The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2015.

Footage of 46233 at Grayrigg loops in the sun and a misty Kirkby Stephen .

 

Well up to standard Steve, thanks for sharing

 

Certainly viewing at Ribblehead suggested a more cautious working; last week reportedly ran early and worked across the viaduct but this week nearer to time and drifted across and then opened the regulator at station crossing

 

A murky day up in the fells sees LMS 8P Class 4-6-2 No 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' working well on the climb to Shap with the 'Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express'



LMS 8P Class 4-6-2 No 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland' powers away from the Appleby waterstop with the return working of the 'Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express'

 

Snaps from Scout Green crossing and Waitby on the return.

A joy despite the poor light, thanks once again to all those involved.

 

On a still evening the Duchess could be heard for almost 5 minutes before it appeared round the curve below Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station some 2 to 3 minutes ahead of schedule.

It was good to see 46233 this week, last week heavy traffic and an early arrival caused me to miss her by 2 minutes.

Thanks again to those who post photos and videos; I put my camera away twenty-odd years ago, your results are better than I usually managed to achieve. I realised just how much you miss peering through a viewfinder, now I enjoy the whole spectacle and without the need look for new locations/camera angles.

 

Not my shot but a view of the Duchess racing into the sunset.............

 

My efforts from Lowgill & Waitby




Phil

 

The loco sounded good climbing up to Ais Gill earlier, the sound carrying on the very slight northerly wind. I was beyond Garsdale and could clearly hear it over the bird song and sheep - there was almost no other sound. The mist and fog cleared in the hour before the train was due.

Shot very nearly got stuffed by the northbound unit running a couple of minutes late, but it worked out in the end. Photo to follow when I finally get home!

 

One of my efforts today, Birkett Common:

https://flic.kr/p/qNFZdD

 

I was speaking to Les Ross (the bloke, not the electric doo-da) on the train this morning and said that they are hoping to have her on the trips from the 21st March .

 

Good stuff, Stephen. I especially like the signal clearing and dropping back to danger at KS.

 

One thing that's slightly different listening to 46233 is the air pump exhausting every 10 seconds or so, it really sounds different hearing that sound, it's almost continental. I'm not sure if other air-braked engines are similar?

 

That's the coal pusher, you can see the steam coming from the back of the tender in Stephen Thompson's video.

 

Ah, thanks for the correction. I assumed wrongly!

 

46233 passing Well Heads today - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p558690749/h4f711ec#h4f711ec

 

Garsdale Head by 5944, on Flickr

46233 working away from a speed restriction through Garsdale station.

 

You didn't flush any Short-eared Owls walking up there did you? A few may have stayed to winter up there.

Nice piccie by the way. I do like variations from the normal theme. Lots to look at in that one.

 

Thanks for the kind words Chaps , much appreciated .