LE Movements, ECS and Test Runs 2016

76084 T+T 37669 passed Arkholme 1209. HTH, Andrew N

 

76084 heads away from Carnforth on its loaded test train at lunchtime on Tues 20/9/16...................

 

Route takes her through Blackburn and as she was I believe a long term Lower Darwen residence that's quite a nice coincidence.

 

After several months of nothing how fitting that the steam famine on Wilpshire bank should be broken by a Lower Darwen engine. 76084 looked splendid and sounded sharp as she hauled 7 + 37 (on tickover), plenty of black clag. She had been held at Whalley for the local to clear the section and topped the summit 5L, a spectacle that was well worth the wait.

 

76084 at Clapham and climbing Wilpshire bank from Langho .

 

Not sure if this is the right place to pose the question but what are the plans for 76084, whilst its lovely to have a pocket rocket back on the mainline what is the work available for her solo?

 

Hopefully very busy as the assisting loco now required on most steam charters

 

76084 putting on a belting performance there, a great spectacle with a terific soundtrack. You caught that mid 1960's atmosphere really well there Steve; a fine day for railway photography in Northern England - wonderful. Many thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Alan

 

20/09/2016 - 5M50 - Loaded test run of BR Std 4 - 76084 around the Carnforth - Hellifield - Blackburn - Carnforth circuit captured at Billington Footcrossing-

more pictures here - http://www.steamingnorth.com/index.php

 

Hoghton Bottom

 

Looks like the support crew are enjoying themselves!

 

Where's the chime whistle gone! (then again, where did it come from in the first place...)

Nothing quite like a small loco working hard.

 

The footplate certainly had the Standard singing today, great stuff Steve but apologies for getting in your Clapham sequence

 

Clearly the near equivalent load of 10 was no problem for the STD 4 ! Though looking at the tour programme I can't see many trips where the loco would be allowed out on it's own with a 9/10 coach train, as there isn't many tours with such short trains ! Would be nice to see it on the first WCME in January with one of the Fives.

 

BR Standard 4 Class 2-6-0 No. 76084 puts on a fine display during its LTR near Clapham



Suitably refreshed at its Hellifield water stop, BR Standard 4 Class 2-6-0 No. 76084 races through Hellifield Green in front of an appreciative gallery



And finally, in beautiful sunshine, BR Standard 4 Class 2-6-0 No. 76084 races north towards Carnforth nearing the completion of its LTR

 

Its heading to York tomorrow from carnforth and then onto the NYMR

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55093/2016/09/21/advanced

 

Would it be OK on its own for the Jacobite?

York to Scarborough? No very demanding gradients on that run.

Paired up with a Jubilee or a Black Five on the Tin Bath etc? Not on its own I realise but might avoid the need for a box on the back. The last couple of years we have been short not just of class 7/8 power but also class 5 as back up.

 

Herein lies the problem, from recollection 76079 was semi-permanently attached to the front of 45407 and sadly I suspect the same will apply to 76084, I suppose it depends whether suitable hire fees can be agreed, there may be scope if the hire of her is say cheaper than paying WCRC for a class 47 to tag along for the ride - I hope so.

 

76084 could be useful for one-off events featuring several short trips along a line not normally seeing regular steam. For instance, special anniversary shuttles. Dorking to Horsham opened in 1867, 150 years ago next year. 76084 tackling Holmwood Bank with about 8 on 3 or 4 times each day over a weekend would be rather nice..........

 

But isn't 45407 rarely far from 44871 south of Glasgow ?, doesn't pose Ian Riley too many issues, I suspect the owners are well aware of the limitations of a 60MPH class 4.