Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2016

Looking at the return via Shap begs the question why the train doesn't steam to Preston as it will stand there for almost an hour, assuming the departure time is 1824. (not the time warping 1728 - 1624!!) The Carnforth UDGL 40+ minute stop could be used as a water top up.

 

Return via the Coast - loco Galatea as per ticket today

 

Doesn't that mean there'll be diesel assistance on the revised loadings? Can't see a Class 6 being allowed 11 over Shap (assuming the usual load)??????

 

Hope it does better over Shap than it's last outing on the Cumbrian Coast Express. Creeped over at about 11mph. Attributed to loco not being hot enough after a Carnforth start. At least we know it can take in the Coast return which should please many. Lovely route. Knocks the spots off the Devon coast!

 

Don't expect a Duchess around the Coast, it hasn't got clearance between Carlisle and Maryport.

 

46229 has been round....but it was over 30 years ago.

 

It has, but did it not only go as far as Maryport ? either way the trackbed has changed over the years.

 

No, it went Carlisle to Maryport LE+POB, then took the CCE to Carnforth.

 

5th March cancelled. I have accepted this Saturday as an alternative which suits me as I need Galatea. I believe its limited to 9+POB but we will see

Don

 

I wonder if Galatea is going to be "it" for the remaining WCMEs. 46233 is too big to go round the coast, 46100 has disappeared (anyone know why?), 46115 was last seen in October (failing on a test run - cue Swiss Toni, 2 words beginning F and S), Leander is having work done, 48151 would probably struggle with the timings to Carlisle. The Scots would have been ideal for the revised route. Logistics and costs probably rule out 46233 over Shap and 48151 down the coast - would be good though. Let's see how Galatea fares on the 20th and if there are any consequential changes for the 27th (when I'm booked, I will post when I receive my e-ticket).

 

Who would want credit for going back over Shap? That's the route any red blooded steam lover would want to do.

 

Been told by a reliable source(?) that Galatea is on both the 20th and the 27th with load 10 which would suggest RTC opted for the Coast not the both ways over Shap(?). Shame as the only really scenic part of the coast route is at the bottom which will most likely be be passed in darkness.

 

I was also booked on the 5th March so will transfer to another date. The letter also included allocations:
20th Feb - 45699 Galatea
27th Feb - 45699 Galatea and 44871
12th Mar - 46115 Scots Guardsman
2nd April - 46100 Royal Scot

 

Its light now until well after 1700 and the train is due back in Carnforth at 1746 so should be fine

 

Another double header with 44871? For the 27th


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Shame about the Duchess. I am glad that 46233 shall be kept busy though with the pmr tours just being posted this week.


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Just to note that my comments about credit were somewhat tongue in cheek, but for those of us for whom steam trips are about more than struggling up a steep hill at 30mph being pushed by a diesel, I would note that the journey from Carnforth to Carlisle and back by Shap is approximately 126 miles compared with 168 miles coming back via the coast or 174 miles via the S&C, and also means a longer stop in the sidings at Carnforth and almost an hour sat at Preston. My e-ticket which arrived today suggested 8+POB but I guess cancellations elsewhere could change that. A class 90 from Euston is mentioned somewhat unusually, with Galatea from Carnforth.

 

Curious with 44871 booked at KWVR that weekend.......