The Tin Bath Part 4 15/2/15

At the risk of giving the game away, there is an almost-level footpath to the cliff top from the west. ;-)

 

Steamage--Agreed. And in any case probably the resources can't be in Fort William and Bury/Carnforth at the same time. But maybe autumn and spring? We'll see how the Buxton and the November run go.

 

On this trip it was standard class at the front whilst last time it ran it was standard at the back. Does anyone know if that was a concious decision or is it pot luck which way round the stock is? Quite tempted to book on the November one but obviously would like to be nearer the front.

 

Here is the view taken on a fine day ... unfortunately not steam, but still worth it on 14/06/2014 for this shot of 40145 slowly wending its way up the 1 in 65.

Definitely not one for those suffering from vertigo ... especially from the wrong side of the fence - where I was!

 

Indeed there is - and obviously a far easier approach. I was parked by the viaduct yesterday though, so went straight up the contours. Not that I expect praise for this, but just to set it straight

 

Hi guys, three shots of the Tin Bath,last one in the Gloom
https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/16549914135/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/16548506941/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/16524714166/in/photostream/

Best Wishes Tony

 

Thank you Henry.

 

Near Manchester Vic, from on board.

 

Fourth time lucky on the Tin Bath 15 February 2015

Three times in 2013 this train was arranged then forcibly cancelled, but on this bright February morning Ian Riley's two immaculate Black Five 4-6-0s, Nos 44871 and 45407, ran into Manchester Victoria, ready to do battle with the hills and dales of northern England.

We hit the bottom of Miles Platting bank at 18 mph, dropping only slowly to 15 for the sharp right turn. From New Mills we slogged up through Chinley at 33 before accelerating up the gentler grades to 36 as we went into Cowburn Tunnel. We rattled down through Edale, Hope and Bamford, brakes having to be applied several times to keep around our 60 maximum, before slowing for the 'gentry stop' at Hathersage. There were no more fireworks as we ran down into Sheffield Midland.

After the water stop, the switchback route to Barnsley was handled well but the real challenge came after that, with our Black Fives working up through Dodworth at 25 and Silkstone Common at 29 on the way to Penistone, then through the hills and dales to Huddersfield, Brighouse and Hebden Bridge.

Then came the grand finale, the climb to Copy Pit. We reached 36 after Hall Royd Junction then fell to 31 at Lydgate, 30 at Cornholme and a minimum of 29 on the final climb.

The encore was the climb from Blackburn through Darwen to Sough Tunnel and Entwistle on the way to Bolton. From 24 mph at the Junction, speed rose to 32 before we had to slow for the loop at Darwen where the dmu was waiting, after which we rose from 24 to 27 at the tunnel mouth. A final romp from Bolton saw us reach 60 again before the steamers came off at Manchester Victoria, at the end of an epic ride.

18 photographs are at http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p21317936

Peter on a February evening in Manchester
http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com

 

Not to mention the other 'gentry stop' at Penistone...

 

Your report is appreciated as always Peter but for a change I was nearer the action on the train with your good self. I would echo your thoughts with the climb to Copy Pit being the most memorable. It was also great to see the residents of the villages between Wincobank Junction and Huddersfield out in their droves to see the train pass. The crowd at Copy Pit was small in comparison. One other thing I will take away from my observations made half way down the train is the number of photographers I saw who were head down to check the result of their shot whilst the two Fives were hammering up the bank still within sight and earshot. Why don't these guys watch the train when it's passed? If the shot's a dud, so what, there's nothing that can be done. At least you'll have a memory of the magnificent sight and sound in your head as some compensation. Checking the shot can surely wait for a few seconds?

 

Very true Ralph but also the still chaps sometimes forget the video guys are still filming and walk in front of cameras or start to chat with each other .

 

All I can say is each to their own. However, they'll probably be kicking themselves when steam finally leaves the network for good.

 

Don't worry when that day arrives you will be able to look back at the photos taken by all the naughty uncaring photographers and say "I told you so".

 

This is how all linesiders MUST behave in future

 

Or how about an organised show of appreciation by all the photographers on Shap to all the passengers on the next CME...................................before they check the backs of their cameras of course!

 

Ha. When I picked this up on the email & I clicked on View Attachment I half expected a "moon" shot! Apologies for doubting your taste & intent. Hopefully someone on the CME will be able to tear their eyes away from the Duchess long enough to take a photo of the cheering photographers.

 

Actually it is a real pleasure to be able to come home from a trip and see how it looked at a dozen or more different places. You can join up the way it felt going up Copy Pit with how it looked---fast. Thanks for creating a record of steam week in week out. The pics and vids are the best thing on here.