Steel Steam and Stars 4 - March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 2015

Not quite, no copper cap chimney and pretty sure one wasn't name after the owners business, but I digress, my feelings on 92214 are well known.

For something eastern, I agree the Q6 is a good shout, it didn't get away from the Moors too often before it was out of traffic for a while.

 

I first rode behind the Q6 on the GCR back in Jan 2009 (I think). Can't think of another line it's been on outside of the NYMR.

The teaser article in one of the magazines mentioned a headline grabbing loco - so my first thought was of Sir Nigel Gresley but I guess Wells has made few headlines too....

 

I think it still needs a "wow"factor engine, doesn't have to be a big name, just an unusual one... 46512 or 7827 (75014 ready ?) could be examples of less well travelled.. of course 6023 would be nice.. it's been a ruler in exile since overhaul.

 

Agreed, though I think the "Volcano" is pretty high up there & I haven't seen the damn thing since the early 80's..... the 9F certainly isn't & I see it almost every month, though if she could be renumbered to a local engine for the event, like they did when she went to the NVR, that would be nice!

Right, time to warn the folks that I'll most likely be up their way March next year........ might even persuade the old man to join me.......... he likes 34092.......... and coming form a Stanier devotee, says something!

As for what could possibly be the "Headline act"....... who knows?......... time will tell I suppose........

Interestingly, given the 9F from the MHR is visiting its prompted the Rly to bring its Spring Gala forward to February...... Brrrrrr!......... or is it so as not to clash with SSS IV?.......[/QUOTE]

 

Didn't I read 6024 was considered for an earlier gala but was likely to be out of gauge ?, Castles fit as 5080 visited in the distant past when Carrog opened.

 

That's why I actually rather like it. It could come in handy in 2016!!!

 

Yes. Will Naylor wanted 5029 and 6024 for the first 2 SSS galas but it never happened. The first time I met him he told me they were getting a castle or a king, preferably both!

 

Every King needs a Castle, preservation seems a bit devoid of Queens (well in the locomotive sense anyway), but there are other female nobility out there... of the two working (or nearly working) not sure if one has gone by road before, but the other has.

 

Swanage had 63395 booked for a gala a couple of years back, but if my memory serves me correctly there were some mechanical problems and it wasn't able to make the journey to Dorset. Pity.

 

And he's no longer involved in the Grange project. I wonder if the other people involved in it have the same view!

 

I had a great day photting the 2884 on the new section today. I left her looking a little embarrassed with a skull with glowing red eyes on the front but, thank goodness, that was only on the last train! It occurred to me for the first time today just how good an engine 3802 is. Anyway, does anyone else know about the strange DVT-like (not really) devices that have been fitted to all 3 operational Mk1 brakes? Somehow, this has managed to allude me. It was very odd seeing the 2-8-0 pushing 4 coaches through the countryside and even odder watching it leave the strange wooden platform at Corwen, looking for all The World like an experimental class of Southern EMU with its yellow end. This will no-doubt spoil some going away shots. It felt like I was visiting some primitive railway just starting out like I often do when I'm on holiday. Anyway, I just thought I'd let people know. I also saw Foxie in the shed in black!

 

This is the method of operating trains on the extension. As you will have seen there is no run round loop yet, and only a temporary platform. This was done to have the extension open now, rather than waiting another 2 or 3 years.

Trains have to be propelled back to Carrog where the loco can run round. Each brake has a blank end with window to offer the driver a reasonable view of the route, a horn, and most importantly a brake setter. The paint scheme of this end plate has been done to the ORR's recommendation. Also, only 4 vehicles can be propelled.

Primitive maybe, but it's that or nothing. Your choice.

The railway, and the people of Corwen much prefer having the extension running now, rather than 2 years time.

 

This might help explain it - just scroll down,

http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nwnews.htm

 

I take it there's no desire for a box on the back or a DMU then, or even using a DMU trailer on the back ?

Strange the ORR suggest a yellow end.. yet a DMU / Diesel or Steam locomotive on a preserved line wouldnt ordinarily recommend it.

 

I'm confused, granted one can't be installed overnight, but why would a run round loop take 2 years ?.

 

The reason is that due to the restricted size of the site, the island platform will be built in between the tracks forming the loop.
We can't lay any more track at present because the access road to the sewage works has been bulldozed through the embankment, just past the current buffer stop.
Until Welsh Water build (& pay for) a new access road we can't fill in the gap in the embankment.
In the meantime other works such as the new platform, access subway , & embankment widening will be carried out.
If you have a look at the website www.corwenstation-new.co.uk it might help you to appreciate the problems.

Bob.

 

Land acquisition?........... just guessing.......... as its only a temporary structure until the new terminus is built........

 

Thanks for the explanation.

 

I realise why they were doing it. It just looked a bit strange. I didn't know they could only propel 4 vehicles though. I hope they aren't running all the trains to Corwen for SSS4 because 92212 might find that a bit easy! Of course, they'll have plenty of engines to hook onto the back at Carrog. The autotrain would look great on that section.

 

Im very interested to see how things will work at SSS. With the new station and how long to give it, and will the services all top and tail (excluding 1450+auto and possibly 6430 if that was ready in time). Does Llan have one or two auto coaches?