The Cumbrian Mountaineer: 11/11/26 with 6024

Just gone in the loop at Grayrigg, arrived 102 down.

 

Advised new departure time from Carlisle is 1625

 

All told, thought the climb of Grayrigg was rather pleasant. By my device, about 54mph minimum.

 

It probably will have done with a class 57 pushing it

 

No idea how much is due to being out of path etc but lost another 20 odd mins between Oxenholme and Shap summit.

 

Was looped at Grayrigg while four following services passed.

 

We were looped at Grayrigg. Not surprising there was assistance considering its fresh out of the box, but regardless of the 57, there was still plenty of noise from the front. Nice to see it after 16 years.

 

Somewhere on the climb to Grayrigg or Shap was the place to be, but sadly Oswald is no longer suited to driving to such vantage points then hanging about in the cold - alright not too cold today. Oswald needed a plan and this was it, drive to Preston and watch 6024 steam through platform 3, catch the following service to Carlisle (and pass 6024 taking on water at Carnforth). Arrive at Carlisle and have some lunch (bacon butty, pie or sandwich depending on time of arrival. Watch KE steam into platform 3 and from a well chosen spot to have a close up view of the loco. Watch the train reverse to Upperby for servicing. Catch the train back to Preston and drive home to arrive about 15.30. Then out in the evening for Wilpshire. "SIMPLES!"

Alas the day began badly, despite allowing over an hour for what should have been a 35min drive I got stuck in horrendous traffic on the outskirts of Preston, half a mile took 25mins. The minutes ticked by and when traffic began to flow again the GPS predicted an arrival time of 10.10 with the train due to pass through the station at 10.12 - no chance! Or so I thought, I entered the station car park at 10.11 and wound my way up to the top floor, a quick look out towards the platform ends and there were still photographers hanging about. I checked RTT, 28L at Golborne Jn, with all due respect for the passengers on board, but, YES!, what a result.

I made my way onto platform 3 and waited, and waited. Repeated checks showed 6024 had been switched to the SL at Balshaw Lane and was being held at Euxton Balshaw Lane. Was this just to let traffic clear or a sign of something more serious? My intended train to Carlisle, that had been delayed by KE, came and went. At 11.00 the station fell silent. My "reserve" train to Carlisle came and went. Eventually 6024 was on the move, now 59L at Leyland. There were several announcements about platform alterations, it did sound as though platform 3 was being kept free.

In the far distance there was a whiff of white but it appeared to be stationary. I continued to lurk on platform 3. Eventually the white wisp began to move, as it drew nearer the guy I was standing with announced that it was heading for platform 5 or 6. Stick or twist? I moved across to platform 4 and was rewarded to see "The King" progressing majestically north on platform 5 - this gave me a better view than had it passed on platform 3. The train was slowing to a stop. Along with many others I made my way towards the north end of the platform. Several people (staff) climbed onto the footplate and then several climbed down, who stayed and who left was unclear.

Given the green light and with a toot on the whistle 6024 took the strain and headed for the challenges that lay ahead. It was difficult to see how 6024 could make significant (any?) inroads into the 82L deficit. I tore up the plan and headed home. Still King Edward I looked magnificent, the paintwork was excellent and the brass shone - just how a GWR express loco should be. The air pump did sound very metallic, but maybe that's how it should be.

Maisie was waiting and pleased to see me (possibly) but more likely she was after more food. Several weeks ago she went to the vets for a routine check up and they pronounced that she was a bit too heavy. We have had to cut back on her meals and severely restrict he treats, throw in the alteration to the clocks and reduced daylight hours she has become confused about when she will be fed. She is starting to lose weight, looks a little less chunky and is more active.

 

Your difficulty getting into Preston was an accident on the M55 Blackpool motorway, all traffic divererted though the City centre.
We went to Leyland, terrible as it was diverted to the slow line and the sun had come full round to wreck the shot. Clancked slowly passed sounding more like a Dubdee, with the black knight chorkling away on the back.
My shot for what it's worth, rubbish even though I have tried to pull iy round.

Separate question - whats wrong with the website, impossible to access at most times and stop typing mid-sentence? Feels like crash imminent mode!

 

Good to know that it's not only me. I have a crossword book next to my computer to while away the wasted hours. <BJ>

 

Would've been interested but getting back to Crewe after 9pm on a weekday would mean two days off work. Either do Saturdays or make it so people don't need to take multiple days off, especially at relatively short notice.

 

Carlisle - Ready for the return...

 

6024 Attacks Shap, seen from above Salterwath in glorious sunshine with kind permission from the farmer.

 

The issues earlier on definitely benefited us Linesiders on Shap !

A great show !

 

A King on Shap - 6024 at Salterwath

David Price

 

Very nice David. I wondered where you'd be.

 

Many thanks Ralph, just me today and two cameras mounted one on top of the other.

 

6024 at Beckfoot/Lowgill running 126 late having lost its path earlier and then been looped at Grayrigg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55647377023/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55647376903/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55647376533/in/photostream/

and at Settle and Hellifield stations tonight

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55647246896/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55647377388/in/photostream/

 

A King in Cumbria



Although it was running very late, GWR King class No.6024 'King Edward I' puts on a wonderful sight and sound as it works 'The Cumbrian Mountaineer' 1Z24 through Greenholme heading for Shap and onwards to Carlisle