I visited the Bala Lake Railway's August gala yesterday and picked up a book about the history of the railway.
I was aware that Jonathan (ex Bernstein) had been based there in the 1980s before moving on to pastures new, which the book of course covered.
What I wasnt aware of was issues with operating Jonathan whilst it was a Bala. The book mentioned that the difficulties arose due to the deeper buffer beams, these being characteristic of the Dinorwic early and late Port Classes (Jonathan and Covertcoat and Lady Joan, Dolbadarn and Michael).
Is anyone aware of what these issues were? Additionally are there any issues experienced at Launceston with Covertcoat and Dolbadarn at Llanberis? I am not aware how regularly Covertcoat is in traffic having not visited Launceston in over 30 years. However Dolbadarn is more often than not in traffic when I'm in Llanberis.
I was aware that Jonathan (ex Bernstein) had been based there in the 1980s before moving on to pastures new, which the book of course covered.
What I wasnt aware of was issues with operating Jonathan whilst it was a Bala. The book mentioned that the difficulties arose due to the deeper buffer beams, these being characteristic of the Dinorwic early and late Port Classes (Jonathan and Covertcoat and Lady Joan, Dolbadarn and Michael).
Is anyone aware of what these issues were? Additionally are there any issues experienced at Launceston with Covertcoat and Dolbadarn at Llanberis? I am not aware how regularly Covertcoat is in traffic having not visited Launceston in over 30 years. However Dolbadarn is more often than not in traffic when I'm in Llanberis.