CME 23rd July

The Cumbrian Mountain Express 23 July 2016 – 46233 Duchess of Sutherland hauling 9+POB

It was a nice summer’s morning when I arrived at Preston station; I was travelling alone. (After being left on the platform at Preston in April, Mrs W is currently boycotting mainline steam; however, she is booked to return in August). Following a delay at Wigan the train was 16L as 46233 glided majestically into platform 4 at Preston. I was in the rearmost compartment of the last carriage (10 back from the loco). We were held to allow the late running Tesco Mossend train to get in front and departed almost 5L. Ron Smith was at the regulator and soon had us cruising along in the low 70s. We slowed to 45 around Oubeck loops (TSR?) but were back up to 73 through Lancaster. We were 6L after an even slower than usual run into Carnforth D&UGL for water.

We were then held for a late running TP service to Edinburgh and departed 13L; big engine, lightish load, late start, “Rocket” Ron on the regulator . . . . ?!! The start was steady, but by Milnthorpe we were up to 61 and still 53 at Oxenholme, Grayrigg was topped at 45. Now for the “big hill” we were up to 76 before Tebay and speed held well on the lower part of the climb, but disappointingly 46233 was not opened up and we passed the summit at only 33.5. There then followed a very fast downhill run, kept legal by the frequent application of brakes, that got us into Carlisle only 5L.

The weather was pleasant in Carlisle and well suited to an outdoor lunch at a cafe in town, followed by a gentle stroll and back to the station. I was now in the first compartment of the first passenger coach, only the POB between me and the loco’s tender and it was my turn for the window seat; only downside was that I was now travelling backwards.

Mick Rawlings was at the regulator as we departed RT. The schedule allows 23min to a stop in Plumpton loop where we were to be overtaken by a Virgin Pendolino. As this section is almost all uphill previous runs often seem to drop 3 or 4min. Not this time 46233 was put to the task; at the end of the initial 1/131 we were up to 40, this increased to almost 57 on the following 1/228 then we began slowing and stopped in the loop RT (we shaved 34sec off the booked time). 46233 was blowing off she waited impatiently for the VP to pass (15.20). At 15.21 (1E) we were away. Without sounding like she was being extended speed was built to 53 through Penrith We touched 60 and were still doing 59 when we reached the foot of the 1/125. Speed was held in the low 50s on the first part of the climb but dipped to 48.3 around Thrimby Grange. This increased to over 50 as the gradient eases to 1/142, and further increased to 56 on the level near Shap village. MP 37½ was passed (RT) at a shade under 60 and a few seconds under 24min from Plumpton loop.

There then followed another fast downhill run, through Oxenholme at 73 (5E), Milnthorpe faster (8E). We slowed for the embankment works (?) near Warton and were stopped for 2min before Carnforth N Jn. We stopped in Carnforth D&UGL 4E.

Some 35min later we were off again (RT). We were up to 43 at Hest Bank and shot through Lancaster station at 60 (1L) speed dropped to 56 on the short bank south of the station but we were soon back into the low 70s and RT by Garstang. We arrived in Preston 3E.

It was only a very short stroll to view the loco and to thank the crew. Steve Chipperfield was at the regulator as 46233 set off south with a deafening blast on the hooter, Mick Rawlings looked to be taking a well earned rest. I saw Steve in Carlisle and he looked more to be dressed for a night out than a spell on the footplate; I understand he was booked TI.

An extremely enjoyable day out and 46233 showed what she can do with a light train and without being unduly extended. A well organised and professionally operated trip – thanks to all involved especially the unsung heroes, Simon Scott and Nigel Barber who fired the loco.

My enduring memory has to be the sound of the exhaust on the southbound run. It wasn’t the roar of a Jubilee or the deafening crescendo of a Scot, by comparison it was relatively quiet (46233 was working well within its capacity) but it was relentless and almost hypnotic like a burbling brook – sort of!

Nice early finish and home soon. Mrs W had spent the day watching the cricket on tv – ROOOOOOOOOOOOT!

 

Seen at the beginning & end of the day as I was heading for the DRS open day at Crewe.
She is seen heading north at Clive Green near Winsford
https://flic.kr/p/KoCpwh
Later on arrival back at Crewe
https://flic.kr/p/Jv3JKZ
& returning to the heritage centre
https://flic.kr/p/Kh9pRU

Cheers
Phil

 

Very good summary but having checked twice I believe that Steve Chipperfield was the official driver though I think Mick did the work as he knew how the engine was being worked on Shap. Read the full story in HR due out on 25th August.

 

Thanks for the kind remark. I'm sure that you are correct, I was relying on what I was told and what I saw - another case of me adding 2 and 2 and getting 5. I'll look out for the story in HR.

 

Steve Chipperfield drove all the way from Carlisle to Crewe with Mick Rawlins as the second pair of eyes. The outbound fireman was Simon Scott not Webb, he's getting a bit upset as his name keeps getting printed wrong in magazines and online!

 

I was originally told Simon Scott, then Webb. Thanks for the info. Wrong again!!

 

I was definitely told Simon Webb so who was it?

 

It was definitely Simon Scott as he is the main fireman for PRCLT .