Northern Belle 2024

34067 running some 24 minutes late with the return NB @ Armathwaite on 15.06.24.

 

Plenty of exhaust to be seen in the abysmal weather conditions as No. 34067 'Tangmere' works 1Z58 the 'Northern Belle' through Beckfoot and on to Carlisle with David Blair driving, Craig Todd firing and Harry Harwood Guard



With little let up in the rain (time for Young Whistle's WD 40 treatment) SR BoB class No. 34067 'Tangmere' drifts through Ribblehead Station with the return leg of the 'Northern Belle' heading for Preston and then on to Leeds with David Blair driving, Craig Todd on the shovel and Steve Adams Guard

 

On Monday, after a busy week (trains for me and woodpeckers for Mrs W) we were in need of a change and so set off for a short break in North Yorkshire. Staying in a cottage only a few miles from Pickering inevitably one day was spent on the NYMR; Pickering to Whitby and return (Std4 tank, Black 5 & a 9F, no diesel, mk1 coaches and no CDL - just like the "old days"). Fish and chips at the Magpie cafe followed by a stroll to the front where we were greeted by a a biting cold wind. Another day was spent at the National Birds of Prey Centre at Helmsley. So much for a change, but a welcome break.

After being absent for Tuesday's Dalesman it was essential that I turn out today, however the weather forecast included thundery showers. As I was unsure of the efficacy of WD40 in the event of a lightning strike I decided to skip this morning and opt for the return leg. From the comments accompanying the posted videos and photos I think that I chose wisely.

Diego slept upstairs for much of the morning before going to his "other home" for his lunch. Satiated, he returned about an hour later and found another comfortable spot upstairs and dozed the afternoon away. Apart from a brief shower around lunchtime it had been dry with sun in the morning but increasing cloud throughout the afternoon. RTT showed a late start from Carlisle (12L) that became 26L by Kirkby Thore. There was no way of knowing what the problem might be and if it would affect the ongoing journey. Happily by Blea Moor the deficit had reduced to 14L; RT from Clitheroe was a possibility, but by no means a certainty.

Mrs W said that she would come along and with showers still in the forecast we opted for Ramsgreave and Wilpshire. I tempted Diego from his slumbers with a meaty morsel (chicken) and he left with no fuss. We parked up, I checked RTT and the train had just left Hellifield (2L) so enough time to nip into the co-op (other supermarkets are available, but not right alongside the station) where we bought a cheesecake - mmm! Another check on RTT and nothing showing for Clitheroe.

We set up on the road bridge at the end of the platform, I would do an approach shot and Mrs W a going-away shot using a camera phone clamped to the bridge (hence the wobbles). Surprisingly, there was still no time showing on RTT for Clitheroe. A few minutes later (and very early) there was the sound of an approaching train and definitely steam- hauled - Tangmere was upon us! Making all the right noises, but not always at the right times (according to some), Tangmere approached, exhaust shooting skywards. This was good stuff, a steam locomotive working hard up a steep bank. She blasted under the bridge with a hiss of exhaust and a swirl of smoke and steam and headed up towards the summit that lies just under a train's length away. Once beyond the summit the exhaust beat quickened and the train disappeared around the curve. 13C, 11E & 24mph. I enjoyed it, Mrs W enjoyed it (and I hope you enjoy it). Footnote: Mrs W has checked the woodpecker's nest 3 times since our return and the woodpeckers have left - what is she going to do now?!

 

There is something very wrong with that engine. Watch some YouTube of it from 10-15 years ago and listen to it. It’s way offbeat now and sounds nothing like a Bulleid should.

 

Must admit I only filmed Tangmere once back in 2011 ish so can’t really remember what she should sound like although it doesn’t sound right sometimes at the moment but not sure why .

 

I should have stuck with the original but I felt sure that "Mr Picky" (and there are several) would probably point out that the valve events had to be in the right order or the loco wouldn't run. Better to have tried and failed . . .

 

Better Tangmere is running rather than not at all I’d say David especially in the current situation

 

I raised a query on the Bulleid Pacifics - Past or Present thread as to what the problem might be, but no-one has responded yet.

 

Apologies for continuing the "Great Tangmere Timing Debate" I was watching this video on You Tube (Stephen Brass). Well worth a watch in its own right, but if you slow the speed down to x0.25, from around 1:40 you can see that on a regular basis Tangmere ejects a pulse/pocket of exhaust higher than the others, this appears to coincide with the driving wheel position - or am I imagining it?

 

Agreed, perhaps it is the "bit of slack" that is causing the issue.

 

I suspect that the fact Tangmere is pretty much the only loco able to run out of Carnforth at the moment has a lot do with it. Further investigation implies time & that is something 34067 and her hectic schedule have little of..

 

Usual high quality local paper reporting.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/passengers-who-paid-700-luxury-29369674

Mind you a bottle of champagne seems a bit generous for Yorkshire folk

I had to Google Thurstonland as I had never heard of it. Sounds like some independent state.

 

34067 at Carnforth level in horrendous weather and Kirkby Stephen

 

Once again the weather not up to much today as WC BoB class No. 34067 'Tangmere' works the 'Northern Belle through Greeholme and onto Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Clive Gault on the shovel and Steve Adams Guard

 

34067 seen on the Carnforth Levels in pouring rain and later at a much brighter Kirkby Stephen Station and Goods Yard.