78019 to Embsay

Mrs Beets Ivatt class 2 took 6 coaches over the S & C. Video of it southbond at,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lSGIjlBz4M
Looking forward to seeing and riding behind 78019 at Embsay.

Regards,
John.

 

Class 2 Ivatts take up to 280 tons (8 coaches) on the SVR - longest hills are approx 2 miles at 1 in 100, with a short, much steeper bit out of the platforms at Bridgnorth. You won't break any speed records, but they'll pull no problem and perhaps more importantly, their steaming rate is very good, so the firemen have no problems producing what's needed without mortgaging the boiler.

41241 takes 5 (in my experience, not sure what the limit is) on the KWVR, which is mostly 1 in 60 the whole way from what I remember.

 

It's just the GCR being cautious, they don't understand hills there!

 

Slightly off topic but what is the gradient out of Highley? That always appears to be a stinker and possibly most tricky climb on the SVR, Bridgnorth apart.

 

You are right on Highley bank being the trickiest part of the SVR - the gradient is only 1 in 100, but a combination of the standing start on a very tight check railed curve and a flange lubricator that frequently dumps a good share of its grease onto the railhead, then a series of reverse curves make this short hill tricky at times. I've not stuck on it yet - but have had a couple of close shaves - and one of them was with a class 2 Ivatt...

 

With regards to 41241 on the KWVR it is limited to a maximum of 5 coaches, It will take five up the Worth Valley Branch and keep time OK.