The Ffestiniog Express 08/06/2024

[peteb]

Timings for this Dorridge to Blaenau Ffestiniog trip have appeared on real-time trains.

Route via Bescot outward, Sandwell return. Assume steam leading from Dorridge to Chester, however train shown as reversing at Chester North Jn, so assume it's then diesel hauled Chester North Jn to Llandudno Junction?

No mention at Llandudno Jn of any run round etc.

Might steam be left in consist to Blaenau Ffestiniog, then be dragged back by diesel, for steam hauled direct return to Dorridge?

It would make sense and avoid light engine movements.

Can anyone clarify? Might be of interest to photographers?

 

[LittleRedTrain]

Route guide that came with the tickets suggests steam-hauled by Clun Castle from Dorridge to Chester, reversal of the whole train at Chester, with the 47 then on the front to Llandudno Jn.
Steam-hauled all the way back from Llandudno Jn to Dorridge.

Although I can't see it stated explicitly, my guess is that Clun Castle will be left at Llandudno Junction and serviced there, as it saves trying to gauge the Conway Valley for a Castle.

 

[peteb]

Route guide that came with the tickets suggests steam-hauled by Clun Castle from Dorridge to Chester, reversal of the whole train at Chester, with the 47 then on the front to Llandudno Jn.
Steam-hauled all the way back from Llandudno Jn to Dorridge.

Although I can't see it stated explicitly, my guess is that Clun Castle will be left at Llandudno Junction and serviced there, as it saves trying to gauge the Conway Valley for a Castle.

Oh, I'll have to call VT tomorrow as my tickets have not been sent....yet!!

Your suggestion Clun Castle to be left at Llandudno Jn is most sensible, servicing etc required prior to its return.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

Oh, I'll have to call VT tomorrow as my tickets have not been sent....yet!!

Mine only arrived at 7:30pm today, so hopefully they will be with you shortly.

 

[bleeder4]

The last time they ran this tour steam was left at Llandudno Junction for servicing, so I imagine it will be the same again.

 

[peteb]

Mine only arrived at 7:30pm today, so hopefully they will be with you shortly.

Just checked, tickets arrived!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Jun 2024 ==

The last time they ran this tour steam was left at Llandudno Junction for servicing, so I imagine it will be the same again.

Ok thanks for advice!