Scarborough Spa Express 2023

44932 near Clapham, approaching Giggleswick Summit , near Hellifield and Hellifield Green.

 

I went over to both Church Fenton and York today to see 44932 with the 'Scarborough Spa Express' 17th August 2023
https://tinyurl.com/5bejcx7a
44932 arriving at Church Fenton for water stop

Neil

 

44932 seen approaching Clapham and Giggleswick Summit then departing Hellifield after a scheduled stop and Hellifield Green.

 

Leaving Malton.
"The Scarborough Spa Express", 17/08/23.

 

44932 with the returning SSE seen from the top of Giggleswick Bank with a strong wind to contend with another issue.

 

On what in Yorkshire at least may become "Parky Day", it seemed somewhat fitting to head over to the county of Sir Michael's birth, an archetypal Yorkshire man (RIP).

As the forecast was dry and sunny, Mrs W joined me for the trip to Gargrave. It was dry and it was sunny but with the train due at 20.16 and sunset at 20.33 it would be anyone's guess how much light would remain. What light there may be would be of more benefit filming from the eastbound platform. A Carlisle-Leeds service was scheduled to stop in the platform only 3 mins after the steam had passed through. Much too close for Oswald's liking so we opted for the westbound platform. Oswald would be at the far end (approach shot) whilst Mrs W would be at the road bridge end (trailing shot).

As we were setting up a couple approached and enquired if I was Oswald T Wistle, I said that I was. We chatted for a couple of minutes. (Mmm, how did they know? Fame or more likely notoriety.) There was a blustery east wind and Mrs W had to move to avoid a station waste bag blowing in and out of shot. I retreated to the distant end and checked RTT - running around 8L. It was still 8L when it left Skipton. The service train eventually arrived and hung about in the station for what seemed an age (2 mins) then, much to the relief of those waiting on the platform, it departed.

The light was fading quickly, I tweaked the camera. Mrs W's camera, not the best in low light, would struggle. Just after the service train disappeared around the distant bend the approaching "5" could be heard. (There was exactly 2 minutes between the service train departing and 44932 passing through the station.)

The sound grew louder and soon she came into view and wasn't hanging around; she powered up the gradient, under the bridge and shot thro' the platforms. The lights in the coach windows were glowing brightly as they rushed past. Away past the signal that reflected on the side of the train, first green and then red. The setting sun, absent from the station, caught the top of the exhaust turning it orange and pink. As the sound from the loco faded it was replaced by the pealing of bells from the nearby parish church. 15C, 7L & 46mph.

As we packed up the station lights came on. Thanks to all involved in providing the evening's entertainment. I hope the couple on the platform had a good night; they were off to the pub. As I feared Mrs W's camera struggled and apologies for the grainy footage. (At least the police won't be able to lift an image of the silly old beggar at the end of the platform - "Never went above 70, officer!") I fear that this is the end of Gargrave (lightwise) for tis year. Oswald needs to be more creative, I could stand next to Nige (and his performing sheep) at the top of Giggleswick bank - then maybe not!

 

Rather late to the party, just got round to editing it but here's my attempt from the run on the 3rd. Wennington Station out and Giggleswick station on return.
Thanks for watching.

 

Any ideas on loco for tomorrow would be nice to have BIL which would make a different loco on each trip this year

 

Galatea I believe.

 

thanks

 

Jubilee class No. 45627 'Sierra Leone' working the final 'Scarborough Spa Express' passed Starricks Farm and on to the seaside with Mick Kelly driving, Rob Russell firing and Matt Miller Guard

 

45699 Galatea seen from Midland Shed sounding and smelling wonderful.

 

The Green Jubilee formerly known as Galatea at Blaithwaite with the Scarborough Spa Express of 31/8/2023

David Price
Cop Lane on Flickr

 

Simmering at Scarborough after a fantastic drive by Mick Kelly .

 

31/8/23. Perfect conditions this morning as the train approached Keerholme crossing..........

 

I went over to Church Fenton & York today to see the last Scarborough Spa Express of the year Thursday 31st August 2023
Motive power was 45627 Sierra Leone (45562/45699)
https://tinyurl.com/3j6knjpe
https://tinyurl.com/2u26nx9h

Neil

 

45627 Sierra Leone on today's Scarborough Spa

 

Deleted

 

'The Scarborough Spa Express' hauled by LMS 45699 'Galatea' on the 31st August 2023. Seen passing Eldroth, Hellifield, Fairburn Ings, Low Hutton and Burton Salmon.

Video Available Here

 

The day had been sunny and I was hopeful that it might continue that way. The weather forecasters had other ideas, a band of rain moving in from the west during the evening. Mrs W and I were heading east, would we stay in front of the weather? Apart from a couple of occasional spots on the windscreen it remained dry throughout the journey to Gargrave. The train was due at Gargrave at 20.16, sunset was 20.01, on time on a sunny evening and we may have had some light - but not to be. I had considered heading further east to have more chance of daylight but it would have meant a longer journey into unknown territory and on a busier stretch of line.

As we waited on the car park I checked RTT, our train was running around 5-6L whereas the Carlisle-Leeds service train was running RT; both predicted to be at Gargrave at 20.19. Whilst it was likely that the SSE would be a little later then so too could be the NT service train (which stopped in the station). With rapidly fading light and totally reliant on the station lighting the obvious choices were the east bound platform (and risk being blocked) or up on the road bridge. At this point some drops of rain appeared on the windscreen. Did I feel lucky? No! The rain stopped; it never really started and we made our way to the road bridge. Mrs W would have a camera phone for an approach shot and I would attempt a going away shot from the opposite side of the road. As the minutes ticked by it became darker and darker. The service train came and went (RT) but it was too late to move. RTT showed that 45627 had left Skipton (7L) and was on its way. A bit more tweaking of the phone and camera to try to let in some more light.

Then in the distance the full-blooded roar of a Jubilee, giving it plenty. Apart from the odd passing car it is a quiet, rural location and as we waited the roar got louder and louder. It was almost 3 minutes before she came into view, thundering along and it took very little time before she reached the bridge. Under the bridge and into the station. A fleeting glimpse of the footplate brightly lit by the open firebox door. She roared past the end of the platforms and as she did the firelight caught in the exhaust and flashed yellow then orange. As she charged off into the distance, the fire continued to flicker in the exhaust and 45627 continued to roar off into the distance until, as she rounded a distant curve, the lights were no more and the sound gradually faded. What a season finale! 15C, 9L & 45mph. Thanks to everyone involved with today's trip and I hope that those travelling enjoyed it as much as I did watching. Those in the observation coach appeared to be having a great time. (It was far darker looking in the direction of the approaching train than the camera phone makes it appear.)

Who remembers Reginald Molehusband? I have some news, he is alive and well and I followed him for 8 miles of the journey home; on 50/60mph roads he peaked at 38mph whilst in 30mph zones he drove at 20-24mph. Once I (eventually) reached the M65 the much heralded rain started and was quite heavy for a time but back at Wistle Towers it had not rained. You win some and you lose some - this evening was a win! Diego, a neighbour's cat (who thinks he lives with us) sneaked in and hid hid under Mrs W's dressing table and about an hour later had to be put out - and he was (in both senses).