If you register, you can do a lot more. And become an active part of our growing community. You'll have access to hidden forums, and enjoy the ability of replying and starting conversations.

The Pendle Dalesman tours of 2023

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by sgthompson, Jul 11, 2023.

  1. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2008
    Messages:
    4,010
    Likes Received:
    9,837
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Tobacco manufacturing
    Location:
    Kendal
    Decided to start a thread for the Pendle Dalesman tours as the Dalesman is a different thing again.
     
  2. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2008
    Messages:
    4,010
    Likes Received:
    9,837
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Tobacco manufacturing
    Location:
    Kendal
    IMG_3358.jpeg Not my best ever mobile picture sadly.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2023
    ax1709cjm, 68923, Spike and 6 others like this.
  3. sgthompson

    sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2008
    Messages:
    4,010
    Likes Received:
    9,837
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Tobacco manufacturing
    Location:
    Kendal
    46115 Climbing Ripley Bank, Approaching Ribblehead Station, Ribblehead Viaduct and a windy Birkett Common.

     
  4. Bodorganboy

    Bodorganboy Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2017
    Messages:
    615
    Likes Received:
    1,484
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Lancaster
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer


    46115 on Pendle Dalesman.

    Picadilly Lancaster
     
  5. Shep Woolley

    Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Feb 21, 2007
    Messages:
    2,304
    Likes Received:
    10,202
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Pendle Dalesman SG 1 NP.jpg

    No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' works the inaugural 2023 'Pendle Dalesman' towards Helwith Bridge with Mick Rawling driving, Rob Russell firing and Steve Adams Guard

    Pendle Dalesman SG 2 NP.jpg

    Speeding through Kirkby Stephen No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' with the return 'Pendle Dalesman' back to Lancaster with Mick Kelly driving, Martyn Soames firing and Matt Miller Guard
     
  6. nige757

    nige757 Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2018
    Messages:
    648
    Likes Received:
    4,672
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    retired
    Location:
    kendal
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    46115 seen leaving Lancaster from Bridge Lane and Piccadilly Lane Bridge, approaching Ribblehead Station and crossing Ribblehead Viaduct in between heavy showers then on the return from Greengate Bridge and Birkett Common in glorious sunshine.

     
    Crawley Ben, RalphW, osprey and 14 others like this.
  7. ribble

    ribble Member

    Joined:
    Dec 9, 2007
    Messages:
    416
    Likes Received:
    3,092
    46115 Scots Guardsman in Mallerstang on 11/7/2023

    David Price
    Cop Lane on Flickr 15E_0555 copyLR.jpg
     
    DWH 2848, black5, Crawley Ben and 8 others like this.
  8. walkerp1

    walkerp1 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2008
    Messages:
    191
    Likes Received:
    1,464
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    West Lancashire
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
  9. osprey

    osprey Resident of Nat Pres

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2007
    Messages:
    10,167
    Likes Received:
    2,656
    Occupation:
    semi-retired, currently doing R&D for my patents
    Location:
    Halifax
    Daalesman....is that posh Lancashire speak?
     
  10. Bodorganboy

    Bodorganboy Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2017
    Messages:
    615
    Likes Received:
    1,484
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Lancaster
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    No a sticky keyboard
     
    sgthompson likes this.
  11. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    The Pendle Dalesman 11 July 2023 – 46115 Scots Guardsman hauling 9+POB

    It was my birthday a couple of weeks ago and Oswald kindly treated me and Mrs W to a trip on the Pendle Dalesman. However, like “Mary’s little lamb” I suspected that Oswald would be “sure to go” (come along).

    This was our first trip of the year. Blackburn is nearer with cheaper parking, but Preston offers more steam miles; it was always going to be Preston. A mixed forecast with the chance of some thunder and lightning, oh goody (but better sitting in a carriage than standing out by the lineside).

    There was a bit more traffic than normal, but we arrived on platform 3 about 20 mins before the train was due. 46115 glided into the station and stopped (2L). We were in coach H, the 8th of 10 and quickly took our seats. With Mick Rawling driving and Rob Russell firing we set off south on the WCML (2¾L), crossing to the SL then branching off at Farington Curve Jn. Mick soon had SG working as we passed through Lostock Hall (2L & 37.9mph), gently gathering speed, thro’ Bamber Bridge (1½L & 43.9) and onto the climb of Hoghton Bank, almost 4 miles at 1/100r. Half way and across Gregson Lane (37.8), a min of 33.9 but up to 35.7 as the 8th coach reached the summit. We gathered pace; Pleasington (49.1), Cherry Tree (50.2) and Mill Hill (50.1) before slowing and running into platform 1 at Blackburn (¾L) for our next pickup.

    Departing RT we curved off at Daisyfield Jn for the 2 mile climb to Wilpshire (1 in 127/162/73r) with a max of 31.9 and a min of 29.3. With downhill speeds around the line limit (45mph) 1½L at Ramsgreave & Wilpshire became 2E at Langho and 1E as we stopped in Clitheroe for our final pickup. We meandered thro’ the lower Ribble Valley, climbing the 1/100r at Rimington in the mid-30s. Approaching Hellifield, the sun disappeared and it began spitting. We stopped in the DGL (5½E) to take on water. Time for a drink and a Nutrigrain bar before preparing for the next leg of the journey, the climb to Blea Moor.

    Hellifield is around 495 ft above sea level and the line falls towards Settle Jn (425 ft) aiding the acceleration. We left ½L. To our left, on what appears to be WCRC land, were huge stacks of logs, like those that head to Chirk on the log trains -anyone know the reason? SG was working hard and thro’ Long Preston (½L & 40.5), speed continued to build, now faster than the traffic on the adjacent A65. No sound this far back, save the mindless chattering from the occupants of the nearby tables. Past Settle Jn (¾E & 59.8) with a max of 60.8 just beyond. SG was going nicely and stormed thro’ Settle (1E & 48.5). The weather was dry, but the roads were wet. Gravity was taking hold as we entered Stainforth Tunnel at 35.8 and exited at 34.2, down to a min of 32 before recovering to 34 at Helwith Bridge (¾L). A recovery on the level section past the quarry and up to 40.6 (and a roar from the front).

    Horton in Ribblesdale is 8 miles from Settle Jn and 800 ft above sea level, and it’s where someone had pinched “my spot” on the platform (1½L & 39). On the brief easing of the gradient, amid sunshine and showers, speed increased to 40.5 before settling around 35 for the run past Selside and on towards Ribblehead. 3L at Ribblehead (29.2) then slowly over the viaduct. It was now raining steadily as we passed Bea Moor SB (3¼L) and finally into Blea Moor Tunnel with the welcome (especially to Rob Russell) summit (1151ft). Settle Jn SB to Blea Moor SB in 23m 02s and Settle Jn SB to Blea Moor Tunnel S in 25m 22s.

    Out of Blea Moor Tunnel (41) in heavy rain, most of the views obscured by the rain and low cloud. The usual slowing for Dent (6L) reduced to 5½L at Garsdale (58.1), across Dandry Mire at 61.4. Near Shotlock Hill Tunnel the sun came out as we headed towards Ais Gill (6L & 54.3). Downhill all the way (almost). Running at or about line speed the deficit was slowly reduced from 6L at Mallerstang where, despite the sun, the clouds still cloaked the tops of the fells, to 1½L at Culgaith SB. Not needing to water, we passed Langwathby at 52.1 and the 2L became 15E. Now running early, speeds decreased as we made our way towards Carlisle, predominantly in sunshine but still with the odd shower. A clear run into platform 3 saw us stop 15E. Hellifield to Carlisle in 100m 34s.

    A stroll to the front to admire the loco, Rob Russell was still on the footplate, but Martyn Soames and Mick Kelly were preparing to take over the firing and driving duties for the ECS movements and the return journey. As ever, several people enjoyed a climb up onto the footplate but many of them were not as happy when attempting the climb down. Unusually, the stock was propelled south before being drawn into A road, rather than a run north with a propel into A road.

    The weather didn’t look too promising. We made our way out of the station to check out a couple of possible lunch venues that Mrs W had found on the internet. We couldn’t find the first and the second looked a bit downmarket. So, sticking with “downmarket” we headed back to the Woodrow Wilson. I had chicken and chips and, surprisingly, Mrs W had some sort of chicken burger (oh, and a glass of pinot grigio). Carlisle seems to have been over-run (or is it over-flown?) by large numbers of sea birds, perhaps a new addition to the Wetherspoon’s menu – “Chicken on a Skua”?! (OK, so they’re herring gulls). A wander off to M&S for a tub of fruit (to eat at Hellifield on the return) and then back to the station where SG was already coupled to the south end of the stock and Martyn was starting to prepare the fire.

    The train drew south and then back into platform 3. Coach H was now the 4th - but would still have the all the chatter; I wanted to hear the loco. A check with the stewards revealed that there were plenty of empty seats in the next coach (J) and they were happy for us to move. We were now at the front of the third coach and it was unoccupied except for us and a regular timer on the route – result!

    With 3 or 4 minutes to go SG was raring to go and lifted her safety valves. RT, in full sun, we were away. A little over a mile out the noise levels went up a notch as SG was set to work. 2 miles out and under the M6 at 27.5, now climbing the 1/132r past Scotby towards Cumwhinton (36.3). A short level before climbing past Howe & Co SB (½L & 45.7), now on 3 miles of 1/132r and down to a min of 43 with the most wonderful soundtrack. 52.1 as we passed Low House Xng then dropping down to Drybeck Viaduct with a max of 62.5 just beyond. Power on for the short climb to Armathwaite (¼L & 57.5), then gaining speed down the hill. Next, a memorable climb up the 1/220r, thro’ the 3 tunnels towards Baron Wood. First, into Armathwaite Tunnel at 61.5, hammering in and out of the short dark tunnels and into sunshine before finally emerging from Baron Wood No1 at 58.7 with a min of 56 at the summit beyond.

    Downhill now followed by a short climb (1/164r) to Lazonby & K (¼E & 63). Down again to Long Meg Viaduct (63.2), where there was plenty of water in the Eden, roaring up the hill past the old Little Salkeld station (58.8) where the station owner(?) was standing in his garden drinking in the spectacle (Oswald is available to visit on steam days). Thro’ Langwathby (RT & 52.2). Some easier grades, then level track and past Culgaith SB (1¼E & 60), 56.8 past Kirkby Thore SB, up to 59.8 as we passed Long Marton (2½E). Finally, the roaring had to stop (why?) and we eased to a halt in Appleby station (3½E). Our window was about 4-5 yards north of MP277.25. Carlisle to Appleby in 40m 32s (and very enjoyable it was). Talking of enjoyable, Mrs W nipped off the train for ice creams, I had ginger and Mrs W had thunder & lightning (this was the only thunder and lightning we saw all day, although Mick had SG doing a bit of thundering).

    Once again, Martyn had “the beast” all steamed up and raring to go (blowing off) and we left ½E. With “only” 10 coaches what could SG do? The key to a very good time is usually a high speed by Ormside. Mick seemed to agree as SG was barking away and speed built quickly, we charged across Ormside Viaduct with 58.7 at the south end. The sound from the exhaust raised the hairs on the back of your neck, MP 275 at 58.0 and onto the 1/100r. Quickly to Helm Tunnel (halfway on this first stretch of 1/100r), in at 47.1 and out at 45.4 with a min of 39.6 before the gradient eases. 40.5 across Griseburn Viaduct (and now on some 1/166r), a further easing of the gradient approaching Crosby Garrett (1½E & 47.0). SG finding this to her liking with 53.3 across Smardale Viaduct but the 1/100r returns for the slog to beyond Birkett Tunnel.

    Battling now and past Kirkby Stephen SB (¼E & 40.6). a brief easing saw speed increase to 40.2. The gradient is relentless, and SG was down to 36.7 into Birkett Tunnel, where the sound was wonderful, then out at 36.3. On the easing to 1/330r speed built again, Mallerstang (¼E & 39.6) and finally up to 44.4 (beyond Sycamore Tree Farm); 44.4mph to help SG on her climb of the final 3 miles of 1/100r. SG was making all the right sounds as she dug in, but gravity does not give up. Down to 39.2 at Angerholme, 37.1 across Ais Gill Viaduct, 35.0 under the road bridge and 34.7 at the summit (RT) with a min of 33.7. Appleby (start) to Ais Gill Summit in 25m 47s. MP275 to Ais Gill Summit in 21m 23s.

    Nothing remarkable about the run to Hellifield. Only 2 mins is allowed from Ais Gill to Garsdale, hence 2L. This increased to 4½L by Blea Moor SB and, such are the booked times that despite running downhill at about line speed, we arrived at Hellifield 4½L. Time to water the loco and for us a hot cross bun followed by the aforementioned fruit. Fed and watered we were ready for the last leg (could this be a TV show?!).

    As soon as the Leeds-Carlisle had left the station, we were off (14E). We were never going to be early enough to run in front of the Clitheroe-Rochdale, besides which we had a booked slot with platform requirements at both Blackburn and Preston, but we might as well wait at Horrocksford Jn. And so we did, we were held for 12 mins before being allowed thro’ 2¼E. Drop off in Clitheroe arr. 3E, dep. 3¼E. We were following the Rochdale stopper and held again for 3 mins leaving Clitheroe. Despite dawdling along we were held again at Whalley for 2 mins until the Rochdale train had cleared the section.

    We were now faced with the tough climb of Wilpshire Bank from a standing start. We passed Whalley (5½L) at 6.8 mph and straight onto the viaduct and the 1/81½r. Toplight wide open and soaking up the magnificent sound. We left the viaduct at 16.0, behind the houses at Billington (20) and up to 25 before Mytton Fold Golf Club. There were several people on the platforms at Langho watching us roar past at 25.6. Speed rose to a max of 26.5 before settling at 26 for the climb into Wilpshire Tunnel. Thro’ Ramsgreave & Wilpshire, where all the usual suspects (except for one) were waiting (24.5 & 5L). Unchecked at Daisyfield Jn before stopping in platform 4 at Blackburn (6½L). The 4½ miles from Whalley to R&W were polished off in a very noisy and thoroughly enjoyable 12m 14s.

    Only 1L away from Blackburn and very much a regulation run towards Preston. Cherry Tree (1½L & 43.9), Pleasington (¾L & 47.3 with a max of 51.9 across the River Darwen. We reached a max of 58.6 near Gregson Lane on the descent of Hoghton Bank. By Lostock Hall we were 2½E and consequently were held for 3 mins before Farington Curve Jn, then held again for 2½ mins before Ribble Jn. We stopped in platform 2 at a very sunny Preston (6L).

    After gathering up my kit we made our way to the front and a chat with Mick Kelly and Martyn Soames. One thing that had puzzled me and my fellow timer was on the climb from Ormside to Ais Gill the exhaust had become silent intermittently before resuming at full volume. Mick confirmed that there was nothing amiss on the loco that was worked with first valve fully open and cut offs varying from 35 to 45% (the sound in the cab remained continuous). Then it dawned, in cuttings or places sheltered from the strong west wind the sound travelled back down the train but in exposed locations it was swept away to the east – simples! We waited and watched the train chuff off (RT) she curved to the left glowing in the strong evening sunshine – if only I’d had my camera.

    My thanks to all concerned with the operation of this excellent trip and especially to David, our steward in coach H, who kept us informed and entertained us with his anecdotes and jokes. It was a disappointment not to see and chat @RalphW who was not on duty, we hope to see him later in the year.
     
    acorb, alastair, jsm8b and 11 others like this.
  12. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2009
    Messages:
    22,326
    Likes Received:
    22,425
    Location:
    1016
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    Nice to read a proper report about a proper steam charter. Just saying.
     
    alastair likes this.
  13. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    36,201
    Likes Received:
    9,658
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired-ish, Part time rail tour steward.
    Location:
    Northwich
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    No I do not currently volunteer
    @Oswald T Wistle The logs are a 'virtual forest', road to Hellifield then rail to Chirk, and yes I would have liked to have been aboard. :(
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2023
  14. Julian Jones

    Julian Jones New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2007
    Messages:
    190
    Likes Received:
    197
    Always good to read your well written steam reports, both observing and travelling, and you’ve got me suitably in the mood for my own excursion on the CME this coming Saturday, with 45699, which I had just booked, earlier today.
     
  15. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    Thanks Al, we had a good day, the Dalesman trains offer excellent value along a superb route but unfortunately are only easily accessible to those based in the north.
     
  16. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    Thanks Ralph, look forward to perhaps seeing you on another trip.
     
  17. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    Thanks Julian, have a good trip and I look forward to your report.
     
  18. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    In preparation for the departure from A road at Carlisle, Martyn Soames refreshes the fire with a round of Kazakhstan coal before taking a short break for some banter with passengers waiting on the platform.

    IMG_1239.jpeg

    The "Dream Team" at Preston, Mick Kelly is on the radio informing the guard of the planned time of departure whilst Martyn takes a break and lets one of the trainee firemen put a few rounds on the fire. (The well-washed overalls are really blue, low sun/phone camera has turned them a fetching shade of mauve.)

    IMG_1250.jpeg
     
  19. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2013
    Messages:
    1,502
    Likes Received:
    6,635
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    ESI Eng Manager (Retd)
    Location:
    NE Lancs
    Not of the best quality but a short clip of phone video taken from inside the third coach as we climbed Wilpshire Bank (around halfway between Whalley and Langho).

     
    RalphW and Mick45305 like this.
  20. 2857Harry

    2857Harry Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2023
    Messages:
    1,003
    Likes Received:
    2,020
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Conductor/Guard
    Location:
    Kidderminster/Leeds
    Heritage Railway Volunteer:
    Yes I am an active volunteer
    Any idea of motive power for Tuesday?
     

Share This Page