RTC Flying Scotsman/Black 5s to Carlisle 23rd January

That's fair enough but why was my post observing the earlier deletion wibbble to your mind?
I'd responded and referred to it so it came as a surprise to note it had gone.

 

Really??? A fit and civilised response to a simple statement??? Sad...

 

Not quite the same gravitas but it is ok and in my view reasonable that with rebuilds of these old beasts, there will be unexpected issues that will lead to delays.

What amuses me is the support that Ian Riley gets for not making a loco available and not really speculating on exactly when it will be ready and the contrast with the WCRC and Mr Smiths "it will be ready when it's ready" approach that gets howls of derision. Both are doing a great job in restoring and maintaining steam locos and both have the same approach to readiness. One gets plaudits, the other criticised.

 

If we're being absolutely honest , neither has much regard for this forum.

 

Couldn't agree more and is it any surprise the amount of crap from the 'Know All Know Nothing' brigade on this forum

 

If the cap fits syndrome Mr W xxx

 

Back to the train subject of this thread. Forecast is cloudy/dry tomorrow so I might have an early trundle to Helwith Bridge or thereabouts

 

It was just coming light as I waited alone on Chapel lane bridge at Hoghton for the late running first WCME of 2016. About 4 minutes before it arrived the sound of hard working steam could be heard in the distance - it didn't sound like the 3 cylinder machine many had hoped for but more like a pair of black fives (lol). The fives, with 44871 in the lead, were working hard as they came into view as they lifted the train to the summit and away towards Pleasington. The diesel on the rear was just ticking over.

A fine spectacle as it headed towards the lightening sky on a cool still morning. Speaking of spectacles a well known Swiss gent was seen in his local Specsavers purchasing a pair with Apple Green frames and rose tinted lenses.

 

Anyone know why on earth the diesel is in the consist today?

 

Perhaps, in the circumstances, WCRC don't want to take any chances and draw attention to themselves if things don't quite go to plan. It gives them a few more options and whilst it's not what people want to see I can't say I blame them.

 

Ribblehead photos starting to land across Twitter. I think press photographer Tom was first with these.

 

That would be logical if there was just one engine up front but not with two. When was the last time a WC operated train ran without a DL? Is this a new ruling by the ORR that hasn't been made public. If it carries on and WC keep their licence then I for one wont be going on any more WC operated trains.

 

The pair looked brilliant as they caught the sun storming up through Helwith Bridge this morning,never have I seen such a large crowd gathered there!!

My photo from this morning is here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark-walker/23931117233/in/dateposted/

(Diesel didn't appear to be doing anything other than applying ETH,but quite why it was there in the first place is puzzling,presumably for said heating..)

Vid to come.

Cheers,
Mark

 

Any idea why they were late off Manchester ? Was surprised to see the diesel, but not a real issue as it was only taking its weight as it passed me.

 

5043 to York. And 46233 to York back in October.

 

Going well at Helwith Bridge with just a hint of sunshine

 

Just a quick photo this morning at Blackburn.
The black 5s doing their stuff.
The diesel on the back was for train heat and operational reversal reasons at Carlisle.