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The Jacobite 2017

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by RalphW, Jan 9, 2017.

  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    And surely that is the nub of any debate about suitability? A Stanier Class 5 may have the steaming capacity and in the right hands is a competent loco for the West Highlands but is not ideal, in my view, simply because it has the potential not to be as sure footed as one might like. The K4 has the power and the grip but the firing skill needed to keep it on the boil and with steam available when needed is, indeed, a skill. The K1, on the other hand, has always impressed be when I have been behind her. On my most recent trip to Kyle, for example, there was a competence and confidence in the way that she handled a big train and that just wasn't down to the crew.

    At the risk of saying the obvious, the Highland lines are definitely 'horses for courses' routes. In my view, as @Johnb has already said, the existing formula makes plenty of sense and there are not too many variations possible, unless, as has already been said, John Cameron can be persuaded to provide the K4 as a unique legacy for future generations. As for a Schools, mentioned above, on the West Highland that would be in trouble soon after Craigendoran!
     
  2. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    Wasn't there a West Highlander with 46115 intended to go to Mallaig, but it never happened, or have I imagined that? Considering 46115 it got to Blaenau, would suggest it might do ok on the WH extension? That said, did it "get lucky" on both occasions it went to Blaenau?
     
  3. black5

    black5 Well-Known Member

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    Seemed to have no problems near Pont-y-pant
     
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  4. Matt37401

    Matt37401 Nat Pres stalwart

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    I think RTC wanted to take 46115 to Fort William on a tour but for whatever reason it didn't happen. I don't think they going to take it to Mallaig.
     
  5. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    6ft 9in drivers make a Scot on the West Highland a daft idea. I would even query the wisdom in trying it with a 6ft 2in MN.
     
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  6. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Yet the suggestion that the Scot go to Blaenau was met with derision by some, but even in poor conditions she coped exceeding well.
     
  7. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    All a bit academic really, Ian Riley's engines have proved their worth beyond doubt and as he is a regular driver up there I don't think he would give it up without a fight and same for the K1. Both types were allocated to Fort Bill back in the day although Class 5s were only used south towards Glasgow. Any other loco owner would probably think twice about working regularly on the Mallaig road which knocks hell out of the engines.
     
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  8. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    The fact 44932 has never been sent up there to work its owners trains probably emphasises this point.
     
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  9. oldmrheath

    oldmrheath Well-Known Member

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    I would imagine the availability support crews could be an important factor as well

    Jon
     
  10. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    As a reason 44932 has not been used?
     
  11. oldmrheath

    oldmrheath Well-Known Member

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    Possibly. I would have thought that the support NELPG and Ian Riley's team offer for 6-7 months a year in the West Highlands is very helpful to WCR. Not saying 44932 couldn't be used (as 48151 already has), but logistically WCR has plenty to do in the summer peak with Carnforth and York-based steam, plus any operations further south,

    Jon
     
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  12. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Yes I can see what you mean, the financial advantage of using in-house locos would need to be significant to make it the preferred option. All factors considered it must not stack up.
     
  13. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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  14. Jimc

    Jimc Part of the furniture

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    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-41621266

     
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  15. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    There have been a number of rescues by 'Heritage' trains including a group of walkers stuck in a bog by a NYMR service & an injured cyclist by the Avon Valley Railway.

    I suspect that given the manning levels & nature of the stock they are far better equipped that a 'National Network' service - and of course going slowly enough to see whats up & stop
     
  16. Eightpot

    Eightpot Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Hope they find the boat, too!
     
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  17. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    That would be the bothy about halfway along Loch Eilt and was formerly a railway lengthman's cottage. I've walked to it from the road near Lochialort, it takes about two hours
     
  18. 2J66

    2J66 Well-Known Member

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  19. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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  20. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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