KWVR - Plus ca change...

As long it is at the back you don't pick it up with the trains working, possibly because they just have it on tic over on the way up, so could be different this year if we have only 1 steam.

 

Maybe we have steam blinkers on and some of todays kids like to see a diesel? (or not), but santa specials are always marketed on the back of steam and if your going to have two (or three) locos to avoid the run around its always been my feeling that steam both ends is giving the punters what they've paid for. Operational issues there maybe or is that a convenient excuse ?
So thats my daily Groan.
. I know that for many Heritage Railways Santa Specials bring in much needed cash AND its also a busy time of year for everyone including volunteers. I will stll bring my family and friends for the 5th Year running and probably wont have time for Photographs...
Ps Thankyou Penny Steam for allowing me to see all the KWVR Events that i miss with your excellent recordings.

 

With the promise that only the festive season can bring, the first Santa Specials started around the country today. Here is the first train from the Worth Valley.

ChrisKempster Photography | KWVR Santa Specials 2011 - The First Train

 

80002, That was a bit of a surprice , also on her own. Visiting relatives at Buxton today, so I missed it, should be up tomorrow.

 

So was the diesel assisting on the uphill journey or was it on tickover?

 

Assisting... Pushing 80002 out of Keighley a fair bit too on Saturday.

 

It's a great pity if that is to be norm for Santas, glad I didn't bother going over yesterday in that case.

 

I wouldn't write them off that quickly, it was still a pleasure to see them.

The rule book has been ammended to accomodate the assistance from the rear to reduce wear...

 

Suppose as banking goes a box on the back is a lot less likely to slip, even a small steamer going into a slip on the curves might cause the sherry to be spilt...!

 

Wasn't to bad on sunday, sounded like just on tick over to me, film later in the week.

 

Having kept an eye on this post of late and I think now is the correct time to make some corrections and point out a few reasons why we do what we do:

Santa trains

traditionally these have been double headed steam, with a diesel on the rear end:
This is to reduce shunting of locos, mainly watering of 2 locomotives and also to save time on run rounds so we can get the most out of our operating day.

The reason for double heading, even with the WD for example, it is rated to take 8 coaches up the Worth Valley Branch, 6 Mk.1s + a class 20/25 is more weight that 8 Mk.1s so that is the reason why traditionally trains have double headed.

Over the last couple of years we have found that operating in this method has reduced in flats appearing on the rolling stock - presumed to be the difference in Loco & coach braking giving drag on the carriages and causing damage - costly damage at that!
Because of this, and facing a situation where we had less locomotives that in previous years we explored methods of operating with 1 locomotive with the diesel assisting at the rear - like some other Railways operate.

Hence this year with a class 4 (Std 4/4F) with the class 25 assisting at the rear.

Whilst not a double header, it still gives a steam locomotive smokebox first towards Oxenhope for photographers, the engine is still able to be worked with the diesel giving assistance where required, but importantly less damage to the carriages, less requirement on steam locomotive availability and is more efficient on coal and water etc. ALSO, it is important to remember that most of our Santa passengers are familys! Not enthusiasts.

I hope the above explains why decisions have happened.

As for Locomotives.

41241 & 957 both retire in 2012. 80002 in 2013.
80002 is to be re tubed in the new year to allow her to continue until the end of her 10 year certificate.
90733 will not be back in traffic until mid 2012.

34092 is due in service in early 2013. 75078 in 2014, with 5820 not having a completion date, although this locomotive will be subject to an appeal in a forthcoming edition of push and pull to try and move the overhaul forward. 85 is also under overhaul and due back in a couple of years time.

58926 (Coal Tank) is owned and operated by BLS, because of this it will see limited useage in 2012 on the Railway, but as it costs it will be on special events, such as the Gala & Vintage train days.

And...someone asked about photos, marketing@kwvr.co.uk is as good as any!

regards
Kieran
KWVR, Chairman - Marketing & Publicity Committee

 

Kieren,

Thanks for the information. A very good and complete response with sound reasoning!

Whilst there is no doubt the diesel is assiting more than in previous years, its fair to say the steamers are still earning they're keep. My Santa galleries can be found at the following link for anyone who hasn't managed to get to the Worth Valley yet this winter:

Chris Kempster - Worth Valley Santa Specials

 

I notice on the KWVR site that City Of Wells has had a fire lit in her firebox - link to the article.

 

957, 41241 due out of ticket this, reading the gala programme, so with 47279 and 45212 last year, that will be 4 out, with so far 2 in (43924, 1054) with 34092 in the future.

Any ideas how 85, 5820 and 75078 progress - website has them all under overhaul?

Hope 90733 is back soon as well.

 

Any news on 90733 and whether or not a decision has been made about 45212? Without wanting to doom monger it seems the steam situation might be a bit tight going into 2013!

 

Have heard that the black 5 is to be overhauled by another company who will then have use of it for a set number of years.

 

Nice to see that 1300 will be sticking around for a bit, will look good with the 4F on the Santas... bit exposed for the crews though
Any News on 90733 ?