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Dobwalls
Topic Started: 28 Feb 2007, 10:19 PM (1,038 Views)
Centennial
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Hi
I came across some videos of 'Big Boy' at hard at work on the Union Pacific line at Dobwalls Big Boy videos I wondered if anybody else had any videos taken at Dobwalls - particually of 'Queen of Wyoming', 'Queen of Nebraska' and 'Mathias Baldwin' but any videos will do that you are willing to upload to share.

On the subject of Dobwalls I am really saddened by the closure of the Union Pacific line. I also learnt today that William Jeffers is up for sale as it will not go around the Cumbress Pass route - can anybody confirm this? I didn't realise the curves were that tight on the RG line...

Also, does anybody know what the set up will be when the park re-opens in 2008? Will there still be 1 steam and 1 diesel in operation on the same day? I am hoping that perhaps the RG line will be extended slightly to compensate for the loss of the magnificent Sherman Hill line.

Thanks all :D
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craiggluyas
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The big boy is up for sale for about £55K. Not bad considering it had a £20K overhaul at Severn Lamb a few years ago. I don't think it will be the last loco for sale either.
I doubt the other line will be extended. The reason for closing the UP line was due to the lack of visitors and the need for another attraction, hence the building work.

I hope i'm proved wrong!!!!!

Craig
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peterbryant
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I wonder where the Big Boy will go? We'll have to wait and see.

I don't think Dobwalls would have closed the UP line specifically for visitor numbers, more likely the space for the holiday chalets (which will not generate many visitors more anyhow).
Peter Bryant
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Centennial
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I was thinking the same - apparently there is only going to be 8 chalets, this is hardly going to boost income or visitor numbers I wouldn't have thought.
Such a shame, but they do say that 'all good things must come to an end'.

I just hope that the Rio Grande line is safe - It would be a great shame if in the end the park was to lose both lines, especially after over 30 years worth of work.
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colinpeake
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I think the closure of the UP line is very much down to falling visitor numbers, combined with the land it would release and the potential to create a stable source of income.

To be quite honest, I (sadly) can't see much of a future for steam at this site. With the increasing 'eco' theme at the site in the future is steam really going to fit in, or is bio-fueled i/c the way ahead? Also, if the park is going to be more tourism-led in the future rather than railway led, are they really going to go to the expense and expertise of running steam (maintaining/staffing etc) in an environment that is going to be cost led rather than nostalgia driven?

I can see them either keeping some of the existing diesels or perhaps buying a new steam outline loco for the future. I would also think that only one loco would be in use at a time in future, purely on a cost basis.

However, like Craig, I hope I am proved wrong too!

Edit - in reply to Centenial - Although only 8 chalets, this will give them an income in the lower parts of the season, which is an important consideration in the running of the business. Also, the new 'centre' will allow them to host conferences and exhibitions in the low season, again increasing income at the times of year they have been suffering over the last few years. Hopefully all this will help the retention of the railway as a novelty for the summer.

Colin
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SFSR
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Hi,
I've got a BBC video from the early 80's featuring a circuit of the UP route with William Jeffers. can't upload though as i don't know how to get if off the vid and on to the computer.
There's someone on ebay selling DVD's featuring the "queen of Wyoming" and one of the diesels.

I agree it is a shame to remove the UP line from the Park but i can understand their reasons why.
Anyone want to club together to buy the "big boy"? :)
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Centennial
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SFSR
Mar 2 2007, 10:38 AM
Hi,
I've got a BBC video from the early 80's featuring a circuit of the UP route with William Jeffers. can't upload though as i don't know how to get if off the vid and on to the computer.
There's someone on ebay selling DVD's featuring the "queen of Wyoming" and one of the diesels.

I agree it is a shame to remove the UP line from the Park but i can understand their reasons why.
Anyone want to club together to buy the "big boy"? :)

Hi,
Do you have a link to the ebay item?

Thanks
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penrose
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All locos are for sale "for the right price" along with a number of carriages, so no doubt they are cutting down to leave what they will need for the park when it reopens.

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SFSR
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ebay link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Wales-Narrow-Miniatu...1QQcmdZViewItem

the one featuring dobwalls is DVD 2.

cheers
Tom
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Centennial
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Just found these a moment ago on youtube.
The complete routes - first with Big Boy on the Union Pacific and then with Pioneer on the Rio Grande line.

Worth a look - especially if you have never experienced the park in first person before!
Union Pacific
Rio Grande
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