Darjeeling in Cornwall

Thanks for that I did wonder why she look so different that the Bs operating in the DHR, why the need for such a complex braking system?

 

Thanks, but it is not one of mine. It links to the Indian Railways Fan Club site http://irfca.org/

I was told that this was so that it could work the brakes (vacuum, single and dual-pipe air) on just about any narrow gauge stock found in this country. How it would couple to some of them is, of course, not as simple.

 

Last steaming date of No. 19 at Launceston is currently planned as 8/9, after which she will be on display until she leaves on 19/9.

 

Press Release:

The visit to the Launceston Steam Railway of Adrian Shooter’s Darjeeling locomotive has been a great success, with much interest being shown in the only Darjeeling Himalayan Railway locomotive to have escaped from that which is now a World Heritage Site.

The special two day Gala, supported by the Darjeeling Railway Society, was a considerable success, with nearly a thousand passengers being carried. Launceston Station was transformed with stalls, manned by DRS members in Indian costume, selling souvenirs and various items of interest, the proceeds of which will be used to support educational work in the vicinity of the railay in India. Local company Nomads decorated the carriages with Indian materials, whilst the Café prepared an additional menu of Indian food.

Subsequently, the locomotive has been used on certain timetabled trains, which have been well supported. The official last day of operation was on Tuesday 8th September, after which it was due to return to Oxfordshire. However, this return has been delayed by a week, so there will be a final chance to see the locomotive in operation, and to ride behind it on Thursday 17th, when it will haul the final train of the day from Launceston Station, at 4pm. Following this it will enter the railway’s workshops to be prepared for its journey by low-loader at the weekend.

Managing Director Nigel Bowman said ‘It has been a real experience to have such a locomotive here. The Darje, as we have come to call it, is very different to drive or fire when compared to our Quarry Hunslet locomotives. Also, many passengers have been captivated by it, but in particular, it has been interesting to meet people who knew the railway in India, either before moving to this country, or when working or holidaying abroad. I am especially pleased that the Gala has helped to support the work of the Darjeeling Railway Society, and we have received a letter of thanks on behalf of Darjeeling Railway Community Support for the financial help which will be used especially for the newly opened Shishu Kendra School in Kurseong.’

The Launceston Steam Railway is now in its 26th year of operation, but it has no intention of standing still, as there are a number of projects in the pipeline, which should continue to attract visitors to the historic Ancient Capital of Cornwall.

 

...and to celebrate the success of No. 19's Cornish holiday, there was one final private run for LSR friends and supporters this evening - making full use of No. 19's headlights!

No. 19 at Newmills:


Crew pose with No. 19 on arrival back at Lanson:



Once I have the time to sort through the photos, the best shots will be on the LSR website!

 

I've heard that No. 19 may be making a return visit to Launceston this year or next year - does anyone know if this is true?

 

Not this year she isn't!

However, both the LSR and No. 19's owner are happy for her to make a return visit, so we might see another "Indian Summer" at Launceston in a few years or so.

The most likely candidate for a return visit is 'Lyd'.


Charlie