Belmond - Haul only or push pull?

[Noel]

Are the BGH (Belmond grand hibernian) mk3 train sets only hauled by loco (i.e. requiring run arounds), or capable of push/pull?  Just curious as I hadn't noticed if the end coach was a pseudo DVT or just an observation coach.

[Warbonnet]

Hi Noel.

It is hauled only. the end coach is an observation coach, not a DVT. 

Thanks,

Fran

[DiveController]

On 10/1/2018 at 8:19 AM, Warbonnet said:

Hi Noel.

It is hauled only. the end coach is an observation coach, not a DVT. 

Thanks,

Fran

Scenic observations in one direction and gricing after the locomotive has run around? 

[Mayner]

1 hour ago, DiveController said:

Scenic observations in one direction and gricing after the locomotive has run around? 

More a comfortable lounge with informal sealing similar to the observation cars on the Festiniog and Welsh Highland Railways but far less to observe in the way of scenery than on the Welsh Narrow gauge lines.

I saw the Belmond train a couple of time while in Ireland, my impression was that the observation car was more to provide a common space for guest to socialise and break the cabin fever of their roumettes or state rooms rather than a true observation car, there is very little to "Observe" in the way of scenery on the Belmond train's regular routes

The MK3 coach structure is not really suitable for a true observation car like FR 2100 or a Vista Dome.

https://www.festipedia.org.uk/wiki/Carriage_2100#/media/File:2100.jpg

[Noel]

The uncontrolled growth of scrub trees and hedge rows along lines since the end of the steam era (ie fire risk) obscures the view of surrounding countryside along much of today’s lines, be it out the window or from an observation car. It’s not exactly the rockies here, too much boring bog.  Sleeping in a rail stateroom on some remote semi-industrial siding at night doesn’t appeal to me. By contrast the Emerald Isle Express where folks dine and sleep in a different 5 star hotel every night seems more appealing. 

[jhb171achill]

That’s actually true...... the main draw for the Emerald people is indeed the accommodation. (I’ve been on them all).

[Noel]

59 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

That’s actually true...... the main draw for the Emerald people is indeed the accommodation. (I’ve been on them all).

Yes I liked the quote from one of their marketing chaps "Their passengers sleep on the train, while our passengers sleep in castles".  

[jhb171achill]

2 hours ago, Noel said:

Yes I liked the quote from one of their marketing chaps "Their passengers sleep on the train, while our passengers sleep in castles".  

That came from yours truly!!!

[Noel]

1 hour ago, jhb171achill said:

That came from yours truly!!!

Brilliant. 

[ttc0169]

Nobody complained about these two views or the sound while tackling the climb up Knockmoylan bank out of Waterford....

[JasonB]

Lovely shots Noel. I'd gladly sit there with a pint of the black stuff looking out at that. 

[ttc0169]

2 minutes ago, jason brady said:

Lovely shots Noel. I'd gladly sit there with a pint of the black stuff looking out at that. 

No pints of the black stuff available Jason-only the finest of the most expensive top shelf malt whiskey delivered to your seat...….

[JasonB]

9 minutes ago, ttc0169 said:

No pints of the black stuff available Jason-only the finest of the most expensive top shelf malt whiskey delivered to your seat...….

Even better Noel 

[Mayner]

On 10/6/2018 at 11:34 PM, Noel said:

The uncontrolled growth of scrub trees and hedge rows along lines since the end of the steam era (ie fire risk) obscures the view of surrounding countryside along much of today’s lines, be it out the window or from an observation car. It’s not exactly the rockies here, too much boring bog.  Sleeping in a rail stateroom on some remote semi-industrial siding at night doesn’t appeal to me. By contrast the Emerald Isle Express where folks dine and sleep in a different 5 star hotel every night seems more appealing. 

Much the same as driving on the motorways in Ireland with hedgerows too high to see the scenery!

I think the main draw of the Grand Hibernian like a cruise ship or resort holiday is having your own stateroom and not having to move into a different hotel every night!

[DiveController]

5 hours ago, ttc0169 said:

Nobody complained about these two views or the sound while tackling the climb up Knockmoylan bank out of Waterford....

NICE! Where was her her own loco?

[ttc0169]

19 hours ago, DiveController said:

NICE! Where was her her own loco?

On Sundays shortly after arrival at Connolly station from Dundalk, the Belmond locomotive 216 is swapped as it is scheduled to receive an exam at Inchicore running shed,

An 071 locomotive is allocated to work the train forward from Connolly to Waterford and back to Bagnalstown and then the following morning return the Grand Hibernian to Heuston,

After 216 has received its exam on Sunday or Monday it is coupled to the Grand Hibernian  Mk3s to work the train again from the Tuesday afternoon departure from Heuston to Cork.