The Jacobite 2019

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Todays Jacobite seen at Mallaig was 45212 plus 7 plus class 37 diesel on the back. I assume the 37 led back to Fort William.

Rivers very low up here and evidence of recent linside fires esp at the Mallaig end.

Some mizzle in the air today, but nothing like the drenching some forecasts were showing.

Maybe Master H Potter can cast a spell so that normal service can be resumed?

 

As far as I'm aware, the arrangement is that the 37 and Black 5 swap ends at Mallaig so that the steam still leads tender first back to Fort William.

While I haven't been up again since the opening season day over a week ago, I do know that some fires in the area and near to the lineside have actually been naturally occuring due to the intense heat coupled with the tinder dry dead vegetation. That's not to say that none can be attributed to the train, but considering the current method of working is still including steam as per the first weekend, I suspect the threat from the Black 5 is considered low enough to keep in consist.

Certainly do need a rainy period! Some drizzle is forecast during the next fortnight, but not of any substantial quantity. However, little and often will make a bigger difference that a single heavy rain which will just run over the bone dry surfaces and either flood in the low terrains or run off into the lochs.

 

Only 4mm here in Mid-Argyll today but more importantly only 34mm for April. Next to nothing. SEPA's rain gauge in Glen Nevis shows 45mm for April which would normally be regarded as a damp day there. Details at https://apps.sepa.org.uk/rainfall/

 

I know I’ll be called a doom monger (as well as other things!) but the amount (or rather lack) of rainfall over most of the country is of concern.
It’s the end of April and a lot of places are already tinder dry - if this weather continues for much longer I worry about the number of planned summer tours and the potential of fire risk being deemed to great for a lot of them to run.
Wholesale cancellation of scheduled tours could have a big impact (maybe more so for the new TOC’s) but ultimately all tour operators.
As much as my better half will hate me for saying it; I hope that we get enough rain during the summer months that my fears are proved unfounded...

 

With this week marking the earliest start for the afternoon service, is there not a crew shortage on the Jacobite?

 

In a word - no!

Peter

 

Well there is a shortage of steam class 37 only this afternoon

 

Diesels out to play due to high fire risk.

 

So how many guys are passed out to drive that route and who are amongst the potentials?

 

Plenty, it is a multi million pound seven days a week operation now, staff shortage will not be an issue.

 

Are most the staff not brought up from England?

 

Not being funny chap, but does it matter? The main season is now seven months long, staffing is a mixture of local people, Riley engineering staff and West Coast staff. It works well, I ride as well as photograph the train and have always find the staff very firendly and approachable, altough sometimes a little stressed with virtually every train a sell out and more people turning up hoping to get on.
If you want any more details I would drop a line to Ian Riley who is effectively in charge of the operation these days.

 

Can 2 full length trains with both steam and diesel on pass at Glenfinnan ?

 

Sadly not, hence the afternoon train going out as diesel only.

 

Couple from the very hot Highlands
Jacobite by Henry Elliott, on Flickr
Jacobite by Henry Elliott, on Flickr

 

Some of my results from the Jacobite last week. The first two shots were on the only day without diesel assistance due to fire risk.
For anyone thinking of going there is now a high gricer proof fence all the way from the road bridge west of Glenfinnan to where the railway crosses the river. I don't think anyone was bothered about the unofficial path that photographers used to get to the mound or the dam but, as one driver told me, when you are faced with a tourist standing on the ballast with his back to the train taking a selfie something had to be done. The only way over now is by the occupation bridge.

Kinlocheil


Leaving Glenfinnan


Crossing the Lochy Bridge, taken fron the North Face footpath



Between the two tunnels with unpronounceable Gaelic names after Glenfinnan Summit


Something a bit different, crossing the bridge at the west end of Borrowdale Tunnel. There is no path here and I ended up on the wrong side of the burn, I meant to be up on the ridge to the right. I think the bridge was the longest single span concrete bridge in the world at time of construction

 

Will 44871 end up at Fort William after its done its work in the south?

 

According to the BBC, the Jacobite struck a tree today meaning buses replace trains between Fort William and Mallaig as well as south of Crianlarich.

 

If you had taken a little time to check more carefully, you would have found out that the tree has been cleared and trains (including The Jacobites) are running normally again.

The only train cancelled was the following Scotrail service from FW and its balancing service back from Mallaig.

JS