Battlefield line

As a follow up to the suggestion that people would like to see an ex LMS loco on the line, you've got your wish, although perhaps not one you might expect! Though no less exciting!

Caledonian Railway 439 0-4-4T no. 419 has been confirmed as the early season visitor from Bo'ness for services at Shackerstone. She will be hauling services on March 26/27 and then over Easter Weekend, April 16/17/18 (so either side of her previously announced visit to the Spa Valley Railway). At the moment it seems the loco is only confirmed to be in action for public services on these 5 days, so best block out one of these dates in your diary to come and see her!
https://www.facebook.com/shackerstoneshentonmarketbosworth/posts/273156628314451
https://www.battlefieldline.co.uk/news

 

Excellent news! Just wish I didn't live at the complete opposite end of the country!

 

Well that’s difficult as it’s right in the centre ?

 

What will the line have for steam locos over the summer this year?

 

Coal ..... with any luck!

 

Yet to be announced. Presumably talks are underway with various owning groups to secure something capable of the job

 

Ooops... got my railways mixed up!

 

http://www.heritage-railways.com/map.php

* Note also your location says Leeds. Is that near Leeds Castle in Kent then?

 

No, I didn't look at the thread title properly - saw the news about 419 and assumed it was the Spa Valley thread! Doh!

 

I was fortunate to have a turn crewing 419 yesterday and very much enjoyed myself! She is a bit particular about how she likes to be fired and has a few awkward quirks, but if you were a 115 year old Lady you'd be forgiven for being like that! When you treat her right, she steams well and has plenty of pulling power!

On a related note, and good news if you were worried that you'd missed your chance, 419's stay at Shackerstone has been extended two weekends, so she will be running on April 23-24, and April 30-May 2 before she heads off down south again to pay a visit to Minehead. Do come and see her if you haven't already! (Or, for that matter, if you have!)

 

Marginally off topic but after the WSR, is 419 continuing her tour of England at all? I know she was meant to visit Embsay last year before a failure put paid to that and I think another visit so was just wondering if she's going to be about anywhere further north!

 

Not a clue. Personally I hope she finds her way back to Shackerstone!

 

Great news, have decided to come and visit at the end of the month, will be a first visit, really looking forward to it.

 

A few shots of Caledonian Railway No 419 running at the Battlefield line last Sunday.

 

Is there any updates on the visiting steam loco for the summer, i would like to make a visit soon

 

A locomotive has been confirmed to be arriving (potentially next week) until September. As a volunteer I know the identity but I'm not yet currently able to confirm it. What I can say is that it will be worth a visit to see!

 

It's OK you can tell me, I won't tell anyone

And its always worth a vist, a little know fact, Shenton platform is often one of the hotest places on earth, most of the time, shame about the excellent view of the car park

9F ?

 

Unfortunately I can't! Although it shouldn't be too long before it can be made public knowledge, I would imagine there is just finalising of fine details of contracts to sort out.

However, I don't think it's giving too much away to confirm it is smaller than a 9F

 

Last I heard, places had expressed interest but nothing agreed and she would be off home. That may well have changed, who knows, but would be a shame if she doesn't visit one or two more places on the long journey back.