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Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

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zwk500

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Bahamas needs turning if it’s going to work a northbound charter although that can also be done at Shipley.
You can physically do the turn at Shipley but good luck getting all the paths to meet up! I'd expect Bahamas to be sent to Carnforth if they want it turning, although more likely is just to make sure it's next charter requires it to head south first.
 
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D6968

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You can physically do the turn at Shipley but good luck getting all the paths to meet up! I'd expect Bahamas to be sent to Carnforth if they want it turning, although more likely is just to make sure it's next charter requires it to head south first.
A few years ago (ok nearly 20 odd!) I’m sure Blue Peter did such a thing although I’m not sure of the times, possibly late night/early morning?
 

bluenoxid

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People with access to the proper systems might be able to advise if Keighley to Ilkley branch (using the unused Skipton to Bradford path), then adopt the unused EMU path off the Ilkley branch to Bradford and back towards Keighley is possible? I don’t know if trains can reverse at Dockfield junction to do that move
 

Spartacus

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People with access to the proper systems might be able to advise if Keighley to Ilkley branch (using the unused Skipton to Bradford path), then adopt the unused EMU path off the Ilkley branch to Bradford and back towards Keighley is possible? I don’t know if trains can reverse at Dockfield junction to do that move

You mean like reversing in the Baildon area? Practically nothing's going to be cleared that way which would possibly be an issue for turning at Shipley too, plus there's route knowledge problems but I think it could technically be done reversing at Kirkstall loop.
 

zwk500

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People with access to the proper systems might be able to advise if Keighley to Ilkley branch (using the unused Skipton to Bradford path), then adopt the unused EMU path off the Ilkley branch to Bradford and back towards Keighley is possible? I don’t know if trains can reverse at Dockfield junction to do that move
The move is signalled at the triangle to turn - but you'd need to go onto the Bradford Line first, then reverse across Dockfield Junction to drop behind the signal for trains from Ilkley, before getting the route back towards Keighley. You can't do it any other way round because it would require propelling past too many signals. Doing this at any time other than very early of very late will of course be very difficult as you are likely to run into a regular passenger train at some point. Far easier to just send the loco tender-first through Hellifield to Carnforth where they have a turntable. 45mph can keep up with the stopper, and once you're beyond Skipton there aren't very many trains to get in the way of.
 

satisnek

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Went to the Diesel Gala yesterday - it wasn't the first time I've been to the KVWR but previous occasions have been nothing more than a quick return trip on a regular operating day. It's an immaculate little line, packing so much into its short length. I was surprised by the comparative lack of signalling, particularly at the Keighley end - after 54 years I would have thought that the line would be fully signalled for intensive heritage railway operation by now.

There was plenty of BR non-gangwayed stock, which would have been readily available in the KWVR's early days, including a couple of open coaches (3+2 seating) which had been converted into compartments, complete with half a luggage rack over each seat! This I thought was utterly bizarre and only afterwards did it dawn on me that it may be a recent COVID-19 thing. Even so, it's the ultimate sledgehammer to crack a walnut!

Trains were very busy, more so than the SVR diesel gala a few weeks back, but then we're comparing 2 x 6-coach trains with 4 x 7/8-coach trains. Yes, there was the muppet element hollering from windows and with their frequent cryptic references to 'veg' (?), but overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and I'll certainly be going again in the future.
 

JonathanH

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I was surprised by the comparative lack of signalling, particularly at the Keighley end - after 54 years I would have thought that the line would be fully signalled for intensive heritage railway operation by now.
It probably isn't needed for normal operation - such an intensive operation doesn't happen on normal days. One of the most interesting features of today's operation was, I think, the use of a 'fast car' to move the token between Keighley and Ingrow for the shunter shuttles.
 

Iskra

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Went to the Diesel Gala yesterday - it wasn't the first time I've been to the KVWR but previous occasions have been nothing more than a quick return trip on a regular operating day. It's an immaculate little line, packing so much into its short length. I was surprised by the comparative lack of signalling, particularly at the Keighley end - after 54 years I would have thought that the line would be fully signalled for intensive heritage railway operation by now.

There was plenty of BR non-gangwayed stock, which would have been readily available in the KWVR's early days, including a couple of open coaches (3+2 seating) which had been converted into compartments, complete with half a luggage rack over each seat! This I thought was utterly bizarre and only afterwards did it dawn on me that it may be a recent COVID-19 thing. Even so, it's the ultimate sledgehammer to crack a walnut!

Trains were very busy, more so than the SVR diesel gala a few weeks back, but then we're comparing 2 x 6-coach trains with 4 x 7/8-coach trains. Yes, there was the muppet element hollering from windows and with their frequent cryptic references to 'veg' (?), but overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out and I'll certainly be going again in the future.
2.5 trains on a 4.5 mile single track branch is intensive operation. They further intensify it by double heading or top and tailing.

What enhancements could you add at Keighley that would get you beyond 2.5 trains on the line? Short of double tracking the entire line at great expense, I believe the answer is none, so any additional signalling is just wasted money and unnecessary complexity.

The only additions you could do on the KWVR are a second platform at Oxenhope to run another shuttle at that end of the line, or expensively and unrealistically double tracking the whole line, neither of which are likely to happen for good reason.
 

50002Superb

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I had an absolutely great day today, managed to get haulage by pretty much everything that was working.

I have to say that the Crompton are cracking locos.

Thanks to everyone involved 3A5B928D-264D-4C22-ADC2-78818B9A22E3.jpeg
 

xotGD

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While the two 33s and the 50 all put in spirited performances, the 37 beat them all hands down for pure unadulterated thrash. (I may not be fully impartial in reaching that conclusion!)

I've posted a few photos over on the "Back in the Day" thread, so I won't repeat them here.
 

30907

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It probably isn't needed for normal operation - such an intensive operation doesn't happen on normal days.
And the big railway manages tokens without signals too :)
The SB is there and installing full signalling is planned, but volunteer time and cash will be factors - as you say, the line operates effectively enough without.
One of the most interesting features of today's operation was, I think, the use of a 'fast car' to move the token between Keighley and Ingrow for the shunter shuttles.
Don't think that was planned! Thought there was an intermediate instrument at Ingrow....
While the two 33s and the 50 all put in spirited performances, the 37 beat them all hands down for pure unadulterated thrash.
True, but the 37 can come out to play regularly - having some decent Southern visitors was special (biased? Moi?)
 

ac6000cw

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I have to say that the Crompton are cracking locos.
My favourites too (I was there on Friday) and D6515 was looking immaculate in BR green, with 2nd preference going to 50026.

The 8-cylinder Sulzer engine just sounds so much better than the 12LDA it's no contest...especially when there's two of them at work!
 

JonathanH

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Don't think that was planned! Thought there was an intermediate instrument at Ingrow....
Ah, is that how it works. I just overheard a conversation suggesting that was how it was being done. I may well have got the wrong idea.
 

satisnek

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2.5 trains on a 4.5 mile single track branch is intensive operation. They further intensify it by double heading or top and tailing.

What enhancements could you add at Keighley that would get you beyond 2.5 trains on the line? Short of double tracking the entire line at great expense, I believe the answer is none, so any additional signalling is just wasted money and unnecessary complexity.

The only additions you could do on the KWVR are a second platform at Oxenhope to run another shuttle at that end of the line, or expensively and unrealistically double tracking the whole line, neither of which are likely to happen for good reason.
I never said it wasn't intensive operation, I just get the impression that most heritage lines install full signalling for the 'image' as much as practical operation, so I was surprised that it has yet to be done at Keighley (there's a signalbox in place so it looks like they do have future plans).
While the two 33s and the 50 all put in spirited performances, the 37 beat them all hands down for pure unadulterated thrash. (I may not be fully impartial in reaching that conclusion!)
My thoughts exactly (quite impartially!) :)
 

xotGD

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having some decent Southern visitors was special
Last year- Scottish theme.

This year - Southern theme.

It's almost as if someone is planning the events in advance!
 

alexl92

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Looked like a great event. And thankfully haven't seen too many insta posts declaring 'hellfire' the second a diesel loco revs the tiniest bit.
 

xotGD

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I see that the Pacer is due to work on the KWVR today.

Thanks, but no thanks!
 

Iskra

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I see that the Pacer is due to work on the KWVR today.

Thanks, but no thanks!
A replacement for the failed 101 in fairness. Could be busy today with the wet weather, luckily it’s a 144 not a 142 so the passengers might stay dry.

I’m thinking of visiting the Wensleydale later in the year on one of their diesel days but the possibility of a pacer appearing is putting me off.
 

Halifaxlad

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A replacement for the failed 101 in fairness. Could be busy today with the wet weather, luckily it’s a 144 not a 142 so the passengers might stay dry.

I’m thinking of visiting the Wensleydale later in the year on one of their diesel days but the possibility of a pacer appearing is putting me off.
Let's hope that Pacer doesn't replace the 101 like how the 101 appears to have replaced the 108.
 

30907

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Let's hope that Pacer doesn't replace the 101 like how the 101 appears to have replaced the 108.
The Pacer is certainly available for use as of today, and I imagine it will continue to be so, not least because crews will need to maintain competency. You are entitled to your view, but not everyone shares it, judging by reactions today.

The 108 is unserviceable, and AIUI waiting funding - breath-holding ill-advised :)
 

xotGD

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The Pacer is certainly available for use as of today, and I imagine it will continue to be so, not least because crews will need to maintain competency. You are entitled to your view, but not everyone shares it, judging by reactions today.

The 108 is unserviceable, and AIUI waiting funding - breath-holding ill-advised :)
A dead 108 with the 25 on the front would recreate the authentic Tyne Valley experience!
 
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