VT: The Shap Mountaineer with Tornado - 28/03/26

Some comments on the gradients at Shap Summit. The normal gradient profile shows a mile of level track between mileposts 37¼ and 38¼, and post 37¼ was the top of the Shap Time Trial section in 1995. However, on timing these trains and others it soon became clear that the climb continued for some distance beyond this, and a bit later a gradient post showing the change from 1-in-75 to level was put up almost alongside post 37½; I think Mike Notley was involved and it is still there. The Railway Data web site shows the top of the climb at 37 miles 38 chains, and incidentally the gradient as 1-in-76; it confirms the end of the level section and thus the southbound summit at post 38¼.

 

Some horsepower calculations for 60163, using the RPS spreadsheet and my GPS data. All the usual caveats about inherent uncertainties with values given to the nearest 25 and an estimated uncertainty of ±50 to 100HP.

Grayrigg North (MP13-MP26)

12.99 miles in 14m 22s (average speed 54.3 mph). Average EDHP = 1475

Shap North (MP31.5-MP37.25)

5.75 miles in 6m 14s (average speed 55.3 mph). Average EDHP = 1725

Ais Gill (MP275-MP259.75 [summit sign])

15.22m in 19m 57s (average speed 45.8 mph). Average EDHP = 1450

Ais Gill from Birkett TSR (MP264-MP260)

3.98 miles in 5m 56s (average speed 40.2 mph). Average EDHP = 1825