Northern Belle 2024

It's actually a pole carrying an electricity supply.

 

45212 seen climbing towards Shap Summit from the Footbridge just below the summit then on the return from Waitby Common and Kirkby Stephen Station.

 

Oswald Jnr left home around 7.45 this morning but Diego was primed and ready and in he came. He had a drink but didn't want any food and settled down on my knee for a 30 minute nap. Over the next hour he came and went three times, the third time that he came back in he was accompanied by his "sister", Lucy (not really his sister but they live at the same house). Lucy left after a few minutes whilst the "big lad" put himself to bed then went home at lunchtime as he didn't fancy our scrambled eggs.

Our daughter and grandson were calling in the afternoon, depending on when they arrived (and left) Oswald might have enough time to get to Ribblehead, or if if it was later Settle Junction, or if it was later still Oswald would have to stay at home. As the steam loco was coming off at Hellifield, Wilpshire was not an option (Thanks for the memory jogger, Shep). They arrived and we all had a jolly time, except for Diego who stayed away as he is a bit wary around strangers. They headed home leaving Oswald with a fighting chance of getting to Settle Jn in time to see the train, providing that it was not running "silly early."

It was a pleasant journey in strong autumnal sunshine, around Long Preston some wispy cloud had appeared but still the sun shone. Travelling alone I had no-one to check RTT to see how near or far away the train might be. I arrived and parked at the side of the farm access road that is just beyond Settle Jn and checked RTT. The train had passed Garsdale (11E) but much to my relief was not yet showing a time for Blea Moor. I wandered down to the bridge where a photographer was already waiting, he was checking his phone regularly, very regularly and calling out progress or the lack of it.

A local guy with a video camera arrived and it was he who spotted the train in the distance. As might be expected a few minutes earlier the thin cloud had drifted across the sun leaving only the softest of shadows - ah well. The train swept down the hill and, with a toot on the hooter to acknowledge we three on the bridge, it sped off in the direction of Hellifield. 12C, 4E & 57mph.

Oswald packed up and headed for . . .

 

With the penultimate steam 'Northern Belle for this season Class 5 No. 45212 puts on a fine sight and sound as it works 1Z59 north through Holme and on to Carlisle with Steve Chipperfield driving, Fraser Birrell on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard. The same crew will work the return to Hellifield.



In the gathering gloom and the cold nipping at the fingers No. 45212 works 1Z60 the return leg of the 'Northern Belle away from Ribblehead and onto Hellifield.

 

A couple of clips featuring Black 5 No.45212 hauling 'The Northern Belle' on the 26th October 2024, seen at Docker and Smardale.

Video Available Here

 

Excellent pictures Shep!

 

I had made the same observation and considered making a comment, but mine would have been sarky so I forebore.

 

Imagine Saturday's Northern Belle to Carlisle will be 45407 wihth 44871 going to York and 45212 at Wensleydale now.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...6/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Unless diesel throughout.

 

Just to let you know the B6255 is fully closed between Hawes and the minor road at Newby Head Gate for Dent over the next week for repairs to Widdale Bridge. Although it is not the official diversion, the coal road over the top from Garsdale station most probably will be extremely busy and slow due to the closure.

 

I'm trying to imagine the coal road being fast - and failing!

 

Back in the 60s I was passenger in an Austin A40 when we tried to save tyre wear by attempting to get from one hump in the road to the next without touching the tarmac in between. A bit scary as there are a lot of bends and turning the steering wheel doesn't have much effect if the front wheels are not in contact with the road!

 

I once followed a Ford Cortina towing a caravan turn up the road towards Dent Station. He got round the first bend and stopped, I went to have a word and he said he wasn’t too sure about getting up the short rise. I told him it was nothing compared with what he faced round the next bend. He had the OS map on his knee, would anyone with any sense risk a white road in the Pennines towing a caravan?

 

They may do if they're using SatNav. <BJ>

 

It was long before the days of satnavs. I think they should have a warning; ‘only to be used by people with basic common sense’

 

That immediately rules out a lot of drivers.

 

Catching the last light as 45407 heads the return Northern Belle, 16.11.24.

 

45407 at Armathwaite.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54144378358/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54144423634/

 

Ian Riley's Class 5 No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' (No Bull) works the final steam 'Northern Belle' over Birkbeck Viaduct heading towards Greenholme and onwards to Carlisle with Mick Kelly driving, Matt Southwell on the shovel and Steve
Adams Guard. The same crew will work the return To Hellifield



Greenholme gallery approach



In fading light and chilly conditions No. 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' makes a fine sight and sound as it works through Kirkby Stephen with the return leg of the 'Northern Belle'

 

45407 seen climbing to Shap Summit from Shap Wells and on a charge through Kirkby Stephen Station yard.