2020 Cumbrian Mountain Expresses

I already see an epic narrative about the CME (10/10/20), with probably more to come, so I'll just focus my comments around a single theme - that of a 5XP trying to punch above its weight and in doing so demonstrating that there are limits to what it can do, as you might expect.

I don't have a problem with a Jubilee being asked to hook on to a load of 12 - about 450 tons gross in this case. It will be fine on a modestly graded route. What you don't do is ask it to try and romp up a 1 in 75 on the WCML or, more to the point, run from Carnforth to Carlisle in 75 minutes. We took 87 minutes and in the process added an extra 8 or so minutes to the following Glasgow service that was already five adrift when it caught our tail. But I gather that more powerful locos were not available today and, to be fair, apart from on Shap, we kept out of everyone's way. We were also more than lucky with the weather. I just don't want to think about what might have happened on Wilpshire had it been wet.

Anyway, given the above, our exit from Carnforth with a cold fire was good and we were over 60 by Milnthorpe but speed dropped off progressively up to Grayrigg and the initial roar was eased back approaching Oxenholme by which time we had dropped four minutes. Nevertheless, I thought the Grayrigg speed of a little under 28 was a good achievement although Shap took its toll after not really recovering across to Tebay. The rest you know.

By contrast, the run to Appleby in 45 minutes was good with the Jubilee handling the rising grade very well and gaining five minutes. But the moment the ruling grade shifted to 1 in 100 we were back to the same problem as on the 1 in 75 up Shap. That said, a steady 17 on a 1 in 75 compares with 26 on a 1 in 100. However Wilpshire was more problematic. Luckily we hit the bottom at 47 compared with 50 at Ormside before tackling Ais Gill. The drop in speed was relentless - about 3 mph every half a mile and we were down to 11 by the summit. Luckily the summit came in time and I guess that is what clever management of pace is all about.

To summarise, I was impressed with the way that the crew handled what they were given. It was an underpowered loco for the load and the job but, that said, if you have an interest in seeing what happens at the limits of traction, today was a good trip to be on.

 

That surprises me as we were only 7 adrift through Ribblehead and turned into the loop at Hellifield only five down.

One postscript to the trip. I was really impressed with the care taken by all on board staff - catering and stewards - that went far beyond what they normally would do. Hygiene was clearly a priority and with respect to many of them who are not youngsters, you got a strong sense that they were behaving that way and keeping the train clean and safe because they obviously had a personal interest in doing so themselves. I would recommend people who are uncertain about travelling by steam to consider a trip with the RTC if they are not at risk themselves. If it is manageable for the company to do so with the spacing arrangements they have in place then it is worth supporting them.

I have to say that I felt less comfortable with travelling home through London and from London back south. The tube was tricky and SWR busy with a noticeable age profile in my carriage that was almost completely people under 40. By and large they were respectful of space but...

 

The RTC will accommodate singles on a table for 4 on their own. I went 'posh' this time so had a table for 2 to myself. But I also had to put up with whispers from folk when they saw the GPS and note book: "What is that man doing?!"