WCME/CME 2024

Replacing a poorly 'Tangmere' Ian Riley's Class 5 No. 44871 puts on a show and sound as it speeds through Hincaster with the northbound 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' from Crewe to Carlisle with Mick Rawling driving, Fraser Birrell on the shovel
and Steve Adams Guard.



With Wild Boar Fell covered in mist and rain falling Ian Riley's black 5 No 44871 makes a fine sight and sound as it speeds the return 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' towards Aisgill summit with Mick Rawling driving, Fraser Birrell on the shovel and
Steve Adam Guard

 

I had been planning to go to Whalley Arches for Tangmere but, as it was a Black Five ,I headed to Wilpshire where the sounds would be better/louder. Mrs W came along to help and pick up a couple of things from the Co-op (after seeing the train). We arrived in good time and made our way to the road bridge at the end of the station platforms at R&W. There was nothing booked to run in front of the CME so it was clear to run thro' Clitheroe and on to Daisyfield Jn. 3L off Hellifield became 7E off Clitheroe and 44871 was on her way and thanks to a clear road and the 47 on the back was likely to gain more time.

Well before the train was due there was a blast from a Stanier hooter, Wilpshire Tunnel? and shortly afterwards some lovely crisp exhaust beats grew louder. Mr Riley's finest was making all the right sounds (and in exactly the right order). The chimney music rose to a crescendo as the Five blasted thro' the station and under the bridge and out of the other side where Mrs W was waiting. The train shot up and over the summit and headed off towards Blackburn. Before anyone points it out, of course the 47 was pushing but 44871 has to get "home" soon to prepare for tomorrow's jaunt to the seaside. 16C, 18E & 44mph. What a lovely noisy treat.

 

WD40 weather further north young Whistle!!

 

Idiot that I am I'd left it at home, lucky the rain didn't amount to much. That darker cloud in the background of your Hincaster shot was probably the culprit. It seems that we came within less than 100yds at Helwith Bridge on Thursday. I saw a photographer against the trackside wall but didn't know it was you - good to see that you carry your own "naughty step".

 

Superb Shep , can’t keep a good man down

 

Looking forward to meeting you Young Fella, intend being at HB on Tuesday for the bridge shot which will be a first

 

44871 seen climbing up Shap Bank from a lonely Shap Wells in poor conditions then on the return climbing to Aisgill Summit and beyond.

 

Good stuff Sir, now about the appearance money!!

 

A scenic view of 44871 climbing to Aisgill Summit.

 

That's fantastic, great sound too.

 

Thank you, glad you enjoyed watching.

 

I hope to be there.

 

The Dalesman passing Brock 16/07/24.

 

Just to warn folk for the CME that there is a slow moving (12 mph) transformer heading from Heysham to Longtown on Saturday 3 August via M6 from J34, starting at Heysham at 09:00. It is heading north and is taking up two lanes of traffic. For more info see https://www.lancs.live/news/cumbria-news/m6-wide-load-warning-lancashire-29649282

 

44871 at Grayrigg loops just as the sun went in .

 

A different location for me, just north of Carnforth.

 

3rd August 2024 44871 CME (youtube.com)

44871 on latest CME.
on this occasion 44871 will come off at Hellifield and run light to York from where it will haul tomorrows Waverley

 

From a distance


Ian Riley's class 5 No. 44871 works the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' away from Beckfoot and into the Lune Gorge with Mick Kelly driving, Martyn Soames on the shovel and Roly Parker Guard, the crew will also work the return to Hellifield



In the landscape



A splash of sunshine brightens an otherwise moody Pennine backdrop as No. 44871 works the return 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' towards Birkett Tunnel and onto Hellifield. The engine will then work light to York

 

44871 seen from a hot and sunny but very windy Scout Green and on the return at an overcast and windy Birkett Common.