Pendle Dalesman (WCRC) 12/02/20

sgthompson · 13 Feb 2020

Oswald T Wistle a spus: ↑

The Pendle Dalesman 12 February 2020 – 45562 Alberta hauling 9+POB+47.746 Chris Fudge

This was WCRC’s first steam offering of the year, diesel hauled from Carnforth, along the WCML and through Blackburn for steam haulage from Hellifield to Carlisle (and back). I was undecided if I should book; close on the heels of Saturday’s trip, cold time of year, poor forecast and a long layover in Carlisle (3¾hours). I gave myself a good talking to; the boys and girls with cameras stand about in fields for just a few seconds worth of action, I would, after all, be inside. I was in danger of becoming a “soft lad” like some others (no names no pack drills). I could join at Blackburn, I booked.

The weather forecast was for an improving day; the strong winds and wintry showers abating from lunchtime but continuing cold. It was only a short drive to Blackburn, where the station car park ticket machine swallowed my £2 and then refused to give me a ticket. I wasn’t going to risk trying again so I had to resort to phone and credit card. Onto platform 1 and a chat with one of the stewards who was also waiting to join the train; it was bitterly cold. Headed by 37.706 the train grumbled its way to a stop. I took my seat in coach F which was warm thanks to the ETH supplied by 47.746, Chris Fudge on the rear.

Into the journey, we crossed Whalley Arches and below us were mud stained streets and skips filled with carpets and domestic furnishings ruined for the second time in 5 years. On Sunday the area was a vast lake as the Calder topped its banks and flooded properties in both Whalley and Billington. Throughout the journey all low lying land was covered in ponds and lakes yet to drain away (or be replenished by storm Dennis). There was a short heavy shower as we passed through Clitheroe, after that the day was dry. We were slow approaching Hellifield and, witnessed by a gang of orange-suited NR employees, we ran into the DGL; the loop has been “out of bounds” for the last year. I don’t know if the loop is now available for passenger trains or if this was a one off. Standing across the station in the UGL was an immaculate green Jubilee. I know that it is really Galatea but, cue smoke and steam, “Tonight Matthew I’m going to be Alberta.”

37.706 was detached and retreated to the Down siding (to join a Colas tamper?). 47.746 remained on the rear; it was a cold and windy day and the ETH would be most welcome. Alberta and support were attached and after a short move forward we were off (14E) catching Oswald out. I was in the 8th coach of 10 (rather than the more usual 11). So far from the loco and on a cold day all toplights remained firmly closed. Chris Cubitt was driving and the fireman was Craig Todd on only his second main line turn; so Chris at the front and Chris at the back.

We ran steadily and passed Settle Jn SB (13E) at 51.5, speed fell away quickly and we were down to 31.2 through Settle (12½E). Speed fell further to just under 19 as we passed Langcliffe; I wondered if the early start had caught the crew with an underdone fire and Alberta was in need of a bit of tlc. Then we began a gradual acceleration, 26.5 at Sheriff Brow and 27.5 at Helwith Bridge (8½E) and up to a max of 33.6 as we passed Arcow Quarry, where there was a brief, distant glimpse of a loco down the siding. Through Horton in R (28.1 & 6E), speed fell to 26.6 then, on the brief easing, increased to a max of 29.3 at Dike Green; even this far back, with closed windows and a strong side wind the sound of the exhaust could be heard clearly as Alberta wrestled her train up the bank. Onwards we plodded; down to 25.6 at Selside and 22.5 as we ran alongside the road with a min of 20.9 near Gauber. As the gradient eases towards Ribblehead speed increased and we passed through the station at 25.7 & 4½E. Climbing up from Horton, Pen-y-Ghent had looked magnificent covered in snow and further on Ingleborough and Whernside the same. Approaching Blea Moor, we reached the snow line; the sides of the cuttings were a mix of snow and tussocks of dead grass. We passed Blea Moor SB still 4¼E and accelerated towards the tunnel. Settle Jn SB to Blea Moor SB had taken 30m 40s with 32m 52s to the tunnel mouth.

After negotiating the TSR at Dent Head and the PSR at Dent, in improving weather, we accelerated through the snow covered landscape and passed Garsdale at 57.2 (2½E) out over Dandry Mire at 61.4 and finally to Ais Gill (51.6 & 1½E). Once over the top Alberta picked up speed and we shot down the hill, “Dashing through the snow” came to mind. We were 2½E at Kirkby Stephen and 3E at Appleby (49.4) and 4½E at Culgaith. Our booked 20 min water stop at Langwathby was not needed and suddenly we were 26½E. A spell of more subdued running followed (mid 40s) but we were still 26E at Low House Xng. The time shown on RTT for Low House (10:28) is wrong, it was 10:47; perhaps something to do with Alberta “turning back the clock”. We were held at London Rd Jn for a little over 4 mins but ran in to platform 3 at Carlisle (26½E); the 3¾ hour layover in Carlisle had now become 4¼ - oh joy!

I had a walk to the front and a chat with Chris Cubitt; he told me that leaving Hellifield he likes to let the loco gather pace down the hill and only when he can see that Settle Jn distant is clear does he apply power. He was aware that most of the other drivers apply power much earlier, build more speed but have to be prepared to stop (from a higher speed) if the signal is on. This explains the speed differential on the lower part of the climb compared to a more typical run. He also confirmed that Alberta did slip a few times. It would have been easy to call for a push from the 47 but the subsequent speeds and the Kendalinos’ videos confirm that this did not happen – well done, Mr Cubitt and thanks Steve & Nige!

How do you occupy yourself for over 4 hours in Carlisle on a cold Wednesday? This is what I did: it was still before 11.30 so down to the Woodrow for a bacon butty and a cup of tea (only £3.59) and as many cups as you can manage. Around 12.15 I left and slowly strolled to the centre to do a couple of errands. I mooched around looking in shops for various things that I might want and a few that I definitely wouldn’t. I took a stroll to the shop that sells ice cream (just to torment myself); temptation was avoided as it appears that they don’t sell it in winter. It was now nearing 14.00 so another dawdle back to the Woodrow and fish and chips for lunch (£6.45 post 2pm and the price includes a soft drink). After the bacon butty I was too full to eat many chips but ate all of the fish which was very good. It was now time to return to the station. The train was not in platform 3 and the ECS was not in any of the sidings across from platform 1. A few minutes later 47.746 drew the train into platform 3 with Alberta on the rear – they had turned the whole train.

Plenty of time for a walk to the front where Alberta looked superb; she was receiving some attention to a blowing fireman’s side cylinder drain cock (unsuccessful). Our driver was David Blair and Michael Middleton was the fireman. I made my way to the 8th coach (near the back – again!). A couple of very late returning passengers delayed our departure by 30 seconds but we were off in bright sunshine and a wind that had eased considerably.

We were soon climbing the 1/132r and, 2 miles out, crossed under the M6 at 28.6; speed settled at around 29.5 and nearing the top we passed Cumwhinton at 30.6. After a short level we began another 3 miles of 1/132r and soon reached Howe & Co SB (38.8 & 2½L), speed fell back to 35 for most of the climb then dropped to 33 before the summit (slip?). Past Low House Xng (44.5 & 4L) and down to Drybeck Viaduct (with 54.7 just beyond) then up to Armathwaite (51 & 3¾L) and finally down to Armathwaite Viaduct (56.8). There is a 2 mile climb (mainly 1/220r) up through the 3 tunnels at Armathwaite and Baron Wood, we held 47 at the summit. We dropped down the 1/165f towards Lazonby (max 63) and up to Lazonby & Ko station (61.3 & 3¼L) before dropping down again to cross Long Meg Viaduct at 61.7. On the climb towards Langwathby we blasted through Little Salkeld at 52.8 – this must be a location to visit for those who want to hear a Jubilee roar. We gradually clawed back some time and stopped at Appleby (1½L). Carlisle to Appleby in 46m 06s. The 8th coach was just on the north end of the platform. One of the stewards had contacted the ice cream ladies and the stall was open – I resisted (again), but walked down to the front where Alberta was attempting to take water. The bag was in but the control valve appeared to be stuck closed; I understand that no water was taken.

Spoiler alert – from the speeds and times it appears that at some point(s) on the following section, probably because of concerns about water, the 47 was asked to push. I have compared the speeds of my 2 most recent runs; the figures in brackets are from the WCME (08 Feb 2020) – 46115+11, this was a solid rather than spectacular run – today’s run was with one coach less and an active 47 on the back. So off we went towards Ormside to gain some speed.

South end Ormside Viaduct 54.5 (51.7), Ormside 53.2 (50.1), Helm Tunnel N 42.1 (42.3), Helm Tunnel S 37.4 (39), Griseburn Viaduct 38.7 (35.3), Crosby Garrett 47.1 (42), Smardale Viaduct 50 (49.4). The acceleration from Helm Tunnel to Griseburn (1/100r) looks suspicious and perhaps that on the easier gradients to Crosby Garrett. From Smardale Viaduct onwards; KS SB 40.1 (36.1), Birkett N 40.6 (33.7), Birkett S 40 (32.4), Mallerstang 46.1 (38.1), Angerholme 38.6 (33.5) and Ais Gill SB 40 (33). The speeds for the Pennine Dalesman were too high (for Alberta alone) and there was too little attrition of the speed on 1/100r. For the record Appleby to Ais Gill SB took 26m 21s (28m 55s).

Down the hill and the ¼E at Ais Gill had become ¾L at Garsdale as we made our way towards Rise Hill Tunnel,

[Remember my 4 greats grandfather, Leonard Wistle well his older brother, Robert had a farm in Garsdale. As we approach the north end of Rise Hill Tunnel, looking down towards the road, along the diagonal tree line, there are 2 farms the further, older almost derelict building is Danflacet Castle, his farm. Robert died young (43) in 1800 but had married into a family that owned several farms in the area. The family ensured that his sons were well educated; two became church ministers after attending St Bees (Cumbrian Coast) and one was a midshipman in the navy. All settled in Canada; the ministers were missionaries and there are descendants living in Canada and Australia].

The TSR at Dent Head slowed us and we passed Blea Moor SB 5L, we picked up some time around Settle and passed Settle Jn SB (3L) at 56.8. Through Long Preston (2½L) before we were slowed almost to a stop approaching Hellifield. A couple of NR workers watched us pass over the points into Hellifield UGL where we stopped 6¾L. Alberta took a much needed top up and I had a piece of Christmas cake – not needed but eaten all the same. Remember, when the cake runs out, the ice cream returns!

Alberta was detached and ran round her support coach on the Down side of the station. 37.706 went on the front and 8L we were off. Now in total darkness we held our path at Horrocksford Jn and diesel power pulled (and pushed?) us the 4½ miles from Whalley to Ramsgreave and Wilpshire in marginally less than 6½mins. We stopped just over 1L in Blackburn and, after clearing the ice from my windscreen, I was home at 18.57 (3E). Mrs W was watching the cricket; I’d better mention that she sat out on Tuesday night, in the bitter cold, to watch her team – it was worth it they won 3 nil.

Thanks to all for organising and operating another enjoyable trip. Should the 47 have been added to the rear? On balance, yes. I think that steam heating may have struggled and also that the ECS would have become very cold when parked up at Carlisle.
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Thanks for the excellent coverage of your on board trip yesterday . Not been called a Kendalino before but it sounds good. I can now understand why the 47 was pushing if no water was taken.

Oswald T Wistle · 13 Feb 2020

sgthompson a spus: ↑

Thanks for the excellent coverage of your on board trip yesterday . Not been called a Kendalino before but it sounds good. I can now understand why the 47 was pushing if no water was taken.
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Thanks Steve, being on board and seeing your vid and Nige’s allows some of the pieces to come together. I thought that you two were hardy but your mate took it to a different level - it was bleak on the tops.

sgthompson · 13 Feb 2020

Oswald T Wistle a spus: ↑

Thanks Steve, being on board and seeing your vid and Nige’s allows some of the pieces to come together. I thought that you two were hardy but your mate took it to a different level - it was bleak on the tops.
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Ivan does like to scale the fells to get super shots I must admit and his fluid tripod head is absolutely brilliant for the shots he does

RalphW · 14 Feb 2020

I was watching on RTT and did wonder if the early start from Hellifield meant that there was a chance that you would be delayed by the preceding Leeds Carlisle service.

Oswald T Wistle · 14 Feb 2020

RalphW a spus: ↑

I was watching on RTT and did wonder if the early start from Hellifield meant that there was a chance that you would be delayed by the preceding Leeds Carlisle service.
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The signaller saw that we could run ahead of the delayed Leeds Morecambe instead of following it. Luckily the Leeds Carlisle was running on time and had reached Blea Moor before we left Hellifield.

garth manor · 14 Feb 2020

sgthompson a spus: ↑

Footage from a mate .

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Quality panning in those conditions.

iancawthorne · 21 Feb 2020

As the 26th February 2020 Pendle Dalesman has gone from the West Coast web site, I guess it has been cancelled. Has anyone heard anything?

Shep Woolley · 21 Feb 2020

iancawthorne a spus: ↑

As the 26th February 2020 Pendle Dalesman has gone from the West Coast web site, I guess it has been cancelled. Has anyone heard anything?
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Lack of numbers I believe Ian

Jeremy English · 24 Feb 2020

https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/the-pendle-dalesman/trip/77 a spus: ↑

As the 26th February 2020 Pendle Dalesman has gone from the West Coast web site, I guess it has been cancelled. Has anyone heard anything?
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It hasn't actually gone from the West Coast site, it merely isn't listed on the "front page". It's still showing as running on its own page and 1Z65 is still showing on realtime trains:

https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours/the-pendle-dalesman/trip/77

If it is cancelled can anyone actually confirm this?

RalphW · 24 Feb 2020

I have just checked with the TM, it is cancelled, again due to lack of bookings.

Jeremy English · 24 Feb 2020

RalphW a spus: ↑

I have just checked with the TM, it is cancelled, again due to lack of bookings.
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Thanks Ralph, maybe they'll up date it properly! Saves me a long journey anyway . . . .

RalphW · 24 Feb 2020

Although the link above takes you to it, if you go the go directly to the site via https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/ it's not there.

Jeremy English · 24 Feb 2020

RalphW a spus: ↑

Although the link above takes you to it, if you go the go directly to the site via https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/ it's not there.
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Yes, odd isn't it?

Fulwood Flyer · 26 Feb 2020

A fast moving glimpse of sunshine arrived at Ribblehead just moments before 'Galatea' (running as Classmate 'Alberta'), with the 'Pendle Dalesman' of 12 February 2020.
It was gone again before she reached me, so a very fortuitous few seconds.

RalphW · 26 Feb 2020

That's a stunning shot.

Steamie Boxes · 26 Feb 2020

Fulwood Flyer a spus: ↑

A fast moving glimpse of sunshine arrived at Ribblehead just moments before 'Galatea' (running as Classmate 'Alberta'), with the 'Pendle Dalesman' of 12 February 2020.
It was gone again before she reached me, so a very fortuitous few seconds.

Vezi atașament 49780
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Amazing shot

Romsey · 26 Feb 2020

Fulwood Flyer a spus: ↑

A fast moving glimpse of sunshine arrived at Ribblehead just moments before 'Galatea' (running as Classmate 'Alberta'), with the 'Pendle Dalesman' of 12 February 2020.
It was gone again before she reached me, so a very fortuitous few seconds.

Vezi atașament 49780
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Superb!

Hopefully it makes up for all those grey days with low cloud and no contrast

Cheers, Neil

Fulwood Flyer · 26 Feb 2020

RalphW a spus: ↑

That's a stunning shot.
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Thanks Ralph

Fulwood Flyer · 26 Feb 2020

Steamie Boxes a spus: ↑

Amazing shot
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Thanks 'Steamie Boxes'

Fulwood Flyer · 26 Feb 2020

Romsey a spus: ↑

Superb!

Hopefully it makes up for all those grey days with low cloud and no contrast

Cheers, Neil
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Yes, we don't seem to get a lot of 'good weather' days up there

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Pendle Dalesman (WCRC) 12/02/20

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Pendle Dalesman (WCRC) 12/02/20

sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

sgthompson Part of the furniture Friend

RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

garth manor Well-Known Member

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Shep Woolley Well-Known Member Friend

Jeremy English Member

RalphW Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Administrator Friend

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