Saphos: Blue Peter to Carlisle - 12/02/26; Sir Nigel Gresley - 11/03/26

I have got 2 tickets for tomorrow Crewe to Carlisle and unable to go. Contact me if interested.

 

Thanks for the offer, but have already got some tickets.

 

Stock reported as follows

5366, 3125, 3148, 3100, 80044, 3122, 3045, 35467

 

Considering we were looped at Greyrigg that was a cracking run up to the summit.
I’ll leave summit speeds to the professionals!

 

Didn't go below 45mph from my device. Felt the climb was rather special considering it had to go from a stand at the top of the hill. It's been kept back a bit on the usual 75mph downhill sections, with brake applications generally keeping it in the region of 60mph.

 

My timing sheet showing 47mph over Shap Summit
https://railway-photography.smugmug...ue-Peter-The-Cumbrian-Mountaineer/i-PBNXmZv/A

 

Reflections on a boyhood spotting haunt ! (the reflection was better 'BF')

60532 approaching Old Alder Lane bridge at Winwick this morning.

 

All looking fine, one small query and I'm sure there is a perfectly logical explanation but seems odd to place the genny car on the front for the steam leg meaning that the first passenger carrying vehicle is 3 coaches back with the noise of a running genny between it and the loco?

 

They did the same with 71000 last year I believe

 

Blue Peter dashing north through Brock 12/02/26.

 

Similarly didn't record below 45mph on Shap, appreciate from a standing start at Greyrigg but load is only 9 when usually haven't charters been 11 or 12

An additional couple of coaches at a minimum 35 tons I suspect makes a difference

Mind you from Crewe it was mostly running around a constant 60mph, the only time it approached 70mph and above was after Greyrigg for the climb up Shap

 

60532 Blue Peter passing the old station at Bay Horse on the way to Carlisle on 12/02/2026

David

 

Blue Peter makes light work of Shap with typical Cumbrian weather as the backdrop.

 

12/02/2026 - LNER Peppercorn A2 - 60532 "Blue Peter" pulling the "Cumbrian Mountaineer" from Crewe to Carlisle at Brock.

 

12/02/2026 - LNER Peppercorn A2 - 60532 "Blue Peter" pulling the "Cumbrian Mountaineer" from Crewe to Carlisle at Brock.

View attachment 96645

 

Like that David, what a novelty to see matching coloured coaches and steam only coming from the chimney of the loco.

 

The driver of 60532 responds to the RA signal at Citadel Station to begin the return journey to Crewe in failing light; 12 February 2026.

 

Making a wonderful sound climbing Shap seen here at High Scales

https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/

 

Thanks Henry, the engine looks great in that livery

 

I only get error messages when I try tho open the attachment.