Alternative steam power for the Jacobite services... hypothetically.

[alexl92]

As far as I can tell, West Coast's fleet for the Jacobite services is taken from 45407, 45212, 44871 and 62005, and I understand they need at least 3 locos up at Fort Bill to run the timetable.

Hypothetically, if WC found themselves in a position where two or more of those locos needed major repairs that would keep them out for a number of months during the peak season, are there currently any other steam locomotives which are operational and mainline certified which would be able to step in given the axle-loading of the line and the power requirements?

I know 45305 has been up in the past but is currently awaiting overhaul. Aside from LSL's 45231 I don't think there are any other mainline-certified Black 5s at the moment (5428 is only certified for Grosmont - Whitby AFAIK)

Can a Jubilee run on the WHL? I'm thinking Leander in black - the average punter wouldn't be able to tell the difference between that and a black 5. Or a B1?

I am aware that they may just default to diesel haulage - this is less about whether it's a realistic scenario and more about alternative traction for that line.

Cheers!

 

[Dhansak]

How far can a Hall venture up the WHL? Certainly got as far as Glenfinnan for a certain film franchise.

 

[DarloRich]

just wang a 47 on it.

 

[31160]

just wang a 47 on it.

Ooh rare for Mallaig im sure that will bring some in

 

[blackfive460]

I seem to recall WCRC's 8F has worked trains up there.
75014 has also worked out of Fort Bill.

 

[edwin_m]

just wang a 47 on it.

ISTR Deltics are cleared up that way...

 

[D6968]

ISTR Deltics are cleared up that way...

As are 50’s…

 

[Bevan Price]

Class B1 can go to Mallaig

Mallaig - RAILSCOT

RailScot, a history of Railways with an emphasis on Scottish Railways. Photographs, maps, news, queries and more.

www.railscot.co.uk

 

[Spamcan81]

Class B1 can go to Mallaig

Mallaig - RAILSCOT

RailScot, a history of Railways with an emphasis on Scottish Railways. Photographs, maps, news, queries and more.

www.railscot.co.uk

Indeed it can but considered by some crews at least to be a bit "tall in the wheel" for the Mallaig Extension.

 

[181]

Class B1 can go to Mallaig

Mallaig - RAILSCOT

RailScot, a history of Railways with an emphasis on Scottish Railways. Photographs, maps, news, queries and more.

www.railscot.co.uk

Indeed it can but considered by some crews at least to be a bit "tall in the wheel" for the Mallaig Extension.

61264 achieved some quite impressive timings on the Mallaig 'Plandampf' day in October 2001.

 

[ecml_trains]

44871,45407,45212 will all be working the Jacobite this year they are looking to have a 4th looc just in case and there looking at 61306 or 76079 this may not happen it’s just in case they do need a 2nd spare loco

 

[alexl92]

44871,45407,45212 will all be working the Jacobite this year they are looking to have a 4th looc just in case and there looking at 61306 or 76079 this may not happen it’s just in case they do need a 2nd spare loco

Oooh interesting!

Does anyone know if Jubilees are cleared up there?

 

[ecml_trains]

Jubilees are fine to run the west highland line

 

[geoffk]

44871,45407,45212 will all be working the Jacobite this year they are looking to have a 4th looc just in case and there looking at 61306 or 76079 this may not happen it’s just in case they do need a 2nd spare loco

A shame the Great Marquess is no longer available.

 

[alexl92]

Jubilees are fine to run the west highland line

Thanks!

A shame the Great Marquess is no longer available.

Indeed; I was thinking of this when I wrote the post. She was the 4th/5th engine a few times I think.

 

[47827]

Imagine a 4th loco will be a diesel before any Carnforth ones are considered. As mentioned earlier Carnforth based steam traction has been up. I'm sure I remember seeing the 8F on it. They are generally bottom choice due to the logistical issues of basing all the support and maintenance staff up there for lengthy periods plus DS (the owner) doesn't want to break his own locos with expensive bills when Mr Riley already provides a sensible alternative complete with maintenance and support crew thrown in.

 

[j shuttleworth]

44871,45407,45212 will all be working the Jacobite this year they are looking to have a 4th looc just in case and there looking at 61306 or 76079 this may not happen it’s just in case they do need a 2nd spare loco

Er, I don't think we are looking at the B1 or Std 4 - and I should know!

The Riley Black 5s are the rostered locos for this season.

James Shuttleworth
WCR