The Welsh Border Steam Special

Morning all,

Can anybody advise if the steam section is still running today? UkSteam shows that the engine ( suspected Black 5 No. 44932 ) should be past Warrington BQ on the Carnforth - Crewe positioning move.

Any information appreciated.

Thanks

 

According to a posting on prestonrail gensite there was a problem found at Lancaster and 44932 ran round it's support coach and returned to Carnforth around 6.30AM.Certainly no sightings further south posted
ribble

 

Okay, thank you. Shame really, already on my way to Chirk from Bangor.

These things happen though.

 

T&T 47's it was. The Chester Shrewsbury line seems to be jinxed as no sooner is a planned steam turn about to happen and there's a failure. The last few steam runs have all been amended to exclude this line owing to being out of gauge. At least the passengers will have a sunny afternoon in Shrewsbury. And how is 44932, could it be a quick fix and then a run down to Shrewsbury for the return run to Crewe?

 

Would a black 5 have taken 13 up Gresford Bank or would a 47 have been pushing anyway...

 

was seen heading towards Shrewsbury with a class 47 each end.

 

I rode in the 47 with the driver (who would driven 4932, if it hadn't failed), and we agreed that the rail conditions on Gresford today were actually good - dry and no leaf-fall, yet. If it had run with steam, the diesel wasn't booked to remain on the rear (contrary to popular belief, we don't particularly like it, either).

Anyway, unfortunately 4932 did fail and it wasn't quick fix, with the loco still in steam.

JS

JS

 

Shame about 44932, troubles just don't come in threes, and this year is appearing to be one where the movement just cannot put together a prolonged defect free period. Maybe next year will offer an improvement. Sometimes you just need a break, perhaps the program will be a little less demanding or there may be more locomotives in the pools to make it that way. Failure to deliver the advertised product can and will undermine the future for steam hauled tours. Customers are understanding and forgiving but only for so long.
Gresford was always a bit of a challenge (I believe mining in the area had some influence). In a way, I am surprised that WC proposed the Five if the load was 13 particularly with TGM being down at Crewe and if the schedule allowed for it, the 8f would have been a better choice too. Hind sight, wonderfully worthless sometimes.

 

Good video by Phil Berry of 44932 teminating its move at Lancaster here:

44932 with problems at Lancaster 6th October 2012 - YouTube

Cheers

Andrew N