LE movements, ECS and test runs 2024

As far as I can see from RTT the only train delayed by 90 minutes was 1L14 the Liverpool to Norwich EMR service which I understand was the signal behind. There appear to be a couple of delays around 30 minutes the rest seem to be 10 or 15 minutes.
Whilst not good it does not seem that different to an average day on the ECML.

 

Looks like Tangmere isn't heading back home today. 5Z57 York NRM to Holgate siding is cancelled (excluded reason?), and 5Z58 12:14 York Holgate siding to Carnforth hasn't moved.

 

Departing after 1400

 

This was the only train shown passing Wennington today, everything else is an RRB, I guess due to the usual Northern Sunday issues. Not sure of the signalling but would NR bother to man any boxes if no trains?

 

No boxes left between Settle Jn and Carnforth (the longest block section on the network) anyway, so that wouldn't be a problem.

 

I see 44932 has been removed from all Its booked rosters on KWVR
Was there a problem with it on Christmas Eve as the dmu in Damien’s loop about 17:00 was stood for over 30 minutes waiting for it, it left before 44932 arrived

wonder how this may affect the light engine return to Carnforth on the 31st

 

Kwvr Facebook post this evening shows it's now been fixed and is back on the roster for 28/29th Dec

 

Did Tangmere go back to Carnforth or is it still at York please?

 

It returned to Carnforth the day after the Edinburgh working.

 

thanks

 

44871 Southall - ELR today.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U38837/2024-12-30/detailed

 

2024 is almost done and the return of 44871 to Bury after it's labours for Santa in London will doubtless be my last shots of the year.

In glorious winter lighting in Staffordshire 44871 is between Rugeley and Colwich, maybe the deer dreams of working for Santa one day !.
Actually I'd spotted it on a previous visit here but couldn't work it into the shot of 46100 that day, if it isn't a farm resident then it hasn't strayed far from Cannock Chase.

Engineering between Stafford and Crewe meant the route home north of Stafford was via Stoke and Macclesfield so the second shot is on the Norton Bridge grade separation just after Searchlight Lane junction, a stretch of line that didn't exist in steam days.

Winter light can be fleeting and although there was the prospect of another sighting beyond Stoke the clouds seemed to be forming quickly as evening approached. But not a bad way to round off the year.

Lang may steam's lumbs reek in 2025 - Slainte !