RTC Cumbrian Mountain Express Jul-Sep 2011

Here are 4 photos of 45305 taken at Liverpool, Appleby and Carlisle. I travelled on the train with the Black 5 performing superbly. Ron Smith was the driver on the outward leg. The climb up the cutting to Edge Hill was one of the highlights with not a slip to be had and a terrific sound. A fast run through Lancaster and 25mph at Shap summit saw our train arriving 5 minutes late in Carlisle. Mick Rawlins was the driver on the return leg arriving back at Liverpool 3 minutes early.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64454718@N05/sets/72157627266641326/

 

Could someone who was on the train Saturday post some detail of how it went.Speeds at the top of Grayrigg/Shap/Ais Gill/Whalley and overall times from Carnforth to Carlisle and Appleby to pass Ais Gill would be nice.Then we can get a complete picture of what went on.

 

On the outward journey 45305 left Carnforth UDGL at 10.26 and arrived Carlisle at 11.46. The train left Liverpool 5 minutes down. We arrived 19 minutes late at Barton loop but left there 11 minutes early. Through Lancaster 66-69 mph, Penrith 56mph. Couple of slips at Scout Green but quickly brought under control. Left Carlisle at 14.38 arriving Appleby 15.25. Taking water took slightly over 5 minutes and left at 15.39. Dent 16.17, Ribblehead 16.28, Settle station 16.40, Hellifield Loop 16.52-17.43, Blackburn after a tedious run at 18.50-18.51, Cherry Tree for water 18.55-19.08, Wigan 19.41-19.43, Liverpool Lime Street 20.29.

 

Sorry but what speed through Lancaster? I know they did a 75mph test run but is that normal now?

 

is the engine 45305 a 60mph not a 75mph top speed?

 

Speed at the top of Grayrigg 34 [min @ mp 26]
Speed at the top of Shap 22 [maintained from MP 35 ¼ to 37 ¼ following 2 x slips @ Scout Green caused by flange lubricator.]
Speed at the top of Ais Gill 32 [@MP 260]
Speed at the top of Wilpshire 22 [from standing start @ Whalley station]
overall times from Carnforth to Carlisle 80 mins 25 secs [start to stop]
overall times from Appleby to passing Ais Gill 30 mins 07 secs [start to passing summit board]

Load was 10 and loco officially resticted to 60 mph. Hope this is of interest to some.

 

Does anyone know if 6201 still expected on the Crewe-Manchester-Carlisle version on Saturday as shown on their website and uksteam?

 

Many thanks to whoever was on the train posting updates, much appreciated.

 

Looking at RTC's website it should be possible to see this in 3 locations on the outward run as it is running Crewe-Stockport-Man Vic and then along the Manchester-Liverpool line to meet the WCML at Golborne. I would expect a water stop before the WCML section.



Link to RTC info:-
http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/cme-30-07


...There again, UK steam info has it running via Bolton? Has anyone any further info on route and loco please ?

Thanks, Neil.

 

6:05
Many thanks for your reply.A very complete picture.
Again many thanks.

 

Thanks Ralph, looking at last years route it was via Bolton as well.

Neil.

 

Re speed at Shap Summit
My gps was ageeing with the timers on this site, i.e constant at 22mph approx up the climb. My speed at the summit was based on the moment it passed the Shap Summit notice. May be just a timing error from my eye seeing the notice and the glance at my gps. As regards Lancaster I was stood at a door window. It was my wife who jotted down the speeds. I have to admit that Ron Smith did open up 45305 both on the approaches to Lancaster station and as we passed through.

 

The timings on RTC show the train leaving Carlisle at the same time as last year, but then the train seems to get back to Crewe 1h20m later than last year over the same route. Is this just because RTC puts down a latest possible time or will it actually get back to Crewe that late?

 

She isn't called the Black 5 gti for nothing!

 

6201 heading up to Crewe LE tomorrow so the loco for Saturday I presume. http://uksteam.info/tours/t11/t0729r.htm

Also timings up for the main excursion as well. http://uksteam.info/tours/t11/t0730c.htm

The Waverley has also moved one day back so thats going over the S&C as well.

 

I was hoping to chase this today but I could only get out for the one location this morning due to having to pick up a new (old?) car later. I may be out this evening though.

Photo from Horwich Parkway running a few minutes late:-

http://neils-photographs.smugmug.co...m-2011/16310584_dHgWT#1407413993_bWrj68R-O-LB

Neil