Spirit of the Lakes 45699 16th April

Steam now on at Sellafield?

Light engine movement activated on RTT Carnforth to Sellafield here:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U59905/2016/04/16/advanced

 

That link takes me to a path from Steamtown to Carlisle via Shap.

 

Oops, copied the wrong link. Updated now.

 

Seems odd that a Scot can go all the way round the coast but a 5XP can't.

 

45699 went down the coast in February too, so if it's a gauging issue, it's new.

 

I wonder if this is fall-out from the pathing and platform-sharing problems at Carlisle that we've been discussing this week? Maybe NR can't make a steam-hauled path work all the way from Carlisle? The train reverses at Carnforth, to head for home via Hellifield and Skipton, so I don't suppose steam will work beyond there. Also, no "Scot passing Jubilee" moment somewhere near Workington.

 

Just to confirm that Galatea will work Sellafield - Carnforth. AN

 

Slightly confused of Horwich writes:

This morning I was up just south of Silverdale to photograph the Royal Scot (due out of Carnforth 11:50) and had just turned up sometime just after 11 when a WCR train went by hauled by one of their diesels heading northwards. At first I thought that the Scot had come off and been replaced by the diesel and was running earlier but then one of the other photographers there checked with a friend at Carnforth who confirmed that 46100 would be along as planned, which indeed it was. I went up to Arnside for some lunch after that - suprisingly catching the Scot just departing over the viaduct, but then had to head home, doing so under the impressison that Galatea was at that point somewhere north, most likely Sellafield, waiting to take over it's train. I was therefore suprised when on passing by Carnforth station to catch a glimpse of a very shiny red jubilee deparing northwards, tender first. This was at approximately 1:05pm. Can anyone explain what was happening there?

 

The train you saw at 11.00 am is a Statesman from Ely to Carlisle see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U59898/2016/04/16/advanced

Galatea was not due off Carnforth until 1.05pm see http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U59905/2016/04/16/advanced

 

Footage of 45699 at Eskmeals viaduct and Grange over Sands .

 

LMS 5XP Class 4-6-0 No. 45699 'Galatea' working LE from Carnforth to Sellafield



LMS 5XP Class 4-6-0 No. 45699 'Galatea' with the return leg of 'The Spirit of the Lakes' rail tour

 

The suggestion overheard was that WC had failed to activate the LE path via WCML in good time. Hearsay, but make of it what you will.

 

Not what I have been told Danny as the Jub is somehow deemed out of gauge from Carlisle according to NR .

 

Tbh Steve the path issue made more sense than the gauging one but your gen is better than mine.
What has happened in a little over two months since the red un traversed the route untroubled?

 

Seascale
https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancawthorne/26441435266/

 

Excellent frame and just timeless.............

 

Filmed by Monopodman, video of 45699, in this combined video with Royal Scot 46100 filmed earlier in the day. We first see Royal Scot at Bay Horse, Kents Bank and near Silecroft. This is followed by 45699 l/e near Silecroft and near Kirkby in Furness with the tour.

 

Nice footage and photos everyone,I was among the rather large (if nicely spaced out) gallery at Eskmeals,trying my best not to make a tool of myself with the "pole",thankfully I think the effort paid off and my shot is below:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark-walker/26195957450/in/dateposted/

45699 certainly sounded in top fettle this afternoon.

 

A wonderful day in the cumbrian sunshine, Galatea looking & sounding superb.

Another couple of views from Eskmeals:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48546196@N06/26376684812/in/datetaken-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/48546196@N06/25864097714/in/datetaken-public/

Cheers
Phil

 

Footage of 45699 heading north LE at Saltcoats then accelerating hard past Eskmeals heading south. Also includes 46100 crossing the Leven Viaduct then roaring past Whitbeck and Bagnall 'Princess' on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite at Newby Bridge.