THE CENTRAL WALES EXPLORER & THE HEART OF WALES

After the THE CENTRAL WALES EXPLORER on the 3rd July, will the 5's be running back to Bury then back to Newport, or will they stay at Newport for the following weekend's THE HEART OF WALES - 10th July?

Cheers,
Lewis

 

Ok, thanks for that...we'll see eventually

Cheers,
Lewis

 

In previous years, they have been stabled at Cardiff Canton for the week.

 

THE CENTRAL WALES EXPLORER timings are now up...
http://uksteam.info/tours/t10/t0703d.htm

Lewis

 

Lunch time weather forecast was saying that area can expect sodden ground after rain due in the next day or so!

Lucky b.ggers!

 

2 hour lunch break at Llandrindod Wells - how civilised!

 

Yeah, the timings South of Llandrindod Wells are a lot later than I anticipated, which is possibly better for me as I'm travelling down overnight on the Caledonian Sleeper tomorrow night, then across from London in the morning to Neath....just need to find a good photospot, within public transport, which is the right side for the sun....

 

Looks like I will be able to see the Black V's twice before I venture off to the Severn Valley for their 40's gala

Lewis

 

Yup, it is raining nicely now! Some local info, its the Llandrindod carnival on Saturday so passengers should get some time to enjoy this but it means the town will be busy. There is a new Tesco being built opposite the station which means its a little chaotic around town at the moment, but hopefully the road works will have eased by the weekend. Two hours should provide an ample amount of time in the town, I would recommend a visit to the lake if you get time, there's a very good cafe overlooking it. The Llanerch Inn is next to the new Tesco opposite the station (over footbridge) for beer and food or there's an excellent chip shop, again opposite the station. There are several cafes in town.
Personally i'm looking forward to photographing them go through my home station of Dolau, the sun is supposed to be shining as well! Hopefully this will mean a bit more steam on the line now Network Rail have repaired the loops at Knighton and Llanwrtyd Wells.

 

Just wondering if anybody can advise of any photo locations between Llandrindod and Britton Ferry? Preferabely that I can get to within some moderated ease ( e.g bus every hour links are fine from Swansea or Neath , then a half hour walk or quick taxi to the location etc... ), where the engines will be working hard, a hopefully uninterupted view and on the right side of the line for lighting? I've done the Britton Ferry bridge shot with No. 6201 a couple of weeks ago, and would like to try somewhere with less residential area in the photo

 

Seen photos of stock,looks like std will be at the back for the steam.

Not really worth going.

Lesson learnt,no more circular route trips for me!

 

Steamy early morning at Crewe 3 July 2010

Three steam locos were scheduled to arrive at, and leave from, Crewe station between 6.30 and 9 am this morning. The latest mainline return of BR Class 8 Pacific No 71000 Duke of Gloucester began with its appearance on the new HF Railtours' first outing, a Cumbrian Coast Explorer to Carlisle, returning via the Settle and Carlisle. Shortly after the Duke headed north just after 7 am, the Black Rileys, Stanier Class 5 4-6-0s Nos 45407 and 44871 arrived from Bury, took water, and left southwards on the RTC's Central Wales Explorer. 8.50 am and at Crewe, steam was all over for the day.

12 photographs are at http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

Peter, on a sunny warm day in the North West
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

 

Great to see the pair this morning storming through Shropshire...comments would be appreciated;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q8Bv_m-ROM

Lewis

 

Great to see the pair yesterday, this is a fantastic line to have steam on-wonderful scenery and some good gradients as well. Hopefully this train filled well and will be start of a few more workings on this line, though there were a few empty seats I noticed. Looking forward to the return working next week.

 

Standard at the front and looked like plenty of space.

There doesn't seem to be much footage about of this one yet so here's Riley's Twins restarting from Llandrindod Wells.

 

I apologise for my comments,it seems the stock managed to turn? So thanks to whoever got that done,made everyone on board happy and generally made it a fantastic tour.

Got plenty of vids of the climb at Knucklas,Llandrindod and Sugar Loaf that i'll upload at some point.

Great performance from all 3 locos (47826 the 3rd for managing the weight of load 15/16 up the Lickey unassisted as 804 was DOR!) and well done to all involved once again,some brilliant sound effects from both locos. The run from PT-Cardiff was very good,especially the climb of Stormy.

Cheers,
Mark

 

My photos are now up at:


http://mark-walker.fotopic.net/c1868236_1.html


Cheers,
Mark

 

I was on about the ECS at Derby. Std at North end meant it should of been at rear for steam...i am aware it was a circular trip,especially considering its not the first time i've done it.

Photo:
http://rtranmer.fotopic.net/p65693521.html