LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

The light engine diesel move this morning from Tyseley to the KWVR was cancelled. ''This service was cancelled due to a request by the train operator''.

Realtime Trains | 0E17 0632 Tyseley Steam Trust to Keighley & Wvlr | 30/06/2025

 

Info from a mate working at the Worth Valley says it’s now going tomorrow as both diesel and steamer failed (latter’s exhaust injector went pop)

 

Perhaps you should have asked the support crew at Keighley for the real reason we've postponed the move until tomorrow??

 

That’s what I was told was from a mate whom had the ‘info’ from further up the line, happy to be proved otherwise and obliged

 

A touch too warm today, we'll be leaving tomorrow with the 37 due to the current fire risk. We've spent today bringing the Jubilee up to our usual standard.

 

Hang on a sec, I don’t think anyone’s trying to stir the pot here, if you know why why not just say so? Posts like this do make me realise why I CBA to contribute any more on here, it also makes me want to consider my contributions to the likes of the BLS.
Could be rather interesting next time you put the begging bowl out…

 

Blimey - is it the heat? [BJ]

 

Diesel en route....

 

Yes but, look at it from the point of view of the dedicated loco owners. Reading spurious declarations of what is wrong with their pride and joy can be soul destroying.

 

Meanwhile, back to Bahamas. The loco is now well on it's way to Tyseley. [BJ]

 

Passing Brock

 

1st July 2025 37240 45596 Bahamas Loco Move

45596 heads up Lancaster Bank

 

I misread that as "the begging owl" and wondered if the gricing owl had a fundraising alter ego...

 

If Bahamas' move had taken place yesterday then it would, unfortunately, have been without me watching - but today was a different kettle of fish. After this morning's debacle when I failed to press record on the drone controller properly (or at all) I needed something to restore my confidence.

By the time we had eaten lunch it was time to set off, but where, a LE move with a diesel pilot is not the easiest target, especially when you're really (only) interested in the steam loco. Leyland is not ideal but easy to get to however, I go there too often. Bee Lane, Flag Lane or an over bridge at Charnock Richard were all reachable in the time available but anything north of Preston was not. I had been planning to check out the river crossing just south of Preston station, but hadn't got round to it. If possible it would be a drone only shot; could I be trusted to get it right. I didn't even know if there was a shot, and by the time I got there and found out it would be too late to go elsewhere. The forecast was for 40% chance of rain by 14.00, with Bahamas due to leave Preston at 14.03 and drones don't like rain, they seriously don't like rain! It was an all or nothing moment. Oswald is not by nature a risk taker. But today I decided to give it a go, so off to Penwortham and the banks of the river Ribble.

The traffic was slow through Lostock Hall, effectively snuffing out even the smallest chance of a quick relocate. I parked up, checked RTT (all was good), collected my stuff and headed for the river. A quick test flight and yes there was a shot. The sound was more of a problem with dog walkers and bike riders, construction work across the river and a squeal and rumble as trains passed over the viaduct.

Bahamas was due to follow 1M12 south on the fast line, our train was running RT/2L heading down from Carnforth, the Euston train was following around 3L. Everything was fine, Bahamas stopped in the GL at Preston, and after a quick stop the Euston train headed south (1L). It came and went and seconds later a GBRF headed north (4E) and just as that was running into Preston station Bahamas headed south, very well orchestrated. From my position I couldn't see the loco directly but even on the small screen Bahamas looked her usual shiny self - well done the gang! 19C & RT.

As I packed up it began to rain, driving home it drizzled and light rain has fallen for at least part of the afternoon. With the exception of yesterday it has rained everyday for the last week. Level Red?!, I'm beginning to think whoever decides the risk level for the NW is red/green colour blind. Only joking I'm sure that he/she/it/AI are all doing a fine job (or do I?). Yesterday was hot 28C and humid, no matter how hard she tried Maisie couldn't find a suitable spot to sleep, she's made up for it today with hour after hour of cat napping, snoozing, dozing and sleeping, waking only for her meals - what a life!

 

A very nice and well choreographed set of sequences Oswald. Was it just for those three trains that you were given control of Preston South signalling?

Bryan

 

Pure luck. No one in their right mind would give me control of . . . Anything!

 

Bahamas and friend pass Stafford on their way to Tyseley.

 

I think the intention of my previous post could have been misinterpreted, we'd been in platrorm 3 at Keighley all day on Monday, our small team of volunteers had chatted to quite a number of people on platform two explaining why we were still there and what we were doing, several were able to take photos from specific locations which we were able to arrange. Nothing had failed or 'gone pop' and yes it can be something of a suprise when others spread inacurate information and imaginery problems on a very hot day when we were willing, available and happily chatting to people who came to have a look. Our small team produce some reasonable results....... and do what we can to keep her fit to run, nearly seven years in service this time round.