LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2025/July-2025/-2/i-bgQL6z8/A


indeed!!
46115 & 44932 at Hellifield phone cam video

 

Support coach is 99312, itself a main line veteran, having arrived at Carnforth 35 years ago this month with 48151 and 99304. Also featured in the Harry Potter films behind 5972 and was one of the eight Mk. 1s that carried the Hogwarts crest. First time out since 2023, as it's vac-only.

 

60532 and 60007 plus Class 40 have also been out today too, as part of a LSL convoy to TGG.

 

ClanLine off tomorrow, I think it’s the first time it’s been on the Bletchley - Bedford line

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U59287/2025-07-31/detailed

 

If only we could have these back on the mainline at the head of a lovely rake of maroon Mk1's - come on Mr Smith, we know you're right about the CDL but the ORR isnt going to back down and we and you both want to get back to running these on the mainline. Fed up of immaculate 'Disney style' LSL - lets have real steam back!!

 

If Mr Smith does see sense and allows one to be air braked. Which loco do we think they'd go for? 44932 or 45699 feel the most likely due to them having longer on their boiler tickets and Fives & Jubilees are quite universal in what routes they can travel on.

 

Thanks to a reduction in the fire risk status for the NW region, today's move from Carnforth to Derby for the Greatest Gathering was just 46115 + 44932 and support coach, without a diesel shepherd. Seen at Settle Jn and Hellifield earlier today:-

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54688958018/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54688735881/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54688735596/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/54688735311/in/photostream/

 

I couldn't make Monday's move of BIL and Galatea. With Tornado "banished from the kingdom", Tangmere reportedly "in bits" and 45212 having an issue it was difficult to see where the next (nearby) steam was coming from (other than Crewe). Factor in the recent baffling "fire risk status" in the north west and if I'd any sense I'd have put the cameras in a cupboard until next year - surely 2026 will be a better year for steam! It's just as well that I have little or no sense, for today turned out to be a real treat. I'd had a tip off that today's engine move might not involve a diesel, but of course things can and do change.

Today's move was to get 46115 and 44932 from 10A to Alstom's Derby works for this weekend's "big do". With a water stop planned at Hellifield it made sense to watch it before and after. Long Preston was my chosen spot before, but not before confirming that the Ribblehead Virtual Quarry working was not running; this was timed to run thro' Long Preston within 2 mins of the steamers and those hoppers form a very effective block. For the "after", I considered Hellifield station (for the departure), Malham Road bridge or Gargrave, and finally chose Malham Road.

Maisie had her breakfast and went out to hunt moths, not much chance in the morning but it keeps her occupied. Catching moths in the evening is currently her favourite game, she has proudly brought a couple into the house. Mrs W was up a few minutes before I left and cat duties were duly handed over.

I left early but being school holidays traffic was light and I made good time, and it was just as well that I did. I parked on the station car park at Long Preston and checked RTT, the train, if you can call 2 locos and a single coach a train, had left Carnforth 22E. Oswald needed to be about it. I gathered up my stuff and headed over to the far platform. Idris was already setting up on the bridge parapets, only time for the briefest greeting as I made my way down the ramp and to the far end of the platform. A quick set up and Oswald was ready. A check on RTT showed that the train had just cleared Settle Jn, whew! that was a bit close. But not as close as the guy who lives near the station and regularly takes video in the area. My camera was running, he was making his hurried way towards me and thankfully behind me - passing the camera only 15 seconds before SG came into view. The locos made their way towards us, through the station and away towards Hellifield, they made a great sight, two of Stanier's finest. 17C & 22E.

I packed up and headed back to the car park. With the train 22E I would have plenty of time to go to Gargrave (unless it left Hellifield early - unlikely). I decided to stick with my original plan and made the short drive to Malham Road bridge. There were already two or three people waiting, one was Idris - what is it, "great minds think alike", or conversely, "fools seldom differ". Time for a chat with Idris, Steve and Philip's mum; I regularly see Philip and his mum at Wilpshire, she told me that Philip was in a field nearer to Hellifield. She had a video camera and tripod having recently been recruited to "Philip's team". It was a pleasure to meet Steve, I was concerned to hear of his recent health issue but now he well along the road to a full recovery and I wish him well. We stood and chatted in bright sunshine. Three or four photographers joined the merry band as we waited in bright sunshine. As the time got nearer, and after around 30 minutes of continuous sun, the cloud rolled in and dull descended. Several vintage cars passed behind us, there was a Triumph TR3, an MGA, a Jaguar XK120 and a couple of other older ones that I didn't immediately recognise.

A couple of blasts from Stanier hooters and we were in business. Some distant exhaust beats as the train gathered pace and soon some white exhaust came into view. It was great watching and hearing the locos working, even the draincocks on 44932. Steam hung in the air as the train disappeared under the bridge and gathered on the other side as it accelerated into the distance. 18C & around RT. Pure steam, very enjoyable and greatly missed. Good to meet up with the aforementioned devotees of steam.

 

Prior to today there were two other moves from the SVR to Litchurch Lane according to RTT.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:98360/2025-07-23/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U59286/2025-07-25/detailed

I think 25 January was the convoy with 50049, 40106, 4930, 13268, four carriages and two Class 108 units as per the Sharpo's World video on YouTube . Can anyone confirm what the first move was?

 

D1015 + D832.

 

Thanks. Is that D821 Greyhound rather than D832?

 

30th July 2025 46115 44932 Rail 200

46115 and 44932 Long Preston and South of Hellifield

 

Harry Potter planning on getting 60103 to Litchurch Lane or is there any news on when a path might appear in industry systems?

 

5Z60 10:40 Kidderminster - Litchurch Lane (12:51) in the system for tomorrow.

 

Thanks - not showing from Kidderminster SVR oddly enough.

Edit - have just done an enquiry for KID all day and can't find 5Z60? Likewise nothing shown as arriving at Litchurch Lane at 12:51. Do you have a link?

 

It's not on RTT but is on OTT and Railcam.

5Z60 - https://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U58976/2025-07-31

0Z60, incoming DB Cargo diesel from Toton - https://www.opentraintimes.com/schedule/U60160/2025-07-31

 

Thanks - so likely it'll be dragged?

 

It is dragged

 

If you can't run steam .....

Ex GWR Castle HST from the WSR to Carnforth

5Z43 10:11 Bishops Lydeard to Carnforth Steamtown

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K41386/2025-07-31/detailed

<BJ>