Fellsman 2024

Some changes this year compared with last, 6 trips (4 in 2023) and some changes to the starting point, route and day.

Wednesdays 05 Jun and 11 Sep

As previous years, starts at Crewe then via Chester, B'burn and S&C to Carlisle (and ret)

Wednesdays 01 May, 03 Jul and 28 Aug

Starts Blackpool Nth then via Preston, B'burn and S&C to Carlisle (and ret)

Thursday 23 May

Starts Crewe then via Chester, WCML and over Shap to Carlisle returning via S&C, B'burn to Crewe

To be hauled by 60007 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of SNG's post war speed record for steam haulage.

 

As the first of this year's Fellsmans is planned to run on Wednesday 01 May I decided to take a look at Horton in Ribblesdale to see the state of play with NR's work in progress. [The rail connection to Horton in R quarry is being reinstated. It will be similar to that at Arcow, a trailing link from the down line splitting into two loading sidings (3 at Arcow). Operation will be similar to that at Arcow where the train of empties stops beyond the connecting points then reverses into the first siding, the train is divided, draws forward before reversing into the second siding and the main line can then be cleared. Full trains head north to Blea Moor, the loco runs round then the train heads south.]

This will remove the heavy road traffic from Horton quarry to the virtual quarry at Ribblehead - and so is a good thing, but not without complications. The connection will be at the south end of HinR station where there is/was a foot crossing that allows rail passengers access to the northbound platform and also allowed those walking on the (much-used) public footpath to cross the line. Once the quarry connection is operational the crossing would be obstructed by the stationary/shunting train. If the crossing was to be moved to the north end of the station platform it would be similarly obstructed. The solution involves the installation of a footbridge complete with lifts! Progress to date can be seen in the photos.



Looking south. The line of the new connection trails in from the right. The foot crossing that was at the bottom of the platform ramp has been removed. The end 10-15yds of the platform have been fenced off by white metal railings that have been tastefully chosen to blend in with the station and its surroundings. A strip of tactile paving and a bold yellow line add to the ambiance.



The public footpath has been diverted from its previous position and now rejoins its original route via a set of NR "track access type concrete steps compete with unobtrusive handrails". A similar set of steps lead up to the near platform from the station approach road.



Looking north. A temporary foot crossing has been installed at the north ramp and a line of barriers placed alongside the track. Passengers and walkers now have to walk the length of the platform to cross, a walker complained that his walk was long enough without adding to it.

So the shot from the south end has gone but, for now, a shot from the north end is ok (if you are fond of yellow lines with period station buildings) but be prepared for more foot traffic at this end of the platform. I await the footbridge with some trepidation, but I'm sure that it will "all be done in the best possible taste!"

 

34046 at south end of Horton station

 

The first Fellsman of the year and unusually starting from Blackpool North and more unusually it was dry and sunny. I was undecided where to go, if the sun continued to shine then it would be on the "right side" at several spots on Hoghton bank but on the "wrong side" if I chose Brownhill, for the climb out of Blackburn. The last time I had watched a SR pacific at Brownhill was many years ago when Clan Line made her one, and so far only, appearance in the northwest. So on that basis and as it had been Clan Line Day (CLD, not to be confused with CDL) last Saturday, I chose Brownhill. As I left home Diego, a neighbour's cat, forced, rather than sneaked his way in - he is a big cat! Luckily Mrs W was just getting up, so she could be in charge.

A straightforward journey over to Brownhill where the sun was shining in a clear blue sky! I was joined by a photographer and his wife who had travelled from Bury, he too was bemoaning the sun; it had been cloudy for much of our journeys. (Note to Oswald, do not moan about it being sunny!). The train was running early on its approach to Blackburn but was held waiting for its path. Service trains passed in each direction (RT), our train would have to wait until the Clitheroe bound service cleared the section at Whalley. Then some steam in the hazy distance that gradually came nearer, a crisp 3-cylinder beat grew louder. It was hard to see Braunton clearly against the bright sun. As she drew alongside a whistle for the waiting crowd, all three of us - but gratefully accepted, thanks. She disappeared from view, and the sound faded. 12C, 3L & 35mph (with little or no help from the 47).

Next stop, Horton in Ribblesdale, chosen before the footbridge and lifts appear, and at least the sun would be on the right side. As I drove over by Clitheroe the sun had been replaced by low, misty cloud. This continued, but by Helwith Bridge showed signs of clearing to the north. I was the first on the car park and started to ready myself at the north end of the platform. As I returned to the car I found that Idris (@Bodorganboy) had arrived, we had a bit of a chat as he prepared to set up at the south end. The Carlisle bound service train arrived and disgorged about 60-70 walkers onto the platform, they split into two groups for briefings by one of two leaders. Then made their way across the foot crossing (now at the north end of the platform), as they passed many wanted to know what was coming or how long it will be. Thankfully they all resisted the temptation to stay and watch.

As we waited I chatted to a guy from Whalley. A check on RTT showed 3L at Settle Jn and predicting 10.56 at HinR. But "early" a distant whistle and some chatter from the exhaust, that quickly grew louder. Another whistle for "our" crossing and Braunton came into view, the sun was still shining. Plenty of noise and action as she sped closer, the sun went in as she passed thro' the station and away to the north. 15C, 5E & 47mph. (Despite only having 10 coaches it is difficult to conclude that 34046 turned a 3L at Settle Jn into 5E by HinR without some assistance from the diesel.) Another chat with Idris back at the car, then home for lunch.

 

As the afternoon wore on the sunshine was replaced by heavy cloud. The forecast suggested possible thunderstorms, the sky had become that yellowy-grey colour. Mrs W questioned my sanity for going out in such circumstances, and then offered to come along and hold the brolly. As we left home, light rain began to fall which became heavier as we headed towards Wilpshire - was this really such a good idea? The rain eased, and as we neared Brownhill the clouds broke and very briefly the sun shone - is it always sunny at Brownhill?! We parked and the rain stopped but the sky remained threatening. The train should be sitting at Clitheroe but nothing was showing on RTT.

Whilst it was dry we headed down onto the platform. The clouds hung low and heavy, the air was still and humid, the light was poor and the station lights came on. RTT showed Braunton had left Clitheroe RT, not long to wait. Then a faint whistle and almost 3 minutes later some 3-cylinder exhaust music. It grew louder, a bit louder than we often get from a Bullied. Then as she approached ever louder exhaust sounds and plenty of dark exhaust issuing from her wide chimney with good lift. The train sped towards the platform, where there was a reasonable gathering on such an iffy evening, someone gestured for a whistle - but none came (this time). Good sound, good clag, steam, smoke and speed - lovely Jubbly! 17C, 7E & 38mph. Back to the car and all the way home without more rain, but it was close, Mrs W had worked her magic!

 

SR West Country class No. 34046 'Braunton' heading 'The Settle & Carlisle Fellsman' through Langcliffe ably assisted by the diesel on the back to Carlisle



Under cloudy skies No. 34046 'Braunton' working the return 'Settle & Carlisle Fellsman' rail tour over Denthead Viaduct back to Blackpool

 

34046 seen at Helwith Bridge and Aisgill.

 

Footage of 34046 accelerating past Great Plumpton on the return to Blackpool this evening, plus a shot of Saturday's Blue Pullman run at the same place which was the test shot for tonight.

 

Wonder what’s going to happen with the Fellsman today, nothing working north from Preston due to flooding

 

I'm fated with weather and 60007. I was going across today, looked forward to a rare foray north for the old exile for months, but once more - just like last time - the weather has come along to make it just not worth the trash to get there.

 

Flooding on the wcml is at Lockerbie area - nothing running north of Carlisle. Some Avanti services are terminating at Preston. Appears that Carlisle was the wettest place in the UK yesterday, still raining now.

 

There's also flooding on the WCML alongside the car park next to Carlisle Castle.

 

I was going to Carlisle to see it but trains from Leeds to Carlisle cancelled

 

Official advice from Avanti is Do Not Travel North of Preston.

So that will either free up a decent run for SNG, or hamper it totally with late trains.

 

Depending on gauging, but would a better scenario now be to admit that Carlisle is a no go area today and divert via Hellifield? Can either return to Preston, allowing a break in the city there, or indeed is York doable under the current timings for the legs South of Preston?

 

Looking at RTT, service trains on the Settle Carlisle are also being cancelled or only getting so far.

 

yes I was booked on 09:20 service to Carlisle from Leeds, previous train terminated at Skipton

 

In Barton loop so obviously going over Shap and possibly coming back the same way later .

 

Flooding now being reported at Penrith and Plumtpon. Several Avanti/TPE services being binned off now.

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U12580/2024-05-23/detailed
Latest entry on RTT is Lancaster.