Steam Dreams 2023

A possible new market maybe? (Not being flippant btw I reckon a few die hards would enjoy something like that)

 

When I went on SD's version of the RTC CME 5 years ago the train was lightly loaded until Litchfield, and very view empty seats when we left.

 

Going to be a bit busy at Crewe around 10am, steam charter P12 diesel/electric off, steam on, diesel charter P11 adding diesel to rear

 

RTT timings.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53019/2023-03-25/detailed

 

It seems that 46100 spends the night at Carlisle and the train returns south with "modern" traction.

Carlisle ECS
25/3/2023
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53022/2023-03-25/detailed
46100 & PO Brake
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53024/2023-03-25/detailed


26/3/2023
46100 & PO Brake
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U53026/2023-03-26/detailed

Cheers, Neil

 

Charter with 86101 leading, 47853 on the rear, currently being held at Stafford due to signal failure at Crewe. 46100 unable to come off depot.

 

Loco change to steam now taking place at Warrington vice crewe

 

Cresting the bank at Hoghton Bottoms.............

 

Well the Vernal Equinox came and went and the weather did improve marginally, there were even some sunny afternoons. We had some overnight rain but the morning remained dry - just about. There was a report of a signalling problem around Crewe with the loco change moved to Warrington BQ. This appears to have been done quickly, well done to NR for coming up with a solution and LS for a nifty loco change - I wonder when was the last time a steam loco came on at WBQ. The schedule had a 29 minute pathing stop on the chord before Lostock Hall Jn, this handily "gobbled up" the 17L running consequent to the issues at Crewe.

With the weather non too promising I decided against Brownhill, with the long straight climb out of Blackburn, and settled for my old favourite, Chapel Lane and Hoghton Bank. My other (not so) old favourite, Mrs W joined me. Driving along the M65 there was a short, sharp and heavy shower - oh no, not again! It went as quickly as it had come and the sky to the west looked brighter (well, not as dark). As we parked there was just the odd spot of rain on the windscreen and then it stopped - yes! We headed down to the bridge where there was a stiff, cool westerly breeze blowing, but down in the cutting the line was sheltered. The light was flat, the trackside vegetation was dead and showed no signs of Spring - drab, colourless and lifeless, hey ho!

The Blackburn bound unit, for which RS had been held at Lostock hall Jn, came and went. Then in the distance the whistles from 46100 as she approached the various crossings further back down the line. The busy 3 cylinder exhaust beat carried by the wind swept towards us in waves, growing louder and louder. Some white exhaust drifted from around the bend, louder still and RS appeared under the occupation bridge and headed towards us. A wonderful whistle for the approaching crossing - worth the entrance money alone. She headed ever nearer, exhaust beat crisp and even, the smoke darkened as a round of coal went on the fire. Then she was under the bridge in a flurry of swirling steam, half the train had passed before it cleared. The diesel on the back appeared to be contributing little. Once over the top she accelerated away towards Pleasington. A Preston bound unit crossed with the train and tootled off under the bridge. We watched the Scot disappear from view. 8C (but feeling cooler in the wind), RT and 30mph.

As we packed up several photographers, who had returned from duties on the foot crossing, waited on the bridge to photograph a 66 hauling the east bound tanker train, we watched and then headed home. Another day with 2 Scots out on the main line; one near and one far away. My thanks to Mrs W who kept the rain at bay and was in charge of the i phone for the going-away shot.

 

I went over to Crewe today for the 2 charters and the Model Railway exhibition at Crewe Heritage centre, with full size guests

First up was the Steam Dreams Settle & Carlisle special, though due to failure of signals and points at Crewe 46100 Royal Scot had to run to Warrington to attach to the charter
Few photos of 46100 Royal Scot in the LSL shed area before it went via the dive under avoiding lines at Crewe
https://tinyurl.com/bddkt9ud

Neil

 

Footage of 46100 passing Pleasington then accelerating away from the Chatburn stop.

 

No. 46100 'Royal Scot' working the Settle and Carlisle Special away from Helwith Bridge bound for Carlisle

 

46100 at Brownhill and Helwith Bridge in fine voice .

 

46100 crosses a River Eden in spate as it head north with a Steam Dreams charter, 25.03.23.

 

46100 is seen at Brownhill and Helwith Bridge.

 

There was a job to Buxton with 45407 & 76079 came on the front at Warrington, around 2005?

 

Well remembered. 22nd October, to be precise: https://web.archive.org/web/20160623130001if_/http://uksteam.info/tours/t05/t1022b.htm

 

5th April 2014 that one was, a 44871/45407 double header from Manchester Vic down the Heart of Wales iirc.