Recent content by Bill57p9

LSL took their green pair to Stranraer a couple of ago, with 47 on the other end to avoid run rounds and provide hotel power. 20s could top & tail with either manual multiple working or modified stock (the latter unlikely to happen). Still need a generator somewhere though.

I have seen a photograph of the Jacobite crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct this afternoon. I don't have permission to share the photo however it clearly shows consist of 7 coaches mk2, mk1, mk2, mk1, mk2, mk1, mk2 with no generator van or second loco. I am very curious.

140001, preserved at the Keith and Dufftown Railway

Ok, steam but still BR, 71000 Duke of Gloucester the sole Standard Class 8 built. (Somewhat ironic to have a standard class of one)

Given they are vacuum braked, I take it they are original mk2 (mk2z?) with rectangular rather than wrap-around doors. They certainly won't have the compressed air main reservoir required for the BR standard CDL fit. However as they are mk2 they will not require a regulation 4 (crashworthiness)...

WCRC have a number of Mk2e & f coaches from Southall up for sale currently. I believe they are CDL fitted (ironically) but in poor condition. WCRC have an STP path from Crianlarich to Tom Na Faire this coming Sunday, presumably to bring the stock in...

It might be splitting hairs, however let's be clear on cause and effect here: WCRC did not lose their previous exemption for breaches. They (along with other operators) had an exemption to use secondary rather than central door locking until 31 March 2023. Other operators were granted a...

I have caught the Ayr to Prestwick shuttle a few times recently. My experience is that loadings are low but not negligible. Loadings on the RRBs appear very quiet.

The Branch Line Society BWC2 tour used it (twice) on Sunday 10 March. Belmond Royal Scotsman uses it when running from the West Highland Line to Weymss Bay - which is relatively often during summer months. Not very affordable for the track but you might get to see a train on it.

Just a theory, or is this actually the crux: WCRC have made an application for a full exemption, rather than one limited to 45mph & the West Highland Line Extension.

My post was possibly too subtle: I am contacting ORR, as suggested by WCRC themselves, but to show support for the expectation of compliance as the route to ”getting the Jacobite on track”. I totally agree that WCRC are the issue here and the spin is disgraceful, especially given last year’s...

According to the MPs’ letter, “Neither WCRC nor RTC will be able to withstand the financial costs of cancelling their services for a minimum of 4 months … while the full application is considered”. So they should be gone by August. WCRC posted an update on their website on 5 Apr with the...

I should have added that these UK regulations apply to railways* with speeds >25mph, so do not apply to the vast majority of heritage railways. * "Railways" rather than "Trains", so they apply to 25mph trains operating on railways with greater traffic speeds, such as the NYMR operation between...

WCRC are arguing over regulation 5 of the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 which requires central door locking. Currently WCRC only have one rake compliant or exempt, and this is air braked only, and only one air braked main line certified steam locomotive, Tangmere. SRPS had a main line...

I do hope LSL's exercise here is a success and shows that it can be done in full compliance with regulations. Obviously it's a couple of steps away from a true Jacobite alternative, however LSL have compliant mk1s and steam locomotives. Might get some cranks too. From very vague memory 37s did...