Jacobite 2011

Hmm may have to book a sleeper service to go and enjoy some Gresley 3cylinder...

Where is 45231 btw? Not heard much of her since she returned from Scotland last year. Is she still at Carnforth undergoing repairs?

 

Looks like 62005 is now missing the whole season. 61994 now doing 2 stints with 45407 and 44871 also in the frame as last year.

 

A good chance to see 61994 in action. She seems to have been rather restricted as regards running on the Mallaig line, which I've always felt to be the ideal stamping ground.

 

If 61994 runs on the dates listed on UKSteam then I have a feeeling a couple of days leave will be needed. Typically, I wouldn't need to take any leave for 45231! But a K4 on WHL is far more preferable than a Black 5, as nice as a 5 is.

 

When I see the steam schedule for the summer taking shape, I feel like throwing in my job and not needing to ask for leave! but then I wouldn't be able to afford so many trips. Must say that a K4 looks more 'right' on the Mallaig line, nice though Black 5s are.

 

According to latest NELPG News, 62005's boiler has required new firebox and smokebox tubeplates
so the chance is being taken to get the boiler up to good state to avoid major works in that area for quite a while. It is still hoped to get up to Malliag this summer, but not in May.
Those plates were last done in 1994 so they have not done too bad I guess.

 

Hi,
I fancy some K4 haulage to Mallaig this year. I've seen the rostered dates on uksteam.info but does anyone know if these are correct or just a "best guess" at the moment?

Rgds
Ian

 

Well they were correct at the time I posted them some time ago, but they may very well be altered to meet changing circumstances, so I wouldn't bank on them !

David

 

Thanks David.
Don't want to book flights and digs until I'm sure when the K4 will be running. Things can change at the last minute I know but that's something you can't bargain for.

 

I believe there is a test run from Carnforth on the 28th could it be 45231?.

 

I was wondering when the coaches for the train head up? Thanks

 

From June 1st to July 29th there will be two trains from Fort Bill to Mallaig.

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/trips/jacobite_NF.html

 

Superb - one can only hope that there is a sufficient market for it!

 

Excellent. Even more of an excuse to go up there for a couple of days. Two trips to phot, or two journeys on the train having a few beers watching the scenery go by!

 

That is fantastic. The late afternoon lighting, and thus photographic opportunities running the second trip opens up can't be understated. Even means the possibility of photting one trip and travelling on the other! I really do hope this proves viable for WCRC.

Operationally, is it one loco to do both trips?

 

I wonder whether it will be possible to book on the morning outward trip to Mallaig and back on the evening trip, which should allow time for a boat trip across to Skye (for example), or to book from Mallaig to Fort William, or even a round trip from Glenfinnan or Arisaig (assuming that all trains stop at those two stations for a RETB token exchange). If so, it certainly opens up a number of new travel opportunities.

 

If its one loco then thats a hell of a day for the support crew. Having done some time up there with the B1 presume they would have to split the support crew into two. Probably need two drivers looking at the times. Also watering will have to be slick at Mallaig.

 

I wonder how much support crew are actually needed when the locomotives are running 5 days a week?

I think on the Works forum it's been said that 44871 is heading north with the coaching stock that would have been used on the Cambrian (Mark 2s).

 

Once you have done a week or two at Fort William as support crew you know you have been working. 12/13 hour days everyday. No pit to use when emptying ash pans and usually pissing down with rain, you really have to love steam to enjoy it. Suspect it even worse now since EWS pulled out and closed the shower block. Normally about 4 or 5 go up depending how many free compartments there are in the support coach. For the loco owners and support crews the Jacobite is a massive commitment.