South Tynedale Railway.

I can understand the operational/H&S reasons for what they did; it was the way they approached it that was wrong. Casually announcing it on the Facebook page, as though they hadn't given any thought to it at all. And then mangling the existing cab by inserting an extra section, and slapping on a very ill-proportioned chimney that didn't look right at all. They treated it, essentially, as an expendable item, a working loco to be modified at will to suit operational requirements, rather than as a unique survivor and former museum artefact which deserved to be treated with a little more care and respect.

If they'd made a more authentic T. Green-style full-height cab and chimney--as carried by long-lost sister engine Claro--and kept the originals to allow for easy reinstatement in future, I think the enthusiast community might have been more accepting. As it was, frankly, I think they deserved all the flack they got.

 

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I've been three times.
First time, pre-extension, and pre-butchery Barber on the train, I had a great trip.
Second time, no loco information online, turned up to find a diesel on the train. Disappointed, but wanted a run to Slaggyford which had recently opened, so had a ride anyway.
Third time, no loco information online, turned up to find a heavily modified battery-electric loco on the train. Even more disappointed. Was there with the kids by then, so had a ride. But the drive over the hills from and to Penrith was more interesting than the train ride.
Won't be going back in a hurry. They need to up their game.
When we stay in the lakes, we have other options i.e. Ravenglass or Lakeside*, so there's no need to go to Alston. Which is a shame, because it should be the best of the lot.

*Edit: or Kirkby Stephen, where I went this year. A short ride it may be, but my 6 year old got to blow the whistle and put coal on the fire... can't do that in a battery-electric.

 

Info from the Facebook page, Howard has been withdrawn from this weekends trains.

Sent from my SM-A166B using Tapatalk

 

I may, or may not change my mind about my current level of support for the STR.
I wasn't impressed with the goings on in January this year. I want to discover the outcome of that ---

I think part of the reasons for the battery & diesel locos has been managing fire risk, possibly in conjunction with having enough footplate staff available.
But they should make a point of saying so. [That's one of the advantages of social media, surely ?]

 

Oh well, there goes my trip to Alston, save me a lot of diesel. Thanks for heads up.