The Dalesman 2025

Despite Network Rail's fire risk level having been reduced from "Black" to "Red" West Coast decided to remain innovative with today's Dalesman. Seen near Stainforth crossing/alongside/on the river Ribble.

 

Nice to hear, although I am sure a RPO would have had a different view. No ticket = fare evasion.

 

Train Manager/Comductor overrides RPO anyway. So they’d have had no say.

 

Is the Dalesman on for steam haulage this week 19th August, as there is a light engine movement in from Carnforth
Thanks
Neil

 

34067 doing the honours today, 47826 on the back I believe.

 

indeed so
Tangmere came into Hellifield from Carnforth with a 57 minder leading, but departed with just a 47 on the rear of the Dalesman

 

Going well at Selside, at least 5 early. Typical S&C summer weather. 14 deg and light drizzle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54731128420/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54731000439/in/photostream/

 

Why NR's North West Region fire risk level is "red" whilst the rest of the country is at a lower level has me baffled. On Saturday LSL adopted a "double-diesel" strategy with minimal participation from Blue Peter. On Sunday WCRC also adopted a "double-diesel" approach but with Tangmere providing some of the power. Different operators with different approaches but both with the mandatory diesel assistance. What would today bring? Well, it had to be Tangmere or it was going to be no steam at all.

The day was certainly different, thick cloud and much cooler. I headed over towards Hellifield. My usual routine is to head to the station for a recce and then head to my chosen location. I did a detour to check out a possible shot of Tangmere, if it was steam, leaving the station. I parked up; it was drizzling and a cool blustery breeze was blowing, I decided to go elsewhere; somewhere more sheltered and where it might not be drizzling. Although I couldn't see Tangmere I could hear her air pump making whatever noise it is that air pumps make.

It was still drizzling at Long Preston and Settle Jn. Market day in Settle so it could be busy and Settle station is exposed to the wind. One of the bridges in Stainforth cutting? it, would be sheltered, and the drizzle had stopped but, on a dull day it can be gloomy in the cutting. I didn't fancy Helwith Bridge so it was my old favourite of Horton in Ribblesdale or further north; H in R seemed good to me.

I arrived just as a northbound service stopped in the station; Tangmere should be following. It looked as though the station might be quiet as there were only a couple of cars on the car park. As I made my way onto the platform I discovered that the "prime spot" at the north end of the platform was already taken. I headed up there, wondering if I might be able to slot in somewhere. I knew one of the guys and we had a brief chat. It was well sheltered from the wind and I could certainly have got an approach shot but not a trailing shot. I mooched down to the south end of the platform, the end with the new footbridge and lifts and scaffolding and barriers. At least the structures afforded some shelter from the cold breeze. The down side was that it was closer to the old station house where "Bob the Builder" was honing his nail hammering skills. Just to the south was the new connection to the quarry; the difference in gradients between the main line and the siding is very noticeable.

After a few minutes there was a distant whistle, a wait, and then another. Tangmere came into view, more clag and more noise than I had anticipated. This was much better, perhaps "Level Red" isn't that bad. The exhaust streamed off towards the west as Tangmere crossed over the new point, leaning to the curve, through the station and away to the north. 47826 was on the back and was assisting very well - rules obeyed, but still an enjoyable watch. 15C (half what it was 7 days ago), 4E & 44mph.

 

Showtime, SR BoB Class No.34067 'Tangmere' approaching Helwith Bridge with today's 'Chester Dalesman' 1Z45 originating from Chester going forward to Horton and onwards to Carlisle with Chris Cubitt driving, Martyn Soames on the shovel
and Roly Parker Guard.



Heading away from Tebay No. 34067 leads the return 'Chester Dalesman' 1Z46 towards Oxenholme and back to Chester with John Rogers driving, Rob Russell on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard.

 

34067 returning to Chester from Carlisle with today's Dalesman, seen exiting the Lune Gorge at Beckfoot.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54731529346/in/photostream/

 

34067 tnt with 47826 assisting from an overcast and windy east side of the track by Selside Cottages then on the return through the Lune Gorge.