CME 2023

Perhaps not so cynical Liam. 5C87 has changed and 5C88 has appeared now. What do you reckon?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C49278/2023-02-11/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:C49279/2023-02-11/detailed

 

I reckon in that plan it looks even more like a loco plus pob move with the coaching stock staying in the platform. In terms of the plan at Carlisle there are grounds for optimism. It has been a dry week, the forecast is reasonable, overcast with 10% chance of rain all the way round, 10 degrees. No doubt someone has tested the water supply at Hellifield. In terms of @Big Al five criteria, most of them get a tick. It's the hope that kills you, it could all change on the day.

 

Hopefully that is just a change of servicing location and nothing sinister.

We shall find out in 25 1/2 hours.

Andrew

 

We certainly will. Will be fun watching the shunting at Carlisle over lunch and a pint from the 301. RTT are a bit of a pain classing loco + POB as ECS and describing the locomotive as a diesel locomotive planned for 75 mph max.

 

Come on, chin up. Turn that frown upside down and . . .

 

After the first two WCMEs I can understand people being concerned about the use of a tail gunner but the paths around Carlisle suggest exactly the opposite. I got out my Track Diagrams book and ran through the paths appearing on RTT and this is what I think should/could happen.

The Lakelander arrives first (with a tailgunner) in pl4, passengers leave and diesel hauls train south to Upperby Bridge Jn then the steam loco draws the train into the loop. It is serviced and then the whole train is turned via London Rd/Petteril Br Jns before returning to Carlisle pl 3 and then off down the coast.

As Peter (@30567) said, the WCME arrives in pl3, 46115?+POB are detached and the ECS is left in pl3. Loco and brake run north, then reverse via B road to Upperby Jn and into the UP through GL, north to Bog Jn, complete turn via Currock Jn, quick reverse in A road and into High Wapping sidings for servicing. Finally back into pl3 to hook up to the stock and away down the S&C.

Close encounters: 12:43 WCME arrives pl3/12:44 Lakelander ECS leaves pl4. 13:02/13:08 trains on adjacent tracks south of Upperby Jn.

Two steam hauled services in Carlisle at the same time, both to be serviced and turned. NR appear to have got it well planned with LSL serviced and turned to the east of the WCML and WCRC to the west. Let's hope it turns out as planned and everyone, especially those on board, get the trip that they hoped for. More importantly Mrs W has announced that she will be turning out to watch - so everyone had better be on their very best behavior - you have been warned!

 

Can't be many places, that have 2 different options for turning and servicing a steam loco.

 

I love this ...a group of us used to sing this when a particular, not very nice, manager used to come round. It wound him up no end..

 

Yes, the original plan had 46115 stabled on top of 46100 at Upperby. Pity there isn't a roundhouse still for the two of us to go in.

Hopefully if we're done sharpish we can have 46100 down at London Rd for when 46115 leaves.

The two together might not ever happen again, fingers crossed the arrivals at Carlisle are as booked.

 

An excellent start to my 8th WCME, away from Euston and roaring down the West Coast Main Line as we speak.

 

1Z86 whines into Carnforth UDGL behind 86259 at 1057, 9 minutes late.

 

Changing locos in Carnforth now, no sign of a diesel and the "Shap Challenge" (guess the speed at the summit) has just been started.

 

There's still time

 

46115 lifts 1Z86 out of Carnforth UDGL RT at 1127.

No rear gunner today. The Shap Challenge- is on.

 

On our way, 47832 dead in siding.

 

Praise the Lord !

 

Brings a tear to your eye

 

One Scot caught.