VT: The Shap Mountaineer with Tornado - 28/03/26

That's correct.

 

Less than 3 minutes covered the passage of both Tangmere and Tornado passing through Oxenholme station as they headed north to Carlisle with their respective trains.

 

Thank you, very good job they did indeed.

 

Having just ploughed through a number of excellent YouTube videos, would seem the 47 was switched off from Blackburn back to Brum, so thats equivalent load 14!! Another notable performance to add to the day!!

 

60163 at Salterwath & Ais Gill


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/55173866173/in/datetaken-public/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/55173744851/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

60163 Tornado at Stockber on 28/3/2026

David

 

A few pictures from a very damp Stafford Station on it's return journey...

 

Wow, what a day for those who love main line steam at its best. We passed 8,000 miles behind the A1 during the day and we passed 150,000 miles of haulage since my records started in 1978. And what a day to pass these landmarks. Enormous thanks to Vintage Trains for making this day possible and to the Tornado people (we are both covenantors BTW) for bringing this amazing machine back to us. We alighted at Wolverhampton and can confirm the DL was idling as the train headed south. I should mention we were in the enthusiasts coach at the sharp end and as the whole train was turned at Carlisle we stayed that way. Fantastic!

 

She drew quite a lot of attention at Stafford amongst the locals! Our steward handed out at least 2 Vintage Trains tour brochures to people on the platform - nowt better than a gleaming steam loco to publicise your business!!

 

I had hoped to complete my report of a terrific trip today, but someone has robbed me of an hour. The rest of the family has gone out leaving me with some jobs to do and as it has been raining heavily Maisie can't/won't go out so wants plenty of attention. I hope to complete the report tomorrow.

The Shap Mountaineer 28 March 2026 with 60163 Tornado hauling GUV (“Reg”) + POB + 9 (part 1)

This was another trip that almost slipped through Oswald’s net, being a little too early in the year – but unassisted steam is unassisted steam! Booking much later than I should, Enthusiast class was already sold out, so it was 2 seats in standard; Mrs W was joining me. Maisie would be left with just one servant, Oswald Jnr.

This would be a first for me as we would be joining the train at Warrington Bank Quay; there was no Preston stop. The Satnav reckoned just under an hour to WBQ, add on 20 mins for parking etc and another 30 mins “just in case” meant that we left home a few minutes after 8am.

It was a cool morning with some sunshine and a brisk, cold wind. Traffic was light and, despite me missing a turning in Warrington centre, we arrived at the station in around 45 mins. This was really too early, that is if you can ever be too early when catching a train. We parked on the aptly named Parker Street station car park. I had secretly hoped that this car park would be full and we would have to use the other station car park on Slutchers Lane – what a great name!

We hung around in the waiting room checking progress on RTT before going out onto the platform to watch Peter Pan fly past at the head of the CME, much too fast to see passenger numbers. Another few minutes passed before Tornado’s very bright light appeared and this was followed by Tornado and our train. There were quite a few passengers to board, we were in coach E. It was: Tornado, GUV, POB, 2 coaches and then us. Our seats were at the very front of the coach, forward facing and milepost side, a great start! A blast on the whistle and we were off (1L) with, as I found out later, Alistair Meanley driving and Sam Perry firing.

The early part of the journey was “a bit up and down” as we negotiated the section between WBQ and Wigan with its many junctions. By Springs Branch Jn we were motoring along nicely, 67.2mph & 3½L. A long blast on the whistle and we headed thro’ Wigan NW at 63.4 and onto a couple of miles of 1/104r (Boars Head Bank) where speed fell back slowly with a very brief minimum of 49.8. The gradient then eases and speed was held around 52/3 to the summit (just south of Coppull). We continued with speeds in the low 60s and onto the “Slow” at Balshaw Lane (58.8 & 2½L). We were 1E at Leyland as we continued northwards before being held for 5 mins at Ribble Jn. Tornado whistled as she approached Preston station and then, with the loco under the train shed roof, let out a long, lingering blast on the chime that echoed and hung in the air. A hairs on the back of your neck moment!

A gentle run for 4¾ miles before stopping in the loop at Barton & Broughton for the TP service to Edinburgh to pass, it did and only 1L – yes! A little over a minute later we followed (RT). Progress was restrained; there was no point rushing and catching it up, speed settled between the high 50s and low 60s. By Lancaster we were almost 3L, but speed had risen to 68, up to 73.2 at Morecambe S Jn and 70.5 at Hest Bank. As we reached Bolton-le-Sands (69.8) it began to rain, driven on by a stiff westerly wind the view from window was soon obscured – oh dear! We whistled as we passed 10A and Carnforth N Jn, 73.4 and almost RT. As we approached Yealand Bank the rain began to ease. We reached the foot of the bank at 76.5 and passed the summit at 64.0 (with a min of 63.2). Next, our first major climb of the day, Grayrigg.

As we approached the start of the climb speed reached 71.5 with 70.1 at MP13. We were now climbing (1/173r) and in the half mile to Milnthorpe speed fell to 64.7. After another 2 miles (still 1/173r) we passed Hincaster Jn at 59.6. With the easing of the gradient past Sedgwick (around MP17) speed increased to 61. However, gravity was beginning to fight back and, as we leaned to the curve thro’ Oxenholme station, speed was 53.7, but 2½E. We continued to climb with speed around 50. We reached the final part of Grayrigg, 2 miles at 1/106r, and passed Lambrigg (51 & 3½E). As we neared the summit speed settled around 47. We passed MP 26 at 46.7, before speed dropped slightly to 46.4 at the true summit (located part way along Grayrigg loop). Oswald is not an expert with a stopwatch (or anything else come to that), but I made it 14m 21.3s (MP13 to MP26).

Onwards and upwards – literally! Now to gather some speed for the mighty Shap Bank. We had 46.4mph in the locker, on a falling gradient this rose to 58.9 as we passed under the road bridge approaching Beckfoot and was worked up to 62 at Lowgill. As we garnered speed we pulled away from traffic on the nearby M6 which had a 50mph speed restriction. On level track we reached a max of 74.5 and passed MP31½ (the start of the “Shap Trial”) at 73.1mph.

We crossed the Lune (Tebay S Jn) at 72.9 and ¾ of a mile from MP31½ we re-crossed the Lune (Tebay N Jn) at 71.8. After another 1.1 miles (1/142r) speed fell to 67.1 as we crossed Birbeck Viaduct. Half a mile further, and now on the steep bit (1/75r), we crossed under the Greenholme Rd at 62.0 and the really hard work had begun. We forged on past the waiting cars at Scout Green (53.0), on past the site of Scout Green Box (51.1). Tornado was digging in and making the most wonderful snarling sounds. Across the road to the Shap Wells Hotel at 43.2. With 0.7 miles to the “climbing summit” (MP37¼) would we stay above 40mph? Yes! We passed MP37¼ at 41.5mph, the minimum for the climb. By the time I passed the Summit Sign (MP37.61) speed had risen to 43.9. Oswald’s time was 6m 13.2s.

The sounds had been terrific and there had been more whistles (Wistles) than at an Oswald family reunion. More than enough to satisfy everyone of the considerable number of photographers, videographers and watchers who occupied all the usual vantage points and more besides.

In the interest of brevity – who you? came the cry, I will limit my description of the run on to Carlisle. Without any exceptional running we arrived at Upperby Bridge Jn 11E and stopped in the loop at Upperby Jn almost 17E. We waited whilst 47813 drew the ECS from the CME into the loop line alongside us and then Tangmere drew the CME stock forward and into position to be serviced and watered. Once completed we ran into the now vacant pl3 at Carlisle and stopped 2½E.

Mrs W and I wandered down to the front to take a look at this magnificent machine; there were people everywhere and there was a cold wind blowing. Mrs W looked like a lady who had had enough of trains and cold stations. We crossed to pl4 which was also crowded, it was more sheltered from the wind and the sun was shining. After a few minutes, and after two “Pendos” had blocked the view, we (I) gave up and we headed for some lunch.

Pizza at the nearby Italian or fish and chips at the Woodrow? We headed to the Woodrow to find it “full”, but Mrs W nabbed a table just as a couple were leaving. @Mick5305 was already eating his lunch but came over for a brief chat as he was leaving, always nice to see him. 45 minutes later, fed and watered, we headed to the centre to browse the shops. After 15 or 20 minutes I left Mrs W to it and wandered back to the station – Oswald’s shopping threshold is extremely low.

(to be continued)

 

Another shot at a very busy Stafford, having run along the slow lines from Crewe, at Stafford it was crossed into platform 1 because the customer lifts were out of action on platform 4, the usual slow line platform for southbound charters, before crossing again to the slow lines and taking the Birmingham line at the junction. A heavy rain shower started as Tornado rolled down the platform and then stopped as it departed, typical.

 

A battle against the wind and all 4 seasons inbetween in the Northern hills as Tornado battles a solo run to Carlisle via Shap and return via the S&C, seen at Winsford, Salterwaith, Wharton Lane and Whalley Bank, also complimented by 34067 inbetween shots

 

Are you suggesting that without its 'helper' 34067 would have held up Tornado? 11 coaches for a Bulleid up Shap should be well within capability...
I am sure if any other one of us had suggested that on NP, the full wrath of 10A would have fallen upon us in no time!!

It isn't so long ago that steam up Shap was always without helper..

 

It was an excellent day out. I've not done a steam tour (in this country) for quite a while now so this was a good one to pick. Great performance from Tornado even if there were a few pathing stops and slow running at times fitting in on a busy railway. Being lucky enough to be sat a the table closest to the loco on tourist class meant plenty of noise to be heard, lots of whistle too.

 

That footage of the climb to Ais Gill is sublime. Thank you.

 

You definitely picked well. VT are one of the few operators that are still organising real enthusiast tours, probably only 2 or 3 a year. They know what we want and deserve our support. At the end of the day it was the catalyst behind the setting up of the TOC and Community Benefit Society all those years ago. The phrase use them, or lose them, springs to mind. Yesterday's trip was reassuringly full and I am certain everyone went back very happy. I look forward to the next one!!

 

If 34067 was booked to do Shap unassisted, I doubt very much that they’d have timed the two tours so close together.

 

Apologies for leaving you hanging around at Carlisle, hope you found something to do. Here is part 2,

The Shap Mountaineer 28 March 2026 with 60163 Tornado hauling GUV (“Reg”) + POB + 9 (part 2)

I returned to the station and found a seat near the picnic benches on platform 4 with a good view of the station, there was nothing much to do except relax and watch the trains come and go. I kept a look out for Mrs W returning from the shops but didn’t spot her as she went directly to pl3. We eventually met up (without the need for phone calls or texts) and headed over to pl3 and then onto pl1 where there were a couple of seats in the sunshine.

The ECS arrived behind D1755. We made our way to the steamy end which was already crowded, No chance of a front on pic. It did give me chance to confirm the crew details: Alistair Meanley driving to Blackburn and Graeme Bunker-James firing. Apparently, GB-J had been on the footplate on the northbound leg, but as was explained, with a bit of barbed humour, “he had been undertaking supervisory duties!”

The whole train had been turned via Currock Jn and Bog Jn, so it remained front of the 5th, facing seats and milepost side – what a lucky old Oswald I am! Following a blast on the whistle (5L) we picked our way out of the station and towards the S&C for the third major climb of the day – the long arduous climb to Ais Gill, and today there would be no ice cream stop at Appleby – you can’t have everything.

We reached Petteril Bridge Jn (14.8mph) and onto the S&C and the initial climb was about to begin (3 miles at 1/132r). 2 miles after leaving Carlisle we passed under the M6 at 30.4 (30 and above is often an indicator of a good climb to come). Speed settled around 32/3 until around 3½ miles out there was a TSR and back down to 20 – not the start we wanted. Once clear Tornado started again and, nearing the top of the 1/132r passed Cumwhinton at 23.7. Now almost a mile of level track before the start of 4 more miles of 1/132r. As we were starting to climb we passed Howe & Co SB (39.4 & 7½L). Speed remained in the high 30s, across Cotehill Viaduct at 37.4 and a mile beyond we reached the minor summit (min 36).

Now some downhill (1/132f), past Low House Xng (45.7 & 8¾L), across Drybeck Viaduct (54.7) with a max of 56 in the dip. Now a short climb to Armathwaite (52 & 8½L), down again and a max of 59.6 before beginning the climb up thro’ Armathwaite Tunnel and the two Baron Wood Tunnels, in the first at 57.7 and out the last at 56.5 and all whilst climbing at 1/220r. Down again and speed built well before the short climb to Lazonby & K Oswald (57.6 & 8L), despite some fast running the deficit was proving difficult to reduce.

Next the gentle drop down to Long Meg Viaduct (56.5), then the long climb up towards Langwathby. Tornado showed a complete mastery of the load, climbing at 58/9 before slowing slightly to 56.1 thro’ Langwathby (8¾L). With speeds in the low 60s we headed along the gentle grades towards Culgaith SB (61 &7¼L), Long Marton (58.7 & 6¼L). Next, a short climb at 1/120r, with speed allowed to fall back (min 50) and finally the approach to Appleby. Once clear signals were sighted speed increased and we passed thro’ the station at 56.8 and only 5L. Time from Carlisle was 43m 08s (as scheduled despite the TSR).

No need for anything special, we already had the speed, it was simply a matter of keeping to the 60mph line limit and reaching MP275 in good shape for what was coming. It was well judged by Alistair as we crossed Ormside Viaduct at 62.4 mph and up to 63 just beyond – perfect. MP275 at 62.6 and now on the 3+ miles of 1/100r towards Griseburn. A little over halfway along and into Helm Tunnel at 54.8 and out at 51. As we crossed Griseburn Viaduct at 49 where the gradient eases to 1/166r for just over a mile before returning to 1/100r. Next a very short level section and speed increased to 52 at Crosby Garrett, across CG Viaduct (54.2) and out of CG Tunnel at 56 and 55.9 across Smardale Viaduct and back on to the 1/100r.

Kirby Stephen lies 2 miles (of 1/100r) ahead. Speed decayed slowly we passed thro’ KS at 45.4, on past the SB (45 & 6L). It is 2 miles from the SB to the entrance to Birkett Tunnel, mainly at 1/100r but just beyond the signal box there is a very short easing to 1/264r, 60163 took full advantage and speed built to a max of 47mph. Back onto the 1/100r speed held well in the mid-40s however, as we approached the Tunnel it was allowed to fall back to around 37. The tunnel is 424yds long and we emerged at 18, which fell back to 17.2 (TSR?).

After another quarter mile Tornado was opened up and we began to accelerate. We were now on the easier gradient at Mallerstang (just under a mile of 1/330r). This should be the section where hard won speed is improved for the final push to the summit; a section where typically 35 becomes 47 – but not today! We reached Mallerstang and speed had been worked up to 34.6 but the easier grade was almost at an end; the final 3 miles of 1/100r was almost within touching distance – no arms out of the windows, please! By Shoregill (0.25 miles past Mallerstang and around where the 1/100r begins (again)) speed had reached 40. Another 0.25 miles (Sycamore Tree Farm, and the usual spot for maximum speed after the Mallerstang easing) and we were up to 43.3. But Tornado didn’t stop, despite the 1/100r and accompanied by a wonderful hissing/snarling sound, the loco just kept on going, 44 . . . 45 . . . 46, this was marvellous stuff from the big green beast.

Under the bridge at Angerholme (46.1), across Ais Gill Viaduct (45.9), the whistle was blowing, under the road bridge (46.2) and more whistling. MP260, the climbing summit (45.7) and finally the Summit Sign (46.8). What TSR?! An indication of what a big, well-driven, well-fired locomotive can do with a modest(?) load and not a diesel helper in sight.

Despite leaving 5L and with two 20mph TSRs en route, we were only 6½L at the summit. Again, for brevity I will restrict my description of the ongoing journey. By Garsdale the delay had increased to 8L and by Blea Moor almost 10L. Despite some spirited running down the hill we remained 9L at Settle Jn, but the road was clear. If we could successfully negotiate the junctions at Hellified, Horrocksford and Daisyfield we would have a steam trip of over 100 miles without a stop, a first for me.

Me and my big mouth, we were held for 2 mins at Hellifield before being allowed to cross (13½L) to the Blackburn line. Plenty of padding in the schedule for our run to Horrocksford. Even running late there shouldn’t be anything in the way between Clitheroe and Blackburn, but you never know. Straight thro’ at Horrocksford Jn (around 3L) and on towards Whalley and our final climb of the day.

We had a clear run thro’ Whalley and off onto the Arches just as it began to rain. The rain was short lived and weak sunshine soon peered through the clouds to the west. A whistle for Billington foot crossing then we settled into a steady 26/7 in the bush lined section. The trees cleared and as we ran alongside the golf course speed increased, up to 29 at Langho (RT). Speed continued at 28/9 until we slowed to 24.5 on the long curving, tree covered approach to Wilpshire Tunnel. It was very steady progress as we left the tunnel and past the old Wilpshire station (19.5) and Tornado was allowed to continue at the same speed to Ramsgreave & Wilphire – where Oswald would not be waiting. We slowed still further (14) as we headed towards the summit. Whalley to R&W in 10m 11.2s. We crawled towards Daisyfield Jn and without stopping (just) headed into the loop behind Blackburn station (3L).

I didn’t know what the plan was, presumably Tornado (and Reg) would take water, and the diesel would come on – front or back? I packed away my kit and waited. It transpired that the diesel was attached to the rear and from the “clunky” nature of the ongoing ride it appears that @acorb was correct in suggesting that it wasn’t providing any traction.

We left the train at WBQ and went down to the sharp end to watch the departure. The narrow platform was packed, phones were held aloft to video the moment – Oswald’s was not one of them, my arms don’t stay aloft for that long! Tornado steamed off into the night and an idling D1755 trundled off on the rear.

The fun and games weren’t quite over, driving back along the M62 the car’s dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, 4 or 5 alarms appeared simultaneously. It seemed very likely (to me) that this was a fault on an ABS sensor or the processor. Taking extra care I carried on and made it home ok. The internet and my VW garage agree with me; the car’s booked in on Wednesday.

A great day out. Thanks to VT for organising and operating the trip and to the A1SLT for providing their magnificent machine. We had ordered bacon butties and a brew in the morning and afternoon tea in a box and brew for the return; both were very acceptable and more than ample. Thanks to the couple of guys with whom we shared a table; they were great company. Thanks to all those who posted the usual excellent photos and videos, it always makes a steam trip even better (I haven’t watched all the videos yet, but I will). This will go down as one of my most memorable trips.

“Bring on the Brit”

 

Spent Sunday watching cycling, rugby and other stuff so didn't even start a report. Did one today but didn't finish it before David posted the rest of his.
There's little point in cluttering up this thread with another one; good housekeeping and all that. As I did complete my detailed forensic report based as usual on hand timing, gradients and speeds with some stats and odd personal bits about our day, I've dropped it in below in pdf form for anyone who wants to read it.

I'll input the timings in the next day or so and post them when they're complete with hopefully Barton to Carlisle for the 4 Class 8s on one sheet. Might need a magnifying glass to read it!!