The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2015.

To beat 70 minutes Carnforth to Carlisle puts this run in the top class category and without the engine being extended at any stage. It was effortless which shows just how good 46233 is. OK the run over the S&C was a bit below par compared to last week (and certainly not in the same league as 46229 in the 1980s) but time was being kept. I felt that the crew going south were a bit overawed by this superb engine and seemed not to want to extend it. This showed particularly after the slip in the climb of Langho.

By the way 46233 also slipped around MP 36.5 on the climb to Shap and this probably cost us the 40 minimum which I thought we were going to get.

The 47s were faultless so a great day out for us train timers

Don

 

Fabulous and captures perfectly this great few minutes we enjoyed in the train

Don

 

I'm sorry but I don't agree - my top class bar is based upon too many significantly better runs by this loco and others. Still very good though, the job was done, and provided much enjoyment.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if No. 46233 is being driven more conservatively due to the state of the tyres. If I remember correctly, they are down to their limit for either turning or new tyres completely. As known, wheel slip and slide can cause havoc with tyres, and with the PRCLT chaps wanting to see out the majority of this year without work needed on the wheels, the crews may have been informed to just give what the job requires, instead of trying to break records?

I'm saying this completely of my own thoughts, and have no real clue as to the reasons behind this weekend's performance. She didn't seem to loose time, so on paper she did the tour fine.

 

My onboard shots of yesterday's run over Shap and the S&C.

 

Your Arten Gill shot is very nice.

 

Yes there have been far better runs but my accolade of top class was within the context of effortless. At no point was the engine extended, which just goes to show how good it is. This takes nothing away from previous storming runs.

Don

 

Spotted myself just before the bridge at Aisgill summit filming

 

Two photos from Low Borrow Bridge and Breaks Hall.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/16476299615/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/15853214374/

 

by far the best on board shots, a very comprehensive report, and u must have been cold and stiff-legged. Well done.

 

I'm trying to figure out which of the locomotives 46115, 46233, 70013 on the wcme have been the loudest. 46233 seems to have the deepest exhaust which can make for some volume. 70013 is loud and sharp and is what I'm leaning towards. I would put the scot in 2nd. They all seem louder in the winter though to me. I know that I did not mention the a4 but she does and shall probably keep the speed record.

 

The , Scot, is by far the loudest ! The, Duchess, has a more of subdued "woofle". The, Brit's can be pretty loud to !

 

Winter loudness is due to air quality I suspect. An interesting example of this is at dawn when sounds have a different quality than the same sound at the same spot during "normal" hours; try it from your front door sometime.

 

Well that is good reason for me personally because I'm doing a CME this June. 46115 has been advertised!

I hope that Lizzie and 35018 get their chance among the class 8's in future. 6023 or 6024

 

Will it be your first visit to the UK?

 

I'm so excited.

 

Thanks very much, much appreciated. I still have a bit of coal in my eye from when my goggles decided to ride up during the return, and a runny nose! It's all worth it in the end though... ;-)

 

Superbly captured and edited David. The lighting on the day was helpful too. Just one thing - don't you just love that Walschaerts valve gear!! Hope that you had an enjoyable day out on the train.

Cheers

Alan

 

Many thanks Alan - much appreciated as ever. Had a really good day thanks - I enjoy travelling with RTC as they seem very good at balancing the needs and wants of the varied group of passengers they carry.

I like those very much Ian - especially Breaks Hall with the steam issuing from the injector. As 46233 was blowing off in Helm Tunnel, I put my head and camera in, and upon emerging from it, at first wondered why the steam was taking so long to clear!