WCR 2024 Railtours

Looks like 44871 + POB goes from the NRM to Southall tomorrow so can we expect 34067 on tomorrow's Dalesman?

 

If 44871 is heading to London from York on same day then it can only be Tangmere

 

Or a diesel.

 

Understand from a friend who saw it pass the Ribblehead cam Tangmere with two diesels on the back.
Maybe a way to stop @Big Al complaining about one diesel on the back

 

When you know you should of stayed in bed!!



However, a quick run up the road



Not the shot I came for but 'Tangmere' approaches Helwith Bridge with today's 'Dalesman' rail tour from York to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Matt Southwell on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard

 

34067 tnt 47802 + 57009 seen at Selside Cottages in drizzly windy conditions.

 

As I understand it, one of the diesels had failed. The pair of diesels swapped for another pair at Carlisle. There were moves both ways between Carnforth and Carlisle on RTT.

 

I understand that only 1 diesel (47848) came up from Carnforth to replace the two (57009 & 47802) that had come up with Tangmere.

 

But then how did the train get back to York given the reversal at Leeds?

 

There was this VSTP LE move from Carnforth to Hellifield:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:97317/2024-08-08/detailed

 

No idea, just relaying what was on Facebook with accompanying photos.

 

Post on wnxx said
"57313 Hellifield to Leeds for 47848 to York"

I assumed that is what happened.

 

The (Eastern) Dalesman 08 August 2024 – 34067 Tangmere heading 10+POB with “added diesels”

Exactly a year ago on a warm and sunny day, Mrs W & I travelled on the Dalesman (East) with BIL hauling 13 (non-aircons) and with no diesel. How different would today’s trip be? First, it was dull and overcast as we headed to Skipton. Luckily, we found a space on the station car park thus avoiding the 10-15 minute walk from the car park in the town centre. It was reported that our loco would be Tangmere (not wishing any ill on the light pacific I had hoped for the Black Five).

Onto the platform to find that westbound services appeared to be running 5 or 6L whilst a signalling issue around Shipley was delaying eastbound departures. This included the 11.04 service to Bradford which was occupying platform 4 from which we were booked to depart at 11.18. Eventually the “Bradford” train left at 11.22 going only as far as Shipley. At 11.25 our train came into the station headed by the green liveried 57.009 “GJ Churchward” (and presumably another diesel on the back). We were in standard, the 3rd coach (4th when the POB was added). At 11.28 (10L) we headed off towards Hellifield, arriving in the Down GL at 11.46 (13L). Tangmere was waiting in the Up GL with Mick Rawling in the driver’s seat.

A couple of service trains came and went, then the eastbound gypsum train (12.04) following which Tangmere headed down the Blackburn line to cross over. At 12.12 the Arcow Quarry empties headed west followed at 12.15 by Tangmere preparing to drop onto the front. (I later found out that 47.802, the diesel on the back, had at some point “sat down” and refused to restart.) To minimise delays it was left in situ and 57.009 was added to the rear for ETS (and to push). Whilst we waited, we purchased a brew from the trolley service; there was no buffet car.

At 12.36 (17L) with Mick Rawling driving and Matt Southwell firing (and with 2 diesels on the back) we set off. Thro’ Long Preston at 40.6 and looking good for 60 at Settle Jn then the brakes came on and we were held, for only a few seconds, approaching SJ. The NT Carlisle-Leeds passed, and we were away only to be held again (around 3 mins) just beyond SJ presumably waiting for the stone train to shunt into the sidings. Away again and Tangmere got “stuck in” plenty of grey smoke and clearly audible even in our aircon. Thro’ Settle (27L & 37.4), this was more like it, up to a max of 40.9 around Langcliffe then leaving Stainforth Tunnel the brakes came on. We headed slowly up the line, there had been a report of trespassers. Our steady pace continued, up on the embankment between Helwith Bridge and the Quarry Jn were two idiots – not the usual camera phone sort, but tripods, video cameras . . . words fail me!

Once past the junction speed increased to 31.1 at Crag Hall Farm and 37.4 (33L) at Horton in R, where the works to reinstate the junction to the quarry are continuing. Running up past Selside speed had increased to an (un)healthy 47.6 before we began slowing for Ribblehead, 39 under the B6479 then the brakes came on hard and we were held for around 4 mins at the signal around a mile south of Ribblehead station. The cloud base was low, drizzle was not far away. There was some brief slipping and we slid backwards a little way before the “dynamic duo” with synchronised pull and push got the heavy train moving on what were probably damp rails.

Past Blea Moor SB 39L. With all the “challenges” Tangmere assisted by GJ Churchward (and hindered by several issues) had taken 38m 30s from passing SJ SB to passing Blea Moor SB. None of the issues were down to Tangmere, except perhaps as a “Steam Magnet for Idiots”. By Dent the low cloud had become drizzle which persisted for much of the onward journey, nearer to Carlisle it stopped and thankfully didn’t look like starting anytime soon. For the sake of brevity, the run was pretty much as expected, the Langwathby water stop was omitted, there was a TSR around the north end of Baron Wood No 2 Tunnel and after the briefest check before Carlisle S Jn we ran into pl 3 (not 4 as booked), arriving at 14.41 (24L). A walk up to the loco to check the crew details and a brief word with Mick Rawling who announced that he was “ready to go home” – I don’t blame him!

Off to the Woodrow, small fish & chips for two, with afternoon discount a few pennies over £12 (inc soft drinks). Next stop, the centre where Mrs W had an errand, then a couple of sandwiches and some fruit from M&S and back to the station to see what the return journey might bring.

We were booked to depart from platform 1, often the stock is stabled in A road but this was occupied. The train/ECS was nowhere to be seen. WCML trains appeared to be subject to considerable delays, it would probably be a case of wait and see. Eventually, hauled by 47.848 (a replacement diesel sent from 10A) the stock with Tangmere on the front was drawn into the platform. The whole train had been turned, to the confusion of several passengers. So still front of the 4th carriage. We were booked to depart at 16.27 and were ready not long afterwards. Following a wait for a suitable gap we got the road, Roly blew his whistle and waved his green flag and we were off (19L) with Steve Chipperfield driving and Rob Russell firing.

It was the usual slow departure as we picked our way over the point work, but once clear of Petterill Bridge Jn (18L) the noise increased as did the speed, but too much?! 2 miles out and under the M6 at 38.3 mph (without the diesel 30, or just below would be typical). Speed fell back to 35 at Cumwhinton then up to 44 at Howe & Co SB (16L). Around 6.5 miles out there was TSR before Cotehill then beyond that the speed rose to 53 (16L) at Low House Xng. What followed was testament to the difference that an active diesel can make. Very rarely touching 60 and even with the TSR at Baron Wood together with another slowing near Little Salkeld (possible TSR – not easy to spot with the high windowsill) we sped through Appleby at 53.2, 42m 8s after leaving Carlisle.

Neglecting the water stop meant that we were almost 4E. More/worse(?) was to follow as we passed MP275, the start of the Blue Riband section at 63.3mph. Speeds did follow the gradient profile but less markedly and at a much higher level than had it been steam alone; Helm Tunnel 56/54, Griseburn 52, Crosby Garrett 55, Smardale 58. Only approaching Kirby Stephen did the speed fall below 50 (49.2), we were now 10E. The carnage continued, Birkett 51/49, Mallerstang 52 and a max of 56.2 at Sycamore Tree Farm. As I looked down into the valley I spotted “Shep’s roadworks”. Nearing the end of the climb(?) speed “fell away”, 49 at Angerholme, 46 under the B6259, a min of 45.2 and 46 at the summit board. Appleby to summit in 19m 43s and MP275 to summit in 17m 21s. What’s that, “the diesel was only idling” – I wish!

A standard sort of run followed, the dull/low cloud/occasional drizzle that had accompanied much of the run was replaced by steady rain as we left Blea Moor Tunnel. Approaching Blea Moor SB we were held for almost 8 mins until a NT service passed heading north. Back on the move we passed the signal box 4E. Again, with no exceptional speeds we ran in to Hellifield UGL almost 12E. 57.315 was on the down side of the station, the second replacement diesel. (I understand that 57.009 dragged the recalcitrant 47.802 back down the WCML to 10A (for a spell in the naughty corner?!)).

34067 and POB headed back to 10A, 57.315 went on the front and as we waited, we ate our sandwiches. 8E and we were off, we should be home sooner than anticipated, or so we thought. We were held outside the station waiting for a late running Leeds train to leave, eventually 21L we stopped in the station. There was heavy rain falling as we made our way to the car, despite it being less than 100yds we were soaked – a perfect end to a perfect day (and the WD40 was at home).

Thanks to all who planned and operated the train in difficult circumstances, some are long term and well known but many others arose on the day. Thanks to David, our steward, knowledgeable and ever cheery. The aircons rode smoothly, the air conditioning worked well, and the coaches were quiet – too quiet! I can live with a diesel on back, but I do like the low sill on Mk1 windows and the opening toplights – I enjoy the “outside coming into the carriage” – sound, smoke and cinders! As for the “nutcracker” of the middle arm rest . . . a man could be disabled for life! Did CDL make me safer? No!

There didn’t look to be many photographers/videographers about so special thanks to the “usual suspects” for capturing the action and posting on here – much appreciated.

The next two trips are already booked – hoping for something nearer to how it was (and better weather). As one involves Tornado, I am not holding my breath.

Mrs W & Oswald Jnr are off to the football this evening for the first match of the season – fingers well and truly crossed!

 

Excellent report but most importantly how is Diego? I hope he didn't mind you going off railtouring for the day.

 

34067 Seen yesterday through Helwith Bridge and Ribblehead in the pouring Rain