Cambrian tourist Trains

[6Gman]

Isn't that what the Cambrian lines have already got last May?

Four extra services on the mainline in each direction and an extra service in each direction on the coast line as well.

It's a start, but I'd rather see some linespeed improvements (to improve journey times) and extra crossing points (to improve reliability) than a 'tourist train' chugging up and down in the summer.

 

[RepTCTC]

Like you say its a serious bit of kit! On the 158s it takes up 2 seats worth of space as well as the cab alterations.

I can't work out whether that's laughable, quaint, or scary.

 

[fgwrich]

There's a photo on flickr of this, according to the photographer "...what I assume to be the balise reading equipment under 37668. Unlike the 97/3s, one of the fuel tanks didn’t need to be sacrified; instead, a new one was fabricated with a notch cut into it to accommodate this equipment"


37668, Welshpool by Richard Jones, on Flickr

Thanks for that, that explains how the West Coast ones are modified then. The NR conversions are far more noticeable through the lack of Fuel Tank as a result. Good to see some thought has been put into these two, it'll allow their ranges to stay nearly the same.

 

[craigybagel]

I can't work out whether that's laughable, quaint, or scary.

How so?

 

[berneyarms]

It's a start, but I'd rather see some linespeed improvements (to improve journey times) and extra crossing points (to improve reliability) than a 'tourist train' chugging up and down in the summer.

That would cost a lot more than facilitating a tourist train.

Realistically I think the mainline is as good as you'll get it.

Additional loops have been located at such points to facilitate passing three trains en route from Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, and line speeds increased at various locations.

I can't see changes being made to those locations.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

The late and much missed Tom Clift had a serious look at some heritage DMU type options for the rural / Coast lines - good idea if you could (a) find some good sets (b) get over the safety case issues.

There is no doubt that an increase in train services would assist the summer economy - much as the Jacobean brings in a lot of business to the Mallaig line and area.

 

[Gareth Marston]

It's a start, but I'd rather see some linespeed improvements (to improve journey times) and extra crossing points (to improve reliability) than a 'tourist train' chugging up and down in the summer.

East of Talerddig the Cambrian mainline is probably the fastest bit of single track on the network but west of it were still on speed limits that have existed since Cambrian 4-4-0's ran the service. Newtown is 33 miles from Shrewsbury but it's just 38 minutes, in comparison Aberystwyth is 49 miles but about 70 minutes.

Extending the double track section north of Welshpool and restoring some of the Moat Lane to Newtown section would be more sensible than another loop.
Aberdyfi or Llwyngwiril on the coast are the places you would consider.
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The late and much missed Tom Clift had a serious look at some heritage DMU type options for the rural / Coast lines - good idea if you could (a) find some good sets (b) get over the safety case issues.

There is no doubt that an increase in train services would assist the summer economy - much as the Jacobean brings in a lot of business to the Mallaig line and area.

A man who knew how to run a service.

 

[Late Trains uk]

What about ARRIVA in partnership with Tourist offices offer a regular Rambler excursions or packages the trains could vary in type and length depending the time of year? You would be combing and enhancing both of this areas two main attractions, walking & heritage railway.
The train can start out at a West Midland station pick up at major stations like Mach, Tywyn Barmouth while dropping walkers at their start points and return after a number of hours picking passengers up from there finish point. You could even offer a tickets depending on the length of stay customers would like.