The Southern Irishman 31 May

I see the times are up on RTT for this train 1Z50, 1Z51, 1Z52.
It appears that steam will be added and removed in Pengam sidings ,so I think I will join at Cardiff rather than travel to Newport.

 

This should make life a little easier. Thanks to RTT for the timings. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50624/2014/05/31/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50625/2014/05/31/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50626/2014/05/31/advanced

 

doesn't go very far into Ireland does it, an hour and a half in Fishguard Harbour will be fun!

Have a look over the fence at the parking lot for the ferry....all that lot used to be railway sidings....

 

I have done the trip before and I must admit there is very little to do other than take a photo of a loco.
No light engine movement listed so I presume we are taking diesel with us unlike last time when diesel traveled separately.

 

The transfer of 5029 + support coach from Bristol Barton Hill to Pengam and returm. <BJ>
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50627/2014/05/31/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U50631/2014/05/31/advanced

 

Looking forward to riding instead of chasing for a change. Mum and Dad's 80th/89th birthday presents from us ! Anyone know a good chippy near Carmarthen station?

 

Reported 6 mins early through Cardiff en route to Carmarthen. <BJ>

 

Not a lot of interest being shown today with this tour.
5029 'Nunney Castle' through Llangennech station at 11:14.
47.245 reported at the rear. <BJ>

 

Diesel on the back?

Well, considering the name of the tour, (and that it isn't visiting Ireland), I feel that is totally correct as it is just as well to be certain there are no motive power problems today.

A case of, "to be sure, to be sure".


I'll get my coat.....................................

 

Probably due to a lack of run round facilities at the Harbour? Diesel powering the return.

Wouldn't it be a fine run if they arranged to cross on the ferry and then steam up the beautiful east coast of Ireland to Dun Laoghaire and back on the ferry with steam from Holyhead! Sleep on the ferries so no hotels involved. Better hurry though, the railway at Rosslare is balanced on a knife edge.

 

Steam normally goes into Carmarthen on the outward to ensure the engine is at the front for the return journey, thus missing out having to turn at Carmarthen in the afternoon. The triangle at Carmarthen is the closest turning facility to Fishguard at 40 miles. Now to get a Bulleid into West Wales for variety. It has been a strict diet of 5029 west of Carmarthen since 2008, when 71000 made two forays into the area in one weekend, including a very rare (for steam) trip down to Milford Haven. I consider myself lucky to have been on that!

 

DL working the train Carmarthen-Fishguard, then banking the return - probably needed on the climb out of Fishguard and on Cockett bank.

Both RTC and Steam Dreams are offering something akin to your suggestion next sping. "The Great Britain & Ireland" (or whatever RTC call it) will visit Ireland for 3 days, from Rosslare to Larne. SD's "Explorer" is staying over there a bit longer.

 

hopefully 85 Merlin will be used. I rode behind her some years back from Dublin To Belfast....a real pocket rocket

 

I've been to Fishguard with 6024 I'm guessing about 4-5 years ago. Diesel remained at Fishguard and followed in the next path.
Colin.

 

Not sure how much of a contribution the "banker" is making. Looking at RTT, Nunney appears to be losing a few minutes on each section.

(There doesn't appear to be a light engine path in RTT today.)

 

When I went to Fishguard behind Nunney in 2010 the diesel stayed on but did not assist.

 

I think there's some regulation about Welsh places you can catch Ferries to Ireland must be akin to Purgatory.

Fishguard does/did have a run round loop, but not much use when your steam loco's facing the wrong way, ATW ran 37's and 50's on service trains using it 6 years or so ago.

 

I'll have a look next week, but I'll be amazed if the loop is still there. Rosslare is worse....they shut the "station" such as it was and moved it a ten minute walk further away. Fortunately the turntable survives.... Very accessible for photos it is too

 

Nunney looked and sounded superb climbing through Llanharan about an hour ago with 47245 on the rear idling away.

I did consider travelling on this trip but the destination put me off. Fishguard Harbour isn't the most attractive destination and a break in Carmarthen isn't much cop either.

 

The loop is still there, but whether it is fully functioning is another matter. There is a ground frame controlling the points at the north (seaward) end of the station, but I suspect the southern points are sprung. The line still continues out towards the end of the breakwater, but it probably wouldn't be advisable to take anything heavier than a velorail over it.