Great Britain XV: 15 - 23/4/23

No support crew available for Bahamas. They are volunteers and need to book time off work.

 

I am sorry to hear of 46115's problem, let's hope for the sake of the passengers a suitable replacement STEAM locomotive can be provided for the next part of the tour.

The day did not start well with the departure from Llandudno being delayed; it is often difficult, or even impossible, to pull back time as the "special" finds a path between scheduled services.

With a locomotive change at Carnforth there was opportunity for a before and after shot. I had decided on Leyland station, although this is around 35 miles south of Carnforth the M6 junction is only 3 or 4 minutes drive from the station. I tried to decide which platform would be better; platform 4 the "wide side", a better view, but with the risk of being bowled by trains passing on the UFL or the safe platform 3, but with the view of the wheels and motion obscured by the platform. And where would the sun be? Yes, I know - "In the sky!" But yes, the sun was shining.

I delayed my departure from home slightly but still got to Leyland well before there was any chance that the train would arrive. RTT was predicting around 40L, the sun would be almost directly overhead and behind the train. There were several trains due to pass along the UFL including the very long Tesco train - so platform 3 it was. I readied myself, it was a pleasant day 15C but with a stiff easterly breeze. Then I began chatting to a guy who stood alongside; this was almost my demise as, deep in conversation, Bahamas was almost in the platforms before I pressed "go". On a slightly falling gradient, and with only a shimmer from chimney top Bahamas shot thro' at 60mph, 36L. Would it be a super quick loco change at Carnforth? Oswald needed to be about it!

I had toyed with driving to Shap but now with possibly less time than I originally envisaged I settled on Cinderbarrow Lane at Yealand Redmayne. There were a couple of guys already waiting on the bridge and shortly after I got there Idris (@Bodorganboy) pulled up on his motorbike. It was good to meet him again (the last time was at the same location). Nothing to do but wait and chat. The day had warmed (16/17C), the blustery east wind had increased carrying with it the traffic noise from the nearby M6 and a few clouds had appeared in the sky.

A 40L arrival at Carnforth had been reduced to a 21L departure and right on cue a cloud obscured the sun.

The light on the front of the loco appeared in the far distance, as it got nearer the cloud slid away to the west and the sun shone - what a treat! 46115 was working hard pulling her 10 "heavy" coaches. The summit of Yealand Bank lies a couple of hundred yards to the south, SG was blasting away as only a Scot can. As she reached the bridge the fine cinders projected from the chimney hit the bridge and were swept by the wind into our faces - lovely stuff. Then she was away under the bridge and building speed for the attack on Grayrigg and Shap. 22L and a creditable 43mph. (Sorry for the crackling on the audio for the approach shot at Cinderbarrow Lane. I reduced the level to make it less distracting but lost the wonderful noise that SG was making).

Oswald ate the sandwich he had brought with him and then headed home. Mrs W was unavailable but will be out on Thursday - Roll on Thursday.

 

Deleted

 

Pity they can't just get one if their several stanier tenders up to Lockerbie?

 

45596 at Abergele this morning:


https://richardstevens.smugmug.com/

 

Not my best ever day filming so one for the record really .

 

My mate on the tour has been told 45596 is doing the Aberdeen trip tomorrow, so top marks to them for covering at the last minute!

 

any info on what engines will be working Thursdays turns please

 

Nothing yet I'm afraid. Probably will be arranged tomorrow.

 

Only an assumption as 46115 was down to do tomorrow and Thursday so I’d expect Bahamas to do Edinburgh to Carlisle where 45690 is then on the S&C leg according to earlier reports.

 

A very big issue if you look at the hours they’ve been on duty. The work starts two days before the run

 

45596 at Frodsham:


https://richardstevens.smugmug.com/

 

Bahamas at Oubeck Goods Loops (with 66425 and DR73114 & DR77904) and Scots Guardsman at Shap Wells:

Chris

 

45596 at Bay Horse and 46115 on the Carnforth Levels and a shot off the road bridge south of Shap, oh and a plane at Beattock.

 

Not expecting you to know the answer John, but could it be a case of a mixture of a temporary support crew with members involved with the likes of 45596, Riley’s and West Coast doing some sort of overtime?

I know there’s a limit on hours, so I won’t be offended if I’m told I’m talking complete BS.

 

Unknown loco dep Carnforth 2305 towards Shap.

Running as 5Z28, so steam with support coach.

Andrew N

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:52551/2023-04-18/detailed

 

45596 Bahamas according to RC data.

Dave B

 

45596 approaching Bay Horse & 46115 running through the Lune Gorge.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/52828578640/in/datetaken-public/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/52828622393/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

Great shot, phone clip grab from tour att .