LMS 46100 The Pennine Moors Explorer 21/10/23

LMS 46100 Royal Scot is supposed to be at the helm of the Pennine Moors Explorer.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14358/2023-10-21/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14361/2023-10-21/detailed

 

Ex-LMS Royal Scot class 4-6-0 No. 46100 Royal Scot blasts through Hartford Station with Saphos Trains' charter The Pennine Moors Explorer from Rugby to Hellifield on Saturday 21st October 2023.



Cheers,

 

46100 at Midland Shed near Carnforth , Starrick's Farm, Langho and Wilpshire tunnel.

 

We escaped the worst of "Storm Babet", locally we "got away" with a couple of days of heavy rain and very strong winds. Today turned out much, much better than had been forecast. It was dry throughout, light winds and even some watery sunshine.

Having watched, photographed and filmed for many years near the summit of Wilpshire bank it was time for a change (about time, I hear you say). I headed towards the foot of the bank. The train had a booked wait at Whalley station whilst the preceding service train cleared the section. I chose to go to the Billington end of Whalley Arches and more particularly the outdoor seating area of the "Billington & Whalley Brass Band WMC". [I had called earlier in the week and had been given permission to film from the location. I was asked to extend the invitation to other rail enthusiasts and point out that drinks can be purchased. Job done!]

Mrs W was at the football (won!), so it was "Ozzy no mates" - again! I arrived in good time, parked and walked down into Whalley to check the river level. After prolonged periods heavy rain the river (Lancashire Calder) has a history of overtopping its banks. The levels were much lower than I had been expecting. Back up the hill to the car. Time to get organised. With more than 10 minutes still to go before the train was due to leave Whalley, Oswald was ready. RTT showed that the train had passed through Clitheroe (1L) and was, presumably, now stopped, just out of sight, at Whalley station.

A blast from a Stanier hooter followed several seconds later by a short slip, quickly corrected, then the steady even beat of a steam loco getting its train on the move. The sounds became louder, white exhaust above the trees then she came into view, a large, magnificent steam locomotive dwarfed by the enormity of the massive brick viaduct. Slowly and steadily she eased the coaches across the viaduct, her exhaust beat crisp and sharp. Every second of her progress worth savouring. All too soon she passed by and out of view, a few coaches trundled past, another blast on the hooter (Billington foot crossing?) and finally the diesel - doing nowt! RT & 10C (but feeling cooler).

 

Good choice of location.

 

Footage of 46100 at Coppull Moor and Clapham Moor this afternoon, along with 35018 at Soutergate.

 

Lovely sequence at Clapham Moor.

 

Having recovered from several slips at Borwick Royal Scot class No. 45100 'Royal Scot' puts on a show as it works the 'Pennine Moors Express' through Starricks Farm heading for Hellifield

 

46100 seen leaving Carnforth by the Midland Shed, Starricks Farm then later climbing to Langho Station and finally passing through the tunnel close to the site of the old Wilpshire Station.

 

Some great shots as always, I particularly like the view through Wilpshire Tunnel. Around 9:32 you can see just inside the tunnel what appears to be a dip in the rail but is actually where the gradient increases from 1/88r to 1/68r. I don't know about "leaves on the line" but at the tunnel mouth it appears as though there is "grass" on the line - no wonder 35018 struggled!

 

Thanks David, It certainly looks like there's a bit of a lawn growing, I wonder when the weed killing train treated it last ?.