Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

I like the ivatts 2mts handsome compact machines. Have to say look smart in the red.

 

Yes.

 

Shocking news just in....

THERE IS MORE TO STEAM PRESERVATION THAN THE MAINLINE!!!

 

Having visited the line on Tuesday this week with family I was rather rushed and only realised when we've eventually got back home from holiday that not all the coaches that were running were numbered, and I never bothered to see if they carried the number internally. Has any one any ideas what the line up consisted of so that I can work out what I'm missing from my list. For reference it was the coach between M9218 and M4410.

Any ideas as well when 42085 will be back up and running along side its sister?

 

Paid a visit this week, my first trip on the line. Austerity “Repulse” was on duty complete with Giesel funnel.

Overall I was impressed. The most scenic part was on the last 3/4 mile into Lakeside, one could not wish for a better terminus stepping onto the pier. The carriages were clean and mostly TSO which is the best type for a heritage line in my view. The lineside was well kept and the P Way generally looked in good fettle. The shed was open and inside I saw the two Fairburn tanks (one with boiler off), and the Ivatt 2MT.

The ride didn’t seem to generate much noise but was generally smooth. The line doesn’t have any capacity to expand, there isn’t really a need for two-train service and there are more than ample sheds and workshops available, so is as developed as it needs to be.

It isn’t the longest but one can only admire how the line functions and generates enough cash for operations and overhauls. The Fairburn would barely stretch their legs though, the Austerity has no problem at all with load 5 on the line.

The most impressive part from a marketing point of view was the joint ticketing with the boat trip, aquarium and even Beatrix Potter World. A great example of a railway complementing other attractions rather than competing.

Regards


Matt

 

Visiting Windermere for a week from Monday and hoping to fit in a visit to the line, anyone know the scheduled loco(s) for next week? Ideally looking for one of the Fairburn tanks!

 

Very unlikely to be the Fairburn now out of the main season and the loadings won't be as large I'm afraid. It's often difficult to tell what loco will be out, but the lines' Twitter and Facebook can be of help.

 

I thought that would probably be the case, thanks for the reply, will keep an eye on twitter and see what turns up!

 

Repulse was the loco last Tuesday, very enjoyable visit, short video and a couple of photos...



https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72157701911268704

 

Footage of 42073 on Easter Sunday.

 

Always nice to see a Fairburn in action...gorgeous loco's!

 

Thanks John, as soon as I noticed on Twitter that it was running out I went this morning.

 

Does the ex-Longbridge and West Somerset 0-6-0T work very often?

 

The coaching stock is listed on the website if that's of any use?
https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/locos-stock/

 

I would LOVE to see this line extended to Greenodd and beyond and it has been mooted quite recently - talk of it being impossible is nonsense!

It is a great line but lacks length, seeing its locos, and in particular the Fairburns, turgidly trundle along at 10mph isn't the greatest - meaning when you've done it once - that's enough!!

 

Visitors need to be aware that the line operates as a commercial operation linking to the Lake Windermere steamers whilst providing access to the restricted Lakeside station / pier by allowing parking facilities for both cars and coaches at Haverthwaite hence its main concern is to provide connections with the steamers rather than provide an enthusiast experience.

 

Pretty cool though, a steam park 'n ride.

 

Swanage has been doing this for years to aid traffic flows around Swanage.

 

It was running yesterday .

 

So both ex Longbridge locos were in steam on Sunday.