45699 Galatea

I think some people need to get matters well and truely into perspective. The modern day timetabled railway needs reliability and punctuality. That doesnt just mean trains running on time, it means points working correctly, signallers pathing trains to the right routes and station staff ensuring prompt boarding. Its a much bigger picture and a much more accurate system with a lot of information now digital allowing for overlaps to be condensed and more trains run on what is a narrow and congested railway.

Steam has its part to play in all this, as a throwback to days some might remember better through rose tinted glasses and for others a chance to see what has gone before. The railtour allows for the public to enjoy their journey on the mainline whether that be a simple run on the SSE, or the magesty and opulance of the VSOE. For some to say that all this is in danger is rediculous. Thats just simply scaremongering. The revenue these tours bring in is important to the industry and they have become a regular feature of the summer season. A whole heritage industry has grown to support charters on the mainline with varied programmes catering for enthusiasts, but more importantly, the travelling paying public who enjoy the ride while attempting to hide their desire to know more about it all.

However, the railway has changed and enthusiasts need to realise where the evolution of railway operation has moved onto. Its a far cry from the network as it used to be. With signalling and cables running alongside the track you can be sure that Network Rail want to protect the infrastructure they have. Delay minutes caused by tours are still largely picked up by Network Rail, who accomodate charters on the network. It all means that to have steam and even heritage diesel on the mainline they have to meet the rigorous standards set by the industry today. Should that mean that the steam engine up front needs a banker to maintain time then so be it. No one here would complain if the banker were another steam engine. Things have evolved further. The diesel is largely there throughout the year to assist in turning the whole train as one at a destination where infrastructure has been removed. This often means the steam engine having to work harder to lift the engine dead on the rear. Steam unassisted will become rarer, not due to the steam engines inability to haul the train, but more to do with the desitnation needing the train to be turned without expensive shunting, or more importantly putting steam engines to their maximum loading and then high speed paths taxes the engines to their limits and the crews on the day, as well as those maintaining them. Even freight today has paths for class 66 hauling freight at 75mph. Gone are MGR wagons trundelling around at 45mph. Speed is needed, punctuality key and thus permformance all important.

WCRC might seem to be secretive, but thats their perogative. They have excellent working relationships with a few core groups and companies to provide a steam fleet of the highest standards throughout the year for a variety of workings to different destinations. The groups that offer their engines such as NELPG with the K1, and 5305 group with 45305 and 70013 on behalf of the NRM, Tangmere, and Ian Rileys Black 5s, all have to meet the high standards that WCRC set because they understand if things fail on the mainline it gets expensive very quickly. Work has to be done to standard and WCRC meet it, with no fuss, no fanfair. Their own fleet speaks for itself 46115, 44932 and 48151 have all become renown for good performances on the mainline. Other groups have formed such close assosiations to sit quite happily under the umbrella of the WCRC organisation. Just look at the work done out of Tysley with 5043 Earl of Mount Edcumbe and how well that runs and perfoms on the WCRC safety case.

Simply put, enthusiasts might want it all but to be on the mainline considerations and arrangements have to be made. If that means during dry weather your going to get a shove then so be it. Enjoy having two engines for the price of one. A chance for steam will be around for some time yet. Its about time we marvelled at the job WCRC do, rather than stand on the platform admiring their work and rediculously thinking any of us could do better....

 

Footage of 45699 solo at High Bentham .Nothing spectacular just one for the record really .

 

45699 moved solo from York today back across to Carnforth.

 

Correct Simon , caught her at High Bentham .

 

Is that the rails making that noise?!

 

Yes it's the track joints and not the loco so don't panic!

 

I thought we had continuously welded rail now - that's the only reason I asked

 

ry

Sorry, for some reason the thread didn't seem to show your posts after until my response had posted.

 

There was certainly a long length of jointed track between about Wilton and Wylye on the Salisbury - Westbury line.

Tom

 

I just went through a bunch of 45699 youtube video including the one w/her being taken off the train on the day she didn't do the York Scarborough section. The locomotive seems to be steaming well. I believe that the 2 Jubilees shall be powering most of the trains out of Carnforth in the near future. Who knows

 

I believe the Carnforth to Settle Jc line is to be re- laid early next year. so no more clicky clack!!

 

Quite agree. In my book it is the proper way to the west.

 

The section is primarily on the up line and is being replaced later this year with CWR.

 

Proper way? In my book, it's the only way.

(We denizens of south Wiltshire have heard rumours about a Great Way Round with non-standard incompatible rolling stock north of the Plain, but they sound so far fetched that I assume they are just fantasy. Whoever would build a line from London to Exeter that went through Bristol? And then ensure that no through traffic could run on it. So far fetched and bizarre it must just be a figment of a warped imagination...)

Tom

 

You must be describing the Paddington Branch! Often heard of in these parts. Is it still running?

 

Oh thats a shame... when you combine the track with the Pacers using it I imagine whiplash injuries in north lancashire will halve overnight.

 

Considering the reinstated Todmorden curve as well it might feature in more rail tours if its upgraded as suggested. There will be another good circuit out from/to Carnforth.