Dalesman and Pendle Dalesman 2021

Thought it was closer than that at Aisgill Phil so a decent outcome

 

Three weeks ago Sierra Leone had the audacity to haul 13 coaches up Wilpshire Bank and through Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station at 20 mph. Yesterday, with only 12 "on the hook" it should be a doddle; there was only one way to find out. Over to the station and I took up the same the same position as 3 weeks ago, the Blackburn end of the Clitheroe bound platform. The "youths" were absent from the opposite platform (school tomorrow?) but one by one the old codgers assembled on "my" platform.

The Blackburn bound unit came and went (RT) - no hold ups there. The station lights came on, it was about half an hour before sunset but there would be no sun visible today; the clouds were becoming increasingly dark. About 15 minutes before SL was due it started to drizzle, a persistent, fine drizzle that soon had Oswald, the platforms and presumably the rails covered in a thin film of water. This was not in the forecast, my raincoat was at home, my brolly was in the car and I was wet. The Clitheroe bound unit, which was scheduled to depart 4 mins before the Pendle Dalesman arrived, came and went - so no obstructed views. Suddenly the drizzle stopped and shortly afterwards the sound of the locomotive working hard as she left Wilpshire Tunnel began to echo around the station. As the sound grew louder there was a momentary break - a quickly corrected slip or the masking of Ribchester road overbridge? The codgers eased out from the shelter and took up their chosen positions on the platform.

SL came into view, her exhaust blasting skywards as she made steady progress towards the station, her front lamp shining brightly in the increasing darkness. Sanders on and climbing sure footedly through the station, plenty of noise - not the harsh blast of 3 weeks ago, when she must have been on or about the limit of her capabilities, but still working very hard, respectful of the conditions and probably with a little bit in reserve - well done Mr Kelly and Mr Soames (Thanks Shep)! The carriages slipped quietly by as the loco headed off towards the summit and Oswald packed up and headed home. Speed through the station 18/9 mph and around 2L.

 

How do you keep a straight face?

 

Didn’t see you as the train passed but I did spot some miscreants skiving in the Pullman, “that won’t be Ralph” I thought “he will be at his post!” On the plus side I was home by 8.30 for a much needed brew.

 

I refer you to post #484

 

In rapidly fading light and following some drizzle, in damp conditions Sierra Leone (with sanders on) is sure-footed as she hauls her 12 coach train up the 1/86r to Wilpshire Summit. Despite the poor conditions 45627 still puts on a fine and very noisy display.



Having had another chance to listen, I suspect that near the start of the video the noise of the exhaust is most probably interrupted by the overbridge rather than there being a slip. Again a bit of a rushed transition from approach to going away shot - it wasn't me this time, but the guy who walks towards the camera as the video starts. Just as the last coach passed he stepped out directly in front of my camera leaving only a couple of frames between the last buffer disappearing and him starting to appear. [As the Pullman coaches pass you may be able to spot the stewards at their posts/lounging about* (* you decide.)]

 

But then Someone has to do it !!

 

Must be a doddle if you get to have a seat to use as well!

 

They also serve who only sit and wait?

 

Ye gods, I've only ever seen a Pullman coach from the outside, I've never ever got passed the door.

 

Does anyone know which engine is performing today?

 

See suggestion of 46115 elsewhere?

 

This may not go down well, but it costs a lot money.... (Belmond British Pullman is in a different league for service and cost!)

Cheers, Neil

 

Cumwhinton on today's return...


Out of the shadows

 

Today's Dalesman

 

Return leg - 02.09.21