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CME - 2019

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by alastair, Jan 11, 2019.

  1. Steve Sienkiewicz

    Steve Sienkiewicz Member

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    Approaching Billington foot crossing at tea time, 21 degrees...............................

    45690 Billington.jpg
     
  2. 46203

    46203 Member

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    _DSC0562-Edit.jpg

    Angerholme.
     
  3. henrywinskill

    henrywinskill Well-Known Member

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    That is nice Steve good to see some sun!
     
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  4. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    Johnb, 46223, walkerp1 and 13 others like this.
  5. Keith Sergeant

    Keith Sergeant New Member

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    Northbound at Burton in Kendal.
    _DSC1089.jpg
     
  6. henrywinskill

    henrywinskill Well-Known Member

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  7. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

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    The Cumbrian Mountain Express 13 July 2019 – 45690 Leander hauling 10+POB

    Leander set the bar high with her exploits on the CME of 28th May; summit speeds of 38 at Grayrigg, 31 at Shap, 33 at Ais Gill and 27 at Wilpshire and wonderfully noisy throughout. Could today match that performance, we would soon know. It was a gentle start to the day with a drive over to Preston where Les Ross was due to arrive at 10.25. The weather was forecast to be dull and dry with sunshine later in the day.

    Andy (@andalf1) stumbled across me waiting on Preston station; we were in the same coach (H) but at different tables. Les Ross arrived and we headed north (5L) and we were almost 6L when we stopped in Carnforth D&UGL. Les Ross was quickly detached and Leander and support backed on to the north end. The often delayed TP to Edinburgh had been cancelled, so after a short wait for a late running Pendolino we left a little under 2½L; Mick Rawling was driving and Chris Holmes was firing.

    Although 9½ coaches back, Leander could be heard clearly as she set about accelerating the train. We reached 36 at the foot of Yealand bank, speed dropped to 34 on the climb but we topped the summit at 35.5. With the gradient now in our favour speed increased and the “Jubilee roar” was evident; we reached a max of 67 as we crossed Beela Viaduct. Now we were on to the climb and Leander was soon working harder; still 66 as we passed Milnthorpe but we were slowing. We passed Hincaster Jn at 61.3 falling to 60.2, the gradient eases slightly and speed recovered to 62 but then the gradient tightens to 1/111r. Leander was roaring as she battled against the grade. A couple of blasts on the hooter and 54.8 through Oxenholme, we were now only 1L. The bank continues at around 1/125r, after another 4 miles, Hay Fell, speed was down to 47, similar across Docker Garth Viaduct. Before Lambrigg the gradient increases to 1/106r; it began to bite, down to 46 at Lambrigg, but under 1L. This was a good climb but would it continue? Yes was the answer, we reached Grayrigg summit (1¼L) at 40.9 which was the minimum speed on the climb.

    It is all too easy for a smaller locomotive to over commit on Grayrigg and to have little left for Shap. This did not seem to be the case today as speed quickly recovered to 57.5 at Lowgill (1L). Speed continued to build smoothly and we hit the foot of the climb (MP31½) at 71.3 – that will do nicely. After only ¼ mile (Tebay S Jn) we were down to 70; a further ¾ mile, as we crossed under the M6, we were still doing 66.5. Across Birbeck Viaduct (approaching 2 miles into the climb) and speed was 62.9, under the Greenholme road at 57 – even 0.12 miles behind the loco the noise from the exhaust was amazing. A good collection of cars as we approached Scout Green (45), eventually Leander had to concede something to the 1/75r. This was now a slog; we crossed over the road to Shap Wells Hotel at 33.6, MP31¼ at 30, the min on the climb was 28.7 and we passed the Summit Board at 33 (¾L) and 39m 54s after starting from Carnforth

    Now with gravity in our favour we commenced what was to be a quick run to Carlisle. Just beyond Thrimby Grange (MP43) speed reached 70 and remained above 70 until we began to slow, around MP66, for our stop in Carlisle. We sped through Penrith at 74; it must have been a splendid sight. At Carlisle we had a clear run into platform 3 where we stopped 6½E, Carnforth to Carlisle had taken 68m 7s. A long walk to the front and a look at Leander’s “new” tender – very nice and then off with Andy to the Woodrow Wilson for some lunch. By the time we had eaten it was time to stroll back to the station.

    Leander had been serviced and turned and was now on the south end of the train; Mick Rawling was driving and Clive Gault firing. Coach H was now the 3rd coach; so I was only 2½ coaches behind the loco – this was going to be noisy! The Train Manager had announced that there was a change to our itinerary, the stop at Langwathby had been abandoned and we would be stopping at Appleby – what was that all about?

    We crossed under the M6 (2 miles out) at 26 and with wonderful sound effects, this improved to 31.6 as we passed Cumwhinton then we reached the summit of this first section of 1/132r at 32. On the short level speed increased and we were soon onto the next 3 miles of 1/132r, past Howe & Co SB at 42.5 (1L) but speed fell back to 33.3 at the summit. Low House Xng SB (45 & 1½L), down the dip and across Drybeck Viaduct at 57, this fell to 52.2 as we climbed through Armathwaite (1¼L). We dropped down and crossed Armathwaite Viaduct at 57.7 and into Armathwaite Tunnel at 54.4 and on to 2 miles of 1/220r. Nearing the summit we left Barons Wood No1 Tunnel at 50.7 and topped the summit at 48.6. Another downhill and 60.6, then a short climb to Lazonby (57.1 & 1L), down the hill to Long Meg Viaduct (60.9) and the full Jubilee roar as we climbed up through Little Salkeld and on towards Langwathby (48.7 & 1½L). On the easier gradients speed increased to 58 at Culgaith (½L) and the noise from the exhaust raised the hairs on the back of your neck. We were down to 52.7 through New Biggin but improved to 55.1 at Kirkby Thore SB (¾E), accelerating on the easier gradients to Long Marton (58.7 & 1¾E) and 60.3 across Long Marton Viaduct. We stopped at Appleby 2E, 43m 29s from Carlisle against an allowance of 46m. The ice cream lady was nowhere to be seen, our steward, West Brom Tom, crossed over to the shop and returned with a couple of cool bags full of tubs but still no ice cream lady. Resourceful as ever Tom began selling the ice cream – blackcurrant for me.

    So far Leander had performed admirably now for another stern test. We were away RT and roared our way up to 54.8 across Ormside Viaduct with a max of 56 just beyond. The first section of 1/100r (4 miles) and past Ormside (54.7 & 2E), in the middle of this section is Helm Tunnel, in at 47.1 and out at 43.9 and the top is at Griseburn Viaduct (38.6). The gradients ease towards Crosby Garrett (45.7 & 2¼E) and on this section we reached a worthy 53.3 as we exited Crosby Garrett Tunnel and began the next 5 miles of 1/100r. Speed fell to a minimum of 39.8 as we passed Kirkby Stephen SB but on the brief easing improved to 41.7 at Wharton Dikes. A couple of hard miles towards Birkett Tunnel, in at 36.8 and out at 34. There is now an easier mile (1/330r) and speed improved to 36.8 at Mallerstang (1E) and reached a max of 41.4 at Sycamore Tree Farm. Leander was giving it everything but the GPS didn’t lie, the climb is hard on smaller locos; 33.9 at Angerholme, 30.5 under the road bridge, a min of 28.8 at MP260 and 31.5 at Ais Gill Summit Board (¼L). I made it 27m 25s from Appleby, the knowledgeable gentleman sitting opposite reckoned that the record for a Jubilee + 11 was 27m 20s (also Leander). “Close but no cigar”.

    The weather was becoming sunnier as we made our way “across the tops and down the other side”, we were running around RT. Some quick miles south of Helwith Bridge saw us over 4E at Settle, 6E at Settle Jn and over 8E at Long Preston. Alas, all to no avail as we were held for 5¼ mins waiting to enter Hellifield UGL for our water stop; we stopped ½E.

    We were away 6½L and on towards Horrocksford Jn (1E) and through Clitheroe (2½E); timing on this section is crucial to slot in between service trains and today there was the additional obstacle of running behind a Colas Rail Carlisle to Chirk freight. We slowed and stopped about a mile before Whalley waiting for a green that would show that the Colas Rail train had cleared Daisyfield Jn and we would have a clear run through Whalley and on to the bank. After 4½ mins we were off and accelerating hard; in exactly a mile we reached 43.4 through Whalley (1¾L) and this increased to 44.5 as we began to cross Whalley Arches and commence our climb of the challenging 1/82 of Wilpshire Bank. Leander was giving it full chat, the sound was awesome and cinders were showering in through the open window. A mile into the climb, leaving Billington, and we were down to 36.6, another 1.1 miles and Langho (32.5 & ¾L), 3 miles from Whalley down to 29.7, another 0.7 miles and into Wilpshire Tunnel at 27 and out at 26.3, 4 miles from Whalley and 25 then through Ramsgreave and Wilpshire (4.5 miles) at 25.5 (& 1¼E) with 26 at the summit. Whalley to Ramsgreave and Wilpshire had taken 8m 23s, this is a fine time for a Jubilee but following on from the earlier performances, maybe just a tinge of disappointment – how demanding we are!

    We were held at Daisyfield Jn but once away we reached 35 through Blackburn and were up to 51 at Cherry Tree. By Pleasington we were only ½L. Between Hoghton and Gregson Lane we reached a max of 63.3 just as we crossed with another WCRC train, promoted by The Settle & Carlisle Railway Development Company, “The 30th Anniversary Express” returning from a visit to Chester. We were 3E at Lostock Hall then suffered the usual checks as we approached Preston from the south and waited to cross to platform 6 where we stopped 8½L. Time for a walk up to the front and then back to the car park with Andy who is a big fan of Jubilees and so had a great day. I did my best to persuade him to try 6201 on next week’s CME – he didn’t say no! I was back home just before 7pm; one of my shorter days. Mrs w was watching Wimbledon on TV; she is not a big tennis fan but, “there was nothing else on!”

    Well, this was a memorable day Leander was on top form, Mick Rawling seems to have got the knack of getting the best from her. The coal must be good and Chris Holmes and Clive Gault used it to great effect. My thanks to all who planned and operated the trip and especially to West Brom Tom who sorted out the ice cream sales at Appleby. I’ve already viewed some of the videos and photos that have been posted and they are of the usual high standard, thanks, a chance to see the loco in action and they do make my day even more enjoyable.

    Oswald is now leaving the office as the cricket is beckoning (start delayed to 10.45).
     
  8. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Excellent run yesterday, must be one of the best performances by a Jubilee plus eleven taking the day as a whole. What a shame for the passengers heading south that the train got caught up in the chaos in the Preston area caused by trespassing. Now cricket watching (do delay minutes apply?)
     
  9. nige757

    nige757 Member

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    45690 and the Deforestation on Shap.


     
  10. Shep Woolley

    Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

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  11. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    A new viewpoint.....
     
  12. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    An old one re-emerged.
     
  13. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

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    QUOTE="Shep Woolley, post: 2506996, member: 1266"][/QUOTE]
    Not guilty:Wasntme:
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2019
  14. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Not guilty:Wasntme:[/QUOTE]

    They all say that....


    By the way I'll collect the chain saw on Wednesday...
     
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  15. Julian Jones

    Julian Jones New Member

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    Thanks for your interesting and, as ever, well written report. I always enjoy reading them.
    Julian
     
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  16. Where's Mazeppa?

    Where's Mazeppa? Member

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    Yes indeed!! I would whole-heartedly second that and I totally agree about the enjoyment of reading posts of this quality; however much there might be a risk of reports on the running of a repeat itinerary outing like the CME becoming repetitious, the fast-paced narrative really does help to sustain a high level of engagement with the subject at hand. And there is always something that jumps off the page within the huge amount of detail being communicated. In this case it is the 68m 7s start:stop time recorded for the 63.1 miles from Carnforth D&UGL to Carlisle at an average speed of 55.6 mph for load 11. Quite special, just as much if not more so than the actual summit speeds recorded for Leander; and I wonder how that compares with the 28th May benchmark run referred to in the first paragraph. And indeed any other sub-8P non-stop runs between these timing points. Worth a check!!

    I also had to smile at the "maybe just a tinge of disappointment – how demanding we are!" comment (re the Wilpshire climb). As far as the Appleby-Ais Gill sectional timing goes the "Close but no Cigar" comment seems particularly harsh when a mere 5 seconds difference between Saturday's climb and the record time referenced by your fellow traveller equals "No Cigar". As 30567 has observed, this might well be one of the best performances by a Jubilee + Load 11, and I think I would want to know a bit more about the timer's seating position within the formation of the claimed best time before concluding the verdict. Two and a half coaches back from the most forward seating position would be worth around 4-5 seconds against OTW's actual seating position at speeds of around 30 mph, and it could well be that "Close and maybe a Cigarillo" might in the end be a fairer assessment. It would all depend......
     
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  17. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    ....Take, for example, 46115 with 12 for 470 gross in 2014 - 66 min 35 sec. If you are looking for 'special' then that one goes in the book.
     
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  18. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Or, according to RTT, 64.5 mins for the 62.2 miles from Carnforth N Jct to Upperby Jct. The speed from the loop to the main line and the entry to Citadel is not really material to the quality of the run. David's data will improve on the accuracy of that time, but that seems special for a 5XP.
     
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  19. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    The run with the Scot from Carnforth N to Upperby was 61.75 min - i.e. even time.
     
  20. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    Ah yes that one, we remember it well, some 'spirited' running north of Shap summit...... One of Gordons moments.
     

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