Fellsman tours 2022

Any information on allocation for this Wednesday?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14001/2022-05-18/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U14003/2022-05-18/detailed

 

34046 quoted by an LSL driver on Facebook

 

Braunton having her boiler cleaned out ahead of this Wednesday's Saphos Tour:

 

What a struggle I've had this morning. It all started so very well, up soon on a beautiful sunny morning, shower, breakfast and away in plenty of time to see the train at Chapel Lane - or so I thought. Trouble free until I joined the westbound M65, then gridlock. The minutes ticked away as I crawled along, I had almost written off the early day encounter but then the traffic began to move - maybe, just maybe . . .

As I approached my turn-off the cause of the delay became apparent; two vans, now on the hard shoulder, had "come together" - a Highways Agency vehicle was in attendance, the drivers appeared unhurt and were behind the barrier. Off the motorway and decision time; continue, give up, or shoot over to somewhere on the S&C? I decided to continue, it would be touch and go - Oswald engaged Warp Drive! A clear run and I arrived at Chapel Lane just TWO minutes before the Fellsman was due. I parked (safely) but as close to the bridge as possible. As I got out of the car I checked RTT - the service indicator showed E. No time for camera and tripod, my phone would have to suffice - assuming the train hadn't already gone. There was one guy waiting on the bridge who said that he didn't know if it was on time, or not - so not gone, phew!

Now my phone displayed 4G and RTT confirmed that after the briefest of stops(?) the train had left Bamber Bridge a couple of minutes earlier. I took a deep breath and settled down for what should be only a short wait. The sun continued to shine and it felt pleasant (13C) despite the blustery southern breeze. A couple of distant whistles heralded Braunton's approach. Soon she appeared under the occupation bridge, a busy chatter as she hurried towards us whilst emitting the most glorious clag from her wide chimney; clag that you could eat with a knife and fork. A whistle for the crossing followed by a shorter "peep". I exchanged waves with the driver - thanks, Oswald likes a wave! The carriages hustled by under the bridge followed by the diesel - an exceedingly well behaved diesel. Around 6L and a creditable 32mph. [The WTT on RTT shows 5 mins are allowed for the 5 miles to Pleasington (including 4 miles of 1/100r) - and I thought that I wrote nonsense! Using the actual times on RTT the 5 miles took 11m 45s - much more realistic and adding testament to the climb being all "Braunton's own work."]

I had to take the long way home as now the eastbound side of the M65 appeared to be clogged with crawling traffic. Is there an ailment called "Clutch Pressers Knee"? Thanks to all concerned with providing part one of today's entertainment. (Sorry for the wind noise)

 

This makes me miss the old Fellsman format and especially the Torbay's.

 

Passing Jack Green this morning. Shame about the brown MkII brake but hey ho...............................

 

I thought @46203 would have beaten me to it with his shot from Cumwhinton by now


Braunton at Cumwhinton

 

34046 with the return Fellsman, 18.05.22.

Aren't these LSL firemen simply wonderful!

 

No reason why the Torbays can't be done again by Pathfinder from next year when 6024 returns, unless P&DSR only deal with LSL now?

 

Braunton crosssing the River Weaver at Frodsham and then at Hoorocksford. Additionally there follows a silent shot at Selside (I forgot to turn on the microphone):

 

Well timed post Howard!

 

I believe so.

 

Superb Ian , glad you managed to get into the corner near the fence as last time I was there it was very overgrown .

 

Fortunate

edit: Oops, I hadn't seen yours when I posted!

 

You need to upload it Stephen.

 

34046 at Lunds Paddock , Shotlock Tunnel , Smardale Curve and Waitby Rock Cutting .

 

Have done now LOL .

 

Worth the wait.

 

I think LSL purchased the paths. I Might be wrong. Hopefully 6024 operates with DB only.