Saphos Trains 2026

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.