LE Movements, ECS and Test Runs 2021

Been drizzling on and off all morning in E Lancs, so very sensible. Still drizzling but looking brighter and forecast to stop soon.

 

With plenty of Autumn colour still about, SRBB class N0. 34067 'Tangmere' works 5M50 passed the site of the old Borwick Station on a loaded test run with Peter Walker driving and Rob Russell on the shovel

 

Fantastic shot...

 

Footage of 34067 at Borwick Old station and Starrick's Farm . Thanks to Shep Woolley on the 1st camera .

 

Super stuff! Looks and sounds in fine fettle with quite a load there!

 

Stunning...

 

34067 going well across Whalley Viaduct

 

34067 seen leaving Carnforth near the old Midland Shed.

 

It had been drizzling on and off all morning but around lunchtime it stopped and the sky brightened (almost). The cricket was on TV at 14.00 but the lure of Tangmere climbing Wilpshire Bank (The Pimple of the North? - see Clan Line thread) was too great. The problem with test runs "around the circuit" is that an early departure from Hellifield can often result in very early running - so get there soon and wait!

When I arrived at Ramsgeave and Wilpshire station the Blackburn end of the Down platform was already occupied (by one half of the @Bodorganboys) and as I walked along the platform two people stepped out of the shelter and made their way to the Clitheroe end - thwarted! Back up the ramp and over to the (unoccupied) Up platform where I set up at the Blackburn end. RTT showed that the train had left Hellifield at 13.45 (11E). Even with 30 mins allowed to get to Horrocksford Jn and a planned wait of 21 min at the Jn, unless the service train was running late the steam had to follow the 14.23 departure from Clitheroe. The service train left RT and was followed 19 mins later by the steam (7E).

It was pleasant enough waiting, 10C and no wind. The service trains came and went and then some steam appeared above the distant trees and Tangmere rounded the curve and onto the straight towards the station. The unique exhaust of the un-rebuilt Bulleid, sounding "all over the place" but nonetheless in beat. Hissing, whooshing and shushing the beast grew nearer, plenty of exhaust filled the gap between the trackside trees. The rails were visibly dry but the sanders were on as Tangmere came closer, then a wave from the cab. It must have been my wave as I was the only one there, and from the driver's side, Peter Walker? (thanks again Shep) - I need to check my records but I think that that is my first wave from Peter Walker (only joshing I don't keep such records or do I?) From what I could tell it was a faultless performance, the diesel was doing nothing (except adding to the weight of the 10 coaches). 7E and 19 mph. A quick visit to the paint shop (who else is up for Crimson Lake?) and then Tangmere will be good to go.

It was good to briefly meet the "other" Bodorgan Boy, sorry I couldn't stay for a chat but the cricket beckoned - it didn't end well! For some reason my phone decided to record in SD so please excuse the poor picture clarity.

 

Another shot from today's test run - Clapham this time:

 

And yet another (albeit "grab shot" from the A59 lay-by)

 

Is it me, but Something didn't sound right on that video,

 

the air pump?

 

Just before that, as you say, the diesel kicked in, was Tangmere slipping, and the driver closed the regulator? to arrest the slip ? because it sounded like she at that point was not being opened up

 

34067 Tangmere leaving Clitheroe during the test run on 10/11/2021

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

Crimson lake ? nah. BR blue

 

Like that David,good to see a different location!

 

Thanks Henry,I was trying to hide the 37 !

 

with an large arrow logo on the casing ?