Great Britain XIV 2022

Overcast conditions greet Jubilees Nos 45596 'Bahamas' and 45690 'Leander' as they work the 'GBXIV’ day six ECs climbing Lindal Bank back to Grange-over-Sands.
On Bahamas footplate Mick Rawling driving and Andy Simkins/Fraser Birrell firing, Leander Steve Chipperfield driving and Craig Potter firing with Matt Miller Guard.
Thanks must go to all footplate crews, support staff and all involved with this marathon railtour, here's to the next 'Great Britain'

 

Passing Brock

 

Does anyone know the reason for the wreath?

 

If is for Pat who worked for The Gravy Train.

 

RIP Ma'am a fine gesture

 

Thanks Henry,with the clouds so close to the sun I went for a spot which gave a few options

 

Chester

 

45596 & 45690 seen leaving Grange over Sands on Day 6 . Sadly the perfect weather conditions changed .

 

This morning with the two Jubilees with the weather defying the forecast at Cark and then finding some sun at Frodsham.

 

Bay Horse

 

A very sole I’m looking Steve Chipperfield on Leander.

 

The day dawned sunny but quickly clouded over; the forecast was still showing some early sun for Leyland (Oswald's intended destination). A journey that usually takes 20-25 minutes at quiet times of the day took double that in the rush hour as the traffic crawled along the M65. Still there in good time and it was sunny - well done Met Office.

The southern end of the Down Fast platform was already quite full with waiting photographers. Although this platform would give a wider angle view and the wheels and motion would be visible it would be in shade. I opted for the southern end of the Up Fast platform (platform 4) where, fingers crossed, the locos would be well lit by the low sun. The Edinburgh - Euston shot through (5L) on the Fast line followed by the much slower Castle Cement - Avonmouth (7E). The signal behind remained on red for what seemed like an eternity, our train was running 5E at Farington Jn, still the signal was red. In the distance, under the road bridge steam could be seen drifting across the lines, still red then amber. The train was on the move, the single amber quickly became double amber and the locos began accelerating towards us.

The heavy exhaust from Bahamas shot skywards before being deflected by the road bridge, a blast on the whistle, more steam and smoke as Leander followed behind, accelerating hard. The locos gleaming in the sunshine, looking and sounding magnificent. The carriages eased by, plenty of smiling, well-fed(?) faces at the windows. I turned and watched as the train headed south. 6E, 34mph (and accelerating). Oh, and no diesel.

 

Video from Arnside and Bay Horse

 

Disappointing light but 45596 and 45690 make a fine sight leaving Carnforth on the way to Cardiff on 27/4/2022

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

Chester - Mick Kelly now on Leander.

 

The ECS crossing Leven viaduct and passing Capes Head:





I wondered who that was out on the sands, @Karlh!

https://richardstevens.smugmug.com/

 

45596 + 45690 seen being dragged from Arnside then returning to Grange over Sands round the point and finally after leaving G o S on route to Carnforth.

 

The Jubes crossing Balderton Level Crossing. I wanted to try somewhere different but made a bad choice with too much road and farm background noise:

 

A very enjoyable watch Nige well done BZ

 

Very sad to hear about that, always a character.