The Shrewsbury Steam Special: 28/02/18

Two pictures from today, southbound at Marley Green Crossing and northbound at Yorton. The day was very cold




but despite appearances Shropshire still hasn't had any appreciable amount of snow this week, in both cases the sun was out just minutes before the train arrived.

And by the way we do have lakes in Shropshire not on the scale of the Lake District though, visit the town of Ellesmere, alas you'll have to go by car.
Hope everyone on board enjoyed their trip to Shropshire.


Scott

 

That first one looks like perfect conditions for window hanging.

 

Looks like you were standing near my brother - he nipped out to Yorton to watch the return leg, decided last minute to film it on his phone only for the battery to die as the train was mere feet from him

A still from his video...

 

OK Guv, fair cop !
I can sympathise with that, happened to my dad at Kyle in 82 with 5025 in the sunset, shutter pressed but nothing happened.

 

Well, in reply to Scott and others, first of all many thanks for the fabulous photos and videos.

Obviously a trip like that is in the 'day out' category. There were never going to be exceptional loco performances. But it did turn into a memorable day. I shall remember 47245 rolling into Brighouse and thinking that last time I saw her looking like that was in the film about Drumochter. Then the climb of Cliviger. Then passing through Accrington with the streets as quiet as 8am on Christmas morning. Then a good run down the WCML which benefited from one or two cancellations. Then the heavy snow shower on the way into Shrewsbury which you can see on Scott's photo. Coming back another very solid run and the only downer of the day was having to change locos at Preston instead of Lostock Hall which cost us half an hour. But that's a detail.

Inside, the coach I was in was warm. I was half expecting a lot of no-shows but the hardy folk were going to turn up whatever and they did.

The operating arrangements at Shrewsbury were quite tight. Loco and POB off to Abbey Foregate. Diesel and coaches off in the other direction all within 10 mins of arrival. For those for whom this matters, I'd say expect a box on the back for shunt reasons if no other.

A word about Shrewsbury. I had never been there in my life. It goes on my list of must visit properly. Wonderful architecture and buildings admittedly spoilt by the worst kind of 60s brutalism in places. History from the Romans to England v Wales to the Tudors and the Civil War. Really recommended as a destination. Good eateries.

Thanks to David Tyler and the stewards, all the WCR crews. I hope they get home safely today after the marathon. Looking out of my window this morning, I don't think the charter would have run today. Honourable mentions to Northern for getting me there and home and to NR without whom.....

Peter



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How did this train cope at the Scarborough end? I got the impression that on Tuesday, it wasn't as bad over the Moors and Coast as elsewhere, but friends have reported some of the worst conditions they have ever known in the same area yesterday.

Steven

 

Well I wasn't on it but from RTT it dropped a few minutes in the morning then picked them up again around Wakefield where there was recovery time. In the evening it ran pretty consistently half an hour late all the way back. Of course it probably benefitted from other trains cancellations and delays. It was the kind of day where two class 47s plus 8 is somewhat preferable to a 158 or a 185! The units I went on were driven pretty cautiously and I don't blame them, they were slipping. The 142 seemed to cope best in the conditions!

The ECS back to Carnforth due out at 1030 hasn't left Scarborough yet. Maybe they've borrowed the 47s for a run over to Brid.

 

Way back on 12th December 1981.34092 City of Wells hauled the Golden Arrow Pullman on a cold snowy day from Carnforth to Skipton and back. I was one of those in the brake behind the engine with our heads put

 

I was on that. Wasn't something silly like -10 when we left Carnforth?

 

12 degrees of frost

 

Spirit of the Lakes ?? ...... "You can't expect to wield supreme executive power just 'cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!"