Dalesman 2023

The "3 in 1" locomotive waits in the loop at Hellifield.

 

Green Jube at Ais Gill

 

Nice. You must have been one of the blokes to my left.

 

My video from yesterday's Dalesman, Lunds & Ais Gill.

 

On Saturday it rained almost all day, on Sunday it did rain all day - heavy rain! On Sunday in nearby Preston over 100mm fell (the monthly average for July is 80mm). So fire risk was hardly likely to be an issue - but would it ever stop raining? The forecast for Tuesday was promising, mostly dry - that's the sort of weather Oswald likes. It was too early in the morning for Mrs W so, in plenty of time, I headed over to Hellifield to see what loco would be doing the honours. It was those 3 Jubilees. Mick Rawling was in the driver's seat and Roly Parker was up on the footplate chatting to him, Martyn Soames was a little way from the loco but looked as though he was (and had already been) today's fireman.

On the platform, I was invited into an ongoing conversation with a couple of guy's; the theme was CDL, the Jacobite, how ORR were to blame for ruining everyone's holiday and how it was really all New Labour's fault. It was a conversation where I was expected to agree with everything that was said; a shrug, a smile and time for Oswald to leave (just as the train arrived in the loop). After all the wet weather I had already decided on the south end of Horton in R station.

It was sunny when I arrived and there were only a couple of spectators at the south end of the platform. I knew that the Leeds - Carlisle train had gone; it passed me near Langcliffe, and there was nothing due south. I sorted myself out and it was pleasantly warm as I waited and chatted to the couple. RTT showed 6L away from Hellifield and 4L at Settle Jn, it optimistically predicted that the train would arrive at Horton at 10.54 (still 4L). The sun went in and the cool breeze from the NW became more apparent; the wind was in the wrong direction to help carry the sound of the approaching train but should sustain the sound long after it had gone.

A petrol driven generator or pump started up behind the station; some building work has been underway for several weeks. I peered over the hedge, it was the porta-loo emptying vehicle, I hoped it hadn't been a "heavy week". After a couple of minutes "all was safely gathered in", the pump stopped and the truck drove off.

Soon a distant whistle, some exhaust sounds were just about audible, another whistle louder this time and then some smoke drifting across on the breeze and the sun was trying to break through the clouds. Galatea was working hard, not the confident Jubilee roar, still on top of the job but more of a slog. As she made her way towards us the exhaust darkened as some coal was placed on the fire, the sun shone, Galatea barked and all was well with the world.

As she reached the station the roar of an aircraft grew louder and louder until it almost drowned out the sound of the exhaust. A youngish man wearing overalls stood at the back of the cab (trainee fireman?) and then, as Galatea headed north, Martyn Soames looked out from the cab window. The noise of the aircraft lingered with only occasional interruptions from the Jub. Eventually the aircraft was gone and the sound of the loco drifted back for another couple of minutes. 15C, 12L & 20mph and no heads out of windows!!

 

Sierra Leone on today's Dalesman from Chester

 

45699 passes over Arten Gill viaduct heading for Carlisle this morning

 

The Green Jubilee crossing the river Ribble at Sheriffs Brow with the Dalesman of 25/7/2023

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

Under cloudy skies No. 45627 'Sierra Leone' approaches Ribblehead with the northbound 'Dalesman' from Chester to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving. Martyn Soames firing and Roly Parker Guard



Speeding away from Oxenholme, Jubilee class No. 45627 'Sierra Leone' heads the return 'Dalesman' back to Chester with Mick Rawling driving, Matt Southwell firing and Roly Parker Guard

 

Any idea what the aeroplane was. Very noisy as it flew over the top of me at Selside, I looked up but too many clouds to catch a glimpse

 

45699 seen from the east side of Helwith Bridge just down from Arcow Quarry then on the return charging out of Oxenholme Station whistle howling.

 

Apologies for the arm Nige

 

Nice couple of shots Nigel.Must be at least 3 years since I filmed from that side of the line at Helwith Bridge

 

Not a problem Shep.

 

Thanks Idris, it must be more than that since I last filmed there.

 

Cracking shot Shep at a very innovative location .

 

A few from today with LMS 45699 'Galatea', seen passing Langcliffe and Bessygill.

Video Available Here

 

A second one from Bessy Gill to accompany Simon's video and stills...


45699 at Bessy Gill

 

Nice that Ian,the palisade has made for a more compact shot.