This reminds me of an eventfull trip on one of The Welshman railtours back in the 1970's. These yearly tours used to go Watford-Ealing-Barry-Shrewsbury-Brum then back to London via Reading. On this particular trip we ended up having 7 different locos! Things were going great until Llondovery where our Class 37 failed with low oil pressure. For the first half hour we blocked the level crossing after which our loco (D6889) disappeared back down towards Landore leaving us marooned. Now appologies to Llandovery but I recall the mood in this trainload of Londoners was 'Will we ever see civilisation again?' Anyhow, another 37 (D6876) did eventually come to our rescue and after 122mins we headed up the hill in the dark, with sparks flying from the engine exhaust as we finally topped Sugarloaf at a crawl. But the fun didn't end there, because at Birmingham our loco (by then a Class 47) failed as well! By the time I got off at Slough it was 1.15am. a good 3hrs late. Were us passengers upset? Oh no, it was all great fun and in fact the train was sold out again the following year.
What a wonderful story, and thanks for sharing it. The Central Wales Line is an arduous route for any locos, and during the 1970's their maintenance was not at their best. You also had the problem of where a spare loco would be available, and that would have been a factor. Having said all that, what a day it must have been.
Myself, my wife, and seven friends are booked on this for the excursion to Dartmouth from North London (we join at Finsbury Park) on 30 August. Can't wait but now a little concerned with the failures!
Diesels have always been temperamental in high temperatures that we are currently experiencing. LSL, who own this train, maintain them to the highest standard, and I'm sure you and your Friends will have a wonderful day out in Devon.
Excellent video and some good explanatory text. I particularly liked the activity at Llandovery station. The local population has done a lot to secure the services over the Central Wales line.
Thanks Gareth, there was also a problem with the crossing gates at Llandovery, which delayed both trains, although recorded, it was inappropriate to show it.
Beautiful scenery, and First Class travel on this train Em, unfortunately the normal services, don't offer anywhere near that level of luxury. Thanks for your comment.
Hey Bob, great capture of a day I missed. We have been on holiday to Devon in our van...no trains this year! Enjoyed your video of this special event, Geraint
Thanks Ger, hope the holiday went well. It was great to see the Pullman live at last. The climb to Sugarloaf beat it, but the engineers managed to get the loco working again at Cynghordy, a very eventful day!
Passed through Llandovery last week on my railway holiday. Sad to hear she failed further up the line at Sugarloaf summit. I was her the first tour back in December 2020 from London St Pancras to Manchester.
It wasn't the best of days for it Allen, one car being damaged in a shunting accident, then a failure later in the day. Having said that, the Central Wales route is a torturous one at the best of times.
@@robmasterman Sending an HST on the Central Wales line seems a funny idea. However, I remember in the 1970s you used to be able to get a train from Euston to Aberystwyth. It was Mark 1 carriages with a change of loco. You subsequently could only get a DMU from Shrewsbury. The line must meet the gauging requirements for inter-city trains. An HST cannot run on the Southern Region because the third rail means gauging requirements cannot be met. As an HST is limited in where it can go, that's probably why they sent it to Wales!
Bit of a shame losing one of the Pullman power cars, especially the front one, before the tour started but the replacement was fairly unusual too. The crest on the rear powercar looks fantastic and the stock seemed to be beautifully turned out too. Failures happen, just a fact of life, but this tour did seem to have it's share of bad luck. I'd guess those on-board were more "premium dining" than cranks/enthusiasts so the delay probably didn't go down too well. There would be plenty of glasses on-board though and I'm sure they were kept well-filled as time wore on. Is it fair to assume that, when the second 43 expired, so did the air-con? Some nice footage of an unusual working. 👍👌😁 Cheers for now, Dougie.
It was a day that was greatly anticipated Dougie, and it was such a shame that it had these problems on the day. In all fairness, LSL keep all their stock in excellent condition, and whether steam or diesel, they are a joy to see. Thanks very much for your comments which are greatly appreciated...Best wishes...Bob
That was some glorious photography and a very attractive livery. The livery pleased me much more than that of the flying banana. I hope that the failures do not spell the last time you see the blue pullman in Wales. The failures certainly did spread, however, from the front car to the rear car and to my viewing. I had a storm knock out my internet three times while watching just this one video.
It was indeed a strange sight to see a High Speed Train working this line, but it runs through some stunning scenery for the passengers to enjoy. Thanks as always for your support...Bob
Like her predecessor Colin, a stunning livery. It's a shame that it wasn't the full set, but I suppose the added power car, made it more interesting for the day.
@@robmasterman Yes shame not a full set, the green one looked great also, she is back around through Bridgend around mid September, hoping it will be full set by then, cheers Bob
Thanks Bob for getting in your car to capture this first HST on the Central Wales line in 30 degrees heat, you got some very good footage, but It seams this charter was Jinxed from the start with the other blue power car damaged in a accident I believe on the Friday. Regards Mike.
My pleasure Mike, LSL seem to be jinxed with runs over this line this year, with a Black5 and a HST failing. I was very disappointed not to see the full Blue set, especially with the RCS leading all the way, but overall, a very enjoyable and memorable day...Regards...Bob
Don't get me wrong John, I've been waiting to see this for months, and to have the opportunity to do so on such a glorious day, was a real treat...Hope all is well with you, and hopefully we can meet up again in the not to distant future...Regards...Bob
Smashing looking train.... Looking at it from what we have in Ireland it looks newer then anything we have.... We had near all flat front trains till around 2007, another type like this on the fast cork line.
This unit is the conventional High Speed Train, that had had this Blue makeover Al, I believe you have them over there as well, albeit in a different colour scheme.
@@almilhouse9059 Amazing indeed to think that the HSTs were built in the late 1970s and have had over 40 years of front line service all over Britain. Timeless styling - a truly great piece of engineering design.
Me too Andrew, I've been informed, that this is the second time a HST has worked the Line, although I don't know why or when. The old 153's now refurbished, seem to go on forever.
@@robmasterman there's been 2 hst specials up the line. Videos were on RUclips . One in intercity livery the one before this in the great Western merlin livery
I was on a special from Paddington to Pwllheli behind a Class 47 (At a guess Jan/Feb 1990) - and that failed, too, although it was nursed up Sugar Loaf Summit. We all had our fingers crossed... So the route itself must be a little cursed.
The survival of the Central Wales Line is due to it running through the constituances of several MP's during the Beeching era, and to this day, only has a few services each way along it's length.
Thanks very much Stuart, she has only just been out-shopped to enter service today. The Engineers did get it working from Cynghordy albeit several hours late.
Great video. A wonderful advertisement for Rail Charter Services ..... charter a replacement powercar from us and we'll still fail. A single Class 43 power car pushing is more than capable though in an 9+2 configuration.
You caught the HST nicely and capturing the commotion in sight, shame it failed or albeit run so late on the route. I did considered getting this run before it was changed to run northbound over the HoW, hopefully next time it doesnt fail again.
Thanks Ryan, it was very unfortunate, that the recently out-shopped power car was the one to fail, I was hoping for the whole Blue set, but this turned out to be an eventful run.
Probably a silly question to which someone shall know the answer (!), BUT how is 43046 able to operate upon the main line without so much as a hint of yellow upon its front (apart from that within the Pullman coat of arms)? I have to say that it looks great without the yellow warning panel!
A very valid question Stuart, with the powerful lights on these locos now, it has been decided that the yellow panels are no longer required. The trans Pennine trains are another example of no Yellow panels....Hope that helps.
@@robmasterman Thank you for taking the trouble of explaining this. I am old enough to remember yellow ends gradually being introduced! First, little rectangles and then full ends. How much better shall heritage trains which run out upon the main line look in their original condition (strength of lights permitting, of course)! I am thinking of 1001, the Hastings Diesel but there must be many, many others which yellow panels have spoiled.
I doubt that - the Valenta and Marston cooler group combo were notorious for overheating especially if it was a power car down which left only the single which had to provide both ETS and traction which of course led it also to boil over because it never returned to idle with an ETS demand.
@@leonblittle226 True but I'm sure they can fix the cooling issue with some more modern solution so we can have that glorious noise back...one can only hope😁
I know that very high temperatures can affect the HST's, but what happened to the leading car considering it's been recently out-shopped is unknown to me Peter. The trailing car just couldn't cope on it's own on that notorious climb to Sugar Loaf summit.
Not a great day for them but nevertheless, nicely captured as always Bob. I actually enjoyed your unplanned opening shot as you couldn't have planned it better!! A nice day out for you both but yes, that A465 is a nightmare at 40mph even without traffic. Best Wishes, Brian.
Thanks Brian, I just had to capture this eagerly awaited run. The first clip was hand held with me poking myself through a small gap in the bushes, and literally having just over a minute from arriving to capturing the shot. We then had over four hours to kill before the Central Wales shots, and made the most of the day touring around the area, something we both really enjoyed despite the very high temperatures....All the Best...Bob
The whole train didn't really fail. With only the rear power car working there wasn't enough power or tractive effort. This led to the rear power car slipping and the train stalling on the climb to Sugar Loaf which is a 1:60 gradient. The leading power car was attended to while the train was stalled, and was brought back to life. The train then carried on perfectly normally. The only other time I've personally heard of an HST stalling was an East Coast set climbing the 1:60 from Inverness to Slochd Summit in the middle of a snowstorm. Staff walked in front dropping sand on the rails, and literally walked the set to Slochd summit. That was with both power cars providing traction.
The Green one was added that morning, as the Blue one was damaged in a shunting accident. Had it not been added, the excursion would have had to be cancelled. There are no spare Blue Power locomotives.
Thanks for your comments, I think the high temperatures on the day was a contributing factor, as the HST's were prone to failure when it got to these levels.
@@robmasterman sorry to hear that I came all the way from Gloucester to get her in Cardiff I cabbed her and outside of Bridgend after we get some alright stuff up here lot of 37s not many hsts tho
absolutely fascinating , as usual. How did they retrieve the train at Cynghordy when it failed completely? I notice the regular service train heading south was only going as far as Llanelli-I wonder why not all the way to High Street station ? Thank you for posting this and please keep them coming!!
Indeed Gareth, I'm afraid I can't give any further details, as I've not long come home. As far as the service train only going as far as Llanelli, it may be one of the anomalies on a Saturday.
Wow, you were blessed with the weather: what glorious countryside location. As a Welshman now living in Brunei (which has no rail system) I miss those long-ago summer days when I would grab my camera, jump into my Capri and head off into the country to photograph and film Trains...I rarely got such great weather as you were blessed with! Superb footage and was it shot in 4K? Stunning clarity. Do you use Sony equipment? Excellent work and thanks for uploading.
Thanks for your wonderful complimentary comments, they are greatly appreciated. This weather as you'd know is not typical for West Wales at all. I'm so luck to call Carmarthenshire my home, it's a beautiful place. The footage was captured on HD 1920X1080p using the no longer available, but superb Panasonic X920. It's edited on Corel Video Pro 2020. A big welcome from Wales....Bob.
Interesting editing to make the Blue Pullman disappear from behind the 153 at Llandovery (4:32) and then reappear! 43058 sounds absolutely horrible on departure. HST's on the GWR often performed quite well with one power car out, reaching 100 mph and dropping a few minutes, but 9 coaches on 1 in 60 up to Sugar Loaf is different, plus the gearing is probably not ideal for low speed slogging.
@@robmasterman No problem, great video and I think I win the "I was wondering which of you would be the first to spot that" prize :) I don't go round looking for these things - honest - just happened to notice it!
Nice livery, haulage not fit for purpose on the day. It happens occasionally, but it shouldn't with these kind of units. Better luck next time! Good capture Bob.🙂👍
Indeed Mervyn, LSL have a wonderful collection, that are kept in prestine condition. It was good to see the Pullman for the first time, even with the RCS Power car. Thanks for your comments.
@@robmasterman Mine was a Cross Country service from Penzance to somewhere in Scotland but I was only travelling between Plymouth and Bristol to catch a flight home (long story). I chose the quiet coach when I was booking but the quiet coach was far from quiet with what sounded like a compressor churning away under where I was sitting. I must have got used to it or it eventually stopped for I never moved apart from looking out the other side of the coach when passing Dawlish. I’ve a five minute video to remind me. It fair beat the bus that I got from Bristol!
@@robmasterman Although it would need a long stretch of downhill to achieve that, like Stoke bank maybe! If I remember rightly, my experience on the almost flat GW main line was that balancing speed was a bit over 100 and they would drop a few minutes on schedule - not ideal, but far better than a complete failure with a standard single loco.
So it's a 9 + 2 unit. Is this the longest hst ever run? Have to say the paint job is amazing. Beautiful shine. Amazing to think it's 45 years old or thereabouts
There you go ... take a HST north of Canton and you get a failure!! Much lamented those soft leather seats for long distance travel - 800 series well its like riding on horse back. PS Nice video Bob
(Paul, not Jackie, as spoken at Llandeilo!) I was out for the Mostly Blue Pullman as well. 1st shot Ffairfach. I was hoping to get to Glanrhyd myself but they did the token exhchange at LLL quite quickly so I was trailling her on the way to Glanrhyd. A happy accident as you'd have been where I wanted to stand! 2nd shot at Llangadog where there were only 2 other photters. Finally a 3rd shot at Llandovery and you have me in the shot (somewhat bleached out by the sun) on the far side of level x-ing. When I left I was wondering how she'd cope with Sugar Loaf on one PC. When I got home an hour later - no progress. Eventually she reported at Llanwrtyd 161' late and was terminated at Man Picc over 2 hours late.
It was far too hot for me to chase it along the line, but as you managed to, I can only admire your dedication. Not sure what you mean by "Paul, not Jackie, as spoken at Llandeilo"....bob
@@robmasterman It's my late wife's logon which I don't know how to change. I'd asked a question about an HST location just before we met at Llandeilo for Colas 37 then rescue of 45231
I do try and do that if I can Francis, but it's difficult with a short clip. you can also freeze the clip in order ti read it properly. My apologies for any inconvenience caused, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.
I there a problem with your area Bob these specials don't like..You get our nice blue 125 and that fails.What with the steamer failure..Just kidding lol! The Pullman looks great,love the blue.....Best wishes Chris.
I know Chris, we have very little sent down here these days, there must be a curse on them. Having said all that, it all makes for interesting footage...Best wishes, ....Bob
Snag is, the Central Wales line and similar are pretty unforgiving to off-colour locomotives; long stretches of 1 in 60 are a challenge to anything (although the start out of Inverness for the Highland Chieftain is the same).
On July 19th 1987 during some stormy weather, the original bridge was washed away, and an early morning Swansea to Shrewsbury DMU ploughed into the River, and 4 people tragically died. Perhaps referring to the new bridge as 'ill fated' may have been misleading, that's what happened there in 1987.
It was rescued by LSL and refurbished into the guise of the old Pullman units. Eye catching and great for excursion traffic for the discerning traveler.
Stuart has given you a reply Andrew. The were also worked under a token system on the Pembroke Branch in West Wales when they ran down there on Summer Saturdays.
They used to run some services on the Cotswold Line from Paddington to Worcester and Hereford so I have footage of them picking up the token at Evesham.
WOW! Would those be the units that did the Midland Pullman, from Manchester Central to St Pancs ??? I used to travel that regularly and later the Manchester Pullman electric from Piccadilly to Euston. On the latter there was a bunch of us who used to travel regularly and took over the combined Service/Dining car in the morning and back in the evening. We tipped well and the staff grew used to us. One humorist grabbed the announcement microphone one morning and solemnly announced: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are approaching Watford Junction, please have your passports ready for inspection" !!!!! Typical Mancunian disdain for the Southerners!!! How sad to see it fail.
There were two Pullman routes back then Huw, the Midland and the South Wales. How lucky you are, to have travelled on the electric services to Euston, Thanks for the wonderful stories as well, they certainly made me smile..Thanks very much.
I was wondering how a Blue Pullman was going to travel over the Central Wales line, as they were all scrapped. I guess they've taken a regular HST and called it the "Blue Pullman" even though it's not, and it has no Pullman coaches.
The original Pullmans were scrapped in the early seventies Alan, and the owner of this HST unit felt it would be a good marketing ploy to turn in out in this Blue livery as a homage to the original Pullmans.
Thanks Dackes, LSL have done an amazing job on preserving and maintaining steam and diesel traction, it's unfortunate like all organisations, that they have the odd bad day.
This reminds me of an eventfull trip on one of The Welshman railtours back in the 1970's. These yearly tours used to go Watford-Ealing-Barry-Shrewsbury-Brum then back to London via Reading. On this particular trip we ended up having 7 different locos! Things were going great until Llondovery where our Class 37 failed with low oil pressure. For the first half hour we blocked the level crossing after which our loco (D6889) disappeared back down towards Landore leaving us marooned. Now appologies to Llandovery but I recall the mood in this trainload of Londoners was 'Will we ever see civilisation again?' Anyhow, another 37 (D6876) did eventually come to our rescue and after 122mins we headed up the hill in the dark, with sparks flying from the engine exhaust as we finally topped Sugarloaf at a crawl. But the fun didn't end there, because at Birmingham our loco (by then a Class 47) failed as well! By the time I got off at Slough it was 1.15am. a good 3hrs late. Were us passengers upset? Oh no, it was all great fun and in fact the train was sold out again the following year.
What a wonderful story, and thanks for sharing it. The Central Wales Line is an arduous route for any locos, and during the 1970's their maintenance was not at their best. You also had the problem of where a spare loco would be available, and that would have been a factor. Having said all that, what a day it must have been.
Excellent coverage of what turned out to be an ‘eventful’ day. Regards, Dave.
It certainly was Dave, but it was great to see the Pullman live for the first time....Regards...Bob
Myself, my wife, and seven friends are booked on this for the excursion to Dartmouth from North London (we join at Finsbury Park) on 30 August. Can't wait but now a little concerned with the failures!
Diesels have always been temperamental in high temperatures that we are currently experiencing. LSL, who own this train, maintain them to the highest standard, and I'm sure you and your Friends will have a wonderful day out in Devon.
High quality video capture of the Blue Pullman in the unusual setting of the Heart of Wales line.
Thank you, much appreciated.
Excellent video and some good explanatory text. I particularly liked the activity at Llandovery station. The local population has done a lot to secure the services over the Central Wales line.
Thanks Gareth, there was also a problem with the crossing gates at Llandovery, which delayed both trains, although recorded, it was inappropriate to show it.
Excellent Bob, as usual. Thanks.
Thanks Gareth, glad you've enjoyed it.
My favourite line with my favourite type of train 💞
Beautiful scenery, and First Class travel on this train Em, unfortunately the normal services, don't offer anywhere near that level of luxury. Thanks for your comment.
Always a good one from you Bob. You always know the right places for a good clips. Keep well too. Mike
Local knowledge Mike, and just had to do this one on the CWL...You look after yourself too...Bob
Great catch and loving that livery
Thanks Ant, it's a striking livery, that stands out above anything else.
Oh how I love that railway
Me too. I've known it all my life and seeing the Midland Pullman on it was a real treat.
This is the heart of wales line.
It depends where you're from, in Carmarthenshire we've always known it as the Central Wales Line, but both names are used.
Oh! Oh dear! Great video thanks 😊 like the blue really good 👍
Thanks very much Tim, this beautiful looking train wasn't having the best of days was it.
I would not have thought of seeing a HST on the Central Wales line that was a great capture there Bob 👍
Apparently this isn't the first occasion John, but a real treat to see this one for sure.
Very enjoyable. Thank you!
Thank you, I'm glad you've enjoyed my work.
Nice salute to you again Bob, pity they had problems , as you say a sight to see
Even out in the depth of Carmarthenshire Dave, I get a toot! It was a wonderful thing to see on such a Rural line.
Pullman - Pushman .
I like it...thanks John.
Great coverage of the days events Bob, cheers .
Thanks Stephen, delighted you've enjoyed my work.
Great video Robert and well documented, such a pity the substituted and failed power car.
I suppose on a positive note Andrew, it provided an even rarer event. Thanks for watching.
Hey Bob, great capture of a day I missed. We have been on holiday to Devon in our van...no trains this year! Enjoyed your video of this special event, Geraint
So sad it failed, the terrain beat it!
Unusual to see rear loco pushing that load. What happened to the train at Cynghordy? Did a lone diesel come to the rescue?
Thanks Ger, hope the holiday went well. It was great to see the Pullman live at last. The climb to Sugarloaf beat it, but the engineers managed to get the loco working again at Cynghordy, a very eventful day!
As always great work well done 👍
Thank you John, much appreciated.
Some great captures, the blue livery is a brave colour, not sure how it will look after a winters weathering
LSL look after their stock really well, and I'm sure this unit will not be allowed to fade away.
Passed through Llandovery last week on my railway holiday. Sad to hear she failed further up the line at Sugarloaf summit.
I was her the first tour back in December 2020 from London St Pancras to Manchester.
It was a shame Jon, but high temperatures didn't help. I envy you having ridden on the train last year.
The new LST service, especially designed not to startle the cows in the fields!
This unfortunately is the second excursion to have failed on this route this year...Thanks for your comment..it' made me smile.
Superb video Bob. Fantastic shots for this unusual working. Well worth all the traveling. An enjoyable watching. Best wishes C&A
Thanks both, it's been a really lovely day, despite the blips throughout the day...Best wishes....Bob
There seems to be a jinx on the Blue Pullman. Thanks for uploading.
It wasn't the best of days for it Allen, one car being damaged in a shunting accident, then a failure later in the day. Having said that, the Central Wales route is a torturous one at the best of times.
@@robmasterman Sending an HST on the Central Wales line seems a funny idea. However, I remember in the 1970s you used to be able to get a train from Euston to Aberystwyth. It was Mark 1 carriages with a change of loco. You subsequently could only get a DMU from Shrewsbury. The line must meet the gauging requirements for inter-city trains. An HST cannot run on the Southern Region because the third rail means gauging requirements cannot be met. As an HST is limited in where it can go, that's probably why they sent it to Wales!
Bit of a shame losing one of the Pullman power cars, especially the front one, before the tour started but the replacement was fairly unusual too. The crest on the rear powercar looks fantastic and the stock seemed to be beautifully turned out too.
Failures happen, just a fact of life, but this tour did seem to have it's share of bad luck. I'd guess those on-board were more "premium dining" than cranks/enthusiasts so the delay probably didn't go down too well. There would be plenty of glasses on-board though and I'm sure they were kept well-filled as time wore on.
Is it fair to assume that, when the second 43 expired, so did the air-con?
Some nice footage of an unusual working. 👍👌😁
Cheers for now,
Dougie.
It was a day that was greatly anticipated Dougie, and it was such a shame that it had these problems on the day. In all fairness, LSL keep all their stock in excellent condition, and whether steam or diesel, they are a joy to see. Thanks very much for your comments which are greatly appreciated...Best wishes...Bob
That was some glorious photography and a very attractive livery. The livery pleased me much more than that of the flying banana. I hope that the failures do not spell the last time you see the blue pullman in Wales. The failures certainly did spread, however, from the front car to the rear car and to my viewing. I had a storm knock out my internet three times while watching just this one video.
It was indeed a strange sight to see a High Speed Train working this line, but it runs through some stunning scenery for the passengers to enjoy. Thanks as always for your support...Bob
Many thanks Bob.
Thanks Wayne, a memorable day despite the problems.
She looked stunning in the sun, nice captures Bob, caught her at Cardiff myself
Like her predecessor Colin, a stunning livery. It's a shame that it wasn't the full set, but I suppose the added power car, made it more interesting for the day.
@@robmasterman Yes shame not a full set, the green one looked great also, she is back around through Bridgend around mid September, hoping it will be full set by then, cheers Bob
Thanks Bob for getting in your car to capture this first HST on the Central Wales line in 30 degrees heat, you got some very good footage, but It seams this charter was Jinxed from the start with the other blue power car damaged in a accident I believe on the Friday. Regards Mike.
My pleasure Mike, LSL seem to be jinxed with runs over this line this year, with a Black5 and a HST failing. I was very disappointed not to see the full Blue set, especially with the RCS leading all the way, but overall, a very enjoyable and memorable day...Regards...Bob
Bob, It was one of those days for you and the train operator but to look on the bright side I am sure it will return to your parts. Regards, John
Don't get me wrong John, I've been waiting to see this for months, and to have the opportunity to do so on such a glorious day, was a real treat...Hope all is well with you, and hopefully we can meet up again in the not to distant future...Regards...Bob
Smashing looking train....
Looking at it from what we have in Ireland it looks newer then anything we have....
We had near all flat front trains till around 2007, another type like this on the fast cork line.
This unit is the conventional High Speed Train, that had had this Blue makeover Al, I believe you have them over there as well, albeit in a different colour scheme.
@@robmasterman we have no high speed trains, nothing like these, amazing to see these are or have been retired, they look extremely comfortable too.
@@almilhouse9059 Amazing indeed to think that the HSTs were built in the late 1970s and have had over 40 years of front line service all over Britain. Timeless styling - a truly great piece of engineering design.
Looks awesome.
It certainly stands out Paul, LSL through Eastleigh, have done a great job on it.
Frankie Boy CREWE love watching the Steamers go into HC in Crewe and watching live Crewe Station
That's good to know Frank, and as long as it gives you pleasure, then that's what it's all about.
First time I've seen an HST over the Heart of Wales. Depressing that the 153s are staying, no 170s now.
Me too Andrew, I've been informed, that this is the second time a HST has worked the Line, although I don't know why or when. The old 153's now refurbished, seem to go on forever.
@@robmasterman there's been 2 hst specials up the line. Videos were on RUclips . One in intercity livery the one before this in the great Western merlin livery
I was on a special from Paddington to Pwllheli behind a Class 47 (At a guess Jan/Feb 1990) - and that failed, too, although it was nursed up Sugar Loaf Summit. We all had our fingers crossed... So the route itself must be a little cursed.
I's a torturous route Stephen, even back in the day the load was only 5 coaches.
Great to see novelty livery HST on the line I would have believed had lost all passenger services since I last used it in 1991.
The survival of the Central Wales Line is due to it running through the constituances of several MP's during the Beeching era, and to this day, only has a few services each way along it's length.
nice capture there mate great Shame she failed later in the day enjoyed
Thanks Caleb, despite the problems, it was wonderful to see this train working along the beautiful Central Wales Line.
*snorts* Oh dear. And the Blue Pullman came so highly recommended. At least the weather was good. :)
Unfortunate, but the HST's were prone to the odd failure in very hot weather.
Excellent work! Wondering what the almost windowless mk3 (7th in formation) might be - equivalent to the support coach in a steam charter? \m/
Kitchen car, i think
@@AndreiTupolev thank you, that figures \m/
Thanks very much, Andrei has answered it for me.
Definitely kitchen car, the packages on sale when travelling on her include an extensive menu.
@@nlemecfc good to know, thanks \m/
Bob, marvellous coverage, shame about the problems with the HST power-car, it all looks so shiny!
Thanks very much Stuart, she has only just been out-shopped to enter service today. The Engineers did get it working from Cynghordy albeit several hours late.
As always brilliant
Thanks Steve, much appreciated.
Great video.
A wonderful advertisement for Rail Charter Services ..... charter a replacement powercar from us and we'll still fail.
A single Class 43 power car pushing is more than capable though in an 9+2 configuration.
Thanks Garf, a combination of high temperatures and the failure was too much for the rear car on the day.
Never feel quite comfortable with the thought of a loco pushing from the back. Memories as a kid of my Hornby Double-O jumping the tracks maybe 😕
You caught the HST nicely and capturing the commotion in sight, shame it failed or albeit run so late on the route. I did considered getting this run before it was changed to run northbound over the HoW, hopefully next time it doesnt fail again.
Thanks Ryan, it was very unfortunate, that the recently out-shopped power car was the one to fail, I was hoping for the whole Blue set, but this turned out to be an eventful run.
Thank you :)
You're welcome!
Probably a silly question to which someone shall know the answer (!), BUT how is 43046 able to operate upon the main line without so much as a hint of yellow upon its front (apart from that within the Pullman coat of arms)? I have to say that it looks great without the yellow warning panel!
A very valid question Stuart, with the powerful lights on these locos now, it has been decided that the yellow panels are no longer required. The trans Pennine trains are another example of no Yellow panels....Hope that helps.
@@robmasterman Thank you for taking the trouble of explaining this. I am old enough to remember yellow ends gradually being introduced! First, little rectangles and then full ends. How much better shall heritage trains which run out upon the main line look in their original condition (strength of lights permitting, of course)! I am thinking of 1001, the Hastings Diesel but there must be many, many others which yellow panels have spoiled.
They just need to swap the power unit back to the Valenta and it will be perfect.😇
Now you're talking...Thanks for your comment.
I doubt that - the Valenta and Marston cooler group combo were notorious for overheating especially if it was a power car down which left only the single which had to provide both ETS and traction which of course led it also to boil over because it never returned to idle with an ETS demand.
@@leonblittle226 True but I'm sure they can fix the cooling issue with some more modern solution so we can have that glorious noise back...one can only hope😁
Pretty good but what happened to the other Blue Pullman livered HST,?
There is only one Gaz, one power car was damaged earlier in the day and was replaced by the Staycation power car for this run.
Impressive 👍
Thank you Charles, much appreciated.
Great filming, Good old Blighty, good to see things are still a bit rubbish :)
Thanks Huw, unfortunately, the high temperatures caused a few problems...we're just not used to them!
Should've stuck a steamer on the back........in case of failure 😂
With the recent experiences down here David, that would have probably failed as well!
good video, why did the power car fail ? and did the second one fail ? whats going on?
I know that very high temperatures can affect the HST's, but what happened to the leading car considering it's been recently out-shopped is unknown to me Peter. The trailing car just couldn't cope on it's own on that notorious climb to Sugar Loaf summit.
Not a great day for them but nevertheless, nicely captured as always Bob. I actually enjoyed your unplanned opening shot as you couldn't have planned it better!! A nice day out for you both but yes, that A465 is a nightmare at 40mph even without traffic. Best Wishes, Brian.
Thanks Brian, I just had to capture this eagerly awaited run. The first clip was hand held with me poking myself through a small gap in the bushes, and literally having just over a minute from arriving to capturing the shot. We then had over four hours to kill before the Central Wales shots, and made the most of the day touring around the area, something we both really enjoyed despite the very high temperatures....All the Best...Bob
@@robmasterman Bob, if you'd not mentioned the fact I would have called that a well planned shot Lol.
Excellent 😊👌 Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱🖐️🙂
Dziękuję i serdecznie witam z Walii.
@@robmasterman 😊👌
Good video and prob a rare site of the staycation hst on the Pullman not so good that it failed but prob the heat did that
Very true, the dear old HST's don't like these high temperatures.
Great video Bob.
Thanks James, it was good to go out and see this magnificent train.
The whole train didn't really fail. With only the rear power car working there wasn't enough power or tractive effort. This led to the rear power car slipping and the train stalling on the climb to Sugar Loaf which is a 1:60 gradient. The leading power car was attended to while the train was stalled, and was brought back to life. The train then carried on perfectly normally. The only other time I've personally heard of an HST stalling was an East Coast set climbing the 1:60 from Inverness to Slochd Summit in the middle of a snowstorm. Staff walked in front dropping sand on the rails, and literally walked the set to Slochd summit. That was with both power cars providing traction.
Sorry for the delay in replying Duncan, but thank you very much for your detailed and informative response, which is greatly appreciated.
Ah, the rare blue Pushman
Oh, very good Connor!
Just was I was thinking: Pullman becomes the Pushman! :D
Hi Bob,great filming....Dave
Cheers Dave, it was a very special day down here....Bob
@@robmasterman Hi Bob,Got too have special days,thanks for reply....Dave🚂👍😁🍀
Nice video like and subscribed from Czech Republic 🙂👍👍👍👍
Velice vám děkuji za laskavé komentáře a přihlášení k odběru mého kanálu ... vše nejlepší z Walesu.
@@robmasterman nemáš zač 🙂
Why have they not painted *both* power cars the correct colour? It does my head in.
The Green one was added that morning, as the Blue one was damaged in a shunting accident. Had it not been added, the excursion would have had to be cancelled. There are no spare Blue Power locomotives.
Muy bonito ese tren y en una linea sin electrificar como en España donde también hay muchas todavía.
Gracias por ver. Era muy raro ver un tren de alta velocidad en un entorno tan rural. Mis mejores deseos desde Gales.
Nice shots, not something you see everyday in South Wales. Shame about the failure, but I suppose these things happen from time to time!
Thanks for your comments, I think the high temperatures on the day was a contributing factor, as the HST's were prone to failure when it got to these levels.
Have to say the famous blue livery on the Blue Pullman HST is amazing.
It does look very striking Andrew..Thanks for watching.
:)
Shame about the failure of one then both power cars (cooler groups presumably?), but this HST set is a great tribute to the 1959 original.
It's a great marketing idea from LSL, and like the original, turns heads, wherever it goes,
Good video Bob :)
Thanks Simon, something different to see.
Great Video, Bet you were boiling over in that heat
Thanks for your kind comments, and we're just not used to 30 degrees are we, and neither, were the power cars!
Brilliant video I watched her at Cardiff and outside Bridgend got many tones to shame she was poorly
We don't get many specials down here Ryan, and failure of one sort or another seems to becoming too often.
@@robmasterman sorry to hear that I came all the way from Gloucester to get her in Cardiff I cabbed her and outside of Bridgend after we get some alright stuff up here lot of 37s not many hsts tho
absolutely fascinating , as usual. How did they retrieve the train at Cynghordy when it failed completely?
I notice the regular service train heading south was only going as far as Llanelli-I wonder why not all the way to High Street station ?
Thank you for posting this and please keep them coming!!
Indeed Gareth, I'm afraid I can't give any further details, as I've not long come home. As far as the service train only going as far as Llanelli, it may be one of the anomalies on a Saturday.
No wonder it failed, thing was about to blow up, fans were at max by the sound of it
It certainly didn't like that hot weather for sure. Thanks for your comments.
Wow, you were blessed with the weather: what glorious countryside location. As a Welshman now living in Brunei (which has no rail system) I miss those long-ago summer days when I would grab my camera, jump into my Capri and head off into the country to photograph and film Trains...I rarely got such great weather as you were blessed with! Superb footage and was it shot in 4K? Stunning clarity. Do you use Sony equipment? Excellent work and thanks for uploading.
Thanks for your wonderful complimentary comments, they are greatly appreciated. This weather as you'd know is not typical for West Wales at all. I'm so luck to call Carmarthenshire my home, it's a beautiful place. The footage was captured on HD 1920X1080p using the no longer available, but superb Panasonic X920. It's edited on Corel Video Pro 2020. A big welcome from Wales....Bob.
Interesting editing to make the Blue Pullman disappear from behind the 153 at Llandovery (4:32) and then reappear! 43058 sounds absolutely horrible on departure. HST's on the GWR often performed quite well with one power car out, reaching 100 mph and dropping a few minutes, but 9 coaches on 1 in 60 up to Sugar Loaf is different, plus the gearing is probably not ideal for low speed slogging.
Thanks Ian, rushing to edit and get this video up on the day resulted in this error that you refer to..another senior moment I'm afraid!
@@robmasterman No problem, great video and I think I win the "I was wondering which of you would be the first to spot that" prize :) I don't go round looking for these things - honest - just happened to notice it!
Nice livery, haulage not fit for purpose on the day.
It happens occasionally, but it shouldn't with these kind of units.
Better luck next time!
Good capture Bob.🙂👍
Indeed Mervyn, LSL have a wonderful collection, that are kept in prestine condition. It was good to see the Pullman for the first time, even with the RCS Power car. Thanks for your comments.
Isn’t it a mercy that the train can still operate. The original design was perfect in having a power car at both ends.
They have been an incredible success Robin, over thirty years of high speed running, they must have got something right.
@@robmasterman Living in Northern Ireland, I only got riding in an HST for the first time last year.
@@robinparkes9 They have reduced their numbers dramatically over the last few years Robin, and are greatly missed by the Public and enthusiasts alike.
@@robmasterman Mine was a Cross Country service from Penzance to somewhere in Scotland but I was only travelling between Plymouth and Bristol to catch a flight home (long story). I chose the quiet coach when I was booking but the quiet coach was far from quiet with what sounded like a compressor churning away under where I was sitting. I must have got used to it or it eventually stopped for I never moved apart from looking out the other side of the coach when passing Dawlish. I’ve a five minute video to remind me. It fair beat the bus that I got from Bristol!
Can anyone please tell me how fast a FULL HST SET can go, with just ONE POWER CAR.
Thanks for your time.
Rich.
In theory Richard, they could still achieve 125mph with the right conditions.
@@robmasterman Although it would need a long stretch of downhill to achieve that, like Stoke bank maybe! If I remember rightly, my experience on the almost flat GW main line was that balancing speed was a bit over 100 and they would drop a few minutes on schedule - not ideal, but far better than a complete failure with a standard single loco.
So it's a 9 + 2 unit.
Is this the longest hst ever run?
Have to say the paint job is amazing. Beautiful shine. Amazing to think it's 45 years old or thereabouts
It probably is, but would need to check it out.
The East Coast Main Line HSTs were 2+9 from GNER days until withdrawal
2+9 was a reasonably regular occurrence on the ECML even in the 1980s, usually on the Pullman Tees Tyne sets which had an extra TRFK marshalled in.
@@powerslide12 I remember the Yorkshire Pullman having an extra catering vehicle now you mention it
@@simontravers8419 nice input chaps, interesting topic
There you go ... take a HST north of Canton and you get a failure!! Much lamented those soft leather seats for long distance travel - 800 series well its like riding on horse back. PS Nice video Bob
It's the very warm temperatures they don't like Roger, however, it was a wonderful sight to see passing through on the wonderful Central Wales Line.
the ageless train!
It certainly looks as stunning as the original one Mark, Thanks for your comment.
(Paul, not Jackie, as spoken at Llandeilo!) I was out for the Mostly Blue Pullman as well. 1st shot Ffairfach. I was hoping to get to Glanrhyd myself but they did the token exhchange at LLL quite quickly so I was trailling her on the way to Glanrhyd. A happy accident as you'd have been where I wanted to stand! 2nd shot at Llangadog where there were only 2 other photters. Finally a 3rd shot at Llandovery and you have me in the shot (somewhat bleached out by the sun) on the far side of level x-ing. When I left I was wondering how she'd cope with Sugar Loaf on one PC. When I got home an hour later - no progress. Eventually she reported at Llanwrtyd 161' late and was terminated at Man Picc over 2 hours late.
It was far too hot for me to chase it along the line, but as you managed to, I can only admire your dedication. Not sure what you mean by "Paul, not Jackie, as spoken at Llandeilo"....bob
@@robmasterman It's my late wife's logon which I don't know how to change. I'd asked a question about an HST location just before we met at Llandeilo for Colas 37 then rescue of 45231
@@jackiedavis5599 Ah now I understand Paul, thanks for the explanation...Best wishes...Bob
Heh, maintaining the Paxman engined HST tradition of overheating in hot weather I expect 😁
It's such a shame, as this car was only outshopped recently.
When you put your writeup on your film leave it up lo g enough to read?
I do try and do that if I can Francis, but it's difficult with a short clip. you can also freeze the clip in order ti read it properly. My apologies for any inconvenience caused, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.
I there a problem with your area Bob these specials don't like..You get our nice blue 125 and that fails.What with the steamer failure..Just kidding lol! The Pullman looks great,love the blue.....Best wishes Chris.
I know Chris, we have very little sent down here these days, there must be a curse on them. Having said all that, it all makes for interesting footage...Best wishes, ....Bob
Snag is, the Central Wales line and similar are pretty unforgiving to off-colour locomotives; long stretches of 1 in 60 are a challenge to anything (although the start out of Inverness for the Highland Chieftain is the same).
Why was the Glanrhyd bridge "ill-fated"?
On July 19th 1987 during some stormy weather, the original bridge was washed away, and an early morning Swansea to Shrewsbury DMU ploughed into the River, and 4 people tragically died. Perhaps referring to the new bridge as 'ill fated' may have been misleading, that's what happened there in 1987.
@@robmasterman Thanks for the explanation. I knew nothing about that.
Sorry if this is a dumb question. What's the "consist', layout, seat plan, facilities, etc of the Blue Pullman set?
I'm sure if you Google it, you'll get all the information you require about this set. Sorry I can help you on this one.
In true Pullman tradition, the breakdown I mean! I believe they weren't exactly reliable!
you're absolutely right of course, this revised version still looks stunning.
What is the significance of the Blue Pullman?
It was rescued by LSL and refurbished into the guise of the old Pullman units. Eye catching and great for excursion traffic for the discerning traveler.
Why do British trains always have a headlight out??
In case the other one goes...
Depends on what the loco is Joey, there are a variety of options depending on the service they are hauling.
I wonder if this is the first time ever that a driver in a class 43 had to get out to get a token!
Nah, they do that in Devon and Cornwall on some single lines there for token operation.
Stuart has given you a reply Andrew. The were also worked under a token system on the Pembroke Branch in West Wales when they ran down there on Summer Saturdays.
There are a lot of single tracks in Scotland on the Highland Line to Inverness. Class 43s are a fairly regular sight up there.
They used to run some services on the Cotswold Line from Paddington to Worcester and Hereford so I have footage of them picking up the token at Evesham.
WOW! Would those be the units that did the Midland Pullman, from Manchester Central to St Pancs ???
I used to travel that regularly and later the Manchester Pullman electric from Piccadilly to Euston. On the latter there was a bunch of us who used to travel regularly and took over the combined Service/Dining car in the morning and back in the evening. We tipped well and the staff grew used to us. One humorist grabbed the announcement microphone one morning and solemnly announced: "Ladies and Gentlemen, we are approaching Watford Junction, please have your passports ready for inspection" !!!!! Typical Mancunian disdain for the Southerners!!!
How sad to see it fail.
There were two Pullman routes back then Huw, the Midland and the South Wales. How lucky you are, to have travelled on the electric services to Euston, Thanks for the wonderful stories as well, they certainly made me smile..Thanks very much.
Great so a powercar which is due to start daily working on Monday doesn't actually work properly. lol
Not a good start is it! I'm sure it will be sorted soon.
@@robmasterman I get it's an old overhauled power plant but you'd think given it's just had a major refresh it wouldn't break down so soon.
.it is supposed to be in Carlisle Sunday Evening!
Bob I was stood opposite you at Llandovery, and chased the train most of the route. Lovely collection!
Thank you. Was that you in the brown coloured T shirt and shorts?
It's just a repainted Intercity 125.
I know, but it looks stunning.
Means Freedom to me
I hope that's a good thing for you Stephen.
Just seen this a few mins ago
It's an amazing thing to see Lucas, thanks for watching.
@@robmasterman no probs, brilliant loco,btw it was my first time seeing one!also saw the Devonian double 40s
Does the RCS one have VP185 or are they both MTU?
I'm sorry, but I can't answer that one, maybe a search on the internet will help you.
I was wondering how a Blue Pullman was going to travel over the Central Wales line, as they were all scrapped.
I guess they've taken a regular HST and called it the "Blue Pullman" even though it's not, and it has no Pullman coaches.
The original Pullmans were scrapped in the early seventies Alan, and the owner of this HST unit felt it would be a good marketing ploy to turn in out in this Blue livery as a homage to the original Pullmans.
@@robmasterman Trying to make a silk purse out of a sows ear more like.
shame they accidentally put a MK2 through the front of the other blue pullman power car
It was indeed, as unfortunately they don't have a spare Pullman Blue power car.
Shouldn't they be renamed SST?
On this day's performance, you're absolutely right Robert!
Should've used a class 8F 2-8-0 from Swansea Victoria loco shed. That wouldn't have failed. Ha Ha.
With you all the way on that one Tom, they just don't have the stamina any more for working this difficult route.
Nice coverage and great videoing but LSL....Yawn 😲😲😲😲
Thanks Dackes, LSL have done an amazing job on preserving and maintaining steam and diesel traction, it's unfortunate like all organisations, that they have the odd bad day.