West wales steam trains

[STEVIEBOY1]

Hi,

Has anyone been on the WCRC Cambrian Coast trains this season? Have they run OK?, I have been wanting to do that trip for a couple years but not been able to make it. Is the scenery/coastal run good?

If they are runnning next year I might try to do it if they are worthwhile, but it's a long journey to get to the starting station.

I think there were new signaling systems this year?

(Though I guess one way may be to use the newish service from Marylebone to Shrewsbry and stay a couple of nights there before & after the railtour.)

Rgds.

 

[Rich_D3167]

Hi,

Has anyone been on the WCRC Cambrian Coast trains this season? Have they run OK?, I have been wanting to do that trip for a couple years but not been able to make it. Is the scenery/coastal run good?

Hello. I travelled on the WCRC's Cambrian special's this year from Machynlleth through to Pwllheli. I can thoroughly recommend the trip. It has some stunning scenery along the whole route. Mountains on one side, the sea on the other, takes some beating!

If they are runnning next year I might try to do it if they are worthwhile, but it's a long journey to get to the starting station.

I suspect they will run again next year.

I think there were new signaling systems this year?

The new ERTMS signalling hasn't been implemented yet. The line is still using the old system. Some ERTMS trials did take place earlier this year with 44871 whilst it was based at Machynlleth, so it looks like they are finding out a way of getting steam to work with ERTMS signalling. Here's hoping anyway, since it'd be a shame if this route cannot retain summer steam, as it is well worth it.

 

[Spagnoletti]

Done it a couple of years running now, it's not the cheapest day out but it's a fantastic line with some really outstanding sections, eg the climb south from Fairbourne onto the cliffs.

 

[robert2000]

its no different than the ATW 158 from Machynlleth to Pwhelli,

 

[Rich_D3167]

its no different than the ATW 158 from Machynlleth to Pwhelli,

Apart from the fact you travel in a far more spacious and comfortable Mk2 coach & are hauled by steam. Not much difference...