[talyllyn1]

Don't know the answers to any of the questions you've raised, but I was a bit disappointed with this article.
My confidence in the writers' knowledge of the prototype disappeared when I read that the Cambrian Coast Express ran to Aberystwyth, and returned to Machynlleth for a second time BEFORE continuing up the coast line. Even a bit of basic research would have revealed that the train used to split into 2 portions at Machynlleth-1 going to Aber, the other to Pwllheli. The return portions joined up again at Dovey Junction. The information is in the books recommended for further reading!

If it helps, there is an undated track plan of Pwllheli in Stephen Austin's "From The Footplate - Cambrian Coast Express"by Ian Allan ISBN 0-7100-2035-3. It's also a good read!

 

[talyllyn1]

Sorry, didn't see your post in "ask the editor". As he hasn't replied, perhaps he hasn't either!

I agree with your comments. However, on the loco front, Bachmann do produce the sloped tank small prairie (4575 class) as well as the straight tank 45XX. The 4575 variety replaced the 45xx on the Cambrian due to the greater water capacity.
I was surprised that the 2251 Collet Goods 0-6-0 was missed off the list - again a current Bachmann product. Given that Bachmann have just released a new Standard 4MT 4-6-0 and Hornby are about to, you'd think that these would be an obvious addition to the list as they were on the Cambrian in various forms in the 50's and 60's.
I'm sure space is at a premium when doing these articles, but nevertheless it was disappointing, particularly as the Cambrian offers so much scope for small layouts.

 

[talyllyn1]

[quote name='sarah' date='19 Dec 2008, 18:52' post='71359']
Just to add to the list, after the Cambrian Lines were transfered to the London Midland Region, ex LMS types would have appeared too!

Not with any sort of regularity, unless you count the Ivatt 2mt moguls which were just as much a part of the scene under Western Region control. The only positive sighting I've come across is an Ivatt 4MT mogul no 43151 with an inspection saloon from Crewe in July 1966. There are rumours that an 8F 2-8-0 was used during the demolition of the Moat Lane to Llanidloes section, but not found any photo's of it - in any event it apparently operated from the Three Cocks Junction end, so hardly counts!
Other than that a few Standard 4mt moguls were drafted in as replacements for GW moguls and Collet 0-6-0's to supplement the Standard 4mt 4-6-0's in 1966.

Going back earlier, 2 Stanier 8F's (48308 and 48707) reached Aberystwyth via the Carmarthen line with the royal train in 1955. Ivatt 2mt tanks, Fairburn , Stanier and Fowler 4mt tanks and Black 5's were regularly seen between Afon Wen and Penychain with Butlins holiday camp trains until the LMR line from Caernarfon to Afon Wen closed in 1964. I've also seen a picture (but can't find it at the moment) of a Fowler 3mt 2-6-2 tank derailed at Barmouth Junction in the 50's having apparently worked down the coast line from Afon Wen. From a motive power point of view, Afon Wen would make a fantastic layout!

 

[talyllyn1]

One movement that you haven't mentioned is the Princess Coronation Class that "ran" through Afon Wen.

Funny that - I very nearly did mention it, but as it was dragged "dead" and after steam finished, I thought it might seem a bit "[email protected]"!

I'd love to have seen that go over Barmouth Bridge.
Anyway, this thread has brought back many happy memories. You should use the excuse of the Welsh Highland reopening full-length to go and see the Cambrian this coming year - a lovely part of the world.