The Jacobite 2016

First photo from the week in the highlands of 45407 on the first departure of the week at Corpach

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45407and44871/30041052414/in/dateposted-public/

Many thanks to all involved in running this tour. Roll on next year!

 

Just a quick three from me of the final week. A couple more to sort through. From Tuesday/Wednesday, throughout the week until Sunday, saw thick blanket clouds, rain and very much no sunshine which resulted in less than ideal conditions.

Oddly enough, it really was only the West Highlands that reported such conditions. I had updates from crews at Strathspey over the weekend who confirmed glorious sunshine, perhaps further East was the place to be! As a result, I've also included a shot of the last Sunday Dining Train on the Strathspey from yesterday evening.

Black 5 No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' - Fort William Jnc by Jonathon Gourlay Photography, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 - Corpach Loch Wall by Jonathon Gourlay Photography, on Flickr

Black 5 No. 45407 - Glenfinnan Ledge by Jonathon Gourlay Photography, on Flickr

Ivatt 2MT No. 46512 'E.V.Cooper Engineer' - River Spey, Croftnahaven by Jonathon Gourlay Photography, on Flickr

Next year's season seems so far away now, but it'll no doubt be upon us before we have time to adjust to our home terrains with much smaller hills.....

 

Yet another late post due to it being manic since my return, but please follow my link to favourite shots obtained of 62005 on her last week operating the 2016 Jacobite.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/oli_g_15/albums/72157675603855485

It was a great week once again in the Highlands amongst the company of some familiar faces. Thankfully the Wednesday proved to be the sunny day resulting in a huge sigh of relief. Sadly a stonking forecast for Thursday and Friday never materialised...always next year!!

For those who like to look ahead, whilst checking out of my hotel I was advised that next year for a week in October, Fort William has been selected to host the Royal National Mod with it expected to be very busy in Lochaber at the time.

Cheers
Ollie

 

It would seem theres a small season extention..!
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-christmas-express.cfm

 

I didn't see that one coming, very tempting if there is snow and sunshine.

 

And two trips a day to Glenfinnan the week before too.
http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/jacobite-santa-specials.cfm

 

Damn, no leave left and I'm meant to be at work that week. I wonder if can saying got food poisoning from dodgy turkey at Christmas and have a week off....

 

Have you noticed they have a "Santa Clause" is that something in the smallprint?

 

Tempting indeed.

 

Although there are pictures of steam locos on the page, I don't see any mention of the motive power. Might be worth double-checking with WCRC before booking. Normally, they make a point of mentioning the loco if it's planned to be steam-hauled.

 

It does say "as we steam to the fishing village of Mallaig" and all the photos show steam so a gross misrepresentation if it isn't.

 

Locomotive allocated so far, speaking to crew, is No. 45407.

 

Thanks Jonathon, I assume they will take one in reserve which will almost certainly be the other Riley 5 44871

 

Probably for a 2017 Jacobite thread, but the latest Steam Railway also mentions Easter operations next year.

The same article mentions Christmas operations as "perhaps one day", so that's turned into reality pretty quickly!

 

WCRC are known for keeping things under their hat and yes there are Easter workings next year and the main season starts earlier on 1st May.

 

You never know, 45212 might make her debut. I believe she was mentioned as a candidate for Jacobite work.

 

Definitely mentioned, whether it will be ready by Christmas?
Could the K1 be in the frame again or 61264 maybe even 76084 for the short season?

 

IR says 45407 and hopefully 44871....

 

K1 probably undergoing winter maintenance, 61264 no chance and 76084 will be limited to 6coaches so again no chance.

 

I made the assumption the 5s would be in the same situation as you say for the K1 - clearly not.
Multiple braziers better be ordered!