Lakes Express - Flying Scotsman + 45212: 18/06/18

Cheddington this morning. Not much exhaust from either loco but probably just as well given the stiff westerly breeze at the time.
45212+60103 by KING COBRA 92, on Flickr

 

An immaculate Class 5MT No. 45212 pilots 'Flying Scotsman' through Lancaster with the 'Lakes Express' to Carnforth

 

45212 acting as an appropriate pilot to 60103 on the Queensville Curve, Stafford

 

To be quite clear the GN/LNE way of working was one train one engine. In terms of dealing with the train 45212 was totally unnecessary, and could be said to be getting in the way being restricted to 60mph, but it had to be worked back home to meet other commitments.

 

Nice shot Shep . From what I’ve seen today I’m glad I gave it a miss with no decent exhaust on any videos so far

 

It was quite windy today so maybe lack of exhaust was no bad thing

 

Agreed. Quite a stiff westerly breeze at Cheddington and a decent exhaust would almost certainly have blown down.

 

And the crew were?

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10677/2018/06/21/advanced

 

Others elsewhere are now saying 45699.

 

I wonder if this will run pure steam like Monday ?

 

ie the return working on Thursday.
This has now appeared

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54847/2018/06/20/advanced

Presumably FS moving to York ready for the Scarborough Flyer.
So, we may have to wait and see what might bring The Lakes back to London.

 

Hmm, the dates on that RTT link span the Scarborough Spa season. Is that not a path to get something between Carnforth and York for the Spa's if needed?

 

Interestingly there is a path out of Victoria to Southall for the ECS, but no LE move in from Southall shown so it may a a diesel on the back.
Of course if 45699 does bring it down I guess it will need to go back to Carnforth on Friday for the CME Saturday if 45690 is still out for repair.

 

Tomorrow now 48151 Carnforth- Crewe, diesel to Victoria. Very disappointing.

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55004/2018/06/21/advanced seems to agree

 

But no WCRC path back north for anything. A conclusion might be that the train is double headed, but I doubt a 50mph limited loco would be sent all the way to London Victoria.

 

UK steam seems to have it as steam all the way with a tail gunner so.... is the above information confirmed?

 

Solo 48151 dep Carnforth 1204 Lakes XP as far as Crewe. No diesel. 47580 + 47746 running Southall - Crewe to take over to Victoria. AN

 

Friday first thing in the small hours:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10687/2018/06/22/advanced