CME 2023

46115

 

Both Grayrigg and Shap were 'slippery'. I made it 29.5mph at Grayrigg and 16.5mph minimum on Shap. Both would have been higher if it hadn't been for slips near the summits. Lovely Scot noise!

 

Both locos slipped on the flange lubricator.

 

Oh yes

 

I don't usually venture out for the northbound leg of the CME, but with the added bonus of The Lakelander, 2 Scots running and, as it turned out SG without a tail gunner, who could resist? Not me, or not Mrs W who, despite not being a morning person was up and ready for the off. We didn't want to make a full day of it (it is still early February) besides which the fells would probably be overflowing with photographers and videographers, watchers, their dogs and their children. So, somewhere not too far and likely to be quiet(ish). After a bit of head scratching we settled on Yealand Redmayne (sounds more like a 1930's matinee idol than a village) and the over bridge on Cinderbarrow Lane which is about an hour's drive away. The bridge is just a hundred yards or so north of MP9.5 (the summit of Yealand Bank).

We arrived in good time and there was already an occupant complete with his motorcycle (@Bodorganboy). It was quite pleasant 8C but feeling a little cooler in the gentle SW breeze. I checked RTT and Idris was watching Railcam. 46100 was running about 7L but soon there was the sound of a Stanier hooter as she passed Carnforth, a wait and then the 3 cylinder beat and white exhaust in the far distance. Under the bridge, exhaust sound growing louder as she charged over the summit and away under our feet in a cloud and swirl of steam. After watching the train head north, round the curve and out of view it was time to return to the car for a brew and a biscuit.

The infamous TP service to Edinburgh was running about 3L but 46115 was allowed out RT and the dark smoke could be seen over to the right as she got underway. Unlike 46100, 46115 did not benefit from a run at the bank and every mph had to be worked for. As we awaited her imminent arrival light rain began to fall, eased directly towards us by the SW breeze, spots settled on the lens, oh, B*gger! SG's exhaust was slower, louder and heavier than her sister loco's had been, it was also darker. She made her way steadily towards us growling as she came, past MP9.5 and then under the bridge and away, a mixed rake of coaches followed and NO diesel!

It was good to chat with Idris and I am looking forward to seeing what a proper video looks like.

 

This is turning out to be the best climb to Ais Gill I have had for years behind a Stanier 3 cyl loco.

 

Footage of the 2 scots climbing Shap earlier

 

Very good effort on the earlier part of the climb but she seemed a little winded as we neared the Summit, 26.7 minimum. Some quite dark smoke at times, wonder what the coal quality is like?! Good soundtrack all day though and some lovely fast running down to Carlisle.

 

Double the usual fun at Oxenholme...

 

Two Scots side by side at Citadel....
Two Scots at Citadel
Well it nearly happened... a composite of two photos taken 18 minutes apart. Around 7 minutes separated them from really standing side by side like this.

 

You certainly could've fooled me. Still an excellent shot (or two..) and shows what might've been, or once was.

 

Excellent climb of Wilpshire to conclude a very enjoyable day out behind 46115. Held 19 to 21 mph pretty much all the way, with just a slight easing 15.7mph near the summit.

 

A grand day out. More to follow.

 

Great to compare the sounds of both Scots on Shap, with 46100 sounding crisper while the deep guttural roar of 46115 is always pleasing. 46100 sounded very well, especially on the final shot heading towards the summit and it was lightly assisted from the 47, though nothing excessive. Next up was Guardsman, which was hampered by a couple of slips at Salterwath and then struggled to get going again with the driver cautiously reapplying the power. Then on it looked like a bit of a gruel though the Scot was never in danger as it forged its way to the summit. A great spectacle !

 

46115 with the return WCME 11.02.23.

 

A gray day for it but good to see an unassisted Scot and no headboard!

Approaching Salterwath:



Over the Summit at Ais Gill:



Richard

 

Overcast conditions today as 'Scots Guardsman' works today's 'Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express' towards Shap summit and on for a meeting with 'Royal Scot' at Carlisle, Mick Rawling driving, Martyn Soames on the shovel and Matt Miller Guard
north and south



Little improvement in the weather as No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' approaches Aisgil summit with the return leg of the 'Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

 

46115 near Shap Summit, the Summit and Aisgill .