Churnet Valley in 2012

Any update on the progress of the S160? Would it not be in the railway's interest to hire in a second steam loco for the inevitable times when the S160 is unavailable?

 

Been on test runs to test her brake system and her bearings. When I visited Cheddleton last week she was undergoing testing on her air system. Main items left prior to steaming were completion of installation of her pistons, injectors and steam manifold. Hopefully wont be too long.

And yes it would be ideal to hire a second loco in, but where do we get one from? Efforts have been made, but there is a national shortage of locos at present with many railways running with the bare minimum. If you happen to have a Class 4 locomotive (or above) available though please feel free to get in touch with Chris/Greg ;-)

 

Well, just off the top of my head Llangollen have seven resident engines currently operable (albeit three away right now) - it might be worth an inquiry there? I understand that there's a shortage but it's unrealistic to try and survive the season with one engine. Even if the only solution is to hire in an Austerity as a back-up, at least the option of running steam would be there. It would be a shame if with all the resources and volunteer manpower being ploughed into the MCR project, the railway forgot that its bread and butter is steam between Froghall and Leekbrook, and an awful lot of visitors this year have had to make do with diesel.

 

Couldn't agree more.

 

The only services that CVR genuinely advertise to be steam hauled are their Santa trains in December, and for this year the 2x Thomas events & Feb's
steam Gala. All other services are promoted as a train ride (except Diesel Gala), which can mean steam/diesel.

It's great to see your enthusiasm, and I'm in no way trying to put you down. We have made a request to LR though who have been unable to hire us a loco due to maintenance requirements and other hire agreements. We've tried other lines and they to are unable to help either. Again, if someone knows where there's a loco available then feel free to get in touch with Chris/Greg. Meanwhile you'll just have to be patient. The volunteers we have are doing their best 7 days a week, but our MPD isn't the biggest in numbers.

 

Well I appreciate that it's difficult to find a steam engine right now and that the railway has been making efforts to that end. Thanks for keeping us in the loop and I hope something works out for you.

 

Might not be true, but weren't the NELPG considering sending the Q6 somewhere less strenuous on it a while back? You could see if that avenue is still open (if it ever was)

 

I can now confirm that N7 69621 will arrive at the CVR on Wednesday the 30th of May and will stay at the railway until the end of September 2012. The visit may possibly be extended to include the February 2013 Steam Gala.

Subject to successful testing the locomotive will enter traffic on Saturday the 2nd of June on the Cauldon Lowe service. 69621 will be assisted by 33021 due to length of the train that we need to run this weekend and taking into account the power classifcation of 69621.

This weekend may be the only opportunity to see 69621 running over the Cauldon Lowe line as the S160 6046 will haul the services over the Cauldon Lowe line once completed.

Many thanks to East Anglican Railway Museum for making 69621 available at short notice.

Regards

Chris Meadowcroft

 

Superb news!

 

Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious! Well done.

 

Epic news! First time I'll be seeing a N7.

 

s160 and n7, been waiting for some good steam news so we can drop by churnet, I will tell penny the good news.

 

Excellent news. Thanks Chris.

 

This is cracking new, my locoal line gets a decent steamer after quite a fair while, although shame the 33 and dmu wont be used as much as they have been doing stirling service.

mike

 

Les N7 69621 today (2/6/12) on the Cauldon Lowe Line

Ex 1030 Froghall: 69621 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Ex 1320 Froghall: 69621 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Great little loco!

 

Is the N7 having some problems? It hardly seems to be powering up the bank from what I've seen on youtube! hwell:

N7 69621 - YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnf5PymFfZ8&feature=relmfu
(not my videos, but they demonstrate my point).

 

I believe with 69621 being fresh from overhaul the CVR drivers are breaking it in gently, not thrashing its box off.

 

She was certainly working hard at the same point on the first train yesterday, perhaps shes a bit short on steam, its a fair old climb to Ipstones Summit.

 

As I mentioned on the other thread, the N7 actually stopped for a few minutes just short of Blackbrook crossing as if to catch her breath. Maybe adjustments needed somewhere. Bit concerned with it being the only steam we have at the moment.

 

Barry, what you've got to realize it that it only came in late on Wednesday, so its a learnng curve for what the train can do and also for how the crew can get the best out of the engine.