STEEL, STEAM & STARS II - Llangollen Rly - 18 to 26 April 09

Bit tetchy there aren't we Will, no-one was suggesting knocking a visiting engine for one of the home fleet. Lil bear simply asked for any suggestions and thats all it was. I think the majority of people are aware the amount of effort an event of this size requires and I have to admit it something I wouldn't have time to do, but if suggestions aren't welcome then don't ask :smt002

 

Well personally I'd like the idea of a 10 coach passenger train as well as the freight, but I guess that's fairly predictable! \/

 

Its ok just spoken with Will he is tired! :smt015

 

I'm not going to cater just for one person. However if there is a genuine interest among a number of people then I will obviously have to consider it at least.

So at the moment you guys have 2 questions.

1. Would you want a Freight Cruise running Monday evening, and if so what with?

2. What do you want for evening trains. (Remember there are 3 evenings)
A. 2 bar sets + freight
B. 1 large set + freight

 

1. 9017 & 5526
2. A -
Evening 1 - Mayflower + Blood & Custard set, 6430 + Choc & Cream set, 9017 & 5526 + Freight.
Evening 2 5526 & 5199+ Blood & Custard set, Dukedog + Choc & Cream set, 5643 + Freight.
Evening 3 - 80072 + Blood & Custard set, City of Truro + Choc & Cream set, Morayshire + Freight

 

The extended freight train for Monday night (add in some box vans, maybe a tanker wagon if there's one not in Thomas colours to the existing train), must use Locos that have been paid for that day. So for Monday, which is now planned as a Cambrian theme, the Dukedog and 55xx would be perfect. If we add a Parcels coach (BG) into the consist, then gricers can travel with it. We could have extended stops at stations to get pics in the twilight.

Regards running ten coach train on one of the busy evenings with 44806; I expect it could be fitted in, along with other double headed combinations, but it's the shunting to combine stock and then splitting for the next day that causes concern for the operations staff.

Personally I will be happy to see our planned 80072 & 44806 'Emerald Isles Express' on one of the busy days, which even with only seven on should look good.

Mr Perfection

 

I thought we weren't going public with Monday Theme yet?? Oh well, cat out the bag now lol
Freight Cruise is only idea atm (though it is a popular 1 and more than likely going by the interest)

10 coach, this is why I've given you the option as I want to see what interests people. Paul42 answer is spot on and if we can have a few more responses like that it would be appreciated

Really I've got till end of next month before I have to put final ideas onto paper and hand them in RE timetable. So keep them coming, I am listening!

 

Well there isn't much point people requesting stuff with Locos we aren't using! We aren't going to pay another steaming fee just to have a different Loco on Monday evening. So might as well point out what is planned now. We need to firm up ASAP anyway as we are already mid way through October!

Paul42 made some good choices. Let's see what else people come up with.

 

If we do a longer freight then perhaps it's best we take stock of what wagons we can use that are on the line. There are a few different wagons i'm sure we could borrow from around the railway to give the rake a longer length, like the Cement Wagon at Glen.

 

I agree with the BG idea- The mailtrain charter last year with 7822 and ALL the railways box vans plus 2 full brakes and a Toad looked great for those who saw it! The LMS BG at carrog is OK (as far as I know) for use and perhaps the MK1 BG (ex Project "X" mess van) could be tarted up and used? That way you could accomodate passengers in the brake vans and BGs, giving an increased capacity for passengers? Any of yours available Flying Fiver? Only suggestions but food for thought...!?!

 

I can just picture 9017 and 5526 working something similar...
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0DJTrq-oZeo

I think we better get confirming this Freight Cruise. Shall have a play with the t/t tonight.

 

3822 (not 72)... looks fantastic. Difficult to think that was 1993/4.

Nice set of wagons aswell. would be good to see a running pressflo, although me and MEJ keep threatening to do it up.... Wonder where the clay hoods went though...

And they moan when we make a little bit of smoke............. Global warming, carbon footprint - Whatever next.

 

We could have our arm twisted for the period II (grotto) coach I suppose. It would need us to sort out the emergency light on one end and the burglar alarm box, canopy and door at the other , but that won't take much (it did run in that parcels like this) and it has now also got one corridor connection fitted, may even have the other one on then as well, so yes its a possibilty. for photo opputunities behind the black 5 it would look the part, just people won't be able to ride in it. The LMS BG, LMS period II and the project X BG would make a good parcels train

 

I see that you will have a BR black liveried 9017 to provide an additional bonus point for the gala (according to the latest SR mag).

Regards,

Dan

 

Haven't we mentioned that bit? Must of slipped our minds...

Sorry.

 

To illustrate what has been announced in the latest issue of Steam Railway (image created digitally and based on a photo by Jon Bowers):

 

The worst kept but best anticipated secret is out! Black Dukedog! Now thats definately worth ALL you enthusiasts coming down to Llangollen to see, let alone all the other events/ visiting locos planned!!!

MEJ- (offering up a prayer to the god of rostering- "Please let me fire the dukedog...!")

 

Yeah but it still made front page of STEAM RAILWAY (Many thanks Danny!) so some of us must have kept quiet!

Mr Perfection

 

I did keep it quiet! Front page of Steam Railway gave it away slightly! Still I guess I am no longer sworn to secrecy by the 6880 group as I was at the weekend when I was told!!! :-#