Fellsman tours 2022

As far as we know it’s Braunton Alan.

 

Thanks Nige.

 

The Fellsman (15 June) is one of the many steam hauled trains that are scheduled to run south over the S&C this year The climb from Ormside (MP275) to Aisgill summit (MP259.75) over the so-called “Blue Riband” section continues to be of particular interest.

This year I have been keeping a record of all posted times and will at the end of the year post a complete list. As this is JUST FOR FUN there are no exclusions, just so long as there is steam on the front.

It doesn't matter how many coaches there were (I will include the number in the post),

It doesn’t matter if it stopped at Appleby, or not (I will include this in the post),

It doesn’t matter even if there was a diesel present (I will include this in the post).

I need your help. If you are travelling on the train and are able to record a time please do so and then post it on this thread.

If you don't feel confident to spot MP275 (whilst rushing past at 50-60 mph) or are seated on the non-milepost side of the train, then simply post a time from the south end of Ormside Viaduct to Ais Gill Summit Board. (Please make it clear if your time is taken from the viaduct and I will adjust the viaduct times) - purists remember, it's JUST FOR FUN.

If you are travelling, all you need is a view from a window. (The southern end of the parapet wall of Ormside Viaduct and Aisgill Summit Board are clearly visible from both sides of the train). And a stopwatch or the stopwatch on your wristwatch or the stopwatch on your mobile phone.

The more times the better so get timing, you know you want to!

[If you record a full log (north or south) please contact @iancawthorne for possible inclusion on his excellent website (settlecarlislesteam.co.uk)]

Thanks in anticipation

 

Just a sidenote that if there is a diesel in the consist (as will likely be the case with all Fellsman's this year), the data doesn't qualify for appearing on settlecarlislesteam.co.uk.

 

Opening today's account for the Fellsman.
34046 at Helsby, passing an unusually deserted platform 2, just a few people on platform 1 risking the presence of a Liverpool-Chester due at the same time.

 

The "Wistle Stop Tour" continues . . . With a fine day forecast Mrs W suggested that we go to Horton in Ribblesdale to watch the morning's Fellsman, - no argument from me. I decided against a "watch" before the Chatburn water stop and we headed directly to Horton in R, arriving about 30 minutes before the train was due. There were already 3 or 4 people on the platform but no-one was occupying the north end of the up platform - Oswald's favourite spot.

RTT showed that the train had cleared Settle Junction 2L, not long to wait. It was a pleasant morning, partial sun, not even a breath of wind and feeling warm although the thermometer in the car showed a lowly 16C.

A couple of shrill whistles in the distance and then another for the crossing at the south end of the platform and shortly afterwards Braunton appeared from around the curve. A good harsh edge to the exhaust note and a grey cloud issued from her wide chimney and hung above the carriages as the loco forged forwards. Indications that Braunton was shouldering a significant proportion of the work. Her paintwork was gleaming and her name badge looked to have been polished to within an inch of its life as she sped by. Then came 11 shiny carriages with the 47 bringing up the rear; exhaust noise - yes, pushing hard - no. The train headed off into the distance, the sound of the hard working steam locomotive drifted back towards the station. 35/6 mph and RT.

With a good morning's work under our belts it was time for a trip to Slaidburn for a bacon butty, mug of tea and a stroll along the banks of the river Hodder. [Apologies (again) for the sound quality, despite experimenting with various settings, I am beginning to think that my chosen combination of microphone and camera (and me) are not best suited to recording steam locomotives.]

 

Likewise numerous times.
However yesterday a new low for me a Tesco driver appeared at 11:00 as I had forgot to change the Tuesday slot to Thursday (our usual day) so we only had the two lots of items delivered that I had put in the basket to activate the order. That was just after I had gone out to photograph the U on the 10:00 from Swanage, except that departure is 10:30 on a two train service day which yesterday was. Some days old people cannot be trusted.

 

Cumwhinton on the return.


The Fellsman at Milepost 304

 

34046 Braunton in the Ribble Valley at Downham with the northbound Fellsman of 15/6/2022

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

34046 on the outward leg this morning at Hapsford, Horrocksford and Selside Shaw:

 

A shot in the sun, so I feel quite righteous now. Looking at the exhaust emanating from the rear of the train, I was half expecting a Stanier or Fairburn 2-6-4T to appear...

 

Morning and afternoon, the clouds behaved themselves perfectly, shifting just when they needed to.

 

The sunny weather is certainly tempting Mrs W from her lair; this morning Horton in Ribblesdale followed by Slaidburn, this afternoon a walk on the moors and this evening she volunteered to accompany me to see Braunton. So off to Ramsgreave & Wilpshire. Yesterday the platforms were busy with plenty of chattering bystanders and kids so this time I decided to try the road bridge at the Blackburn end of the station. Inevitably the crowds weren't thronging and there were no kids. Even the lad with the ipad was absent; apparently his name is Philip and he had "gone to cubs".

The returning Fellsman has a booked stop in Clitheroe to set down passengers then departs 40 minutes earlier than the Pendle Dalesman (14 June) - so expected at R&W at 19.03. It was pleasant waiting in the sunshine, no wind, 20C and feeling warmer. There was a fair amount of traffic noise and even in the quieter moments a distant alarm chirped away. As a consequence, Braunton rounded the curve before anyone (not just me) heard the exhaust. As she moved towards us the sunlight peaking through gaps in the trees made patterns on the boiler and carriages. The exhaust grew louder as she drew nearer, a blue-grey haze hissed from her chimney. Under the road bridge with a swoosh and out the other side climbing towards the summit and some patches of open sunlight that caught and shone in the exhaust. Some noise from the 47, sounding louder on the going-away shot (always seems that way when using an iphone to capture video). 27 mph and 1E.

My thanks to all involved in operating the train - we enjoyed watching. Special thanks to Mrs W for many, many things over the years but especially tonight for the going away shot - all her own work.

 

34046 seen at Helwith Bridge and leaving Appleby Station.

 

A phone pic taken by Mrs Wistle at Horton in Ribblesdale - rods down!

 

15/06/2022 - Pendle Hill in the back ground - Saphos Trains - SR Pacific 34046 "Braunton" on the "Fellsman" from Crewe to Carlisle via S & C captured heading for Hellifield at Newsholme

 

Know it’s totally off region but 34046 looks rather at home in that photo

 

Well up to your usual standard, Nige! Excellent! (I like the chaffinch getting in on the act...)

 

Thanks for that David as its very much appreciated and the local birds are always very welcome

 

Take the camera of her, she's showing all of us up!!