Dalesman 2023

46115 at KS .

 

Approaching Salt Lake cottages in lovely conditions, No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' working today's 'Dalesman' to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Martyn Soames firing and Matt Miller Guard



With Wild Boar fell as a backdrop, No. 46115 'Scots Guardsman' working 1Z42 the return 'Dalesman' over Lunds Vaiduct on the approach to Moorcock Tunnel and Garsdale with Chris Cubitt driving, Rob Russell firing and Steve Adams Guard

 

Not long back in the house from a grand day out, so a couple of quick ones to keep the pot boiling.

Somehow, on a glorious day with hardly a cloud to mar the sky, a cloud the size of a handkerchief arrived over me just as 46115 approached at Lunds, and stayed just long enough to mess things up.

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Three more from yesterday.

I think I got more exhaust than I deserved or expected, given the glorious weather.

 

Over the summit at Aisgill......

 

46115 leaving Moorcock Tunnel and passing Lunds northbound, then later returning south at Birkett Common while the farmer makes hay as the sun shines.

A cracking day out.

 

You need to get your money back, the sound module sounds more like a Class 37 than a Scot!

 

Better a diesel on the back than a diesel on the front, or even worse, no train at all.

I was told many years ago that I'm a pragmatist, and I find that it comes in handy at times.

 

A belated one from this Thursday at Armathwaite curve...


Scots Guardsman at Low Baron Wood

 

Any ideas on loco for tomorrows Dalesman?

 

45699 Galatea on today's Chester Dalesman

 

It has not been the best couple of weeks in the Wistle household for watching steam. Missed one when we had a break in Yorkshire (but did manage a trip to Whitby on the NYMR), then we had to reschedule a planned trip on the Dalesman nor could we watch. Finally, around 10 days ago Oswald got covid - much improved but still testing positive so Saturday was a write-off. This time, with the promise of an unassisted Jub in the offing the temptation was just too much.

Would the weather play ball? The forecast was for showers - hey ho! It was too early in the morning for Mrs W, so observing strict social distancing, I made my way to Horton in Ribblesdale. I arrived around 20 minutes before the train was due, just as the NT Leeds-Carlisle drew into the station. There was a fresh westerly wind that was driving the clouds across the sky, fortunately they didn't look heavy enough for rain although there had been a couple of showers on the drive north.

Having prepared, a check on RTT showed the train had left Hellifield (2L) and a further check showed it through Settle Jn (2L); RTT predicted 10.52 at Horton, I suspected a little later. It had been pleasant waiting in the almost unbroken sunshine before some heavy cloud passed in front of the sun - mmm, typical! A nearby photographer asked if I thought we would get sun or cloud. I guessed cloud.

The cloud showed no signs of breaking as the full-blooded roar of a Jubilee could be heard in the distance (over 2 minutes before the video starts). The sound grew louder, the cloud persisted, louder still and still cloud. Then the cloud broke, not a large gap - would it last until after Galatea arrived? With an ever increasing volume and a roar that would strip paint Galatea hurried through the station. Whatever the name, Galatea, Sierra Leone or Alberta, this is surely the noisiest of the three operational Jubilees. As she passed Rob Russell was leaning on the cab window ledge taking a well-earned but probably short break from his firing duties. All too quickly the carriages had gone as Galatea continued to roar off to the north. 13C, 8L and 30mph and the most wonderful sound imaginable.

 

Putting on a show, No. 45627 'Sierra Leone' working the 'Dalesman' through Helwith Bridge to Carlisle with Mick Kelly driving and a wave from Rob Russell firing and Roly Parker Guard



No.45627 'Sierra Leone' heading the return 'Dalesman' on the approach to Shap Village with Mick Kelly driving, Martyn Soames on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard

 

Very good Shep .

 

45699 Galatea seen at Selside Cottages with a severe side wind and Beckfoot on the return.

 

45699 climbing past Helwith Bridge & Great Strickland on the return.


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https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/53022883104/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

Nice shots Phil. Very sad however to see Great Strickland has succumbed to the box ticking green fence.

 

Thanks Ian, unfortunately the fencing has found another victim.