Steam Dreams Capital Express 16/06 - 19/06

Light wasn't too great - so pan it...

 

Oswald was up for 3 trains in 3 days but Mrs W decided to quit whilst she was ahead (yesterday's pic of Braunton). Off to Hellifield for a look at Royal Scot. When I arrived she was sitting in the down loop at the north end of her POB and several members of the support crew were heading back from the cafe. The station and cafe were busy as I made my way onto the platform for a closer look just as a few rounds of coal were being placed on the fire.



As it was only a few minutes before the train was due into the loop, 46100 propelled its coach back down the Blackburn line and waited. The train arrived, 47 each end and a real assortment of coaches in between, including the "Steam Dreams kitchen car". I hadn't the time to watch the loco change and headed off towards Horton in Ribblesdale. As I parked at the station Idris (@Bodorganboy) had just arrived on his motorbike with panniers crammed with all manner of video goodies. A very brief chat and then I checked out the station; always going to be the wrong place with afternoon sun which was now breaking through the thin high cloud. I headed a little further north and parked up. Time for a sandwich and a drink and then a walk to my chosen spot.

It was sunny, warm (21C) with only a gentle breeze so I had decided to give it a try with the camera's built in mic; no wind shielding but automatic adjustment of recording levels - fingers crossed. It was a very pleasant spot with a view back down to the station. A few checks on RTT revealed that the train appeared to be "stuck". Traffic moved up and down the road, a couple of planes flew over but still no change on RTT (and it wasn't through lack of trying on my part). The Leeds bound train trundled down the hill. It was getting warmer and I wanted a drink but had left my water bottle in the car - idiot! A couple of buzzards circled overhead, possibly vultures? Then RTT showed that the train had left Hellifield loop (28L) and hopefully Royal Scot would be on the front. After a few minutes the train cleared Settle Jn, now only about 10 minutes away.

The distant sound of a Stanier hooter, then again, a wait and then a much louder one for the crossing at the south end of the station. Then the unmistakable 3 cylinder beat and in the distance RS came into view, the lovely sound of her exhaust blasting a grey haze skywards, ever nearer, ever louder - wonderful. She hurried away to the north as if trying to escape the motley rake of coaches that followed (and, of course, the 47 on the back). 28L and 45 mph. Well done to all at LSL for putting together an operational rake of coaches at very short notice.

Back to car for a drink and the drive home. When I arrived Diego beat me to the door and sneaked in; well, maybe not so much a sneak as an arrogant stroll!

 

https://flic.kr/p/2nstxXe

https://flic.kr/p/2nsuQPK

Couple of my photos from today, would upload the originals here, but still struggling with security issues

 

46100 seen passing Arcow Quarry.

 

Royal Scot looks great - the rest of the train least said the better!

 

Whoever put that stock together must have a hell of a sense of humour!!

 

The Saphos stock v the Pilkington set. The choice is yours. <BJ>

 

I certainly agree, but in the circumstances I think it’s a credit to LSL that the trip went ahead at all.

 

As a passenger, Pilkington set definitely!

 

The delights of the Pilkington set are still available now. Many of the vehicles are in service with WCR.

 

Heading south through Northumberland.

Trackside vegetation helped screen the carriages.

 

Innocent bystanders added in PS

 

Applying grey scale to the coaching stock is a great touch. They look blue and grey at the first sight.

Cheers, Neil

 

Am I correct in assuming that both 46100 and 6233 have been stabled at the NRM this weekend, so whatever issue there was, is now resolved?

 

As a tribute to the skill and dedication of all those who continue to make Main Line steam possible, a view of 'Royal Scot' as she was in 2013 whilst at Crewe Heritage Centre, prior to her restoration to Main Line action in 2015, having been saved from the cutter's torch following withdrawal from the main Line for scrapping in 1962. This is followed by a shot of her with the 'Capital Express', which I believe was the first time she has taken passengers northbound over Beattock, since that time.

 

She's been south over Beattock on 29th August 2016. I think probably right for northbound with passengers.

 

Thanks Ian, I should have said Northbound, especially as I saw her on that run too!(I've now amended my original post)