Tornado & Flying Scotsman Over The S&C - 20/10 - 21/10 - 27/10 - 28/10

Superb Ian .

 

Absolutely brilliant. Love the light in this picture.

 

Cracker Ian

 

Abysmal conditions today as No. 60163 'Tornado' speeds through Settle junction with the northbound steam excursion over the S&C with David Blair driving,
Martyn Soames firing and Roly Parker Guard



Having waited for 'Tornado' to pass, SRBB class No. 34067 'Tangmere' is seen approaching Settle junction continuing its 5M50 test run around the Carnforth
circuit. Steve Chipperfield driving and Rob Russell firing

 

Persistent heavy rain and dubious information on RTT kept me at home for Tangmere's test run which meant that a trip out for the return working was almost mandatory. The rain had stopped during the late afternoon and the forecast for the evening was dry and cool. The RHTT which was to have left Carlisle around half an hour ahead of the special was delayed. [It eventually ran around 90L]. Not only would FS not benefit from freshly treated rails but could have run in the earlier slot thus allowing the passengers more daylight miles. It also had the further complication (for me) of the possibility of FS leaving Clitheroe earlier than planned.

So over to Ramsgreave & Wilpshire - where else. Through Clitheroe 10E and with the 47 on the back scope for gaining more time. I took up my usual spot on the station; it was as quiet as I have known it especially with the world's most famous steam locomotive due. Perhaps the full moon offered a compelling distraction; did I ever tell you how I used to be a werewolf, but I'm alright . . . (go on you know that you want to!).

A 3 cylinder exhaust in the distance grew louder and then a light appeared as FS rounded the curve. In the darkness there was just a hint of steam visible, the light grew nearer and the exhaust beat louder. Then a glimpse of the smokebox door and those "lovely" smoke deflectors. Suddenly the train ran into the station and in the harsh lighting everything came into view. As the loco grew nearer there was a warm orange glow that filled the cab and then it was gone and the carriages sailed past followed by the 47 in "push mode". 18E and 28/9 mph. Today was not for the purists, but there is something about steam at night. As we all enjoyed the day so much we can do it again tomorrow!

 

You can't choose the weather Shep, but those pics capture the 'atmosphere' of the day. Great work

 

Not my photo, it was sent to me by a friend who is involved with WCR and didn't say who took it.

 

As one of the hardy / foolish individuals I managed to secure the only parking space by the farm entrance (not so foolhardy more calculating given the weather) hence was able to get this image before walking a few paces to get into the dry car !

Was this worth it ? YOU judge !

 

Another view of settle Junction - complete with semaphores in the sort of weather that separates the men from the boys !

 

I think the credit for that photo is due to Kall Chells Buckley Evans as he posted it to Facebook - interestingly a video taken from Tangmere of Tornado passing has also appeared on the A1 Tornado Facebook page - link below for those that are registered on Facebook and may be interested.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2914592858807526

 

I used to delight in leaning on an open droplight as a late returning steam tour ran into London. Unfortunately no longer possible.

 

Tornado instead of Scotsman at Preston
Any idea what happened to Scotsman?
Thanks Neil

 

Need to keep an eye on the 1237 LE move from Carnforth. Activated 1037 but I know that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

 

Scotsman doing the return again today. As I understand it, there is a gauging issue somewhere for one of them.

 

The wonders of modern technology. To be on the spot, with a phone that takes video... A bit wobbly, perhaps, but fantastic nonetheless.

 

Went over to a very sunny Preston today hoping to see Flying Scotsman but instead Tornado turns up again

Seems there is a gauging issue somewhere? anyone know anything else please?
A1 Steam Trust Tornado & Flying Scotsman S&C trip Preston 21st October 2021
https://tinyurl.com/swnuatkk

Neil

 

"What a difference a day makes" - don't worry Oswald is not about to burst into song. In marked contrast to yesterday, today was clear skies and low autumnal sunshine with just a gentle breeze from the northwest but making it feel cooler than the 7C displayed in the car. Thursday morning is not the best time in the Wistle household to skive off to watch a train; we have a regular supermarket delivery between 9 and 10. Now almost every week the delivery is early, typically 08.30 to 09.00, but this week, because it mattered, the driver didn't turn up until 09.45. Running at near full pace I had the shopping bagged up, carried to the kitchen, unpacked and put away, then a change of clothes, shoes on and in the car by a shade after 10.15, phew!

As a reward for rushing there was a parking space near the bridge, time for a few minutes with Ken Bruce and then a stroll to the bridge. I was the first one there, although there were already 2 or 3 by the foot crossing. RTT indicated that the train was on its way and more people began to turn up; a couple of enthusiasts, two elderly couples and finally a few passing walkers. One of the "senior ladies" must have just had her mouth reconditioned and was giving it a good workout - more yap than Battersea Dogs Home! Thankfully she kept quiet during the action.

Pretty soon the sound of a 3 cylinder exhaust beat drifted in on the helpful breeze, then some white exhaust in the trees and Tornado (shock, horror!?) appeared from under the distant bridge. She was making all the right sort of noises (and in the right order). As she approached the locomotive was in bright sunshine, a spluttery whistle and then she passed from sun to dark shade. The exhaust was tinged with colour as it left the chimney top then it billowed into white voluminous clouds, highlighted by the sun, before filling the cutting. The steam cleared more quickly than yesterday revealing the rearmost 6 coaches as they passed under the bridge and then the diesel - probably not as noisy as yesterday.

Running RT and travelling at a much more sensible 33/4 mph (Tornado doing most of the work? The diesel just taking its own weight? Possibly, but who knows?). Along with many others I suspect, I was suprised by Tornado's appearance on the outbound leg; FS was supposedly the booked loco. It has been suggested that there was a clearance issue. Tornado did have a possible/actual clearance issue at Daisyfield but has since run the route a couple of times and as the spot is on a single track section, why would it be ok in one direction but not the other? A different clearance issue or possibly to allow more preparation time for the locos?

 

And here is my take on yesterdays meet at a soggy Settle Junction - if only all grab shots worked out so well.


Peter

 

Jammy so and so.

 

Sharp as a pin, diesel hidden behind the trees - It was worth it!