LMS 45627 The Peaks Express 6/3/22

Guessing Galatea will be doing Peaks Express.

 

Isn't it supposed to be her last hurrah?

 

That is exactly what I was thinking. Seriously the locomotive is fantastic.

 

Galatea working the stock to Preston for the Peaks Express.

 

45562 gets away from Carnforth this morning with the ECS to Preston for The Peaks Express.......

 

Footage of 45627 near Lancaster and shortly after leaving Preston.

 

45627 seen climbing Ripley Bank then passing Lancaster University and leaving Preston.

 

I had hoped to get out to watch last weeks farewell appearance by Galatea on the WCME but despite my best planning, fate together with the delayed return leg resulted in a "no show." This made it even more imperative that I get a look at the "old girl" on today's Peaks Express. The return was much too late for Oswald, so lunchtime it had to be. Meal times were adjusted and Oswald made his way to Leyland. (From Preston the gradient falls for around a mile before beginning the climb to Coppull. The gradient is 1/314r approaching Leyland station tightening to 1/110r to the south - so the loco should be working.)

Onto the station in plenty of time, I had decided on the Up Fast platform; the Down Fast gives a better viewing angle but is shorter and the Bolton-Barrow train was due along the DFL at the same time as "our train"; the view is not too good when there is a train in the way! I made my way to the extreme southern end, set up my kit and waited, thankfully the throng of watchers stayed at the other end of the platform. In the car , the temperature had shown 8C and there was some pleasant winter sunshine but a cool easterly breeze reminded you it was still winter.

RTT showed that the train had departed Preston RT - excellent news! Starting from Preston, I would expect that the train would lose time as the loco is gradually eased into her work and only steadily accelerates the train up the rising gradient, but no, RTT showed the train to be running RT. Diesel Alert!? After a couple of minutes a smokebox came into view, but no smoke from the chimney only a wisp around the safety valves. The loco came nearer and still no work from the front. Suddenly the regulator was opened and Galatea roared into action, a column of steam and smoke rising from her chimney before being swept away to the west. The smoke billowed down as she passed beneath the road bridge and again under the station footbridge. The sun was shining on the smokebox, the loco rocked gently from side to side as she came ever nearer; the sound was pure Jubilee. Then she was past and the carriages hurried by (10) followed by the dreaded diesel (making much more noise than Mr Shireman would have liked). RT and 33mph.

So I wonder why Galatea was late to join in. Running RT so no need, on what was going to be a long day? Response to increasing gradient? Some minor issue? I like to think she was sneaking up on those waiting on the platforms before shouting the Jubilee equivalent of "Boo!"

 

For anyone out there waiting to see 45627 the route us reversed. We are going south via Belper and coming back north via Ilkeston

 

Currently stood Barrow Hill North taking water but on train team have advised change of route. Will be heading direct to Derby rather than via Trent East and then will head out to Toton and northwards.

 

Footage of 45627 thundering away from Preston this morning (you'll recognise the location; Steve was stood next to me) followed by a steam in the landscape shot crossing New Mills South Junction.

 

Trip over to Sheffield this afternoon to see 45627 Sierra Leone (Galberta Leone) with the Peaks Express
After having to change platforms due to numerous passenger services all running late
45627 Sierra Leone arrives on Platform 2 with the 'Peaks Express' at Sheffield 6th March 2022
https://tinyurl.com/mry7sfdb

Neil

 

This video is nothing to write home about but I was very pleased today to get out and see Galatea before her ticket expires and to see Steve and Nige.
Galatea passing Oubeck Goods Loops and at Bee Lane, Preston:

 

Thanks. As the previous train, engineer’s train carrying rail, passed through 20 minutes before, I didn’t think to look at the signal - good job one of us was paying attention. Thanks again.

 

Nothing wrong with your video Chris as it captures the Jubilee in fine voice at both locations .

 

45628 Sierra Leone storms through Lancaster Castle

 

Jubilee class No. 45627 'Sierra Leone' gets underway from Carnforth with the ECS 5Z53 to Preston for the 'The Peaks Express’ 1Z53 with Mick Kelly driving,
Craig Todd on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard. The crew for the return will be Peter Kirk driving, Martyn Soames firing and Matt Miller Guard

 

Had a good day on this, but considering the load there really has been a lot of "shovage" from the back. I was on the same train last autumn where they said they needed the 47 because of the poor railhead conditions which I understood. No such reason this time and yet even more "help" was given. Seemed so unnecessary as we were relatively punctual most of the day. Still enjoyable to travel behind the Jube but it does take the icing off the cake