Dalesman 2020

Running an hour down after a water stop at Hellifield,35018 British India Line approaches Horton on a very hot and humid day.
Previous postings mention the extra steam mileage from Preston

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

Its on its way back south https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55069/2020-08-11/detailed

 

Like that David, I'm sure we will be seeing more of the usual locations later

 

Given the circumstances, I'm not sure what else either we or NR could have done. The loco change at Preston was inevitably longer that the time allowed and the water-stop was essential at Hellifield - then you have to await a path......

JS

 

35018 at Oxenholme . Not a usual shot as the Dalesman is rare sight on the West coast heading South .

 

Considering you had to send 35018 to Preston due to flooding on the Little North western line James things worked well. You can’t predict the weather conditions that’s for sure.

 

Another hazy day for photography. The top one was taken at Duncowfold, running a few minutes down, whilst the bottom image was shot as 35018 was crawling by Hackthorpe as if running on single yellows. Having said that, the proceeding train would have been, by then, a few miles ahead so I can only conclude that the southbound climb towards Shap Summit was just a bit too much for a Merchant.

 

Well done WCRC and Network Rail for finding a solution to an unexpected problem which could have been a great disappointment for most of the passengers.
Here's a couple of simple shots taken at Nappa and at the start of the climb up the S&C.



Chris

 

I was thinking it was an improvement in respect to the itinerary, with more steam mileage than what was expected the day before and the revised timing seemed acceptable even with the slightly delayed running. A bonus due to the circumstances for the punters, the only down side being the rather humid conditions and it's not like much can be done on that front.

 

Thanks Henry.I didn't see many people out for it as it was very hot but West Coast deserve credit for salvaging the trip and giving extra steam mileage by doing so.

 

Just to say it was not intended as a critical post, short of installing air con in mk 1's not sure what else could be done

 

Yes David full marks to WRC, but as you know its definitely not the best time of the year for Photting unless its the Staycation job!

 

Expecting a clap of thunder at any moment in the humid conditions, No. 35018 'British India Line' works away from Helwith Bridge with the northbound
'Dalesman' to Carlisle, Mick Rawling driving, Peter James firing and Roly Parker Guard



No. 35018 'British India Line' heading the return 'Dalesman' through Shapbeck Gate with Mick Rawling driving, Martyn Soames firing and Roly Parker Guard

 

Very good Shep on a roasting day and good to see you trying some new locations

 

LOL

 

What was funny about my comment ?

 

35018 seen at Selside Shaw and Bessy Ghyll in the extreme heat.

 

Plus train despatched from Southall. Massive credit for that.

But actually, three hours plus in loops on both Dalesman routes is not ideal especially if walking up and down hobnobbing is out of order. Now if you could organise an extra stop at Settle for the York Dalesman, Ralph, that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Great shots Nige, always difficult to film steam in temperatures like today but I suppose the added bonus of a rare Southbound Dalesman shot has to be unusual