Saphos: Blue Peter to Carlisle - 12/02/26; Sir Nigel Gresley - 11/03/26; Britannia - 8/04/26

Definitely a 'mixed traction' day, but 90 miles with 70000, then a bit of Class 37 action over Shap, I can't complain too much.

 

And now the 37 has failed at Tebay. Blocking the up main

 

They sent some 20s to Get Britannia so hopefully they can get the train

 

All good fun. Oil pressure issues apparently. Not restarting at the moment. A pity there's no up loop at Tebay.

 

Nice WCML backlog at peak time. Trains now being held at Harrisons, Penrith, and Carlisle with two more due to Carlisle shortly.

 

I think that the down loop at Tebay is accessible from the up main via crossover.

 

I don't think anyone would dream of drawing such a comparison . The only common feature is the failure of the steam locos...........That apart both trains turned out very differently in the end.

Sorry Alan but your post was unfortunately a wee bit premature.

Peter

 

Class 20s coming to the rescue

 

Yes, and for the avoidance of doubt, I meant 'all good fun' in the ironic sense. Suspect there will be a few quid changing hands after this, but at the end of the day, anything can break down.

 

0Z99 has just departed Oxenholme heading north. [BJ]

 

8th April 2026 70000 Britannia Cumbrian Mountaineer

70000 on the ill fated Cumbrian Mountaineer

 

I really hope that all that has happened today doesn't put LSL off doing unassisted steam again.

 

20s arrived and coupled at 19.10

 

Before the problems developed.
70000 at Moore Lane. Warming air meant a thin exhaust, the once clear embankment towards the far bridge is quickly disappearing behind the re-growing trees.

 

I'll be honest, if I was advertised a tour with steam, Class 37 and Class 20 haulage it would be quite a tempting offer. Sprung on me by surprise however...

 

On the way near Oxenholme. Class 37 seems to have restarted, too.

 

How many delay minutes from today’s shenanigans?
I sincerely hope that GBR haven’t been taking a close interest in the performance of these recent tours .

 

Not bad going considering two loco failures during the day. Lucky that the 37 was already at Carlisle so not far away, likewise the 20s had already arrived at Oxenholme to rescue the Brit.