The Scot Commemorative 16th April

The Scot Commemorative 16 April 2016 – 46100 Royal Scot hauling 10+POB

After last week, this week just had to go better. The weather was promising, cool and bright when Steve Chipperfield arrived and STOPPED at Preston RT. I was in coach F, 7½ coach lengths from the loco. Coach F turned out not to be standard but first class (minus the tablecloths and pastries), the comfy seats were welcome on a longish day – well done WCRC. Mrs W was going to football so I was travelling alone.

We were 5L leaving Preston, the 34 min schedule to Carnforth loop called for nothing exceptional, but after 2 miles we were up to 45mph; the loco was sounding crisp. We cruised along in the low 70s with 68mph through Lancaster and a max of just over 73 around Morecambe S Jn. We were 2L when we stopped at Carnforth loop for water.

We were 2L restarting and stopped for a further 4 min in Carnforth station. We accelerated up to 52 and were 7E at Arnside and held for 10 min. 46100 cleared Lindal bank with a minimum of 33.7mph; the sound of the exhaust was electric. In the spring sunshine the views out over the bay and up to the Lakeland mountains were superb as we wound our way along the coast, through cuttings littered with primroses. We were 1E at Park South and held for 6 min. The route is generally flat and has many crossings so we successively accelerated to the low 50s then braked to 20 for a crossing. We arrived at Sellafield 1L to take water and as it was sunny many of the passengers de-camped to admire the sights.

We left 2L waiting for the southbound unit to clear the single line section. This was new territory for me as I had previously only travelled as far as Sellafield. (This was behind 5690 in the early 1980s when they turned and watered the locos on the then BNFL site). This pattern continued accelerate/brake, and the coastline became more rugged. We were held for 2 min, in the tunnel, as we approached Whitehaven. We were expecting to cross with Galatea somewhere between Harrington and Workington; we crossed with the train just north of Harrington but Galatea was nowhere to be seen! At Maryport we turned inland. By Aspatria we were 4L but speed increased on this final section to around 60mph and we arrived at Currock Jn just under 1L, only to be held briefly before easing into platform 3, in the rain and 3L.

Time for some food, at around 4pm I’m not sure what the meal should be called, being a Lancashire lad probably best described as, “havin’ mi tea a bit early”.

Mick Kelly was in charge as we left RT (now only 4½ coach lengths from the loco), top light quarter-way open, but I was on the wrong side for the mileposts – still can’t have everything. 46100 was put to the task, then after 3 miles the exhaust went up a notch. Near the top of the 1/131 we were up to 36.5mph, this increased to 39 as the gradient eased to 1/184 and after 9 miles we were up to 46.5 on the 1/228. Just beyond this, although some distance from Plumpton loop the loco was eased and we settled into the loop, stopping 2L. We waited for a couple of southbound trains to pass then we were away RT.

The loco was working hard, we were up to 38 at the end of the level, the low sun cast a shadow in the fields and 46100 could be seen to be blowing off. The speed increased to 43 on the following 1/186 and we were up to 61 through Penrith station, still speed climbed and by the time we reached the foot of the 1/125 we were up to 69mph; the loco was roaring. And still we surged on; cinders were peppering the roof and pinging against the draught shields on the open window. Clifton and Lowther 63mph, Thrimby Grange 55 and this was up the 1 in 125; the sound of the exhaust was exquisite. Speed did not fall below 53 at any point on the 1/125, but as the gradient eases near the summit the exhaust note from the loco softened and the speed dropped slightly to a minimum of 49.7. I passed the summit board RT and 22min 8sec after starting from Plumpton loop. Wow! There were several experienced recorders in the carriage and there seemed to be a favourable response to what we’d just experienced (to put it mildly). I spoke to Ralph, I think he was impressed but, “he couldn’t possibly say”.

We swept downhill with speeds in the low 70s as nothing more was required; Grayrigg (2E), Lambrigg (2E), Oxenholme (3E) 69 and Milnthorpe (5E) 75. We were stopped for almost 5min as we approached Carnforth N Jn, finally stopping in the loop 3L.

More water then away 1L. As often seems to be the case the first couple of miles is pedestrian 17mph, then north of Hest Bank we were away – the fireworks were back. Morecambe S Jn 47, under the new motorway bridge at 53, roared through Lancaster station at 65 and away up the bank. Speed continued in the low to mid 60s until we slowed for a rainy Preston, arriving 2E.

There was a mass exodus of disembarking passengers towards the loco where amidst some extravagant claims (or faulty GPS recorders) many felt obliged to shake hands with the crew – and why not.

Thanks to all those involved in making this trip a resounding success. Based on its first 2 trips over Shap 46100 is a loco well worth travelling behind.

On the north bound run I shared a table with a knowledgeable and “professionally organised” recorder who had to leave the train at Carlisle to return to London. I subsequently discovered that it was none other than Gricerdon. Nice to meet you.

As for Mrs W, her team (and mine) were beaten – if only I was brave enough to say, “you should have come with me, you missed a treat, if only . . .

 

A stunning day out yesterday in fabulous weather with snow capped fells and the Royal Sot in fine form. Two shots one taken at the very popular Nethertown after the water stop at Sellafield, then later in fabulous evening light at Great Strickland with the Scot going well and the sound was superb.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/25872264204/in/dateposted/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/26196604560/in/dateposted/

Simon

 

Looks like it was a cracking trip yesterday. Good to see it all went very well.
The performance of 46100 is superb. I guess she has a lot of pent up energy to expel after being a museum exhibit for many years!
Here is that pass through Lancaster in HD from David Oldham

 

It was first time out for a long time on the coast for me today. Fortunately I was with good friend Simon Kerry who guided me to some great spots where it did seem the great and the good of mainline steam photography were all out for the Scot.

The coast was special but all was forgotten once we saw the sight of Royal Scot storming Shap at Great Strickland. The sight and sound of such raw power will stay with me for a long time, the snow capped Northern Pennines a huge bonus in teh background. This is an engine I will be following a lot this year, an amazing performance,

Shots here from Ravenglass, Nethertown and Great Strickland.

Inspiring-Images1-041716.jpg by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

Inspiring-Images3-041616.jpg by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

Inspiring-Images5-041616.jpg by Inspiring Images, on Flickr

 

If interested, the fireman for the southbound run was Chris Birmingham, same crew that done the Holyhead - Crewe leg on its first mainline outing. No co-incidence I think for some good running.

 

A quick shot taken at Preston yesterday morning.........

 

She does indeed sound like a Scot should. I know people describe loco's as roaring but the Rebuilt Scots really do. I was looking back through my Camcorder videos last month and found my footage from the very enjoyable run behind 46115 to Weymouth in 2010. I pretty much filmed nearly the whole journey due to the wonderful sounds coming from 46115. I hope 46100 will be raising the echoes on the former SR in the not too distant future.....

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

I'm Still undecided as to whether 46100 is louder than 46115

 

Oddly it's a very different sound from 46100 to 46115 Ralph even though they are basically the same engine . Have had some mega sounds from Guardsman over the years to be fair though

 

Having had runs with both Scots with the same load on largely similar gradients, it can be said that not much separates them in terms of noise levels. 46115 gave mile after wonderful mile last July of some serious three-cylinder music. 46100 did take the edge yesterday though, by some margin! As Ralph said, it got to the point where the ears started twinging! Although you can definitely tell a difference in their exhaust beats.

 

24 hours on and has anyone found a video from Penrith? As good as the footage is from Lancaster I suspect Penrith would top it! I seem to remember seeing a fair few photographers there, but I must admit it was a bit of a blur..
I had 46115 over the Highland mainline a few years back, incredible tour and a fantastic performance with load 11, but I don't remember it producing a noise or acceleration like Royal Scot did yesterday.

 

The Locos performance plus fantastic scenery and great food made for another very memorable RTC trip yesterday.
Massive thanks to the many people involved and also everyone who shared great memories on here too.
I've added a mobile phone shot here of the Scot coming off the train at Carlisle.

 

Oh very true and that applies to all firemen, if they are top of their job, then the driver can do his. (Currently just have a niggling doubt whether Mick was the driver on the rtn NWC run - I find out soon enough).

 

Guess the 10A drivers will keep their opinions quiet as to which Scot is the better of the two.

 

A different perspective on Nethertown:

 

"Galatea" heading south. A great day and a credit to all concerned. Here's my effort from amongst the crowd at Nethertown.

 

I fired 46162 last night on the 2010 Manchester Piccadilly to Euston, calling Stockport, Crewe, Stafford, Rugby and Euston. Arrival was 3 minutes late and jinty 47483 was on hand to remove the stock from the platform and release 46162 for Campden MPD. Totally knackered but satisfied after a good run behind one of the best Royal Scots in the fleet.
YES, A GREAT WEEKEND FOR THE ROYAL SCOT CLASS!