LE movements, ECS and test runs 2024

A bit of a dull photo, but a record of 35018 on the approach to Poole at Holes Bay on Monday evening.

 

47812 with 47237 passing Brock with an unusual rake of coaches, 5Z42 1123 Carnforth Steamtown to Burton Ot Wetmore Sidings 14/06/24.
The only coach I got the number from was 5th one, W6310 which appears to be a brake generator van.

 

Nemesis ?

 

33029 and 33207 head for KWVR with ECS

 

33029 + 33207 seen at Starricks Farm

 

What are 0Z33 and 0Z34 Carnforth to York NRM and return light locomotive on 27 June?

 

Possibly moving locos around the NRM via the station

 

44871 Carnforth - Southall, 24th June.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...M5YD18HwzHjKGEz2kY_aem_BSJTboIcFeBigGtyV206gw

 

44871 passing Brock 10 minutes early working 5Z42 1126 Carnforth Steamtown to Southall Wcr 24/06/24.

 

A hot journey ahead, as 44871 moves from Carnforth to Southall

 

The forecast confidently predicted a warm sunny day with the promise of steam around lunchtime - too good to miss! If rumours were to be believed this would be 44871 and support working down to Southall in readiness for Wednesday's jaunt to Swanage - this seemed more than likely. My usual location for such workings is Leyland where the train was booked to pass on the slow. I don't know why but today I had an uneasy feeling, what if it came down the fast? Not easy to change platforms at Leyland, so I opted for Flag Lane at Penwortham. (I'm not fond of filming through the wires so try to avoid over bridges on electrified lines.)

I left home in plenty of time, "Ozzy no mates" again, as Mrs W had decided that she'd rather play out in the sunshine than come along with me - a good job that I don't take it personally. My preferred route (avoiding the traffic nightmare that is the A666) to the M65 is still affected by a long term road closure so I decided to stick with the A666. Just north of the town centre the traffic ground to a halt with still more than a mile to go to the motorway turning. Fortuitously I was very near to a "sneak through", so off the A666 and onto the back streets. It didn't go exactly as planned as first I got stuck behind a refuse collection vehicle on its rounds, then a learner driver and finally was stopped at some temporary lights. Perhaps 10 minutes later than I had planned I joined the motorway, after which it was good all the way to Flag Lane.

RTT showed that 44871(?) was waiting in Preston station. It was a glorious day so I decided to wander along to the bridge and prepare. The weather was splendid, a day for a sun hat, a day when the WD40 can be confidently left at home. A few trains came and went, 5Z42 was due at Farington Curve Jn a smidge before 13.00, when the sun would be directly overhead. I faffed about, chatted to a passing local and enjoyed the sun. A few checks on RTT showed no change then the sound of an approaching steam locomotive, cameras on. With no visible exhaust and just a feather at the safety valves, 44871 headed towards the bridge on the FAST line (it was lucky that Oswald hadn't gone to Leyland). With just a support coach for company 44871 moved at pace under the bridge and away into the distance making all the sounds that a black five should.

The loco carried a headboard dedicated to the memory of Craig Potter, who I'm sure is missed by all his colleagues at 10A.

So a day to rejoice; a sunny day, a black five in the north west, a loco that is decidedly on beat, no diesel and no CDL - what is not to like? (Well, as you ask, my approach shot camera seemed reluctant to focus on the loco, it has done this previously also on a hot, sunny day - the rest of the time it's ok). 24C & 17E. (For fans of Diego, he's back, just a weekend away.)

 

I like the headboard

 

Just returned home from seeing 44871 pass Kings Langley, about 10 minutes early and at relatively slow pace.
A minute afterwards a Bullied Pacific (257 Squadron?) was seen passing over the railway on the clockwise carriageway of the M25!

 

What's your problem with CDL?

 

I have no problem with CDL, but others who post on here sometimes appear to have, similarly with diesels on the back, locos sounding off beat etc, etc . . .

 

You have made me smile, Sir.

 

61306 LE move Tuesday evening.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/53817073803/in/dateposted-public/

 

Just seen them pass the Railcam with the L&Y tank in tow, so looks like this is correct. Likely coming back with Cheltenham before returning to Carnforth.

 

Lancashire & Yorkshire 2-6-2T 1008 making an appearance on the mainline through York yesterday, with the loco being moved from the NRM to the former Holgate Carriage Works for the onward journey by low-loader to Bury Transport Museum

 

I'd love to see that running again, even if only on preserved lines. Remarkable little locos for fast outer commuter /express trains.