Northern Belle 2023

34067 North of Oxenholme .

 

Having recently spent a few Saturdays at the east Lancs railway it was fantastic to see a Bullied pacific working hard at Oxenholme this morning.
My bus was a bit late so I almost missed it, as I was getting the camera out of the bag I could hear her approaching.

 

Good choice of location on the day, Steve!

 

34067 shortly after leaving Carlisle with the return Northern Belle, 28.10.23.

 

Dark overcast conditions as SRBB class No. 34067 'Tangmere' speeds through the old Holme Station site heading 'The Northern Belle' to Carlisle with Steve Chipperfield driving, Clive Gault on the shovel and Steve Adams Guard



Passing over Aisgill Viaduct on the approach to the summit No. 34067 'Tangmere' working the return leg of the Northern Belle to Preston Steve Chipperfield driving, Clive Gault firing and Steve Adams Guard

 

The Ais Gill shot looks like a grab shot where you’ve raced the train but didn’t quite make it. If it was you were lucky, if not it was a well thought out different view of a familiar location

 

It was a dull, overcast day but then following some heavy rain mid-afternoon it brightened; the forecast suggested that there was the chance of some late sunshine. I decided to risk going to an over bridge just north of Langho, if the sun did shine it would be directly into the "face" of the approaching loco - fingers crossed! Mrs W was at the football (don't ask!) - so, Ozzy no mates, yet again.

I arrived in what I thought was good time but a check on RTT showed that the train had already left Clitheroe (15E). No time to lose! (unlike the football).

I was soon ready and not too long afterwards came the shrill blast of the Bulleid's whistle (for Billington foot crossing). Then the distinctive "uneven" 3 cylinder beat. She appeared, smoke erupting from her wide chimney, dirty, filthy smoke spewed out - lovely. Sanders were on and she was motoring. As she came nearer the smoke was "to die for" then under the bridge and away into the low watery sun. Plenty of "brum" from the tailgunner as they headed off into the sunset. 10C, 18E & 44mph.

 

I don't chase trains John, in situ for two hours waiting arrival

 

That clag must have smelt handsome young Whistle

 

If only I’d had a bucket I could have scooped some up - mmm, tasty!

 

34067 seen at Scout Green in poor light and a windy Birkett Tunnel.

 

34067 passing Beckhouses & a sunny Barrons Wood.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/53293242675/in/datetaken-public/lightbox/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/53293149259/in/datetaken-public/lightbox/

Phil

 

34067 passing Shap Wells and crossing Batty Moss Viaduct with a cameo of the Midland Pullman crossing Waitby Common:

 

Worth the wait

 

I think they fire that thing on oily rags.

 

That particular loco seems often to make a lot more clag than others, including other West Coast locos which presumably get the same coal. Any theories as to why?

 

Firing technique. A Bulleid only needs a thin fire at the front.

 

That's exactly how I remember 34066-70 going up to Sydenham Tunnel in the late 50s. Completely different from the Arthurs and the Brits.