The Duchess to Carlisle: VT - 12/03/22

Do you not think that maybe the situation is the other way round. There has been concern about the lack of timings for this one for some weeks which suggests to me that the timings supplied by Network Rail were not acceptable to VT. This is not an unusual situation and the negotiated compromise can take some time to achieve. It looks as if VT held out as long as they could to get a run without taking the diesel to Carlisle but in the end have had to accept that it is not possible to do given the only available paths at Carlisle. This is clearly not what VT wanted as they seem to have tried their very best to find a way around it. That they have had to accept the situation in the end is not for the want of trying. I also suspect that Network Rail train planning have been working closely with VT and not against them to seek a solution - it clearly just was not there. It really is not fair to paint Network Rail as the bogieman here when we all know so little of the background negotiating that I suspect has been going on for several weeks.

Peter

 

When was the last time 6233 ran over the S&C and the last time in its current guise ? Feels like a while.

 

Last run over S&C was 5th August 2017 with a northbound CME for RTC.
Last run in red was 19th September 2009 with a southbound Tyne Valley Tourer, PMR tours.

 

Ian, I was hoping you would answer the call. Thanks, much appreciated.

 

Duchess ready and waiting at Hellifield.

 

Train in the loop at Hellifield, Duchess on the up Clitheroe line. Service trains in both directions due around 11.40 have been and gone, so now waiting for loco swap to take place.

Edit: 47 just run through station on down main to run-round.

 

The Drax to Kirkby Thore isn't running today, so things are not quite as tight on the S and C as they might have been. Indeed a slightly late departure might see them straight through at Ribblehead.

 

On the train today instead of on the line side. Coupled up at the second attempt.

 

Away from Hellifield 12.10, 16 mins late.

 

Now leaving Hellifield.

 

Well the late start will take care of having to wait at Ribblehead !

 

Yes I certainly enjoyed that.

From Hellifield DGL Duchess + 9 + D1755 (47 773).

Long Preston 3m 47s, 40 mph
Settle Jn 6 09, 57 mph
Settle 8 32, 44 mph
Speed fell off to 33 then rallied to 41 on the easier grades after Helwith Bridge.
Horton 18 30, 36 mph
Ribblehead 27 02, 25 mph
Took it easy across viaduct in anticipation of 20 TSR.
Blea Moor Box 30 53, 20 mph
Into Blea Moor Tunnel 33 00 at 25 mph.

Very pleasant in the sunshine, some pockets of snow still left up high, I could see for miles, loads of cute spring lambs.

Oh, I almost forgot, no assistance from The Queen Mother...

 

20mph restriction for the Duchess over Ribblehead viaduct.

 

The delayed start was much welcomed.

 

Absolutely stunning shot, thanks.