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Lakelander Tours 2024

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by sgthompson, Apr 9, 2024.

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  1. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I agree, it makes it a bit pointless to try and compare what happens now to the situation in steam days. Operations then were geared to a crew of average ability and locomotives in average condition that could range from an ex works engine to a run down mechanical disaster. For most footplatemen it was just a job, there were exceptions of course, the exploits of Bill Hoole and Gordon Porter on the Southern sometimes bordered on the reckless. As you say today’s steam crews are enthusiastic or they wouldn’t do it, I think that most of the DB crews who work the Belmond are MNLPS members so they are driving and firing their own engine. Having said that the more unpleasant tasks of preparation and disposal are now done by others and they are guaranteed the engine will be in top mechanical condition. We are lucky to have some top class enginemen on the main line, one of my most memorable experiences in recent years was being privileged to be on Bahamas on the climb to Sapperton Tunnel on a wet rail with ten on the back and no diesel. When I mentioned to the driver that I didn’t notice him go for the sanders he told me he didn’t as he wanted to see if he could work it to the limit of adhesion, it was full regulator with an adjustment on the reverser as we hit the 1 in 60 at Frampton Mansell and no slipping at all.
     
    Johnb, May 19, 2024
    #81
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  2. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

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    Very well put Peter , pretty sure plenty of lineside folk and passengers appreciate the footplate crews hard work whatever is happening at the rear.
     
    sgthompson, May 19, 2024
    #82
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  3. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    One problem with that is that is the shunting at Kingswear would be complicated without a diesel on the back, and it all has to be fitted in between the regular P&D service trains which can be tricky. There is also the question of the short but punishing gradients on the Kingswear branch on which even Class 8's have come to grief before...
     
    alastair, May 19, 2024
    #83
  4. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Nothing to disagree with in that comment. It's the same "nothing is guaranteed" point as a trip that may go wrong when there is no diesel in sight. Braunton failing at Stevenage due to poor steaming or Tornado at Rugby for a similar reason come to mind.

    But money is money and if I want a nice ride through the countryside on our national network then I don't have to pay top dollar for dual power options. And by all accounts the current tired WCRC a/c rake is definitely not the seat to choose in warm weather. It seems the owner of the rake shares that view as well.
     
    Big Al, May 20, 2024
    #84
  5. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Question for the historians---- how common was banking passenger trains (ie steam on the back) in BR days? My impression is --- Shap, Beattock yes. A good shove out of termini , yes. Apart from that I'd have thought piloting was more common, but still very rare on ex LNER and SR ( Night Ferry aside).
     
    Last edited: May 20, 2024
    30567, May 20, 2024
    #85
  6. Mike Wylie

    Mike Wylie New Member

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    Glasgow Queen St
    Lime St
    Manchester Victoria
    Bradford

    Just off the top of my head.

    As you say Piloting was very very common all over the Network. As others have said it was all geared towards it. Class 7s not overloaded either and if they were help was usually asked for.

    All being well 60007 will be on its own Southbound over Ais Gill on Thursday, loads of time available. No guarantees though, its a very heavy train and the engine simply can't be thrashed in any way. Its too precious.
     
    Mike Wylie, May 20, 2024
    #86
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  7. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Music to my ears Mike. I will be on board, completely understand re no guarantees. Are you driving?
     
    30567, May 20, 2024
    #87
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  8. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    Including freight; Exeter, Folkestone Harbour, Masbury on the S&D, Brimscombe, Lickey, Suger Loaf, Peak Forest, Copy Pit, Grayrigg and several places in the NE on freight lines
     
    Johnb, May 20, 2024
    #88
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  9. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Exeter surely also Southern passenger trains in the up direction.
     
    MellishR, May 20, 2024
    #89
  10. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    From Preston docks?
     
    RalphW, May 20, 2024
    #90
  11. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Glasson dock, Lancaster. But I did say passenger.....
     
    30567, May 20, 2024
    #91
  12. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    iancawthorne, May 20, 2024
    #92
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  13. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Well-Known Member

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    Glasson Dock had a passenger station 1883 to 1930, remained open for goods until 1964.
     
    Britfoamer, May 21, 2024
    #93
  14. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Any idea's yet what will be doing the Lakelander on the 8th June please
     
    neildimmer, May 28, 2024
    #94
  15. Steamie Boxes

    Steamie Boxes Member

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    Well I'll be amazed if it is a Lakelander, seeing as the Coast is shut between Sellafield and Millom for engineering works that weekend
     
    Steamie Boxes, May 28, 2024
    #95
  16. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    RalphW, May 28, 2024
    #96
  17. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    i am booked on it and not heard anything about the line being not in use from Saphos
     
    Last edited: May 28, 2024
    neildimmer, May 28, 2024
    #97
  18. Robert F

    Robert F New Member

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    Robert F, May 28, 2024
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  19. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

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    sgthompson, May 28, 2024
    #99
  20. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Gladiator 5076, May 28, 2024
    #100
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