Saphos Trains 2026

60532 at Salterwath, Dent Head and on the descent from Ramsgreave and Wilpshire to Daisyfield Jn.

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A cloudy start to the day gave way, during the afternoon, to sunshine. Old Oswald has been laid up for a couple of weeks with a chest infection and regrettably had to miss out on Monday's visit by 60532 and The Chairman's Train. Today was therefore doubly important, with two trips due through Blackburn, 45407 on the NBelle followed by 60532 with the Lakelander. Nothing adventurous was planned, two trips to Wilpshire with a return home between for food. Mrs W was not coming with me on the earlier jaunt but would join me on the second. Instead, she and Oswald Jnr decided to take Maisie for a walk to the local park, about 400yds away. What a nightmare it turned out to be. Maisie got a bit over excited as she chased various insects and birds, both real and imaginary and point blank refused to come home. Eventually, Oswald Jnr managed to grab her and carry her part of the way home until she calmed down. They returned home just a few minutes before I set off.

Apart from a visit to the health centre this was my first time out in almost 3 weeks. I had decided to go the the bridge on the Blackburn side of Wilpshire summit. There are not too many occasions when the sun reaches the bottom of the cutting; today being late May, mid afternoon and likely to be sunny was one of them. As I made my way there I passed the local sports field where Ramsgreave Rovers (U11s) were playing a play-off final against Wilpshire Wanderers (U11s) - Wilpshire had been reinstated to the competition after the Brownhill Saints' manager had been caught cheating.

There is no other way to say this but 45407's performance was disappointing with most/all of the effort coming from 57313 on the rear. I did record it but may not bother to publish it. Back home, a bite to eat, a drink and back to Wilpshire with Mrs W.

This time to the road bridge by Ramsgreave and Wilpshire station. RTT showed 60532 had left Hellifield so we gathered up the various bits and pieces from the boot and headed to the bridge. It was a lovely evening, warm sunshine and little or no breeze. The train had left Clitheroe (4E). After a short wait BP appeared making a lovely snarl, despite the warm air there was some visible exhaust. A great sound from the "big" whistle as 60532 approached the platforms. The snarling from the Kylchap chimney rose to a crescendo as Blue Peter passed under the bridge and then faded as she worked away towards the summit. The beautiful blue paintwork shone as it caught the sun that had sneaked through gaps in the now considerable growth of lineside trees. There was no discernable contribution from 47593 on the rear, 10 + the 47 up a gradient of 1/86r. 18C, 5E & 27mph. Thanks to all concerned for providing a true and much appreciated spectacle.