Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway General Discussion

You can buy tickets from the guard still at intermediate stations

 

After my wife and I have been for a walk in Eskdale, we often want to be able to hop on a train back from Ravenglass, Irton Road or Dalegarth. As we won't know what time until we get there, the present system does not work for us.

 

Bet the signal is pretty poor up there, in an ideal world you should be able to book your seat, in real time via your mobile. Bet there isnt a Lal'Ratty app. though.

 

Gala 4-6 May with 2 visiting locos which are new to R&ER (one is new to everywhere!). https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/events/2024-gala-celebrations

 

After a meal at Wasdale Head, we pottered down to Dalegarth and 3/4 of our group went down on the last train of the day - after coffee at Fellbites.

I was very surprised to find Perkins on duty ! - apparently R. Irt had been failed with air compressor problems earlier.
Didn't have any problem with the load that I could see, the train was 10mins late, but that probably was the result of earlier shenanigans.

[We finished off our day with ice cream at St,Bees before returning to OrangeHaven] {akaWHN}.

 

The railway company have shared the following statement with the Preservation Society this morning:

Bonnie Dundee and Flower of the Forest find their forever home.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway is pleased to confirm the sale of two locomotives, Bonnie Dundee and Flower of the Forest, to the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (CCLR).
These engines have been based at the CCLR for many years. Bonnie Dundee has been lovingly restored, cared for and operated as part of the railways regular fleet and in time, Flower of the Forest will also be restored. They have become a much-loved part of the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway family, appreciated by staff and visitors alike.

Daniel Morley of Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway said:
“Although they were never formally listed for sale, when Cleethorpes approached us about making their custodianship permanent, it felt like the natural next step. We are proud to see these engines remain where they are clearly treasured. We thank the team at Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway for their dedication over the years and look forward to seeing Bonnie Dundee and Flower of the Forest continue to delight audiences in their new and now official home. We look forward to welcoming them back from time to time as visiting engines.”

John Kerr, Director of CCLR:
“We are very grateful to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway for entrusting us with the loan of these locomotives back in 2016 and now allowing them to become a lasting and integral part of the CCLR collection. We are committed to the future of both locomotives. The presence of Bonnie Dundee since her restoration has been a tremendous asset to our railway, both as a working locomotive and as a piece of living railway history. This resonates deeply with our visitors with whom she is popular, and she has become a firm favourite with our team. Whilst we have not commenced work on Flower of the Forest, we are committed to investing in her restoration to working order, ensuring that both locomotives remain operational and appreciated by future generations.”

 

Pleased to read that news ...

 

Would be even better to hear that the money to be received was to be put towards another, more suitable, steam loco! Isn't there another Krauss "train from Spain" in the UK they could at buying and adding?

 

I wouldn't hold your breath...

 

The R&ER really doesn't need the burden of maintaining another 'main line' steam loco: the existing fleet is sufficient.

The "other Krauss" was incomplete when it left Spain (no boiler or IIRC tender) and it's private owner in England is slowly restoring it as time and money permits. I'm sure when it is completed (no forecast date) it will appear at galas on suitable 15" gauge lines. You never know (pure speculation on my part) a longer-term hire agreement with one line or another might be negotiated.

 

2nd - 4th May - Gala marking 150 years since the start of passenger services, 60th birthday of River Mite and 50th birthday of Northern Rock.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1D9GkEP2bG/

 

More details are emerging and it's become clear this Gala is focusing on Northern Rock's 50th birthday. Visiting locos have been invited (no I don't know....)

https://ravenglass-railway.co.uk/event/steam-railway-gala/

 

I would guess it would be a bit too much to wish for Northern Rock II to visit from Japan.

 

I see the Dalegarth platform cafe has now been transformed into a corporate style venue for premium afternoon tea customers branded "Wakefield’s at Dalegarth Station"

Normal visitors will banished downstairs when it is ready for business.

Assume the 2020 style of ticketing continues apart from the May gala weekend.

 

I believe you only have to book your outward journey now

But yes normal gala day rovers for may, it's all looking very exciting what is planned!

 

That feels a bit harsh. Creating an extra 'value add' for people travelling in first class feels like a good way to keep a bit more of people's money on the railway. £55 for a return ticket in a comfy carriage (double the standard fare), with a few sarnies (and the option of a glass of prosecco for ~£10 more, likely twice the price of a bottle…) feels like a potential good earner for the railway.

I can't see that that's 'corporate-style' so much as an attempt to leverage extra spend on a luxury good that can be delivered (hopefully / presumably) without significant additional marginal cost to the railway.

Simon

 

I think I have seen Katie and Sian are visiting from Kirklees.