Dalesman and Pendle Dalesman 2021

I thought the African scams came from PO Box 45619, Nigeria !

 

No doubt that it's the middle cylinder but my understanding is that there have been two different problems.

In July 2010 SG was failed at Man Vic on the second circuit of the Cotton Mill Express with a leak from the middle cylinder. This turned out to be from the packing around the piston rod where it enters the cylinder. It was quite a bad leak and there were concerns about the impact it could have on the (very) adjacent piston rod lubrication point. Following the decision SG ran its train up to Castleton, where following arrival of replacement parts from 10A the packing was replaced and SG hauled the train back to Carnforth later the same evening. The problem was serious enough to "pull" the loco mid-trip but quick to remedy.

There is also an alleged problem with the middle cylinder casting - crack? I think that this was repaired prior to 46115's first overhaul and return to the mainline. Before the second overhaul (2017-19) a replacement middle cylinder casting was produced. The new cylinder was not fitted and remains at Carnforth. It is "boiler off" to fit it and I guess that the existing cylinder is the one fitted during the 1947 conversion and may stubbornly resist any attempts to remove it - so a big, big job.

As WCRC seem content to allow SG to run with the leak suggest that the problem lies with the casting rather than the packing.

The problem with the packing was well documented at the time. A long-standing issue with the casting appears common knowledge and it seems probable that this is the most likely source of the leak. However, I must stress that I don't have access to 10A (but would be available if asked; I can keep secrets so there would be no need to kill me).

Informed discussion welcome!

 

Is there a dalesman running tomorrow?

 

According to Railway Herald and RTT, yes.

 

I hope so, I am on it

 

What's on the business end please? Hope to see this one today. Cheers. JM

 

BIL just passed the Clitheroe Railcam.

 

Has not arrived at Hellifield yet. (10:52)
Was apparently leaking steam earlier??
No further details!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Arrived Hellifield 11:15


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The last Pendle Dalesman of the season, no reason to change my plans so off to Chapel Lane at Hoghton. It was a proper autumnal morning, condensation was dripping from the car, the sky was filled with a thin layer of high, white cloud through which the recently risen sun was offering to peak. The temperature was a meagre 13C and there was no breeze. I "set up shop" on the bridge and checked out RTT; a delay climbing out of Lancaster meant a late arrival at Preston and a slightly delayed departure from there; so probably going to be a bit late - give the sun a chance to break through!

The Preston bound service passed and shortly afterwards there was a shrill whistle in the distance - BIL! This might explain the delay after leaving Lancaster with the tricky climb. A glance back to the car confirmed that much of the overnight condensation remained and would presumably also be sitting on the railhead. After quite a wait a second whistle then another long wait before a third; at least BIL was getting nearer.

It was a full 6 minutes after hearing the first whistle that BIL appeared from under the distant occupation bridge. The exhaust beat was gentle (even by BIL's standards) and the sanders were on as she made slow, steady progress towards the summit. Some watery sunshine appeared, BIL whistled for the crossing then lots of clean white exhaust as she passed under Chapel Lane bridge. An unexpected wave and thumbs up from a droplight halfway down the train - thanks Ralph. The coaches slid by at a funereal pace.

Over to the far side of the bridge where the sun had now broken through and was brightening roofs of the coaches and picking out shapes in the exhaust as it rose lazily skywards. Still taking it steady the exhaust beat quickened as the bulk of the train crested the summit. The train slowly moved off into the distance, steam, sunshine and near silence - lovely. 13 coaches, 13 mph and 10/11L. It doesn't always have to be crash, bang, wallop; sometimes you just have to stand back and admire the skill of the guys on the footplate. Hopefully, the dew will not have fallen by the time BIL climbs Wilpshire this evening.

 

Something coming over from Carnforth to Hellifield at the moment. A diesel to bank?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:63064/2021-09-21/detailed

 

Still at Hellifield. Watered and 37668 has arrived and is on the rear!!
(12:18)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Class 37 .

 

Left hellifield about 13:35 and then stopped after just clearing the station.
I think it’s got going again!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Horton

 

12.59 crossing Ribblehead - looked nice on the webcam

 

90 mins down, going to be some unhappy punters on board.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk