LE movements, ECS and test runs 2023

It was, but will be at the front up the branch

 

44932 returning to Carnforth

 

It's not obvious (to me anyway) from RTT where the loco was turned.

 

Loco tends to be turned at Chester on the outward, running tender first from there to Llandudno Junction.

 

Thank you, that makes sense.

 

Yes we had 40 mins at Chester & 45mins Llandudno jcn. Screenshot from my phone clip of the 5 coming off at Ll jcn to go up the valley att.

 

45212 at Oxenholme heading for Scotland.

 

45212 heads north on Yealand bank

 

5M50 activated today for full circuit, Tangy on Test?

 

Today's loaded test run with Tangmere at Bentham

 

34067 Loaded Test part 2 WCML near Galgate

 

Welcome back, SRBB class No. 34067 'Tangmere' works 5M50 passed the old Borwick Station during its loaded test run around the Carnforth circuit Peter Walker driving and Martyn Soames firing



Running 20 minutes early No. 34067 'Tangmere' speeding north at Bilsborrow during today's loaded test run.

 

Passing Starricks Farm at lunchtime 16/8/23..........

 

I'm never too sure about watching test runs or engine & brake moves; they may run early, late or not at all. I decided to assume that all would be well and watch the train after the Hellifield stop (fingers crossed). Most of the morning had been broken cloud with plenty of sun. If I was going to Wilpshire, which I was, I needed to leave home before Tangmere left Hellifield. Oswald did not intend to be caught out by some early running. After I had parked I checked RTT and Tangmere had left Hellifield (hurray) and RT; so little chance of running early.

The train was due at around 15.00 when the sun should be high enough in the sky to light the deep cutting where the summit is located. I set up on the over bridge on the Blackburn side of the summit, looking back towards Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station. The clouds began to fill the sky, the sun disappeared save for the odd fleeting glimpse. Ah well I did try. An interested local walked past, a guy in his seventies - he was a train spotter in his youth, he then proceeded to regale with tales of sheds and stations . . . It did pass a few minutes on but I wanted him to be quiet so that I could listen for the approaching train. He decided that he would take a photograph but couldn't remember how to do it on his phone; it kept him quiet whilst I listened.

Then some sound and Tangmere appeared in the distance, making plenty of noise. A shrill whistle as she approached the station (young Phillip who was waiting on the station would be pleased - he likes a whistle). Billowing exhaust as she passed under the road bridge - someone watching was wearing white jeans!!!?. Once clear of the bridge the regulator was closed (too soon) and black smoke billowed from her wide chimney. The driver realised his mistake(?) and Tangmere was set about her work again, with some healthy sounds. A couple of hundred yards further along, as she breasted the summit, the regulator was closed for a second time. The exhaust sounds disappeared and were replaced by the snorting and clanking of the air brake compressor. There was a bare patch on Tangmere's smokebox door; I couldn't decide if it was a scorch mark or if the paint had been ground away in preparation for a retouch. 18C, around 3E & (for what its worth, over the summit and with a diesel on the back) 28mph.

A bit of paintwork, chuck a bucket of water over it and stick it on the front of Saturday's Northern Belle - hopefully! Nice to see "Old Smokey" back!

 

Tangmere passing Gregson Lane.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/53121463303/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

Lovely composition...

 

Tangmere's Test Run at Wennington, Hellifield and approaching Gisburn:

 

16/08/2023 - SR Pacific - 34067 "Tangmere" on a test run approaches the S & C junction at Settle coming from Carnforth along the Little North Western line heading towards Hellifield on 5M50