The Cambrian 2010

Does anyone have the identities of the coaches in use on the Cambrian this year please? Thanks in advance if anyone can answer!

 

Today's Cambrian: http://neilscott.fotopic.net/p66225111.html

 

Unless I'm mistaken it looks like just north of Llwyngwril on that access track to the beach.

 

You're about right, within that area. Took a bit of hiking to get into that position.

 

Abseiling more like. Some years ago I did some wildlife photography on the beach below with a friend of mine. Getting there was "interesting" to say the least.

 

On the subject of wildlife we had a cracking view of a Peregrine carrying off a sea bird from the cliffs by the avalanche shelter above Fairbourne on Monday's Cambrian! Was perfectly level with the carriage window! The Dyfi osprey project also lies just outside Dyfi junction (though they are not too keen on steam trains!) and the Glaslyn Ospreys from WHR's new Pont Croeser terminus often use the estuary by Portmeirion to fish, so keep your eyes peeled.. More good reasons to travel on this year's Cambrian!

 

44871 was observed running up the coast this morning. Destination unknown. It left Harlech 12.13 going north. I know that ERTMS tests were mooted for today with the WCRC stock at Mach, but with all 97/3s in Derby, we couldn't see how it could happen. Unless 44871 is fitted with ERTMS?...

 

Apparently your right....

 

Well, I'm only going from an email I've seen; I've been on the Llangollen all weekend. It didn't say if it had any stock behind it. I've put my feelers out.

 

According to Mr Riley, 44871 and stock had a Sunday day out to Porthmadog in connection with testing ERTMS, mainly braking apparently - all arrived back at Mach about 5pm.

 

Had a great day on the Cambrian yesterday,44871 sounded in fine shape with Mr Poole on the regulator too. Got front window on the return so plenty of vids to come

 

A grey day on the Cambrian 6 August 2010

I never made it to the Welsh coast in previous years to see the Pocket Rocket, and amid continuing threats to the future of the summer weekdays Cambrian service, it had to be done in 2010. The West Coast Railways service uses Ian Riley's most recently restored locomotive, Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No 44871, specially fitted with a modified tender to ensure it does not exceed the weight limit on Barmouth Bridge. Typically, the August day I had preselected was grey, drizzly and misty, but the lively sea-level running (up to the mid-fifties on several occasions) and surefooted climbing up the cliffs at Friog, Minffordd and Criccieth provided plenty of entertainment. Loading was I guess around 40% but there was massive lineside interest from the holidaymakers, hopefully tempting some to take a ride later in the season. A good day out despite the weather.

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

Peter, on another grey August afternoon in Manchester
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

 

Not you filming here Mark is it by any chance?

http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/p66377358.html

 

Does this full size crop help answer your question?



Peter, still in a grey Manchester
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

 

Yes it is



No idea what i am doing with my camera though,look like i'm about to drop it!


Suppose that's nothing unusual,although i have now gone a year and a half without smashing one,although i'm more careful with my beloved 40D.

 

I believe Ian Riley has confirmed there's no tender modification - the tender's weight is only an issue when full of coal, which it isnt when crossing the bridge.

 

Thanks, Christopher 125, I hadn't picked that up. This could be the reason why the engine takes coal at Porthmadog, though I had suspected another reason (limited facilities for WCRC at Machynlleth). I have amended my writeup accordingly.

Peter, on another grey Manchester evening
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

 

Excellent day on the Cambrian yesterday. Weather not superb but good to see this landscape in all of its moods. If you haven't been on one yet it must be one of the main line steam bargains of the year at £30. A good start and end time ( if you are locally based at least) , interesting and varied scenery and a loco I could hear working even 6 coaches back. Enough time at Porthmadog to peruse the Ffestiniog or whatever else takes fancy. Most passengers are families and day trippers so there are opportunities for a spot of window hanging on the inclines as well ( a virtual impossibility on most enthusiast orientated tours). Friendly and helpful staff. Good value.

 

I travelled on Wednesday, very good running, and really more than enough time in Pwhelli!

Impressed to see a station cafe that realises that with an hour to kill before the Shrewsbury train, there will be people around wanting drinks etc. and stays open!

Must be the bleakest stabling point going in that siding, at least Fort William has space!

Definately worth a trip, you won't be disapointed

 

The only reason you go to Phwelli is to see the bufferstops to be honest