Saphos Trains 2026

There has been much discussion recently about the whistle on this engine and I have to say it was the only noise audible from 'Blue Peter' today as it was pushed around Cumbria. Under abysmal weather conditions LNER Peppercorn A2 class No. 60532 works through Greenholme on the climb to Shap summit and onto Carlisle



No let up in the atrocious weather conditions as LNER Peppercorn A2 class No. 60532 'Blue Peter' approaches Aisgill Summit with the return leg of 'The Lakelander' rail tour back to Crewe and later Nottingham

 

Was this Lakelander always meant to go over the S&C? I see August's is the same. I did this trip last year and went along the Cumbrian Coast and thought they all did that.

 

It would if the Cumbrian Coast Line was open in full. Whitehaven tunnel has been shut since last July and no reopening date is in sight yet

 

Ah okay, didn't know that, did it in June!

 

It has been explained to me that the 20's were present to get 60532 and support coach to Preston under the current fire risk. Timings were not available for the necessary shunt moves to extract the 20's from the consist, so they stayed on for the full trip with 60532.

 

Presumably the same reason they were left on when the train went into Upperby LSL?
It's their business obviously but 4 locos on one train with only the 3 diesels providing the traction, whilst the rain persistently fell, was somewhat comical. Less so if you had bought a ticket I suppose.

 

If last week was "El Scorchio" then today was "El Gloomio"! The weather was dull and dreary; one forecast was for sunshine and showers, the other for dull, more dull and duller still with an increasing risk of rain. There had been overnight rain. It is difficult to recall a day in the last week when it hasn't rained at some point; heavily on Wednesday, which was, after all, "a Fellsman Day".

There had been a rumour circulating that Britannia might have an outing on today's Lakelander, it proved not to be the case. It was to be Blue Peter, always welcome, and with all the recent rain perhaps it could run unfettered by NR Fire Risks. This too proved not to be the case. By implication it appears that NR had set a red level for today. I say "by implication" as unless we are among the select few who "know" we can only infer any fire risk level by the actions of the TOC. Why can't NR make the current risk level(s) available in the public domain. I understand that it is the business of the TOC and NR but can't think of a reason why it shouldn't be made available to the public. Oswald climbs down from his soap box.

LSL have always seemed to be a responsible TOC, a very responsible TOC so when NR say "Red" LSL adopt all the required measures even if it means some overkill, especially given the chosen steam/diesel changeover locations and the LE moves to and from Crewe. If LSL couldn't persuade NR to allow a diesel free move for 60532 and coach to and from Crewe (and I don't even know if they tried) then we must give them credit for positioning the 20s behind BP's tender and not merely sticking them on the front.

So not only was the weather gloomy but the prospect of seeing any real steam action was also gloomy - oh joy! The forecast sunshine never materialised but at least the rain appeared to be holding off, for now. I checked RTT, BP was heading towards its hydration break at Settle, a waiting diesel tanker might be of more use. With Mrs W at my side, my lucky mascot to ward off the rain, we headed over to Ramsgreave and Wilpshire - no point going elsewhere for this one.

No phone signal on the car park so down to the station platform, and after setting up I managed to get some slow 4G service. BP had already left Clitheroe 8E and with no Rochdale Flyer in front of it the train could be with us soon, very soon, in fact sooner than I had anticipated. I was just about to update Mrs W when I heard the sound of incoming choppers, call me Radar O'Reilly (Mash). I started the cameras and we watched, there was a trace of white exhaust above the A2's chimney and very healthy plumes coming from the 20s and even the 47 on the back was grumbling away. The train headed up to the summit and once over the top there was a blast from the chime (sorry Mike) then BP whistled with its proper whistle. 18C, 13E & 30mph.

An hour after we got home it rained again, "Are you watching? Are you watching? Are you watching Network Rail?!" (football supporters' song/taunt). Best bit of the day . . . the meat and potato pie we had for lunch.

With it being the 4th of July perhaps a mention for those across the pond; your country may be rich and powerful but what's with the guns? and why did you vote for him?

 

It’s been almost a year since I’ve been “out of the game”, so unless things have changed in the meantime the case would be:

Green: steam ok
Amber: consider use of diesel
Red: diesel assisted steam
Black: no steam

Regional managers would ultimately declare the status for their patch. Of course they’ll be following the guidance presented to them, but may also add extra caution where they deem necessary. Furthermore, the use of diesel is always at the TOC’s discretion (including what traction and whereabouts in formation), so long as they are following the rules.

Today’s interesting formation would’ve been one of operational necessity while complying with a red risk status.

 

@Shep Woolley the photo at Ais Gill is amazing, fantastic angle, showcasing all three locos and the scenery.