Dalesman 2023

One diesel went back from hellifield to York

 

Carlisle arrival

 

Yesterday evening, whilst videoing on Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station, I was almost "bowled" by the stationary service train. [A DRS review (like VAR but for cricket) showed that the ball had clipped the wicket but had failed to dislodge a bail - lucky Oswald!] But had I learned my lesson? After consulting RTT, maps, sun position apps and finally, and most importantly, Mrs W. We settled on Settle (station).

The Dalesman was due through at 12.27, a southbound NT service was due to arrive at 12.36 and dep 12.37 whilst a southbound "Quarry train" was due to pass at 12.51. If all the trains ran on time then everything would be fine. But . . . ?! The plan was this, Mrs W would take up position at the north end of the up platform looking north, whilst Oswald would go to the south end of the same platform and look south thus minimising the chance of being blocked by a stopped service train in the platform (again). I helped Mrs W prepare; the spot at the end of the platform was sheltered from the cold easterly breeze and it was very pleasant in the sun. I then walked to the other end of platform where there was no shelter and the breeze was stronger and felt colder. "S*d this for a game of soldiers", I thought and retreated to the "warm end" - if I got "bowled" at least I'd be warm.

A check on RTT showed that the Dalesman had left Hellifield 2E - no worries! A time did not appear for Settle Jn, but the train did. There was a cloud of white steam in the far distance, but not much in the way of sound. A few watchers wandered further onto the platform, partly obscuring what had been a clear line of sight. The cloud of steam came nearer, a whistle - that attracted a few more watchers. [These late arrivals are usually holding a mobile phone and stand as close as possible to the action to capture "the shot of a lifetime!" My fault, I do frequent stations so know what to expect.] Right on cue, two turned up!

Not much to say as the train hurried through the station. The black 5 was very well presented and was working - but not too hard. 37.706 on the rear was making plenty of agricultural noises as it hurried by. It was not full-blooded steam but well worth the trip out for the spectacle. 15C (and feeling cooler out of the sun), 2E & 45mph.

 

You've got to love the way the big bloke in the blue shirt quickly steps back so he won't be in the way after the loco has passed. He's only there for about 6 seconds. It should be legal to shoot them.

I'd planned on going across for the Dalesman today, but I must have overdone something when I was there yesterday and the knee that I thought was on the mend kept me awake until 5 am this morning.

 

At least he came and went, the ones that annoy me are when someone's hand or head slides in from the side, disappears, then reappears. Shooting may be a bit harsh, Taser?

As a fellow sufferer with a bad knee, you have my sympathy.

 

I forgot to mention, on the way to Settle we called in at Hellifield to see the loco and it was gleaming in the sunshine. Mick Rawling in the driver's seat and looked like Rob Russell firing.

 

Ok Oswald, maybe not shooting. Taser might do, but only provided you could apply it repeatedly to make sure the message sinks in.

Hopefully the knee is temporary. I'm getting tendon inflammation lately as a side effect of a statin I no longer take. This dose flared up out of nowhere overnight over a week ago and it's hanging on.

 

Black 5 No. 44932 heads 1Z40 todays 'Dalesman' through Selside and onwards to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Rob Russell firing and Roly Parker Guard



With the beautiful Dentdale as a setting for the returning 'Dalesman' No. 44932 heads the train over Denthead Viaduct on the approach to Blea Moor tunnel and onto Leeds and York with Chris Cubitt driving, Matt Southwell firing and Roly Parker
Guard

 

Or how about this star, two tripods and a wife and then proceeded to dance around like a child!

Serves me right for turning up too late to go elsewhere and also ignoring my golden rule, "avoid stations like the plague".

 

Must have left the dog in the car

 

I'm not going to say it Shep, I'll leave that to someone else.

 

'The Dalesman' on the 8th June 2023, seen approaching Blea Moor Tunnel, Ais Gill and leaving Hellifield.

Video Available Here

 

Why do people wave at trains?Strange!

 

It doesn't hurt as much as when they try to lick the windows.

 

LOL

 

Tommy Hall's Barn yesterday evening........

 

I went on the first Dalesman of the year yesterday Thursday 8th June, haulage was by 37706/47746 York To Hellifield,
44932 Hellifield to Carlisle, and as a bonus we had 44932 steam all the way back to Leeds instead of coming off at Hellifield and heading back to Carnforth, as it is working another rail tour from York on the 10th June
https://tinyurl.com/ymxv723w

Ne

 

Is it acceptable to wave at freight trains as they tend to move slower, maybe allowing the waver the use of both arms?

 

Sometimes it's difficult to see the wave in time to wave back ( it was a test shot - honest ).