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

This is the chap you met at Gargrave David .

 

Well done Steve - a character to say the least!

 

Oh he’s a character alright but decent enough when you get to know him

 

And a pretty good videographer too. Though I had trouble decoding the title

The last shot in particular I thought very dramatic, as well as amply showing the need for caution in dry conditions. The telephoto lens didn't do the condition of the track any favours!

 

One of the summer highlights. The Scot doing these tours to Scarborough.

 

Real shame only 3 of them

 

Any news yet on the steamer for the York Dalesman this Thursday 11 August?

Peter on an August evening in Manchester (the nights already closing in)
https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/

 

Do you know if that is diesel on the rear or tucked inside Ralph?

 

It appears that because of heightened fire risk you may have a diesel along with the steam loco for tomorrow's trip. Despite this I would be grateful if anyone travelling on the Dalesman can record and then post a time for the climb from Ormside to the Aisgill summit sign. I am keeping a record of all posted times for the year. [Pleases see post #63 above for full details].

Thanks in anticipation and enjoy. Remember, "Oswald needs YOUR time!"

 

37 on the back

 

Cumwhinton...


Scorchio Scot

 

Kirkby Stephen.

 

The Met Office had increased the fire risk for most of the NW to moderate and it appeared (per @RalphW) this would require an accompanying diesel. It was hot, dry, the sun would be high in the sky, I wasn't sure what steam loco (if any) would be on the front, where the diesel would be (tucked in or on the back) and yesterday there had been a problem with the points on the Down loop at Hellifield. 4 trains were booked through Hellifield station during the time that the Dalesman was changing motive power; significant delays could result if the loop remained out of action. So I didn't know what (loco), I was not sure about when, there only remained where? Finally we (Mrs W was riding shotgun) decided on Stainforth cutting; in the winter it can be dark, damp and dismal - so today would be very different.

Driving past Settle Jn we crossed with the ex New Biggin Gypsum train that was heading east. We parked up and hurried to the bridge as the train to Arcow Quarry would be due very soon. It arrived almost before I was ready (2E) and growled away as it dragged its long train of empties up the hill. Reversing the train into the quarry can be a lengthy process and would need to be complete before our train could clear Settle Jn, The internet reception was poor and RTT updated only intermittently - so stand and wait. Then the far off sound of a Stanier hooter - well we now knew what! and, to within a couple of minutes, when. Soon 46115's smokebox came into view beneath the distant overbridge. She moved steadily towards us making enough noise to justify her presence but not so much as to cause undue concern to NR. She looked splendid in the harsh sunlight, then she was away under the bridge and the coaches slipped by and finally the 37, all heavy plume and loud agricultural noises. Over to Mrs W and off up the hill with the 37 hammering away into the far distance. 37mph, 11L and 27C (later rising to 30C) and not a hint of breeze.

We headed off to Clapham (N Yorks) but because of some event the cafes were closed so off over the Bowland hills to Slaidburn for a sandwich on the banks of the Hodder. Throughout our travels the most "at risk" bit of the countryside, by far, were the sides of the railway cutting. A grand day out!
[Sorry for the jolt on the camera, I brushed against the tripod as I turned to try to silence a passer by who asked me for directions to the waterfall!!!]

 

Guardsman racing the 37 at Kirkby Stephen .

 

46115 with the northbound Dalesman, 11.08.22.

 

Much reduced water flow in the beck as No.46115 'Scots Guardsman' works the 'Dalesman' over Arten Gill Viaduct with Mick Rawling driving, Martyn Soames on the shovel and Matt Miller Guard



'Scots Guardsman' works the return 'Dalesman' away from Garsdale and back to Hellifield with Mick Kelly driving, Rob Russell firing and Roly Parker Guard