Sugar Loaf Mountaineer : 7/07/18 - now 23/09/18

Shrewsbury to Carmarthen is definitely a doer for me, having waited about four years since deciding not to do RTC's last daytrip over the route c2013; aside from Aberdeen, it's the last major stretch of track I've yet to cover. Have 'partially' booked, but my phone's internet connection decided to cark it mid-teansaction. Will have to give them a ring tomorrow to complete the booking.

 

I guess as ATW are involved they may be happy to adjust some service trains slightly if needed to accommodate better paths for a steam each way trip.

 

I understand it's running because of the 150th anniversary of the route. Consequently, it might well be a blink and miss it situation where the ToC tweaks their timings to accommodate a return run; either that, or going to Carmarthen rather than Cardiff opens a return option. The latest HoWLTA suggests there might be a stop at Llandovery on the outward for some sort of bunfight. Anyway, sorted out my booking, so will probably see one or two of you on the day.

 

2 seats booked for me. Despite having lived alongside the route for 10 years I have never done it with steam. In recent years the trips have been all land cruises anyway! Carmarthen is also new track for me and Steam both ways is a total bonus.

Given this is a LSL loco (+ stock?), I wonder if Mr Hosking will be looking with interest for future Saphos trips?

 

Tempting but will the DL be left behind at Shrewsbury?

 

SRPS Stock booked for this trip I believe.

 

Crikey, that's some stock move, but there isn't a lot of vacuum stock around. I imagine this will be crewed by DBS.

 

DBC or WCR?

 

DBC operation.

 

I thought DBC don't operate Vacuum brake only fitted steam locomotives?

 

DBC can operate vac services.

 

Oh I see my apologies.

 

Same for the 60103 trip to Holyhead?

 

I gather we might see more vacuum braked trains by DBC in future where adequate cover by a vacuum braked diesel can be provided in the event of a breakdown.

 

It's against normal DBC practice to take a tail gunner but in this case? Or will it be left at Salop?

 

Hopefully so, the other relevant facts if the SRPS rake is used, its dual braked I think and 45231 is through piped for air so could be rescued by an air braked diesel too, potentially.

 

The advert advertises '8 mark 1's. This is within the capability of a 5 on this route. An 8f has taken load 11 unaided.

There was an epic battle between 2968 and Sugar loaf around 1998/99 with a couple of stalls and setting back, but I think the load was one or two more. That is what we want to avoid!

 

Mods, is it time the 'Sugarloaf Mountaineer' had its own thread given the level of interest?