The Midday Scot, Saturday 11th March 2017.

46115 at Bay Horse and Warton....



Thanks.

 

Another shot from Lancaster

 

That's a cracking shot with the lovely smile from the driver on the footplate .

 

Guardsman at Bay Horse, Greenholme and Beattock with a cameo appearance of Leander at Bay Horse:

Chris

 

The Mid-Day Scot 11 March 2017 – 46115 Scots Guardsman hauling 10+POB

Mrs W had opted out of this one and cartoon ZZZs floated from the bedroom window as I left home at 7 am to join the train in Preston. [Mrs W does NOT snore! – editor]. SG glided into platform 3 just a couple of minutes late. I took my seat at the very back of coach G (4 coach lengths from the loco). As per the publicity there was a diesel on the back for this section; but contrary to the info provided with the ticket we were running 11 coaches (and not 10).

We were away RT and the 47 appeared to be helping as speed built up quickly, SG was working hard and for a long stretch we were cruising in the low to mid 70s (max 76.5). As we were around 4E early we were stopped south of Lancaster , eventually allowed through (RT) at 27. We arrived in Carnforth D&UGL RT for our first water stop. If I have offended any “steam purists” by quoting a few numbers when an active diesel was attached – I apologise, but do get a life!

We were running 2 hours ahead of the usual lunchtime northbound path (the one where steam is often delayed by late running service trains), we were due to leave at 9.22 and no problem we were away 2E. Mick Kelly (with fireman Martyn Soames) soon set SG to work on Yealand Bank (topped at 41), Milnthorpe (2E & 64), Oxenholme (3E & 54) and Grayrigg crested at 42 (4E) followed immediately by a slip; quickly caught. The sound from the front was inspiring. There was no wind (or rain) but a heavy mist hung over the landscape and everywhere was damp; rail conditions could be a problem. The recovery through the Lune gorge is crucial to a quick climb of Shap. On the level before Tebay we reached a max of 72, under the bridge at Greenholme (57), Scout Green (45) and the top of the 1/75 (MP37¼) at 27, again there was an immediate slip at the summit and speed fell back to 26. Gravity now helped and by Harrisons Sidings we were up to 73, we held speed in the low 70s and by Penrith (73) we were 8E. Our clear run continued and we gently came to a halt in platform 3 at Carlisle (7E). I was in the aisle seat but the guy at the window was doing a timed log and was kind enough to call out MP 26 (top of Grayrigg) and MP37¼ (top of Shap) – 12m 59s. The same guy was the official recorder for West Brom Tom’s Shap Challenge – I was too optimistic (33.8).

SG was detached and reversed to High Wapping sidings (SW corner of the station) where there are no “wires” and watered from a tanker parked on the other side of the perimeter fence. We had a scheduled 60 min layover and at 11.37 (RT), driver Peter Walker and fireman Frank Chippendale got us under way in light rain We had a short section of 10 miles to an operational stop in Quintinshill loop, we stopped 1½L with a max of 57. Our booked 32 min stop was to allow 3 trains to overtake; the same trains that pass Carnforth loop in the usual pre-lunch layover – they always get you sometime!

We were away 4E; the re-start is on 1/200r followed by 4+ miles of the same gradient; we topped the summit at 48 and yet again this was followed by an immediate slip. On the easier gradients speed increased and as we crossed the A74(M) beyond Kirtlebridge we were travelling at 60, on the 1/203r towards Ecclefechan we reached 65. The sound, a grumbling, grunting, roaring, from the front was worth the entrance money alone. On a falling gradient (1/528) we passed Lockerbie at 74 & 3E, still the roaring continued, by Nethercleugh we touched 76 and on the level beyond Wamphray reached our max of 77 and as we crossed the river Annan at 76 the climb had begun.

It starts with 4½ miles of 1/200ish and by the end of this section we were still up at 63. The bank steepens dramatically, 2 miles of 1/88 then another 8 miles of 1/75ish. We first crossed Elvan Water half a mile beyond the 1/88 where the climb has tightened to 1/81 and we were still doing 40. The climb gradually sucked the away the speed and when we crossed Elvan Water again (after another 4¼ miles) and just beyond the steepest part of the climb we were, for the first time, down to just under 20; SG was barking out individual blasts of exhaust. Within a few hundred yards we were down to 16.6 but then rallied and briefly clawed our way back to 20 before easing into Beattock Summit loop (1L) and a well earned break for the crew. It had stopped raining and the sky began to brighten. Beattock is a beast, and with a loco nearing the end of its ticket, 11 coaches and light rain; this was always going to be tough, SG gave it its best shot and it was good enough!

Our final watering complete we were away 1L and on falling gradients we were soon up into the 50s. Approaching Abington we were stopped and after a couple of minutes restarted, drew forward and stopped again, restarted and drew slowly into the loop where a WCRC 47 was waiting. It was announced that we were “low on coal” and diesel assistance would be taken for the rest of the trip. (Presumably the coal in the tender could not be brought forward under the wires – if only the loco with a coal pusher wasn’t “too big”). The 47 had followed us from Carnforth, overtaken us at Carlisle and was due to leave Abington at 13.37 but presumably was held following our call for assistance. So with a diesel on the front but with SG still working (hard away from Carstairs) we made our way to Edinburgh Waverley arriving (21L) – a short turn round just got shorter. The whole kit and caboodle disappeared in the direction of Craigentinny to re-appear 80 minutes later pulled in (backwards) by a 37 with the 47 on the front.

We departed 2L hauled by the 47 past Craigentinny and past SG trackside at Portobello, taking water from a tanker and with coal pulled to the front of the tender (just shows what you can do when there are no wires). We returned via the suburban line to Slateford Jn. We were due a pathing stop at Beattock Summit loop, but this was skipped, we were finally “collared” and turned into Kingmoor UPL to allow a couple of late running services to pass. It was at this point that the 37 tail gunner threw a hissy fit; after attempts at a repair failed we drew into Carlisle where further attempts were also unsuccessful; so the 37 was detached and abandoned – that’ll teach it a lesson!

We arrived back in Preston 21L.

Well not always exactly to plan but none the less a good day out. When problems arose they were well managed and passengers kept informed. At the same table (as me) were a couple of interesting and knowledgeable fellow travellers. The carriage heating worked. I had a good chat with Ralph (of this parish) on Carlisle station and SG was in fine raucous singing voice – what’s not to like? – alright, don’t start!

Thanks to everyone involved in organising and running the trip and those who posted videos and photos.

 

At the risk of sounding positive, this looks like a well executed and enjoyable tour. RTC had made it known that the diesel would be tagged on until Carnforth for operational reasons. It was and it came off. The bit that mattered was pure steam and by Mr Whistles report was well received. That an unusual set of circumstances deemed assisteance was needed from Abingdon did not detract from the joy. More important, it proved that having a diesel shadowing could come to the rescue quickly and the impact on timings was not too bothersome. Trains can run late as Mt Whistle eludes to with some of the service trains. RTC have delivered what they said they would with a minor glitch that was resolved quickly. That's the way to do it...

 

46115 looms out of the mist on the climb towards Beattock Summit with The Mid-day Scot