The North Briton 20/7/19 60163

Timings now out for this tour. Showing as operated by West Coast Railways.

Possibly why the engine change is at Newcastle instead of Tyne Yard.

Outbound to Carlisle: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55382/2019/07/20/advanced

Carlisle to Newcastle: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55383/2019/07/20/advanced

Return to London: http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55383/2019/07/20/advanced

Dave B

 

And is this the first time since 1947 steam has been operated by the LNER?

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55390/2019/07/20/advanced

 

Going to be an interesting day twixt Hellifield and Settle Jnc, 46201, 60163 and 60103 twice!
But don't let joe public in on it or we'll be having the usual "spotters on the line" spoiling the day!

 

WCRC have done engine swaps many times in Tyne Yard, together with servicing.

 

Well, both the Lancashire Evening Post and the Westmorland Gazette have let the cat out of the bag about 60103!

https://www.lep.co.uk/news/traffic-...four-visits-to-preston-this-weekend-1-9880114

https://www.thewestmorlandgazette.c...D4hl7TsJifPEpJN9IVX6yj5u3wPa7YGJGTfji4M7z_gX8

 

Wondering whats the best place between Leeds and skipton to see her giving it some...

 

Bit tricky really. Depends firstly on pathing, and if keeping to time. Since the four track sections were removed moons ago, a preceding "local" can severely impact on anything behind trying to get up a bit of speed. I have observed many a special trundling along on "yellows" until a 333 or similar gets away. On a good day, Kirkstall Forge or Apperley Bridge stations have a chance of speed, although the view is head on and restricted. Lineside, Leeds to Shipley views are largely obscured by foliage, or there is no ready public access. Same past Shipley to Keighley although Bingley and Crossflats stations are possibles, again with limited views. Keighley to Steeton and Silsden is difficult to access lineside. There are some decent views of the line from the A629 dual carriageway, obviously no parking except in laybys! The views from the laybys are again often obscured by trees etc. There is a good view from a public crossing at Steeton, a long-ish straight approach with a chance of some speed. Can give directions if needed. Past Kildwick there are good open views in the Cononley area, and several public footpaths/crossings, directions can also be given if I know where you are coming from. (No sat nav so will be somewhat "old school").Cononley station is a reasonable viewpoint, just need to keep an eye out for "bowling"! Lastly, Shady Lane crossing at Cononley has a long straight view and often good speed. I've probably missed something obvious but if I think on I will post again. Let me know if you need more info about Steeton crossing or Cononley.

 

Thanks, i know all these areas well as live in Bingley, but dont know the line speeds etc, Past Apperley bridge is OK east bound as its after a stiff climb so the powers on and a good place to pick up speed.

West bound as i suspect it will be past Keighley before a good stretch of the legs is possible, think i will go for connonley, (not a bad pub)

 

A place I remember going back in the days of 46203 and 60007 Bradford to Carlisle was Hirst Wood. There was a footpath through the wood and you could see the train accelerating away from Shipley/Saltaire on quite a long straight. Whether the vegetation is under control who knows. Anyway I'm off to Newlay in a minute.

 

My latest footage, enjoy

 

60163 Tornado passes the gallery at Selside with The North Briton.

 

Tornado turned a few car drivers' heads along the A69 this afternoon.

 

Helwith Bridge, going like the clappers!

 

Dry and warm at Lazonby
North Briton by Henry Elliott, on Flickr
With C.Jones driving,W.Sims on the Shovel,conductor R.Smith

 

At the Dilston Crossing approaching Corbridge station.

 

Tornado at Far Moor

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

The magnificent A1 at Long Preston.
"Tornado", 20/07/19.

 

Going like the clappers indeed!! Although there have been no reports from on-board sources, indications from RTT data, however approximate, suggest that this was a strong climb that would rank alongside the best in the last few years. The much-lauded efforts of the Riley Fives on the Citadel last November delivered a time of 15m 15s for the climb from Settle Junction to Ribblehead Station, based on 10MT's worth of head end power for Load 9. 8P's worth of Pacific power for Load 10 on the North Briton appears to have delivered an equivalent or slightly better time of 15 minutes (subject obviously to the approximation of RTT's quarter minute reporting intervals).

Similarly the Citadel's cumulative time to Blea Moor SB of 17m 47s compares closely with RTT's reported 18 minutes for the North Briton. Obviously I have to acknowledge that the relative performances will have a lot to do with what happens after MP246 and the profile of reducing speed as the locomotive is eased ahead of the speed restriction on the Viaduct.

Interesting as an aside to compare these runs with OTW's detailed account of 6201's efforts on the Long Drag some three hours earlier. 20m 20s to Blea Moor SB must also rate as a notable and perhaps almost equivalent achievement given Load 11 versus Tornado's Load 10, and far less benign weather conditions prevailing around Helwith Bridge/ Horton in Ribblesdale. So, two decent quality locomotive performances over the S&C on one day, which I thought would be worth noting and drawing attention to, especially given that in Tornado's case there will now be an intermission of almost two months before we can witness any further main line exploits in Sassenach territory. Roll on September!!

 

I do hope this northbound run gets the credit it deserves by someone who may have been timing it on board??

 

Sure that there is some form of monitoring/recording on Tornado its self so if the performance was particularly noteworthy its certain to be mentioned in dispatches...