Saphos 2025

A day following a very smoky Braunton.

 

Im seeing reports Braunton has failed FTR? D213 is on the front of the English Riviera Express at the moment but isnt cleared to Kingswear??
Any confirmation of this as I saw it on gen groups earlier.

Train passed Newton Abbot 79 E with D213 in fine form...

 

40s are (or were) cleared to Kingswear; had 40145 down there in September 2007.

 

Thanks for the links, anyone got confirmation for the Lakelander yet, 60007 or what? Will it be show pony style?

 

Should be 61306 on the 14th.

 

anyone know what Braunton failed her FTR on?

 

"Cameras at the ready. 60007 has passed her FTR and is hauling 'The Fellsman' from Crewe to Carlisle return tomorrow". [BJ]

Thanks to 60007 Sales

 

60007, a full rake of MK1s, and Green 47 for today’s Fellsman

 

Through Bamber Bridge this morning...a fine sight!

 

Buffers quartered Kings Cross style is a nice touch but who forgot to Brasso the whistle? Not a criticism but something that wouldn’t be noticed on an engine not finished to such a high standard.

 

I hadn't noticed John! But I can say it was in fine voice approaching the station and level crossing!

 

I couldn't get out yesterday for a "mini steam fix" - Tornado & coach heading south from Carnforth. Today was not quite a "maxi-fix" as I was restricted to morning and evening; Mrs W was out for a long lunch and I was Maisie's designated servant for the duration (no change there then). Maisie has been a little troubled this last couple of days as Fluffles has shown up in the area again and as you might know Fluffles has a bit of a nasty, bullying nature making Maisie extremely wary.

I was up a few minutes earlier than usual so that I could sort Maisie out with her breakfast etc., get ready and leave in good time to see SNG. Anywhere local involves driving through traffic so the best bet is to leave early when the traffic is lighter (and still have enough time if there are delays). It was a beautiful sunny morning, the birds were singing in the trees and Maisie was already outside working on a cunning plan to catch one; to date she has failed.

Hoghton bank or Wilpshire bank? I chose Wilpshire. I was tempted by the long climb out of Blackburn towards Brownhill but decided instead to go to Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station - where else, I hear you cry! The journey was a dream, only one set of roadworks, traffic moved freely and through the lights at Guide to join in M65 in only one change. (These lights have been known to reduce even hardened motorists to tears as they change, change and change again and yet the traffic doesn't move for minutes . . hours . . . even days on end, well maybe I'm exaggerating.) It got even better I went through every set of traffic lights on the A6119 (and there are plenty) on green - this is "hen's teeth" rare! It all ended with me parking a little before 8.30 with the train not due until 9.20. A check on RTT showed the train had just left Wigan (RT) and was heading for a pickup at Euxton Balshaw Lane. I faffed about for a few minutes then headed down to the station.

There would be some sun on the wide side but this would be limited by the tall trees alongside the station, this side gives a better angle but there were likely to be more people. I chose the narrow side, not that I thought it would be better but it would be different (for me). I got ready and then had a sit on the nearby form, very thoughtful. I was the only one on the platform until a guy with a three year old boy (grandson?) came along. After a few minutes they moved to the other platform, leaving just "Ozzy no mates". A few checks on RTT to monitor progress - it was all good - and before too long SNG was in Blackburn. And a few minutes later the train had left and was heading my way.

By now there were around 7 or 8 people on the opposite platform, there will be more this evening. Then a distant chime whistle, presumably for those watching at Brownhill and then we were in business as SNG appeared from the left on the steep curving approach to the summit. There were a few people on the far bridge, and perhaps others on the one behind the pub. Soon SNG was over the summit, the loco was eased as the train dropped down the bank. A blast on that gorgeous chime whistle as she approached Ramsgreave Road bridge. Is there a better looking loco when viewed head on? She ran through the station, it was almost mesmeric watching the reflection of the station sign on the side of the passing train, coaches, windows and both locos all reflected the blue and white sign.

18C and feeling very pleasant, 2L & 39mph through the station. I waved to the driver (of course I did, Oswald is still a big kid) and got TWO waves in return - Thanks.

 

11th June 2025 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley The Fellsman

60007 at Settle

 

Frodsham Viaduct in the cool of the morning; in sun despite the clouds having malicious intent.

 

For all those who think a bit of rain is enough to completely wipe out the fire risk.

 

A short distance from jsm8b and as they have hinted at just a few moments after the sun came out No. 60007 cross the Weaver Navigation.

 

60007 crossing the Ribble at Helwith Bridge.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54582180476/in/photostream/

 

Sir Nigel Gresley left Carlisle 20 minutes late. I think there was a problem on the Northern service 2H95

 

At Long Preston - very Smokey!

 

Nothing to do with H&S these days then?

Peter