The Central Wales Explorer 12th May 2012

I took my camera out for a drive around central Wales on Saturday and what a great day it was, weather wise and entertainment!
Two brilliant engines on a great line, more steam should use this route.

[video=youtube;EigOoZh_vbY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EigOoZh_vbY[/video]

 

A great trip on this train. A long held ambition of mine, and I hope for an opportunity to repeat the experience.

 

A selection of my photos can be found at Zenfolio | Paul Simpson | The Central Wales Explorer 12th May 2012

 

I have found an excellent video of the trip The Central Wales Explorer - Black 5's 45407 & 44871 12/05/2012 - YouTube

 

My photo of the train approaching Sugar Loaf tunnel:



Click on it to view larger sizes.

 

Some great videos |(found a third on u-tube which is good). One question / impression - the leading engine seems to a. be working harder and b. have a cleaner exhaust - it appears the second engine is having to be fired much more often. Is this, as I suspect, all in my head (though I am sure the crew on the second engine would tell you they were doing all the work)? Any views?

 

Request from the line side for smoke???

 

Just because two engines are of the same class they may need to be fired slightly differently.

As Ralph has also said the fireman will have differing techniques as well but by the looks of it, Cushty was doing just fine!

 

Very good trip it sat on the mark all the way up the banks and so did Bob.

 

I was on the train too, and what a trip! Great weather for once, and a faultless performance from the two locos. A long day out, partly due to time added by pathing issues, and a pity we weren't able to get out at two of the water stops, but you can't have it all.

I can recommend the cafe by the station in Llandrindod Wells!