Future of Cotton Mills

Hi everyone,
I know its been discussed on here before obout the future of the Cotton Mills. I for one would be a willing passenger on this train with my children and grandchildren. Maybe one of the other tour operators is considering taking on some of these trains at a later date? Variety of motive power would be a seller. Don't be fooled by the notion joe public doesnt care whats on the front. He does.
There are alot of people like myself that are interested in railways in general and steam in particular and drag the family along too.
Lets have some ideas!
Maybe someones reading this?

Regards, John.

 

I had hoped West Coast would run maybe 2 Cotton Mills a year to keep the tour alive. I haven't travelled on it yet it was on my to do list.
Brian

 

There are a host of people on here who are clearly working for the tour companies who want to believe that Joe Public doesn't care what is at the front. I'm with you on this. Those who are interested bring family and friends along and do care what is on the front. Reviving CM would be good if the loco is identified up front - ok these things break down and last minute changes may be unavoidable - and the trip involves a stopover for the less than enthusiast to make a day out of it. Same goes for the Buxton Spa Express.

 

I totally agree about the identity of the motive power. But if the reserve is also listed this is another plus.
The other plus is the Cotton Mill is a fixed route, clockwise or anti clockwise. You shouldn't see the steam milage being slashed like some other tours.
I personally wouldnt tollerate the operaters who advertise an itinery and deliver considerablly less. Only a fool persistantly does this at their peril.

Regards,
John.

 

Rumour 46115 is doing a private charter on the CM route 14th July

 

At £45 it also made a mainline steam trip affordable for many people who would otherwise never get to do it.

 

Better get up early then old pit one

 

Re: Scots Guardsman running on 14 July

46115 + ECS dep Carnforth 0800 to Man Vic via Preston.

Pic now at http://andrewstransport.fotopic.net/p59550117.html

Cheers

AN

 

Whilst I'm an enthusiast rather than Joe Public, advance notice of booked motive power is a favourite beef of mine. There's a number of tour series this summer where the only advance info regarding the motive power is that it will be from a pool of locos. I don't believe for one minute that the organisers only make up their minds at short notice which loco to use on any given date. Loco owners and support crews need to plan in advance. Once I know which locos are running on which dates I will make a booking but until then I keep my money in my pocket. Back in the 1980s BR played the same game on the CME with a pool of locos. Booked three trips in a season and ended up with the same loco three times. Nowt wrong with an A4 but never did get 4472 and 46229 on the Long Drag.

 

Caught it passing Morecambe junction towards Lancaster at 08.10 in sunshine. video a little out of focus, camera nackered. still waiting new one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozDlzkgy3tk

 

I always prefer to know what is going on but I suppose that advertising locos for regular operations comes down to a business decision by the tour operator. Mind you, we usually do find out.
I also imagine that, while we all appreciate that things can go wrong with booked motive power and substitutes have to be used on occasion, tour operators do get some grief, sometimes considerable grief, when this happens. Perhaps that has a bearing on the issue?

You have my sympathies concerning 46229, we had some splendid runs in the mid-80s but I'd have thought not getting the other loco was a lucky escape. Generally 'Flying Heap' was dreadful!

 

46115 through Stalybridge at 10.57 this morning.

Good to see it out again, the Cottonmill was next on my todo list. I hope it is resurrected, though I wonder that they were too frequent.

 

Been a 4472 fan since I was a kid so no matter how good or bad she was, I always enjoyed a run behind her. My best ever recording was Lindal Bank eastbound in 1978. Frosty rails and she fought for every inch. Sadly Dad erased the tape by mistake. :smt010 :smt009

 

If they can advertise 6233 for a tour in October, how come they can't say when it's booked in August?

 

I'm quite sure that they could - if they wanted to.
Have you tried contacting PMRT? They'll know.

 

That is my next line of approach. A mate of mine is involved with the Trust so have left him a message. Awaiting a reply.

 

Videos now on You Tube,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iYJWrJg1VI First at Sowerby Bridge, then
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ee5C7oGHR8Q at Lydgate, at the top of the hill. I was there alone too!

Regards,

John.

 

Thanks for sharing. Very nice clip at Lydgate.
I wonder when we mortals will have a chance to ride behind 46115 on even a semi regular basis?

 

Just received a phone call to say that 6233 is booked to Holyhead on the 23rd August. The day I'm booked to go to Norwich behind 60019. :smt092
Looks like it's going to be Shap on October 10th.