WCRC Jacobite Steam

[I T S]

Can anyone advise if Staff priv cards are valid on the Jacobite steam run by West coast railways ? Someone mentioned this the other day and was wondering if anyone could confirm for definite. Also if valid, how do I book a priv? turn up?

ITS

 

[4SRKT]

It's not even advisable for non-priv holders to just turn up as it often sells out weeks in advance.

 

[First class]

This applies to TOCNE Rail Staff Travel (e.g. started working for a TOC after 1996) holders:

West Coast Railway Company
The West Coast Railway Company operates steam hauled main line
charter trains on routes such as the Settle to Carlisle line and a daily
return service between Fort William and Mallaig from June to September.
Staff can travel on these services at a privilege rate of a quarter of the
published price.

Doesn't say you need to book in advance, although is probably advisable. ALTHOUGH, I don't know whether PRIV tickets can be obtained in that way.

 

[4SRKT]

Be warned that this train is full of seriously dull normals. There will not be cranks or kettle veg anywhere. It's a pleasant enough trundle, but trundle it certainly is, and not a patch on the Steam Enterprise. If you turn up and can't get a priv 'cos it's sold out, just go to Mallaig and back on a 156. It'll be almost as good and loads cheaper. Only disadvantage is no vestibule hanging, but the views from a 156 are so panoramic, that as far as modern trains go, it's the ideal unit for this route. Good thrash too. WCR's mk Is are a total disgrace BTW.

TBH for me the most enjoyable part of the day was getting the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William from Westerton. I would even say I enjoyed the 156 back south as much as the Jacobite itself. The route between Crianlarich and FW knocks the Mallaig section into a cocked hat for me,

 

[Chris125]

There are plenty who would argue the exact opposite, myself included. Fantastic climbs in both directions, great scenery, lots of Black 5 thrash and because of its regular schedule, relatively few enthusiasts taking up windows near the engine. I reccomend it, and if you possibly can, travel behind steam.

Chris

 

[87031]

156 or a rake of mk1s :roll:

 

[4SRKT]

I only suggested going on the 156 as a back up in case (i) you can't buy privs in advance, and (ii) if you turn up on the day and the Jacobite's booked up. Rather than simply turning around and going back, the 156 would be a lot better than nothing in this situation.

Obviously I'm not a kettle veg, so don't really get over excited about Black Fives (it was The Great Marquess when I did it, so no 'Steam Duff' for me!) The West Highland's all about the scenery for me, and if the traction's good, that's a bonus. If it isn't, well, it's not the end of the world.

 

[CallySleeperKid]

I only suggested going on the 156 as a back up in case (i) you can't buy privs in advance, and (ii) if you turn up on the day and the Jacobite's booked up. Rather than simply turning around and going back, the 156 would be a lot better than nothing in this situation.

Obviously I'm not a kettle veg, so don't really get over excited about Black Fives (it was The Great Marquess when I did it, so no 'Steam Duff' for me!) The West Highland's all about the scenery for me, and if the traction's good, that's a bonus. If it isn't, well, it's not the end of the world.

Totally agree, have done the line on a 156 and you forget what train your on once the stunning scenery opens up. Will be doing it steam hauled a week tomorrow but either way the views from the window can only be neared on the Kyle line and Highland mainline.