Day floods. It was washed out at over 100 places so there were some major earthworks too.

Gauging is more complicated than the static cross-section of the locomotive. The RSSB has published a free handy online PDF booklet on the subject. Search Google for "Guide to British gauging practice - RSSB" to download it.

Gareth

 

And don't forget the severe curves that just take the speed away.

 

Still no times showing on RTT ??

 

The passengers have times. Preston at 06:44.

 

Just a minor problem to extend the discussion.

46115 (if repaired) is booked on 5Z46 10+59 St Philips Marsh - Crewe HC on Tuesday 26 July.
This has been shown on UK steam since late last week, as has the schedule on RTT.
The RTC web site still shows 46115 as working the train to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The next stage in the debate is what will be the replacement traction. ( Or has WCRC added a time machine to its fleet?)

Good luck with whatever works the train, I'm at work .....

Cheers, Neil

PS As an aside, Midland/LMS 2P 4-4-0s with 6'9" driving wheels were reckoned to be sure footed on the GSW line to Stranraer and on the Somerset & Dorset in various books telling old railwaymens tales.

 

Think your getting confused with you Royal Scots, its 46100 booked up from Bristol to Crewe tomorrow.

 

Agreed!
I've just realised I typed total balderdash when I looked at one of the excellent photos on line of 46100. I came back on here to correct the post.

I promise
1) to read what I've typed before pressing send,
2) take more water with it
and
3) not to half listen to something on the TV and type at the same time

Cheers, Neil

 

46115 + POB + five ecs dep Carnforth 0525 5Z27 to Preston. No diesel.

1Z27 times now on RTT.

Andrew N

 

Rydw i'n teimlo'n hapus iawn... Nice bit of chatter at the front.

 

Running along the North Wales coast tender first. Rail conditions dry, and only cloud forecast for Betws and Blaenau.