WCME/CME 2024

It is likely that 35018/44932/45699/46115 are going to remain power for the steam legs of these tours.
A few moments before starting this thread had a flashback to 2012 and 2013 really wonderful Having 45305/60009 and 70013 on those tours. Hope that maybe 1 of those 3 locos “13” may get to do it again some time.

 

Or non of those locos…

 

Despite pages and pages of comment and speculation on the “ORR and WCRC thread” we still do not know if the WCME on the 27 Jan will run and if it does what form it will take.

WCRC are by far the largest operator of main line steam, and particularly so in the NW. Within my “local catchment area” (an area bounded by Leyland, Carnforth, Ribblehead, Skipton and Blackburn) they were the only TOC offering “pure steam”.

In 2023, in “my area” there were 63 trains headed by steam; 52 of these were operated by WCRC. (Test runs, ECS & LE moves not included).

RTC/WCRC: 22. 7 had a diesel loco on the rear; 2 early season WCMEs, 1 on the Copy Pit leg of the GB (following the late failure of 45699) and 4 in the “leaf fall season”.

LSL: 10. All 10 had a diesel loco on the rear in accordance with LSL’s standard operational practice.

VT: 1. This had a diesel loco on the rear as required by NR.

WCRC: 22 (This includes 4 “one-off” trips operated on behalf of other promoters). 6 had a diesel loco on the rear; 3 during a period of very high fire risk and 3 in the “leaf fall season”.

NBelle/WCRC: 8. All 8 had a diesel loco on the rear in accordance with the standard operational practice for this train. (An additional 5 trains were booked to have steam haulage but the lack of a suitable steam locomotive for air-braked stock meant that they were diesel hauled.)

Fingers crossed as we wait.

 

Has anyone who is booked on the first one had any correspondence or communication with RTC given it is little over a week until it is due to run?

 

From what I understand it is due to run, a rake of coaches is available. I’m sure we will find out in the coming days.

 

Asked the question. It should be running but the implication is that it won't be the 'normal set'. Does anyone out there know of any CDL fitted slam door stock that isn't Air Con air braked Mk2s? or another set that is still inside an exemption window that can be hired in? Lost track as we haven't been out roaming that much in recent years.

 

The Riviera MK2 Blue and Grey Set would be the obvious choice. Not sure if it’s aircon or not, but it’s air braked.

I think WCRC have some kind of MK2 CDL set of their own, but again I would guess air braked and not sure on the air con.

Not quite sure where you’d stand with hiring a set. I assume for instance, if Tyseley’s VT set was hired, WCRC still couldn’t operate it as their exemption for operating non-CDL stock has gone. I’d assume VT would have to operate

 

So the loco would be Tangmere or two of the Riley 5s?

 

Well on the assumption that there’s no 10A surprise you’d have to think so.

But then again I’m fairly sure youncould run a Vac Braked Steam engine with a diesel tucked inside as a converter vehicle for the air braked train. But that sounds relatively complex and I’m not sure if it’s permitted.

 

44871 and 45407 are both in Heywood being overhauled.

 

Pathfinder have announced that their Feb S&C tour will now be Tangmere on Riviera blue and grey Mk2s, I wouldn't be surprised if the WCMEs turn out to be the same.

 

I mean fair play to WCR. Absolutely doing their best to run the train.

 

Yes I don’t think there is any other option

 

and it's not unreasonable to assume that if WCR can make a few Mk 1s compliant within the next 2-3 months, the priority will be to whisk them off to Fort William.

 

You would have to assume that to be the case. But then you could also argue they will want to ensure the Northern Belle is compliant too, that’ll be worth quite a bit to them

 

Probably is the solution for early season, until such point that the set is double booked or West Coast were due to be running more than one train on the same day.
Also huge amount of work for Tangmere, but Tornado is due back first quarter of the year. Is 71000 air braked?

 

Seen it happen plenty of times on diesel galas, but must admit its pretty clunky at only 25mph!

 

Yes it is but remember West Coast refused to operate it during the last period of mainline running (appreciate that has happened with 60163 and 35028 at points as well)

Andrew

 

I know 71000 is under a deal with Vintage Trains, but don't think it prevents it use by other operators. I believe 60007 can also be hired by others despite its base at Crewe.
Of course both locos would need their West Coast safety cases updated.
A certain A3 also has air brakes and currently an empty diary, but doubtless there is stuff going on behind closed doors we don't know about there!
If I were West Coast I would be looking to purchase some air braking equipment aswell as CDL!

 

Depends if it's tied into an exclusive deal with Vintage Trains. 60007, despite common belief, isn't tied to LSL and is available for hire by other TOCs, though obviously the LSL commitments come first.