Midland Pullman HST (2025)

Yesterday was memorable . . . it rained! After a prolonged dry spell, just a few hours short of 4 weeks, we finally had some rain. At around 3pm gentle spots began to fall, after about 10 minutes of nothing much and with the paving slabs still showing some dry areas (perhaps 10%), it stopped. Well rain is rain! However, shortly before 4pm the sky darkened and more rain began to fall, Maisie took refuge under the car then made a dash for it and came inside only minutes before the heavy stuff started. There was heavy rain, hail, thunder - it was wonderful. I checked the weather radar, we had caught one of the isolated storms, perhaps no more than 5 miles across and centred on Darwen. After 45 minutes it was over. Mrs W returned from an afternoon walk looking like a partly drowned rat (don't tell her that I said that). Whilst there may have been enough rain to turn the soil in in the Wistle's garden black I suspect it would have done nothing to change NR's current steam ban in the NW.

So with no immediate prospect of steam hereabouts I would head out to see the "blue and white" train. It was sunny, dry and with only a light wind from the north. Time to have another play with the new toy. On Monday I had checked out a couple of potential locations close to the centre of Blackburn that were difficult if not impossible from the ground but might be possible with a drone. The first near the NR depot and the Wainwright Bridge was interesting to view but difficult to frame a train coming under the bridge. The second on Mayson street, behind the station next to the cinema is on what was Blackburn goods yard and was more promising - so that is where I would go.

I was chatting with Mrs W when I spotted on RTT that the train was 11E at Wigan and with a booked 20min pathing stop at Lostock Hall Jn, it could be very early at Blackburn. I gathered up my stuff and headed to Blackburn, save for a set of temporary lights I made good time. I parked and checked RTT, the train had left Farington Jn but had not cleared Lostock Hall Jn, so panic over - for now. I kept a close eye on RTT and saw that the train had departed LH Jn 9E - best get ready.

I had only about 10yds to walk. I had decided to attempt to record some sound using an old iphone. Everything was ready and the train was running 13E at Cherry Tree and 15E at Mill Hill (less than a mile away). I got the drone in position, sound ready and checked RTT. The Rochdale to B'burn train (2B83) was running late and it was almost certain that the HST would be held at Bolton Jn to allow 2B83 to run in front. At least it gave me chance to have a trial run. The service train trundled past and into platform 1. A couple of minutes later the HST appeared from under Wainwright Bridge and headed our way. Looking splendid, some noise from the lead power car and all very civilised. 16C and feeling warmer out of the cool breeze & 8E.

I returned home, Mrs W was out, Maisie was out but Oswald Jnr was in. A little later, at 12.30, Maisie appeared and decided it was time for her dinner even though her scheduled time is 1pm. Such is the pester power of cats that she had her dinner and then went straight out again.

 

Really good day out yesterday. There was a lot of disruption on the WCML due to a broken rail at Winsford and a bridge strike near Stafford, but we kept pretty much to time throughout. Weather was glorious, offering a clear view of the Isle of Man, 40 miles out at sea (and the aircon was working this time as well!) Burnt vegetation from Tangmere a few weeks ago still very much evident in places. I only loaded up my speedo app a handful of times but I did clock us at 112 at one point - not many railtours where you can travel that fast!

Usual brilliant service from the on board team, most of whom were on the train for 22 hours+, spending most of that on their feet. Endless teas/coffees, snack boxes, white wine, pear cider etc. Looking forward to the next one already!

 

West Highland Pullman Exeter to Fort William on a pathing stop at Penrith

 

Unscheduled wait at Bridge of Orchy due to 40 min late Scotrail service. Earlier track safety inspection has caused some delays.

 

West Highland Pullman at Fort William

 

West Highland Pullman at Rannoch.

 

Now back home after a great 3 days in the Highlands, so you'll be relieved to know there'll be no more Midland Pullman updates from me for a little while now. What I love about these West Highland weekends is the mix of high speed running along the WCML, coupled with the leisurely meandering along the WHL through the superb scenery. Best of both worlds. Have been on the 2+5 set a number of times now but on this trip I discovered for the first time that the maximum speed it is permitted to go is 110, which I'm pretty sure we reached in several places. Don't know why, but I had previously thought it could go at 125 like the full length set. If you look at the path on RTT it always says "timed for 125mph" but anyway, there we go.

The usual 45 minute wait to check into the Premier Inn on Friday night. Queue snaking around the car park. Same girl on her own in reception that was there last time I did this trip in March. I always feel a bit sorry for her. Was going to go hill walking on Saturday but it wasn't the weather for it so saw the 2 Black 5's on Jacobite duties, saw the sleeper arrive 45 mins late and went on a seal watching boat trip across the loch. Saw loads of seals!

Good trip home today. The enterprising Crianlarich local lady was there with her home-made cakes and fudge. The return journey on these trips always stops at Crianlarich for 20 minutes so she spends the days before baking and then turns up at the station with 3 wicker baskets full of goodies. She must have made a killing during those 20 minutes. Crazy Goose Lady she calls herself. She's on Facebook and Instagram if anyone does that sort of thing. Shout out to the driver for giving me a pound coin to buy a cake from her, when I discovered I didn't quite have enough cash on me. And that's even after he had the bad luck to be standing behind me in the Premier Inn queue on the Friday and having to endure inane LSL-related questions from me while we queued!

Unscheduled 30 minute stop at Preston on the way back due to medical incident on board, so we had to wait for paramedics to arrive.

Usual excellent service from the LSL team, most of whom now recognise me on sight (and probably groan a bit inside when they see me - who can blame them?)

 

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I think 110 mph is the highest line limit on any section of the WCML for non-tilting trains.

 

110 because of brake force I believe. Not as many brakes as the big set to slow you down. I think any HST that’s 2+5 or smaller is limited.

 

A friendly wave from the driver passing Brock.

 

Classy touch.

 

I meant 110 in general, across the network. It's to do with the brakes, as Harry said.