GWR 1450 to visit Gwili for Santa Specials

Haulwen has a long standing mechanical problem which I believe dates back to NCB days. A temporary repair has been completed but this is something that we intend to address permanently in the New Year. Not going to attempt to explain what it is but as a result Haulwen is limited to light duties, which means evening dining trains (limited to 10mph and 1 or 2 trips up line only per steaming) and Schools days (again a shorter day with less pressure on timekeeping than usual). The risk to Santa services was deemed too great to allow Haulwen to be used more frequently on the usual days (6 trips + per day every 45 mins), so given that Olwen failed with leaking tubes unexpectedly, hiring in was deemed to be the option that ensured that we could guarantee Santa trains.

Sorry, I'm not mechanically minded so hopfully the above makes sense.

 

Nice to see 1450 has arrived facing uphill to Danycoed. Is there a reason for most engines now facing downhill to Bronwydd? I remember untill a few years ago they nearly always faced Danycoed.

 

This is worth a look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTlBXrIzpuY
Another Bob Masterman special, slightly off topic as Haulwen is working the schools, but 1450 is shown parked up with a fetching cover (frost precautions!) and later on the first "new" level crossing gate is shown as well.
1450 will be out tomorrow (Saturday)

 

That's a great video. I'm going to try and get down next weekend to see 1450 and hopefully I'll be able to have a ride too.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nybUsWSjnU

1450 was in use both days last weekend, a couple of videos on YouTube, including the above from Bob Masterman.
Please note however that as the repair on Haulwen has now proved sucessful, 1450 will now become the standby loco only for Santas so we do not anticpate it being used again on public services for the remainder of it's stay, barring failure. Apologies for any inconveneince caused/dissapointment created, it will more than likely be used again on some photo charters before it leaves us on the 17th January for it's next port of call.

Suffice to say it's been a very 'up and down' few weeks for our MPD department between the failures of Olwen and Haulwen so in the circumstances we felt there was little choice but to obtain a standby loco. When we normally get GWR locos in they are specifically with enthusiast type events in mind, however on this occasion the situation was somewhat different.

 

Real shame to hear this Matt, was really looking forward to having a go on her, now demoted to Haluwen.

 

Repeat after me, "Industrials are better, there's no shame in working on a loco which did an honest day's work" :lol:. Does seem a bit of a shame, but I think it has to be said Haulwen's more suited to the job in hand, and glad to hear the repairs have been successful.

 

Couldn't Haulwen and 1450 both be turned out on one day, preferably the 23rd seeing as I've booked the day off now! You could have an engine smokebox first at either end of the train then.

 

Seems a surprising decision to take in one sense. I presume therefore that the loco wasn't brought in on any agreement with regards to a number of steamings? Using a home based loco is probably a lot more financially beneficial, but it does seem a shame if 1450 is to stand idle until 17th Jan and then leave.

 

I agree that it is a shame.

However (I say this, not being involved in the decision-making processes - nor having had any connection with them), it sounds like a wise decision. It makes sense to have 1450 on site; we would be running a huge risk (both financially and in publicity/goodwill) to have to cancel trains in December, because "Haulwen" had failed and we had no replacement locomotive.

It would be very different story if 1450 was being relegated to a 'spare engine' at an enthusiasts event, or Gala. However, bear in mind that 99.9% of our Santa customers (many of whom prebooked) won't know the difference between a 14xx and an Austerity.

Let me assure you that, knowing Matt, it was not a decision made lightly. Matt78 is about as 'pro-GWR' as they come, and is heavily involved with the restoration of the vintage carriages at the Gwili, as well as leading various heritage projects on the railway; so I'm sure that it was a painful decision to make, to roster the 14xx as 'spare'.

I am guard on the 23rd and 24th December, and would be pleased to welcome enthusiast visitors on board the train, if people still want to come. "Haulwen" can get pretty noisy on our gradients, and I'll do my best to make you feel welcome.

Having said that, one final (slightly cheeky) thought...Matt, what's the chances of a Members Special or charter, using the 14xx....?

Cheers,

Phil.

 

1450 departs on Monday for the Great Central. Suffice to say we very much regret it was not possible to use it more during it's stay, in the end it was not even possible to arrange a photo charter. The same lorry will also be taking our own Olwen to a private site in Swansea for a retube and some other repairs. However we are in the process of arranging a further guest locomotive for the whole (much expanded) 2011 season, to supplement Haulwen and (hopefully at some point this year) Olwen. No more details on this locomotive at present, but as soon as there is something to report I'll probably start a new thread!