The Jacobite 2017

With all the gauging problems recently what's the chance of a hall being allowed anywhere near those parts?

 

I think they had to remove some of the platform copings to accommodate it last time!

Unfortunately, with 4965 unable to run on the mainline at all so far this year, getting a hall out of a depot seems to be an issue.

However, in last months SR they did raise the question of how little has been done to capitalise on Harry Potter in the 20 years since the first book was published, although West Coast do mention it in their publicity material. A return to the West Highlands by 5972 would surely be a big money spinner.

 

Do they need to capitalise on it though? Morning and afternoon Jacobites are usually sold out, the season has been extended, and now there is winter running. Seems they've got it pretty much spot on as it is.

 

Having been on The Jacobite this summer, I can assure you that plenty of those travelling are doing so because of the 'Harry Potter' link - few trains sell chocolate frogs in the buffet car! There were LOTS of Harry Potter fans, a good few of the young ones in costume, on the train. It doesn't need 'Hogwarts Castle' on the front! Likewise, vast numbers on the hillside at Glenfinnan to watch the afternoon train go across (during a downpour in our case!), but it was Scotrail who actually stopped the service train on the viaduct while the guard explained that we were on the 'world famous Glenfinnan Viaduct' etc. The excellent Northern conductor on the S & C made a similar announcement when we crossed Ribblehead Viaduct southbound a couple of weeks back, although the train didn't actually stop (that conductor was really good!)

I am sure a limited, premium product with 'Hogwarts Castle' would be a money spinner, but 5972 is out of ticket and then there are copyright issues - Warners seem very tolerant of 'Wizard weekends' on heritage lines and have an on-going relationship with WCRC as long as 5972 (and an SK) are at the 'Harry Potter Experience' at Leavesden but probably simplest for both parties to let 'Harry Potter' 'sell' The Jacobite in peoples minds without the line being too direct or formal.

Steven

 

Apparantly it knocked hell out of it, the curves on the Mallaig road can't be good for any loco

 

Ideal loco a 'Schools' perhaps.
What kind of speed is needed to keep the schedule ?

 

No, it was the Northern conductor on an ordinary service train! And he had just survived selling tickets to a Hen Party heading to the dizzy heights of Skipton!

Steven

 

Ideal is what's there, a K1 and although not historically correct for the line Black 5 s. Good as the Schools were I can't see a. 4-4-0 coping with the 1 in 49 of Beasdale Bank. The line speed limit for steam is 45mph I think but with the the tight curves there are many slower restrictions. If you've never been up there then go, not to be missed

 

Having seen one take 7 up to Goathland I doubt it would be a problem.

 

We took the service train because the Jacobite was sold our well in advance, and it too was full. Half the passengers in our coach got out of their seats to photograph Glenfinnan Viaduct.

 

The problem lies in whether a Schools could handle the 7 coach Jacobite train to the current timetable, but also would there be any trust in it being able to restart it's train on any of the gradients along the route (e.g Beasdale) except in exceptional circumstances where a second running attempt may be permitted.

 

That is on straight track compared with Beasdale and in any case it's the wrong type of loco for the line

 

If you were after southern motive power I suspect an S15 would probably be the most suitable, potentially available rather than a 'Schools'.
All rather unlikely however!

Chris

 

Southern locos on the West Highland Line, no thanks. The best locos for the line are already there, just needs someone to persuade Mr Cameron that they should be joined by a K4

 

From what I have read and been told an S15 is the answer to virtually every question loco wise.
Suitability for the Jacobite will remain a hypothesis only, however, just as an LMS 5 mogul or std tank will ever get the chance to prove their worth either. 75014 was well liked and and a double chimney bariant is a coach stronger I've been told.
As @Johnb says, the routine is now well established and only a K4 could be better than the K1. In the old days drivers reputedly thought black 5s, std 5s and B1s a "wee bit tall in the wheel" to be ideal.

 

Pre preservation Black 5s never worked to Mallaig, the turntable was too small and a B1 could only be accommodated if the adjacent siding was clear of wagons. I'm sure a Standard tank would not have sufficient water capacity. 76079 was there for one season and worked the charter renumbered as Fort Williams 76001 but for the Jacobite was restricted to six coaches.

 

Yes an additional watering point would be required for a tank engine on modern loadings.
As I recall it was a NELPG rep who related the wheel quote so it mat have a biased source!

 

A very good point and I find myself disagreeing for the sake of it, but apart from the Heavy ex LNE moguls which are quite clearly ideal
Im just pondering at whats out there passed for limited mainline use other than a Black 5.
A schools definitely has the power - and it would go round tight bends a treat but not the best factor of adhesion ? a potential Banana Skin in the Highlands...

 

The quote about high in the wheel was from a driver on the WH, the late Callum MacRaild