Brienz Rothorn Bahn loco to visit Snowdon in 2017?

visited today and had a ride which was very pleasant however cut short with the train running on the flat only and only up to the approach to the viaduct ramp for operational reasons, The presentation of the BRB coach and loco is something all preserved railways should attempt to attain with not one part that wasnt clean or burnished properley

 

I've heard the reason the Swiss loco only works just beyond station limits is due to the rack not being set up as precisely as the BRB's, so there are issues with the tolerances on the brakes.

 

I've been considering a visit, but if the Swiss loco is only running on a level section it seems rather underwhelming.

 

Did it yesterday, no real noise from the loco as it stops just short of the steep section, covering approximately 0.16 miles (decimal) in each direction. Worth doing for sheer rarity factor! Number 3 was in steam next to BRB 2 for comparison purposes and is apparently to be withdrawn for works over the winter, 5 and 6 being left serviceable (both in steam on service trains yesterday).

There is an additional 13.02 service that doesn't seem to be advertised. The 15.32 was pretty full by 15.20 but the 16.02 had space on it.

JP

 

How many of 7 the steam locomotives are usable nowadays?

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According to the crew member I spoke to, withdrawal of number 3 will leave 5 and 6 serviceable. Number 2 was in the shed complete, I didn't see number 4. Numbers 7 and 8 have been dismantled for many years and their heavily canibalised remains (little more than frames I suspect) are stored off site.

 

Thanks for the information and reply. Having visited the BRB I do wonder if SMR missed a trick in not buying a few new steam locomotives when the BRB did. They were definitely popular compared to diesel on our visit!

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It seems a bit of a shame the way the SMR has gone. Heritage but not really seem as heritage and the heritage aspect not really at the core of their business I guess. More of a public transport service to get people to the top of the mountain and down again.

 

A useful example for those seeking utility from other preserved lines. It’s doable, but not without other compromise.

I’m glad to see they’re still running some steam, as clearly most of their punters aren’t bothered, and it’s the one gap in my little trains collection.

Simon

 

It also has very limited capacity ie 1 coach per train. I've only been on it once back in the 1980s. Lots of queues to get in, 2 hour journey but you were lucky if you got a window seat. Interesting but I'd say a railway you visit to tick off but maybe no one you visit and revisit on every trip.

 

Ive ridden on it by steam and I thought it was brilliant. Stunning views and the loco sounded great. Book in advance no need to que. My favourie rail trip in wales.

 

That's just it. Why go to the extra expense of running steam if it doesn't make a difference for the majority of visitors? For those who do want steam, they offer it at a premium fare; it's a sensible business model which helps them to cover the extra costs and allows them to "price target" potential visitors according to how much they are willing to pay.

That said, the steam fare is now so steep (£30 last time I checked!) that I wouldn't splash out on it unless I got really perfect weather, to ensure the best possible experience. Sadly, I've never yet managed to time a visit to Llanberis to coincide with sunshine (this is Wales after all!), so I haven't been on the SMR since I was a child.

 

Can anyone who's travel, give details of the booking arrangements if any? Please.

 

I went on the Brienz Rothorn in July where, midweek, they had one of the conventional steam locos out and three of the 'new' ones - no diesels. The return fare was 92CHF, roughly 80 quid, so maybe the Snowdon isn't so expensive after all!
Ray.

 

Get a Bernese Oberland Pass. 250CHF for 4 days and you can use it as many times as you like on BRB. I think I managed 7 steam locos in 3 days last time I did it!

 

...or the Tell Pass centred on Luzern for 300CHF for 10 days. It covers the area from Zug to Interlaken and Realp and is valid for unlimited travel on all trains including the BRB, VRB and Pilatus along with the Lake Luzern steamers, buses and all cable cars - an absolute bargain but it is not widely advertised. It also gives you a discount of 25% off the entry fee at the Verkhers (transport) museum. According to the website it is available at SBB stations including Zurich airport. Passes for shorter periods are available but not such good value. See https://www.tellpass.ch/en/
Cheers,
Ray.

 

And a gallery from my Sunday afternoon visit to Llanberis... http://preservedrailway.weebly.com/railways-of-llanberis/