Pathfinder 2024

34067 seen from Salterwath and Waitby Common.

 

Early morning mist gave way to a sunny day until mid afternoon when dark clouds gathered, around 15.30 there was a brief light shower. It remained dark and threatening. Mrs W and Oswald Jnr had gone to football (a draw) and Diego, a neighbour's cat, had not returned after an early morning visit for his breakfast. So it was Ozzy no mates (again).

With a diesel on the back the train could run early so I made my way over to Wilpshire with plenty of time to spare. Less than a mile to the east it had rained and rained hard, the road was awash with large puddles; another couple of miles and the roads were dry. I parked, checked RTT and found the train was still at Hellifield. As there appeared to be no threat of further rain I decided to make my way onto the station (Ramsgreave & Wilpshire) and pick my spot - although Mrs W had said that if I did it would never heal! My usual spot at the Blackburn end of the Clitheroe platform was free - yes! As I was getting ready both service trains arrived, stopped in the station and departed - no worries there.

Tangmere had already left Hellifield 6E and could easily gain another 10 mins on its way to Horrocksford. A couple of regulars wandered down onto the station. Another check showed that the train had left Clitheroe (now 13E) and was predicted to be with us around 17.15. The light had held well but was now beginning to fade, I hoped to keep the shutter speed as high as possible, still 1/350 but becoming borderline.

Whilst I was checking I heard the distant shish-swish-swish of Tangmere's exhaust and she was quickly at the bend. In the cool and almost still air the voluminous exhaust billowed from her wide chimney. She was making all the sounds we expect from a Bulleid and moving at pace; not quite the same speed as earlier in the year when the train was running late, but pacey none the less. She made a pleasing spectacle as she ran thro' the station to be followed by coaches in various and varied liveries - ah well, it makes a change from maroon. Following directly behind the generator car was 57.314, not pushing as much as other diesels have done. 5C (and feeling cooler), 16E & 35mph. Bit of a break until the next one - what is an Oswald to do?!



After today's misty start to the day it did occur to me just how many Paul Simon songs have some relevance to (steam hauled) trains, especially on Wilpshire Bank; the usual one being Slip Sliding Away. This morning was definitely A Hazy Shade of Winter. After periods of prolonged heavy rain the River Calder can overtop its banks as it flows under Whalley Arches, Bridge Over Troubled Waters. There are often complaints (on here) about assistance from The Box(er) on the back. We cannot rule out that there could be a passenger named, Mrs Robinson who, if travelling in a double-glazed air con carriage, would perhaps experience The Sound of Silence. When I see the train climbing Wilpshire it is almost always Homeward Bound. Finally, You Can Call Me Al - but you better not as it might upset one of the Mods. Oswald has left the building!

 

A short video of 34067 'Tangmere' climbing the incline to Shap on today's tour to Carlisle

 

I see the ex Anglia carriage has been graffitied since it left Burton yesterday. I wonder who picks up the bill for that being rectified.

Dave B

 

Tangmere at Shap Wells and Garsdale plus 40013 at Oubeck Goods Loops:

 

Second rail tour at Carlisle on Saturday 24th February was 34067 Tangmere Pathfinder Railtours 'The Settle & Carlisle Winter Express' Saturday 24th February 2024, complete with newly graffitied former Anglia railways coach
https://railway-photography.smugmug...arlisle-Saturday-24th-February-2024/i-mH63fHc
https://railway-photography.smugmug...arlisle-Saturday-24th-February-2024/i-PbBjh4C

Neil

 

Lazonby 24.02.24. I don't know which is worse, the coach or the new fence...

 

Excellent shots Shep lovely composition on both shots(the Stonehouse a beauty) great for the day with the stock.

 

34067 at Ais Gill yesterday

 

Crossing Whalley Arches a few minutes before sunset......

 

Stock spent the night at Bristol, not the first time railtour coaches have been subject to a wannabe Banksy

 

Salterwath:



Ais Gill:


Richard

 

Couldn’t agree with you more Ralph. The comment you quoted almost seems like it’s condoning vandalism!

Also doesn’t seem to spare much of a thought for the people who paid to travel with that on their coach sadly.

 

The Arten Gill shot is one I’ve tried twice, the first time white van man turned up at an inopportune moment, the second time it was a tractor and sheep trailer! You’ve inspired me to go for third time lucky.

 

From a video that I've seen on You Tube of the returning stock move - two further Coaches (one a buffet car) have also been "tagged" overnight.

 

Perhaps I could add one more relevant track title to the roll-call of all-time great Paul Simon Songs, and in the context of this paragraph, maybe less well known but even more appropriate! From 1983's Hearts and Bones album, how about "(Everybody loves the sound of a) Train in the Distance". A great track, and well worth a listen even if the subject matter of the lyrics (marriage) are remote from the topic suggested by the title.

Many thanks, as ever, for the graphic account of the days proceedings

 

A couple of clips from yesterday, featuring 34067 'Tangmere' at Birkbeck Viaduct, Greenholme and Waitby.

Video Available Here