Shap Mountaineer: 27/09/25

It may not be a tail gunner. I note what RTT says, but this is what is in the route guide.

 

Advertised as diesel off between Carnforth and Hellifield.
Given Clun is overnighting at 10A, can't see any reason why it can't use the column at Hellifield.

 

I’m told by a VT worker that it is 7029 Carnforth-Carlisle-Crewe as per RTT, with the 37 on the back from Hellifield, running round at Crewe to take it forward.

 

Loram 37418 on the diesel leg rather than VT's 37. Standard at the front.

 

Left Carnforth about 25 min late with Clun Castle at the head.
Allegedly signalling problems in the station area.

EDIT : and being looped at Grayrigg

 

Arrived almost an hour down in Carlisle, just in time to see Tangmere depart.


Announcement onboard was aiming for a revised departure of about 3pm.

LE paths from Carlisle to Hellifield shown as cancelled in RTT.
Sadly that suggests the 37 staying on the back :-(

 

Leaving Carlisle an hour late, 37 on the back.
Plan announced onboard is that the 37 will be detached at Settle, run past us while watering at Hellifield, then go on the front of Clun all the way back to Birmingham.

 

Thats a shame. Interesting that it’s Settle that they’re detaching it, seems an odd place.

 

7029 pictured arriving at Carlisle an hour behind schedule at lunchtime: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ravenglass/54815465199/in/datetaken-public/

 

Must be easier than having to detach and run round at Hellifield I would have thought.

 

Went straight through Settle.

 

Think they meant Settle Jn rather than at the station itself, as we're stopped there now.

 

27th September 2025 7029 Clun Castle Shap Mountaineer

7029 Clun Castle on Carnforth level

 

An attempt to get back on time I assume. Saves 30 minutes alone at Crewe assuming you are allowed a path straight away.

 

Running nearly an hour down, 7029 passes Greengate, 27 September 2025.