Dalesman 2020

You keep at it my friend. Nobodys perfect and we're never too old to learn.

 

If Nat. Pres were to give out prizes for grammar, spelling etc, Davo may well not win one. If, however, there were a prize for enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to our hobby, along with "putting his money where his mouth is", in my opinion he would be on a shortlist of one. Keep on posting Davo.

 

Looks like the dalesman dep york on the 4 August is going ahead i received my E tickets, has there been a empty carriage stock move from 10A to york yet come up on R.T.T. if so?

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/C02304/2020-08-01/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/L14955/2020-08-02/detailed
Provisional (Q) paths, one of which could be used if nothing else pops up?

 

ECS move here Davo:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52024/2020-08-04/detailed

 

B.I.L. expected to be motive power according to Hellifield Café (Shed 24H) FB page.

 

Looks like a braw day weather wise for it as well !

 

Normal day on the S&C Steven

 

35018 passing through Ribblehead Station earlier today heading North.

 

35018 with today's (04/08) return Dalesman - scene was full sun until a few minutes earlier - but we've all been there. Waiting to hear what happened with the northbound leg which was approx 40 minutes late on the approach to Carlisle. A pair of class 66 diesel locomotives in T&T mode were travelling a few minutes ahead of the steam charter. They were travelling at quite a sedate speed. Don't know if their presence had anything to do with the late running charter but I'm sure someone will update us all.

 

Looks from RTT like four northbound trains in an hour past Settle Jn, including one to Arcow, had a predictable (20 mins lost) result on the last one, plus maybe the T and T was a Carlisle to Carlisle working turned back short running two hours late at Blea Moor. That would account for the other 20 mins lost from Culgaith onwards if it had some kind of problem.

Anyway they have had a good solid on time run back to Hellifield.

 

35018 at Horton and Stockber on a typical S&C day weather wise

 

The top and tailed 66s were most certainly a thorn in our side, but all the activity further south gave BIL a chance to flex those muscles from a dead stand at Settle Jn. Working up to a very sure-footed high 20s below Helwith Bridge, a chance to hit 37 before the 1 in 100 resumes from there, and to 32 before easing power for Ribblehead. An absolute pleasure to see and hear real masterful handling by I believe Mick Rawling, with filthy S&C weather to contend with.

Southbound, Steve Chipperfield had the bit between the teeth. A nippy time of 42:57 Carlisle-Appleby for load 12, and a roaring 25:27 Appleby-Ais Gill. Speeds recorded: Ormside 56, Griseburn 41, Smardale 52, Kirkby Stephen 41, Birkett Tunnel 39, Sycamore Farm 47, and Ais Gill (MP 260) 41.

On-board a nice, relaxed atmosphere was definitely had in the FO I was in, with masks to be seen throughout. I never thought I’d adjust to wearing one but any misgivings soon went and I found that I forgot I had one on after a while! It’s good to be back!

 

Quick grab shot off the phone today at Helwith...

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2757622107785016

 

In typical S+C weather No. 35018 'British India Line' heads 'The Dalesman' away from Helwith Bridge with Mick Rawling driving and Michael Middleton on
the shovel with Roly Parker guard



Still no improvement in the weather as 'British India Line' works over the viaduct in the Crosby Garrett hamlet with Steve Chipperfield driving, Martyn
Soames on the shovel and Roly Parker guard.

 

35018 powering north past Selside & returning through a curtain of rain in Dentdale.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/50189887802/in/datetaken-public/



https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/50189625716/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

35018 seen at Selside Cottages and blowing off at Aisgill

 

Thanks for posting details of what seems to have been a very good southbound run; in more normal times I would almost certainly have been travelling on it. The times were very similar to a couple of last year’s Dalesmans.

On 20th August, 35018 (also with Steve Chipperfield and Martyn Soames) completed Carlisle-Appleby in 41m 54s and Appleby-Ais Gill in 26m 00s but with ONLY 11 coaches.

On 10th September, 46115 this time with 12 coaches (again with Steve Chipperfield but with Rob Russell) completed Carlisle-Appleby in 42m 31s and Appleby-Ais Gill 25m 42s.

Your times for yesterday’s run of 42m 57s and 25m 27s are as good/better. When the safety valves lifted approaching Ais Gill BIL showed just how much more was available.

 

Times have been up on RTT for a day or two now for this Tuesday's run.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55068/2020-08-11/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55069/2020-08-11/detailed

No stopping at Wigan outbound or return.
Reversing at Preston then off to Hellifield where steam is attached. Then it says "service reverses here" !!!
Only 2h 7m in Carlisle and steam comes off at Carnforth.