Does anyone think we have a surplus of mainline steamers this year? your thoughts

That may very well be the case, but as the Crewe pool features black, green and (up until now) red engines in any case, and enthusiasts still go on some of these trips to measure performance of these engines over the same route, what's wrong with expanding the model? As Spamcan81 has already said, it was done in the 90s, and it would save the wear and tear of positioning moves by incorporating them into out and back passenger-carrying trips between pool locations (ie. a trip from Bristol to Shrewsbury would feature a locomotive from a possible Bristol pool heading north, with a Crewe pool locomotive taking over for the southbound run). Such operation could also mean getting an engine closer to its 'home' base for routine maintenance whilst earning revenue, which I'm sure isn't something to be snuffed at. It also means that gauge-friendly types will be able to circulate more around the country (look at the reception 46115 had when she travelled south for what is still the only time so far in 2010, and she'd probably be equally welcomed as part of a southern area pool). To me it makes more sense to do this than to keep the status quo of two major depots at opposite ends of the WCML, and having to travel LE for an overnight stay at a location that is not necessarily geared for steam operation. In any event, this is just an observation, so let's get back to the crux of the thread.

I agree that when one looks at it, the current fleet is not enough. When one considers that two class 5s are almost permanently in Scotland, with a brief changeover period when there are three locomotives up there; not to mention all the gauging issues and whatnot that dictate what locomotives run where, then it seems we have a pretty unbalanced state of affairs in that although we have a large fleet, most of it will be restricted to certain parts of the country, and the rest is left to fill in as best it can (normally 5029, 34067, 70013 and up to three class 5s (which are restricted in speed); 70000 has not yet quite established itself as a mainline stalwart in the sense of 70013).

 

If the usual problems occur with regard to failures there could well be problems. With 60009 not yet ready, 60007 commited to the NYMR, 5029 already out of the equation, well, it looks like there is little cover for later in the season. If the Jacobite could manage with two class 5s then 61994 could perhaps remain at Crewe. It may only be 60mph rated but it has taken 530 tons over the S & C and flown over the same route with 430 tons and could well find working out of Crewe no harder than working out of Fort William additionally if there were major problems working to the South West the engine would find the hill climbs very much to its liking. 4472 will undoubtably be fit to run but being able to make use of it could well be a problem. The ultimate cover would be 4771 but I can always dream.

 

Oh dear. Rather unfortunate timing. <BJ>

 

Good news for the loco group after yesterdays' loco failure. Unfortunate for the punters on the steam charter. <BJ>

 

I'm seem to be missing out on some news somewhere, could someone fill me in?
Henners

 

It is so unfortunate. Especially after those great runs in the Cumbrian Mountains.

 

9466 still has a current mainline ticket, just no offers of work,

regards George

 

46115 Scots Guardsman and WCRC pet engine hasn't got a mention yet....

 

No sooner have I written that when I look again its staring back at me as 6115 on the list.... pretty sure should have 46115 as thats what its got at present unless you had to do 4492 [60019].....

 

61264 is missing! I thought that was going mainline.... after a spell at NYMR.

 

I did that with the other 2 LMS passenger engines.

[61264 is missing! I thought that was going mainline.... after a spell at NYMR.]
I didn't know that she was going online. When does that happen?

 

Pretty sure that shes running Mainline to Whitby for NYMR, but also will see use on Mainline. Her support coach from Tornado had been recalled, but there is a chance she might just stay as far as Battersby. Had NYMR given funds to get her overhauled and as a result linked to NYMR use? Heard that too.....

 

Gentlemen,

It is wonderful that all these loco's are available on the mainline, but please remember that it is exponentially more expensive to keep one on a mainline vs private railway.

If folks don’t purchase tickets for the tours, then the money doesn’t filter down to the loco operating trusts.

We are looking forward to completing Clun towards the end of next year…..double-headed-double-chimney-castles over the Devon Banks!