Winter Cumbrian Mountain Expresses 2014

Wouldn't have that problem if they ran the other way round...Preston to Hellifield before the real work begins up to Blea Moor.

 

I've stayed out of the WCRC loco management debate until now, but I think this is one 3-cyl failure too far for the long-suffering passengers, and another dent in the reputation of the wider steam tour movement on the main line. It's just not good enough I'm afraid.

I'll ask my friend to write a review of her experience as typical of the non-enthusiast, first timer passenger we rely on to fund these trips - might make interesting reading. We've already had one couple who we suggested travel on the CME who will never travel again due to spending the whole time in Carlisle buying extra layers of clothing to combat the lack of steam heat in sub-zero conditions.

 

15.00 - no sign of train, due off 14.44.

 

RTT reports 5Z87 (Carlisle-Carlisle) back into Carlisle 57 minutes late. Apparently sat at the platform if RTT is to be believed?

Hoping this weather clears before next weekend!

James, in the middle of booking his hotel in Lancaster ahead of a visit to the northwest next weekend!

 

Galatea will be replaced at Hellifield by 47746, which dep Carnforth at 1500.

Andrew N

 

Sat at Carlisle awaiting a path I'm told.

Edit - according to RTT departed 15-24 - 40 late.

 

....... of course

 

Have been advised 15mph at Shap summit.Injector sticking at Penrith.

 

Injector problem? That figures; somebody was looking out of cab at fireman's side injector at Eden Valley. Incidentally (and ironically) NR had approached DBS about using one of their possession trains as a source of assisting loco. I would guess Galatea and train are VB only so it would have been a slow trip into Carlisle. Just as well they sorted themselves out. And just as well there's a cap on delays incurred by charters too.

 

Hi Guys,this is my photo of Galatea storming past Well Heads,nice to bump into Shep Woolley earlier
Best Wishes Tony
http://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/12386072783/

 

Same pattern as last week. Galatea wouldn't steam on the northbound leg last week with 10 though she did come around near MP35 on Shap and was fine on the return. Doesn't seem to steam well from cold at all. Too small a firebox. Its a real problem.
What's more worrying is that according to my ticket letter next week is going to be load 12: 10 Passenger - 3 Premier Dining, Two First, Standard/Buffet, 4 Standard PLUS the Kitchen Car and POB. If 46115 isn't available we're in serious trouble. 46115 wasn't that good with 11 last year. RTC needs a good wide fireboxed Class 8 for loads like this and they haven't got access to one have they?

 

Here's a video of Galatea climbing towards Grayrigg - not the best of locations but made a change for me:

The joys of filming from a road bridge - hardly any vehicles for an hour then three (including a milk tanker) when the loco arrives.
At least I had a feather of steam Ralph.
Chris

 

Todays was shown as 10+2, but 1first class was removed because it was not required.

 

My onboard friend now frozen. Leak on the steam heat, so their (and other?) carriages have been isolated.

Edit -Looking at the videos, steam heat leaks appear to be worse between coaches 6&7 so aprox half the train with no heat now. Combustion also looks poor - much dark smoke in evidence, and fireman's side injector looks to be wasting up Grayrigg.

 

Re: fireman's side injector, that was certainly the case at Eden Valley, which is a good bit further on than Grayrigg.

 

Just passed Garsdale at last. Took 24 mins against the 13 min scheduled from KS.