Dalesman 2023

Yet another wet day so I thought that I would kick this one off.

WCRC are running a very similar program of Dalesman trips as last year but, as yet, no Pendle Dalesman runs are shown on the website.

The Dalesman from York (steam Hellifield-Carlisle-Hellifield) on Thursdays: 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 13 July, 10 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep and 05 Oct. Total of 7, same as 2022.

The Dalesman from Chester (steam Hellifield-Carlisle-Shap-Carnforth) on Tuesdays: 13 Jun, 04 July, 25 July and 19 Sep. Total of 4 (same as 2022)

 

https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/railtours
Unlike last year and the year before there is no dedicated page for the Pendle Dalesman trains as there are just 3 of them running on 11th July, 8th August & 5th September.

 

Thanks, I was expecting a dedicated page. Thin fare this year only 3 (5 in 2022), I will have to book early to avoid disappointment!

 

2022 saw a huge reduction from 2021 when there were 12 scheduled of which 2 were cancelled for operational reasons.

 

Bargain fares compared to other tour promotors, I'd assume if they all run full they'll run more in future....

A bit like they do with that other West Coast Railways series of trains where they run 2 trains every day in the peak season, the one from Fort Bill to Mallaig.

 

Times up on RTT for the first York Dalesman on 8 June. I will be making my annual pilgrimage to Carlisle. The Tilcon Arcow train, if it runs, is due to reverse into the quarry siding at 1223. The time for the Dalesman at Settle Jn is 1225. Let's hope they can find a way of hanging about at Hellifield for an extra few minutes. Water at Langwathby outward (if required), Appleby on return.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54512/2023-06-08/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54514/2023-06-08/detailed

 

same for Dalesman from Chester 13th June
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55271/2023-06-13/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55275/2023-06-13/detailed

i am booked on both (strikes permitting)

 

Any info on which loco for Thursdays Dalesman? 46115 Scots Guardsman?
i am booked on it but no info on loco with ticket
'From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over'
(Coal Tank 1054 lol!!! isn't that the oldest in steam at the moment)

 

i know, just having a bit of fun (i put 46115 in)

Neil

 

Two of us that travel on the GB are heading for Carlisle once again, fingers crossed for another good trip with WCR.

 

Have a good day you two. Got to miss it, Covid in our household. WCR office kindly allowed me to postpone to September in the circumstances.

 

Thank you, wishing you all good health soon

 

44932 if the reports are correct but I suspect a helper on the rear .

 

Thanks Steve, I'll be happy with any steam on the front.

That saying about - "you wait ages for a bus and " . . . . It was over 9 years wait for me from the notable Duchy trip behind 44932 to this years first CME and if it is the 5 up front I reckon I will pass 650 miles behind her this year alone.

 

I suspect that whatever the steam is, (44932 likely), it is continuing through to York on the return journey with the loco and stock then being used for The Tynesider on Saturday. This replaces a movement tomorrow from Carnforth. Realtime Trains | 1Z42 1627 Carlisle to York | 08/06/2023
Normal practice is to change to a diesel at Hellifield but the diesel from the morning working returns to York light engine earlier. Realtime Trains | 0Z41 1135 Hellifield Goods Loops to York Parcels Sidings | 08/06/2023

 

Makes sense with a nine minute reversal at Leeds. 37 and 47 on the train this morning so one back to York from Hellifield, the other tail gunner then taking the train on from Leeds whilst 44932 goes direct to York. I will still get to see 44932 at Cononley!

 

Confirmed by Stewards on board
Neil