Saphos Trains' The Lakelander- 29/08/20

Assume onwards from Crewe we’ll expect:
Steam (whichever it is), POB, A, B, kitchen, C (all mk1), D (Saphos mk2), then the proceeding five first and standard in statesman mk2’s, diesel.

Edit: reverse stock formation. Working alphabetically...

 

I'm guessing it's too much to expect the Scot and the Black 5 then

 

As far as I can tell, it'll be other way round, as the Mk1s will be on the rear of the train arriving back at Rugby from the west this evening.
They'll therefore be at the front on the positioning move to Dorridge (via Nuneaton) and on the rear for the departure from Dorridge.

 

Some early morning negotiations and a move to a mk1... happy days! Load 10 to start with, expecting load 11 from Crewe - Mk2’s at the front.

 

We're currently still locked out of the station at Solihull!

 

Well done! We’re at the sharp end in a hermetically sealed tube. Hey ho, live and learn. Neil

 

Crew are aware.

 

Member of Chiltern staff showed up dead on 6, when train was already in the platform, sauntered to the gates without a word of apology and we all had to do a mad dash up the stairs, including my partner on crutches.

Not Saphos's fault but still not a relaxing start.

Still, we're now seated in our comfortable Mk1 and can relax!

 

You don’t need that, especially that time of the morning. Neil

 

On board crew confirm it'll be the Black 5.

 

Should've passed 44871 around Dallam Junction?

 

Indeed we did

 

Now at the Broughton water stop. Steady journey, max speed in the mid 50’s. Very vocal upfront on leaving Preston - clearly heard 8 back. First time passing steam while travelling behind steam on the mainline, passed at Dallam.
The interesting stuff begins now...

 

47 at the back doing more than it's fair share away from the stops so far...

 

Nat Pres seems to be having an issue with uploading photos this morning so I have posted a few images of The Lakelander approaching Acton Bridge on my Zenfolio website here: - https://mickrogers.zenfolio.com/p539397319
There's also an image of Black 5 No. 44871 heading the other way less than half an hour later.
Cheers,

 

Wait till it’s on Shap if it’s pushing already.

 

That's inevitable really with load 13 isn't it? It will be better this afternoon, a shove out of Carlisle and Sellafield and then the loco should be capable of doing the work to run at 50 all the way round the coast as far as Dalton.

 

Watched the train near Balshaw Lane, steady progress with little action from either end - but still worth the drive.

 

Broughton - Grayrigg
Away far too fast to not have had a boost from behind - 61 at Brock. 60 maintained through Carnforth with many from West Coast watching. Yelland taken in the high 40’s. Back to 60 at the foot of Grayrigg, a long slog... 43 at Oxenholme and into the 20’s before the brakes came on for the Grayrigg stop. A friend of mine from the lineside sent a clip across showing no diesel action and dipping speeds suggest it was a solo attempt. Shap next...

 

With the speed over Shap one assumes shoveage but the sound from my vantage point of the front droplight (behind the support) was superb to listen to.