WCRC Scarborough Spa/Dalesman/Spirit of the Lakes/normal tours 2022

46115 seen at Starricks Farm and Docker Lane

 

Footage of 46115 this morning coasting through Long Preston a few minutes early then roaring away from the Skipton stop past Cononley.

 

7th July 2022 46115 Scots Guardsman Scarboro Spa AM - YouTube
Footage of 46115 on this morning's SSE

 

46115 on the way to Scarborough at Starrick's Farm and near Arkholme.

 

7th July 2022 46115 Scots Guardsman Scarborough Spa Express PM - YouTube

The returning Scarborugh Spa Express is seen at Pale Green Lane near the top of Giggleswick bank

 

46115 seen climbing Giggleswick Bank

 

I went on the Scarborough Spa Express yesterday 7th July
Haulage throughout by 46115 Scots Guardsman, I did the York to Scarborough and return part
46115 Scots Guardsman seen arriving at York station
https://tinyurl.com/44ewfkvc

Neil

 

The "Little North Western" sees plenty of ECS and LE moves but very few steam hauled passenger trains. The (hopefully temporary) hiatus with steam facilities at York has resulted in Scarborough Spa trains being steam hauled from (and returning to) Carnforth. In the early 80's Giggleswick bank was a favourite haunt to watch the "bottom leg" of the returning Cumbrian Mountain. This was often a Black 5, in the dark; yesterday presented an opportunity for a watch in daylight and possibly even sunshine.

From Settle Jn the line is level for almost a mile before climbing approx. 100ft to the summit (520ft) around 3.25 miles away. The climb is predominantly at 1/100r. Although the line limit is 60mph there is a psr of 25mph at Settle Jn and one of 30mph through Giggleswick station.

After a very sunny afternoon some low cloud gathered in the early evening making it decidedly gloomy. Mrs W could not be tempted out, preferring to watch the cricket on tv (oh dear!). Driving along the A59 the gloom remained and the low cloud obscured the top half of Pendle hill. However, beyond Chatburn the gloom had gone and sunshine was plentiful. It remained sunny as I drew onto the car park at Gigglewick station at 20.45. The train was due at 21.16, exactly the same time as the Morecambe-Leeds service was due to stop in the station; so off to the westbound platform with its unobstructed view and on the sunny side. (The other platform offers the better angle).

RTT confirmed that the train was 4L at Gargrave but this became 10L into Hellifield loop, 9L out and 12L at Settle Jn. The Leeds bound train had come and gone, the sun had dipped behind the high ground and the station lights were shining with increasing brightness - ah well!

Then some white exhaust appeared in the distant trees and SG began to make her steady progress towards us up the long straight. There was surprisingly little noise, the merest hint of a breeze must have been carrying the sound away (pity it didn't work on the traffic noise on the very adjacent A59. As the train came nearer the exhaust became louder, then a whistle for the crossing and SG powered through the station, her cab aglow with the warm orange light from the fire. She continued away up the bank, working hard, the odd flicker from the fire catching in the underside of the exhaust in the rapidly fading light. Now only a speck in the distance but the exhaust note drifting back towards the station and finally out of view around the curve and into the safe hands of Idris and Nige (and his flock of singing sheep) who were waiting at the top of the bank.

13L, 30mph and still pleasantly warm (16C). Traffic very light and home for 10.45 pm, just time for a brew then bed - a nice way to spend an evening.

I note our (ex-ish) PM likened Michael Gove to a snake. I would like to say that this was uncalled for, totally unnecessary and furthermore could get snakes a bad name.

 

46115 on the return journey, on the Scarborough to York line, between Crambe and Barton Mills

 

Bit of luck last week as happened to be on holiday in Scarborough when one of the only three tours booked for this year ran. Short video and some photos from 46115 arrival and departure from Scarborough last Thursday, 7th July...


https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/albums/72177720296625775

 

'The Scarborough Spa Express' hauled by LMS 7P No.46115 'Scots Guardsman' on the 7th July 2022. Seen passing Eldroth, Hellifield, Colton Junction, Little Fenton, Bell Busk and Giggleswick.

Video Available Here

 

That would of been great! But I was straight back down to Peasholm Park afterwards to join the rest of my family in watching the Naval Battle!!

 

Thanks for the update.

 

I understand BIL fixed and heading for Hellifield

 

Further problem whilst making for Hellifield so ???

 

I note that the charter has arrived at Carlisle about 45 minutes down. Did BIL make it to Hellifield okay or did the train proceed diesel hauled?

 

BIL didn’t make it. Train hauled by double headed 37s according to Facebook.