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

Sean Emmett · Mar 30, 2026 at 7:50 PM

I was at the back of the train and didn't detect any assistance from D1755 on the return from Blackburn. Not sure it helped much, if at all, on the outward leg from Brum to Crewe.

Will work out power outputs on the basis Tornado was unassisted throughout.

I followed the live signalling diagram on Traksy. Tornado got within 4 or 5 blocks of Tangmere around Oxenholme. Did the crew sight adverse signals in the distance?

Sean Emmett · Mar 30, 2026 at 9:59 PM

From Realtime Trains, passing times for 34067 Tangmere (+diesel) and 60163 Tornado (unassisted) and the difference in minutes.

Tornado only 3 1/4 minutes behind Tangers passing Milnthorpe.

Julian Jones · Mar 30, 2026 at 11:39 PM

1020 Shireman said: ↑

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!!
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Great report, as ever, Thoroughly enjoyable read. Thank you for the care and time you’ve spent compiling it. Good to see you, Diana and your friends. Sakina and I really enjoyed the day and the chance to catch up with you on the train.

Julian Jones · Mar 30, 2026 at 11:44 PM

Oswald T Wistle said: ↑

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”
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Thank you for your enjoyable report. I think we chatted at Appleby a few years ago. We too joined and left at Warrington - sorry, didn’t see you or would have come up to say hello. I hope Maisie has forgiven you for leaving her with a reduced staff of only one of three feline slaves for the day! We also left our cat Luna with a reduced one pwrson staff!

Davo · Mar 30, 2026 at 11:52 PM

My efforts at carlisle citadel from platform 4 at carlisle after a excellent performance from the A1 60163 Tornado after just tackling shap on the 1st leg of the V.T. shap mountaineer tour from Birmingham new st which me and my friend joined the tour at Stafford.
I booked him in 1st class and I went in tourist enthusiast class also it was a excellent return run over the long drag back to Blackburn via Clitheroe hope all other national preservation members on the V.T. shap mountaineer and fellow steam rail enthusiasts had another excellent day of unassisted steam from crewe to Blackburm here's hoping for more like this tour in 2026 the mayflower tour 12 Sept 2026?.
Davo 56F

Oswald T Wistle · Mar 31, 2026 at 7:22 AM

Julian Jones said: ↑

Thank you for your enjoyable report. I think we chatted at Appleby a few years ago. We too joined and left at Warrington - sorry, didn’t see you or would have come up to say hello. I hope Maisie has forgiven you for leaving her with a reduced staff of only one of three feline slaves for the day! We also left our cat Luna with a reduced one pwrson staff!
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Thanks Julian, I’m afraid I don’t remember chatting at Appleby but my memory is not as good as it used to be. A pity we didn’t bump into each other at WBQ, I often wonder if there could be a way of recognising fellow NP members. Maisie survived her ordeal as I am sure did Luna. Moving to BST has confused her somewhat, she thinks that she should get an extra meal - Maisie is always ready for food.

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

Sean Emmett Member

Sean Emmett Member

Attached Files:

20260328 60163 Tornado following 34067 Tangmere + diesel.pdf

Julian Jones Member

Julian Jones Member

Davo Well-Known Member

Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

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

Sean Emmett Member

Sean Emmett Member

Attached Files:

20260328 60163 Tornado following 34067 Tangmere + diesel.pdf

Julian Jones Member

Julian Jones Member

Davo Well-Known Member

Oswald T Wistle Well-Known Member Friend

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