The 10A Allocation

Please can anybody say what loco this boiler belongs to? Seen on 22 March.

https://andrewstransport.smugmug.com/WestCoastRailwaysWCRC/Carnforth-Steamtown-2026/i-Cx6G7v7

Andrew N

 

Is it off K1 62005?

 

Yes, I think it's the K1 - the most recent NELPG newsletter suggested that the frames were still sans boiler.

 

The round top firebox is the giveaway....

 

Yrs, though my immediate thought was B1, but AFAIK neither of them are at 10A? Maybe identical boilers? 100A from memory?

 

K1 is a 116 diagram boiler vs 100A on the B1. As I recollect, 62005 was originally acquired as a source of spare boiler for 61994/LNER 3442, the K4. Thankfully the K1 wasn't canibalised after all and NELPG got hold of it.
As to the current state, the most recent news from NELPG I read was that it was hoped to be complete for Easter. Clearly not, or not 2026 Easter at any rate.

 

If they are not air braking the K1 and there is no vac braked stock to pull = no rush I suppose.

 

In which case I'm sure that the NYMR would have snapped it up for their Whitby service. However, the way things are going, there's no rush for that, either.

 

The Jacobite has often seemed more appealing to NELPG than seasons on the NYMR, presumably for income reasons, but the logistics of supporting the loco at FW must be onerous compared to Grosmont.

 

Very true, NELPG must be tired of the whole saga now. Its been nearly 5 years since the K1 last ran.
Not sure how contractor dependent NELPG is but presumably the boiler is being or has been done at Carnforth. So, again, no point rushing it for someone other than WC to get use of the loco?

 

I think operating on the big railway compared with a heritage railway is always considered to be the most remunerative operation and the logical work of choice for the loco. However, with a need to maximise income over the year, every alternative needs to be considered and, if the West Highland isn't available they need to look elsewhere.

 

The support crew at FW I assume will be volunteers so there must be a strong element of enjoyment to having a working holiday in the Highlands. It's been quite a while since they had the pleasure though now.

 

That’s ok so long as your pool of support crew is deep enough with members either retired or with sufficient holiday leave available?

 

Very much so and what was the case 5 years ago when 62005 was last up there might not be the same whenever the loco is ready to return I suppose. The Moors might be a more appealing option if it gives access to a bigger support team.

 

I was a fan of mainline running until a couple of years ago but the product has become so downgraded and unappealling, esxpecially the way WCR approach it, I've stopped booking RTC tours completely. Hermetically sealed, diesel assisted, over priced incarceration diesn't really appeal anymore. It may be ok for well heeled corporate functions, expense fuelled jollies or days out to Bkenheim, Bath and Bournemoth but for enthusiasts heritage lines are increasingly attractive in terms of both atmosphere and value for money.

I hope that the WCR decline, in my view now terminal, can be seen as an opportunity for the heritage sector. In the depressed economic climate this won't be an easy sell but if the price point can be kept reasonable for both families and enthusiasts then that opportunity should be taken. I also think that the WCR fleet of moribund Mk1 coaches present the last opportunity such railways will have to acquire practical heritage stock.

 

If RTC are over priced what does that make all the others then?

 

I take your point regarding RTC comparison with other tour operators. My view is of over priced tours generally in terms of what is now on offer across the board. The LSL and SRPS Mk1 rakes are a welcome exception of course but with WCR the product is seldom worth the money, at least from my enthusiast perspective.

According to what I was told only this morning the forthcoming RTC Great Britain, so successful in earlier years, will feature no Mk1 accomodation (despite the adverts) and a total of two different locos. If WCR refuses to upgrade Mk1 coaches or most of their steam fleet to meet ORR standards then it is hardly surprising people don't want to fork out for an inferior product.

 

SLL/Swanage Railway 34028 “Eddystone” has been out on a test run, with it's dedicated support coach BSK 35011, following some work on the loco carried out recently.
If all runs are successful then, I suppose, 34028 will not be long in getting to WCRC's Southall base in readiness for the 2026 season.
Presumably it will also be returning the WCRC support coach it used during 2025's main line trips.

 

In what way(s) do WCR’s steam fleet not “meet ORR standards”?

 

Without air braking they are incapable of working any WCR mainline compliant coaching stock. Of course most can run light engine, which is fine visiting galas, but as vac only can't work mainline passenger services.