WCRC Scarborough Spa/Dalesman/Spirit of the Lakes/normal tours 2022

It was a lovely day out on the Dalesman today, my second steam trip since the Great Fear, the first being to Scarborough last year. The ECS started at Carnforth, ran via Manchester and Diggle to York before embarking on the return. All ran like clockwork to Hellifield where the diesels left and 46115 and POB joined to make load 11. Probably three quarters full in standard, but I didn't visit posh class. The weather was full dull with Pennine drizzle, the soaking kind, so no sign of @Oswald T Wistle on the platform. But magically the weather changed at Ais Gill.

A word about the schedule. Northbound the Dalesman has 97 mins running time including stopping and restarting at the water stop. No time for messing about. But we had messrs Rawling and Potter, all would be well. At 1210 the Q path Tilcon train ran past us on its way to Arcow Quarry, making me think we would be starting 15 down at 1235. But no, we were off to the end of the GL 4E at 1217 and after nine mins wait we took off down the line. But not very far, we were too early for Settle Jn. So we found out what it is like to go up the Long Drag starting at about 10mph. Noisy, atmospheric and hard work I should imagine. Five mins for the two miles to Settle Stn, and a further 9.5 mins to Helwith Bridge. Settle Jn to Blea Moor box in 30m 14s and the tunnel in 32' 30''. Memorable stuff. After that, a good run from the slack at Dent, 35 miles to the Langwathby stop in 38 mins. Then very similar running to the outskirts of Carlisle, reached in another 27 mins, 19L.

On the way back in dry conditions and very good light for viewing the countryside, we had messrs Cubitt and Russell doing the honours. After some nifty work to get out of A road and into and out of platform 3, we left just 2L. No point in hurrying being only 10 behind the Northern train, we ran well to the water stop at Appleby in 43' 32''. We didn't seem to start particularly fast up the Blue Riband section but dug in well and I made the time over that section 22' 51''. But there were at least two proper timers on the train so they may provide more details and more accuracy. Probably an average climb with the loco and the load, but there was no need for heroics since we were early to cross with the unit at Blea Moor. An easy run down the hill saw us into Hellifield more or less on time.

We were let out of Hellifield 15 early at 1922 and into Skipton at 1942. That is really very helpful, thanks NR, because it provided an opportunity for some to catch the 1947 into Leeds to make connections to foreign parts such as Grantham. We followed that stopper and were into Leeds at 2044, on time. Many thanks to all the WCR staff, what a good day out.

 

Thanks to @30567 for the report. Bands of rain sweeping past the windows of Wistle Towers and a forecast that it would clear too late for the outbound train persuaded Oswald to remain indoors (Nige is made of sterner stuff - well done that man).

The "Blue Riband Time" is in second place (of 6) in the Steam Hauled All-comers Times for 2022 and first place for steam only (no diesel), from a stop at Appleby.

The delay at Settle Jn from what I have been told may have been down to a very long standing issue with access arrangements to Arcow Quarry. The following information was given to me by a a guy who appeared to be well-informed, lived locally and was a rail enthusiast.

To access the Quarry siding northbound trains run past Arcow Quarry Gf, the points are operated, the train propels back onto the siding, the points are set back to the main line and the section can then be cleared (access is from the down line only). Simple - except there has been an issue with the remote indication of the correct operation of the points lock. This has meant that a NR operative has to attend site, operate and clip the points before allowing the train into the siding following which the points are unclipped, restored to main line and clipped in position. NR attend again when the train leaves. This process takes time and hence the delays.

The situation is often worst early in the morning especially in winter when a train is booked into the quarry at 07.30. The nearest authorised NR operative is based in Burnley and starts work at 07.00 leaving insufficient travel time. In one month NR had to make "delay payments" of tens of thousands of pounds (per train/quarry staff).

I cannot comment on the accuracy of the information or if the issue has now been fixed.

 

I should think that yesterday, either it's been fixed or the man in the high viz was there waiting. 1210 at Hellifield, let's say 1230 arrive at the quarry junction, 5 mins to set back, line clear at 1235. That's more or less the timeline which is efficient and was achieved. Conclusion--- if the Tilcon runs, try to depart Hellifield 15 late and hope for a clear run. I do realise it all depends on what the signallers say!

 

https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/dalesman/settle-to-carlisle-line

WCRC have announced D345 will work the diesel legs on Thursday 23rd June (York - Hellifield - York) and Tuesday 5th July (Chester - Hellifield and Carnforth - Chester). Should look better with a rake maroon Mk1s than Intercity Mk3s!

 

any idea what's on tomorrow please? i am on it from WBQ

Thanks Neil

 

47270/37706 on diesel, 35018 on steam

 

Thanks
Neil

 

There is already a thread for the Dalesman - “WCRC Scarborough Spa/Dalesman/. . .” Please will one of the Mods combine them before it gets confusing. Thanks

 

It was one of those days; not raining, not windy, not cold and not cloudy - just the sort of day to watch a train. Mrs W (yes, out again!?) and I left home and headed over to Hellifield to take a look at BIL. The journey took a little longer than expected, we parked up and Mrs W wandered over to the fence whilst I walked up onto the platform for a closer look; BIL was gleaming in the warm morning sunlight, Mick Rawling was on the footplate but the fireman had his back to me. A quick photo and back to the car.



As we were driving off the car park I spotted Martyn Soames walking on - firing on the return leg?

A gentle drive up to Horton in Ribblesdale station and onto the north end of the up platform where a guy was just setting up his tripod and video camera. He related a story of his friend who had had his video ruined by a nearby photographer who had made several expletive laden exclamations. In the most charming and polite manner imaginable he sought my agreement not to do the same - he got it.

A text from @RalphW confirmed that BIL had left Hellifield. It was pleasant waiting in the warm sunshine (16C). Soon the gentle southerly breeze carried the sound of a distant whistle and then another. Next came a louder whistle and BIL swept into view, she was moving at some speed and hurried towards us, through the platforms and away into the distance. It looked like Rob Russell on the footplate taking a bit of a break from firing duties. In the second coach @RalphW gave one of his best waves yet (Thanks). The sound of the ever quiet exhaust faded quickly and soon the train disappeared from view. RT and only a tad under 40 mph (easy for a big loco with 10 coaches).



Rounded the morning off nicely with a bacon butty and a mug of tea by the side of the river at Slaidburn.

 

Waiting in Carnforth loop at the moment here is BIL after arriving at Carlisle this afternoon
Neil

 

SRMN class No.35018 'British India Line' works today's 'Dalesman' 1Z52 through Selside to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Rob Russell firing and Roly Parker Guard



'British India Line' working the return 'Dalesman' away from Tebay and onto Carnforth Mick Rawling driving, Steve Clark on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard



Having been held at Grayrigg, 'British India Line' seen working over Docker viaduct

 

British India Line simmering at Hellifield and passing Selside:

 

I went on the Dalesman yesterday Tuesday 7th June
Steam from Hellifield was 35018 British India Line, 37706 T’n’T 47270 on diesel portions
35018 British India Line Seen here alongside 2 TPE 397 units ready to depart on the return journey
https://tinyurl.com/rymn2xm2
37706 T’n’T 47270 seen arriving at Warrington
https://tinyurl.com/ycxzj93v

Neil
https://tinyurl.com/rymn2xm2

 

(2) 7th June 2022 35018 British India Line The Dalesman - YouTube

35018 on yesterday's Dalesman

 

On Tuesday, @RalphW, who was travelling in his official capacity, had kindly agreed to give me a wave. As the train ran through the platforms at Horton in R, Ralph, at a window in the second coach, first waved regally then switched to a Churchillian salute as the coach whizzed past. Thanks, much appreciated.

 

07/06/2022 - SR Pacific - 35018 "British India Lines" passing Settle Junction on "The Dalesman" to Carlisle

 

Timings for Tuesdays Dalesman
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53191/2022-06-14/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53192/2022-06-14/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53193/2022-06-14/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53195/2022-06-14/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53196/2022-06-14/detailed
Does anyone know what’s hauling this?