Speed Trials

We're often asked at events "How fast can you go?"

For public running we operate at walking pace, not only to ensure the safety of our passengers but also because it makes for a longer and more enjoyable ride overall. We're asked this question so frequently however that when the opportunity arose to run with empty coaching stock we ran a couple of circuits and opened up full regulator on Tinkerbell No. 3, the GPS unit perched in the cab bunker to record the event.

Tree cover over the longest straight section of line caused some problems with the GPS unit and a slight leak on one cylinder drain cock reduced our power slightly on the uphill climb, but after a couple of attempts we recorded an impressive 8.2mph pulling two empty coaches. So now we have the answer.