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The Dalesman 2019

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by iancawthorne, Nov 16, 2018.

  1. walkerp1

    walkerp1 New Member

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    Great to have Lizzie back.

    Northbound at Lazonby & at Waitby on the return.

    IMGP7611_1bs.jpg
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/33867087328/in/datetaken-public/

    IMGP7635_1s.jpg
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/47691407512/in/datetaken-public/

    Phil
     
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  2. Swiss Toni

    Swiss Toni Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: May 26, 2019
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  3. nige757

    nige757 Member

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    Princess Elizabeth at Birkett Common.

     
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  4. Shep Woolley

    Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

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    Excellent stuff Steve, my thanks to you and Nige for a very enjoyable day to Beattock and back
     
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  5. Shep Woolley

    Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

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    Great Brirain 4b.jpg

    6201 making a fine sight and sound as the return leg of 'The Dalesman' approaches Aisgill summit David Blair driving and Chris Holmes on the shovel
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2019
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  6. frazoulaswak

    frazoulaswak Member

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    Northbound on the descent from Ais Gill...

    EOS 5D Mark IV_190430_8268.jpg

    … and southbound at Ribblehead.

    EOS 5D Mark IV_190430_8305.jpg

    Cheers,
     
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  7. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    Last edited: May 26, 2019
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  8. JohnRobinson

    JohnRobinson Member

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    DSC_16079.jpg

    6201 "Princess Elizabeth" heads north from Shotlock hill tunnel towards Carlisle on a running of the Dalesman
     
  9. Landshrew

    Landshrew New Member

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    6201 at Lunds Paddock on the outward and just south of Lazonby Tunnel on the return. Worth the 06:10 start off Ely and the 23:58 finish. Great to have her back in the mainline steam pool DSC_0304 (2).JPG DSC_0360 (2).JPG
     
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  10. Swiss Toni

    Swiss Toni Well-Known Member

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    Now that's dedication! :Happy:
     
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  11. Bodorganboy

    Bodorganboy Member

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    6201 back on the mainline. The Dalesman at Selside and Aisgill
     
  12. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Ready for the off ! 46831257965_a7bc1a88e7_o.jpg
     
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  13. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    Can't beat the sight and sound of Lizzie in the Northern Fells. Looked like a really good climb to Ais Gill with that heavy 12 coach train. Thanks for all the videos and pictures. Done the old girl proud!! Now what about the 18th's CME? Shap beckons...
     
  14. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    D*** well should be.
     
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  15. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Part of the furniture

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    An interesting contractual debate that I am sure we will never be made aware of. The points issue is clearly on NR, a subsequent delay created as an after effect of the points issue could be argued to be a consequential loss. But of course the delay process has probably been drafted by the DfT and we all know how great their contractual skills have been shown to be by the WCML franchise debacle and possibly the EMT franchise award.
     
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  16. princealbert

    princealbert New Member

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    I don't remember reading this earlier but part of the delay at Appleby was that the loco was first taken into the sidings, presumably with the intention of crossing to the up line there and thus giving access to the water column. The track layout permits this but there was obviously a problem because the loco returned to the train and then went a short distance down the main line to use a different crossover. Like so may unplanned moves these days it all took ages and I can only feel very sorry for the passengers on the service track stuck behind the charter.
     
  17. Cambrian55

    Cambrian55 Member Friend

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    You are correct, I was up in posh nosh class and managed to drag myself away from my glass of white to asses the situation which was as you have described. All fellow passengers seem quite relaxed about the situation, but as you say those stuck on the following service must have been very frustrated as I did hear that the air con had failed on their unit.
     
  18. noelist

    noelist Member

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    I heard that the service train had a problem with some door/s not working properly which led to the steam being let out ahead of it, this from a fellow enthusiast at Carnforth last night, when for some reason Lizzy failed to make a dash home although it made it from the loop to the station just as the leeds was approaching Carnforth, most thuso's with sense left when that timing was cancelled, and it waited till the next leeds was approaching Carnforth to depart Hellifield, just me and this other hardened (idiot) enthusiast saw it arrive in the pitch black, the recently arrived swallows kept us amused including some bats....
     
  19. RalphW

    RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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    But the service train could not get into the platform as we were there, so we had to leave before it could get in. Now why it could not have used the other platform I don't know, since Lizzie ran through that way to use the loop to get to the other end. The loop points were now working since the weight of our train passing over had 'cleared' the fault.....
     
  20. Oswald T Wistle

    Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

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    The Dalesman (Eastern Route) 30 April 2019 – 6201 Princess Elizabeth hauling 11+POB

    It is six months to the day since the final train of last year’s summer season of Dalesmans. WCRC had plenty of other commitments, being in the middle of the Great Britain XII tour, but thankfully was able to promote and operate this more modestly priced trip. So an hour’s drive to Skipton, park in the centre and a 10 minute walk to the station and in good time for an 11.15 departure. Early morning mist had given way to spring sunshine and the forecast was good.

    The train, “top and tailed” by 57.313 and 57.314 arrived 3E; a long train and shortish platform meant a walk through to coach J. We left RT but as we approached Hellifield we were held for over 30 mins because of a points failure. When we were allowed forward it was into the platform line and not the DGL as is usual; this meant that the following service train could not overtake us. Both diesels were detached and 6201 Princess Elizabeth and POB were attached to the front. 28L, with Ron Smith driving and Frank Chippendale firing, we were off. I was at the front of the 11th coach, so 10 coach lengths back and even with the top light open I was unlikely to hear too much from the front.

    By Long Preston speed was 41 and we were accelerating nicely with 61 at Settle Jn. As the gradient took effect speed fell to 48 at Settle and we were down to 35 going into Stainforth Tunnel. There was a minimum of 30 just beyond Sheriff Brow but, with Lizzie was making some noise, speed improved to 32 at Helwith Bridge (28L) and on the level beyond we almost touched 39; 35 through Horton in R, but we had dropped almost a minute, then 32 past Selside. The upper part of the climb was accomplished at around 30/31 before speed increased to 33 through Ribblehead (30L), Ron eased Lizzie across the viaduct and past Blea Moor SB (29 & 29L). We entered the tunnel at 29 and a welcome break for the fireman. Settle Jn SB to Blea Moor SB took 23m 19s and Settle Jn SB to Blea Moor Tunnel S took 25m 02s. The climb had a feel of Lizzie being managed back into her mainline duties (her last revenue earning trip reputedly Nov 2016).

    It had been announced that we would not be stopping for water at Appleby; we were 29L and had a booked 20 min stop, with a bit of luck we could make Carlisle RT. So a quick run was needed; 49 out of the tunnel, 53 across Arten Gill viaduct, down to 31 through Dent, 60 through Garsdale up to 62 across Dandry Mire viaduct and 53 at Ais Gill (27L). Now for the downhill: Mallerstang 61, Kirkby Stephen 58, faster at Waitby, 59 at Crosby Garrett (25L – we were pulling those minutes back). A further announcement said that we were getting low on water and would have to stop at Appleby after all; we stopped a little over 22L.

    There was no tanker waiting at Appleby. I don’t know if the tanker had been on site but then the driver was informed that it wouldn’t be required and had made its way to Carlisle or, based on last year’s experience of locos being able to run to Carlisle without watering, had not been sent to Appleby. Lizzie is a big (thirsty?) engine and has a small (4000 gallon) tender and we were reportedly down to 1000 gallons, so we needed water. As I understand, the signal man was asked to allow us to cross to the Up line and take water from the tower at the end of the platform (it seems WCRC do have access to water supplies from the tower!). The signal man refused to do it without authorisation from control, after more delay authority was granted, Lizzie was unhooked and ran across onto the Warcop branch and stopped behind the box, a NR mobile operative had arrived by this time. After much kicking of rods, head scratching etc., it was found that the crossover on the branch wouldn’t work. Time for plan B, Lizzie returned the way she had gone, then set off along the Down line and stopped beyond the crossover on the main line, the points were changed and the NR guy put in the blocks and Lizzie reversed onto the Up line and to the water tower. Whilst we waited I enjoyed a blackcurrant ice cream.

    Water taken and Lizzie re-attached we left 64L. Ron was out to regain some of the time; Long Marton 57, Kirkby Thore 61, Culgaith 63, Langwathby 59 we swept down the hill past Little Salkeld and Long Meg. We were through Lazonby at 59, into the dip beyond and Lizzie was opened up as we stormed up the 1/165r, down the hill through Baron Wood Tunnels, a short climb to Armathwaite (52), down the dip and opened up again for the climb past Low House Xng (50) – lovely noises from the front! One final burst of speed with 63 past Howe & Co (62L), a clear run in and we stopped in pl3 at Carlisle (58L). Well done the men at the front! Just time to wander along the platform and admire a magnificent machine.

    It was now around 15.15 so down to the Woodrow Wilson (noodles and chicken), a quick errand in the centre and back to the station. The stock had remained in platform 3, the usual shunt to A road had not been required and this allowed more time to turn and service the loco. Lizzie and coach appeared and backed on to the stock; a set-back of around two coach lengths was required to get behind the signal, once accomplished passengers were allowed to board. 50.008 Thunderer was waiting alongside our train whilst its driver was changed.

    I was now at the rear of the third coach, toplight open – much better! With David Blair driving and Chris Holmes firing we set off south just over a minute late. We made steady progress but once clear of Petteril Bridge Jn we made an unscheduled stop, the guard could be seen as he made his way along the LHS of the train from the front towards the back. 3¾ mins later we restarted and it was obvious that Mr Blair intended to make up the lost time; in less than a mile, on 1/132r, we were up to 25 as we crossed under the M6. Lizzie was barking and at the top of the first section of 1/132r (just beyond Cumwhinton) we were up to 36, speed increased on the short level and we were up to 44 as we passed Howe & Co (but 6¼L as a result of our stop). Speed fell back on this next 3 miles of 1/132r to 40, but back up to 50 as we dropped down the hill past Low House Xng, 60 in the dip and holding speed well as we thundered through Armathwaite at 55, downhill again and up to 61 then through the tunnels at Barons Wood (lots of noise and plenty of cinders) with a minimum of 52 on the 1/220r.

    The fun continued as we swept down into the next dip, with power on we roared through Lazonby around 63, on past Long Meg through Little Salkeld (1/132r) at 59 and, as the gradient tightened, we lost a little speed but stormed Langwathby at 53 (2½L). Speed recovered on the easier grades and we were now RT as we shot past Culgaith SB at 63, New Biggin 58 and the noise continued, back up to 63 at Long Marton but then easing as we slowed for our water stop at Appleby (1¾E). Without our unscheduled stop a time of around 42½ minutes would have been likely.

    Lizzie took water from the tower (it appears that the “local difficulties” have been resolved). I was getting excited at what might be to come (or it could have been a sugar rush from my second ice cream of the day – ginger, this time). My hopes were dashed when I heard that the driver had been informed of a couple of children reported trespassing on the line near Crosby Garrett. We left 3E, at a more moderate pace – no point wasting all that coal and effort to build speed that has to be lost by running at caution. We crossed Ormside viaduct at 51 and the 1/100r begins; into Helm Tunnel at 40 and out at 37, slowing to 33 across Griseburn viaduct and instead of speed building as the gradient eases it was allowed to ebb away as we approached Crosby Garrett (18 & 1½E), we held around 19/20 until we entered Crosby Garrett Tunnel. Once inside power was applied and we left at 22, across Smardale Viaduct at 24 and back onto the 1/100r. In a little over 2 miles, on 1/100r, Lizzie dragged the train up to 32 as we passed Kirkby Stephen SB (1½L). On the brief easing that follows we reached 37; this fell back to 35 into Birkett Tunnel and out at the same speed. Speed built to 40 on the easier gradient (1/330r) at Mallerstang with a max of 44 at Sycamore Farm. Lizzie sounded like a pair of black 5 on steroids. We passed Angerholme at 40, dropped briefly to 39.7 across Aisgill Viaduct, 39.8 under the road bridge, a brief dip to a minimum of 38.5 and 40 as we passed the summit board (2L). Appleby to Ais Gill Summit Board took 34m 2s – this included some 20 mph running at Crosby Garrett.

    So we were off down the hill, most of the work done. There was a good run along the top and down the other side, by Settle (61) we were 3E, a slow run past Settle Jn, Long Preston and into Hellifield UGL saw us stop RT. Lizzie was watered and detached. The diesels came on front and back, Lizzie ran round her support coach and left for Carnforth, we departed for Skipton, arriving RT. A 10 minute stroll to the car park, a drive, and home for 9pm.

    The couple I shared a table with had travelled from N Lincs and were stopping in Skipton; the trip was the man’s 70th birthday present – that’s what I call a present!, they were excellent company throughout. I had a couple of brief chats with @RalphW, who was not stewarding but had been granted a half-day pass to sample 6201 (northbound only – domestic duties called). Thanks to all who planned and operated a very, very enjoyable trip; not without its challenges but these were all resolved. It was a lovely spring day, the sides of cuttings were awash with primroses, trees were coming into full leaf and in the fields there were lambs aplenty, all bolting away from the sight and sound of Lizzie . . . like startled rabbits (and there were a few of those too). It’s good to have Lizzie back, a loco with a bit of muscle, a welcome addition to the Carnforth pool.
     

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