Northern Belle 2024

45212 seen shortly after leaving Carlisle with the return N/Belle on 19.10.24. I think that should be it for the year for steam on the S&C.

 

Lambrigg Head at lunchtime 19/10/24............................

 

Disappointed with the lack of Autumn colour as Black 5 No. 45212 works 1Z76 the 'Northern Belle' towards Greenholme and onwards to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Rob Russell on the shovel and Steve Adams Guard who will also work the return



Drifting over Batty Moss Viaduct No. 45212 works 1Z77 the return 'Northern Belle towards Ribblehead Station and on to Preston and eventually Coventry

 

45212 seen leaving Carnforth then on the return at Stockber.

 

The path for the returning Northern Belle is later than that used by the CME and at this time of year it can make a big difference to the available light. Today's train was scheduled to leave Clitheroe at 18.03, one minute after sunset. On a sunny day this would not present a problem but on Wednesday, a horrendous day with torrential rain (all day), it was dark well before six.

The overnight rain cleared mid-morning and the day improved, with sunny intervals forecast for the afternoon. The smart money would be to head north where the train would pass long before sunset became an issue. However, the lure of a Black 5 on Wilpshire Bank was too much for Oswald. There are not many spots that catch the late afternoon sun, Langho is one but the platforms are narrow and it might be busy. I finally settled on Nab Rise at Billington with its view of Whalley Arches and the chance that the trees might be displaying their autumnal colours, the downside is that the view is limited and it is very close to the A666 (traffic noise).

Mrs W and Oswald Jnr decided to walk to the football (won 1-0) and left early. Diego had already left after sleeping all morning then sharing our lunch (bacon butties). That meant Oswald was in charge . . . of . . . Oswald! There was bright sunshine as I drove over to Billington. How much of this sunshine might remain would depend on what time the train arrived. At one point it was running 18E, that would do nicely and there was an opportunity to run early by following directly behind the 17.26 departure of the Rochdale Flyer from Whalley. This was not to be, 45212 left Hellifield at 17.27 (4E) and Clithereoe at 18.01 (2E). Darkness was falling, the colours faded before my eyes, but at least it was cool with little or no breeze.

Then some white exhaust approached Whalley station, the trail moved through the station, rounded the curve and onto the viaduct and soon the beat of the Black Five's exhaust could be heard above the traffic noise. The noise grew louder as 45212 barked her way across the arches, smoke from a nearby chimney rose to meet a kindred spirit. The loco passed side on, a double blast on the hooter, the lights in the carriage windows shining brightly, another whistle for the crossing. Then a slip as the loco crossed the road bridge, quickly caught, then another slip this time longer. 45212 regained her feet and the exhaust beats became steady and even as they rang out for the next three minutes before gradually fading. as I packed up the street lights came on. A thin film of condensation had formed on the car roof (and perhaps on the railhead?) 11C, 1L & 19mph - and simply wonderful!

Mrs W and Oswald Jnr had already returned when I arrived home. Diego spotted me unloading the car and sneaked in, he is currently (21.50) upstairs and reluctant to leave.

 

What about next Saturday's Northern Belle?

Peter

 

There's one on the 16th November too.

 

I know it's not a definitive source, but I was only going on what is shown on the Railway Herald site. Must be more careful on what I post...

Edit: Should have said 'what was on the HR site'. The last 3 for the year must have added very recently.

 

Ideal conditions on the S+C as 45212 heads south at Breaks Hall with the Northern Belle on 19/10/2024

David Price

 

Crackin spot for a crackin shot David.

 

Very nice Howard,always liked Duncowfold location.

 

Thanks Henry.Also good to see 45212 which hasn't done much work on the line

 

Thanks Henry, haven't seen you over this side for a while.

 

No haven't been able to get out much this year,back in play now.

 

Good news.

 

Assume 45212 again for this Saturday, confirmation most welcome.

Kind regards

 

26th October 2024 45212 Northern Belle (youtube.com)

45212 heads north on a sunny day

 

45212 passing Natland in lovely autumn sunshine.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54094817154/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54094483236/in/photostream/

 

Passing the site of Burton and Holme station, heading north from Carnforth this morning......(don't mention the telegraph pole!)...............

 

45212 passing through Dent around 11 early

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54095483120/in/photostream/

and crossing Dent Head Viaduct

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54095482965/in/photostream/