Scarborough Spa Express 2010

I've been told that 46115 is on for the rest of the season with 44871 on the final two days. Although I wouldn't hold me to that...

 

That'll teach you to threaten me with your clouds! :cell:

"Scots Guardsman" in full sun

 

It sure will! I'll learn the hard way it would seem! Lol. Lovely sun there Stuart! Was slowing to a stop last week there too, stupid freight trains lol.

 

Is that South Milford ? You must have had a set of ladders to get that shot !

 

I'm very tall!!! :evil:

 

Round the new York circle with the Scot 18 August 2010

On the map it is more of a misshapen soup ladle than a circle, with none of the sustained climbing of Micklefield or Horsforth. However, on a lovely sunny evening, Scots Guardsman on the last leg of its Scarborough Spa Express duties tonight could not be resisted.

A lively start out of York saw us reach 53 at Copmanthorpe before slowing for Colton Junction, then we moseyed along the Castleford line (with a high of 55 at Church Fenton) to Normanton and Wakefield Kirkgate. The Scot looked wonderful in the evening sun as she attacked the curve up to Westgate, and on restarting, her crisp bark up the hill saw her reach 36 at Ardsley then 65 on the run down to Leeds. Rounding Whitehall Junction to stop at Woodlesford and Castleford, there were no more fireworks on this easy schedule and 57 at Milford Junction was our top speed on the run back into York. Lots of happy day trippers left at the intermediate stations - if nothing else, the new route has brought WCRC commercial success on the route, and us the chance of the Scot on the SSE.

11 pictures are at http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

Peter, on another lovely sunny morning in Manchester, where the hosepipe ban has been lifted!
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net/

 

Thanks Ralph. :yo:

Here's another from today.

http://www.stuartbrown.me.uk/cpg/displayimage.php?pos=-1677

 

Another lovely shot Stuart, nice bit of sunshine you're having in Yorkshire.

 

Thanks Austin.

By the way, since your post it hasn't stopped raining! :rain:

 

Just to say that we had a great day yesterday on the SSE! We did Kirkgate to Scarborough and back and just sat and enjoyed the sound and smell that was Scots Guardsman yesterday. It put in a great performance including just touching 76 mph on the outbound!
Apparently then are having a very good season. Loads of people got on at Normanton and a fair few at Wakefield which means the trains are running with about 430 on board. At 300 I am told they break even so it all looks as though they will repeat the route next year. I wonder if the 'Hogwarts' publicity drew people to book tickets. Our guard said that the majority of bookings are made via the web.

Also met some very good people. The good gentleman who sat with us all the way round who was from Southport but staying in York, and the chap with the GPS sat opposite who caught the 'local' from Kirkgate with us. Nice to meet you both!

I might think about doing the York to York next week!!!!

 

44932 is due at York this afternoon Sat 21 August, so it could be in line to work some SSEs & Waverleys perhaps ?

 

Maybe so, I suppose we'll find out tomorrow.

Although if 5690 is out of the picture this week then another engine would be required with 46115 for the Fellsman, 48151 to Blaenau & 44932 on the SSE. All theory, I'm sure someone will know what is happening.

 

Just looked on the WCR website and read that 5690 would not be doing the SSE due to the loco being out of gauge along certain areas. So have now just booked 2 places for the missus & I on Tuesday 31st and here's hoping it's still 46115 on that day.ray2:

 

That never stopped it hauling the SSE on the 10th & 11th August! Just had a look at the WCR website & it says the 5972 is out of gauge, not 5690!

Also, UKSteam has 44932 down for this week's SSE's now. 46115 is down for The Fellsman on Wednesday, so a move to Carnforth should happen today or tomorrow.

 

Oooops my bad, I meant 5972.:frusty: It's got on the mainline steam rail tours website that 46115 hauling the SSE on Monday & Tuesday of that week, then 44871 on Wednesday and Thursday. I'm really hoping for 46115 on the 31st but to be honest I'm just relieved it's not Hogwarts Castle anymore.

 

If it produces the 5 this Wednesday and the Scot on bank holiday monday, I'll be happy as I'm travelling on both days!

 

46115 moved from York to Carnforth on Friday 20th.

 

Was told that 46115 moved back to carnforth on Friday, coach and diesel.

 

So it did. Didn't look close enough on UKSteam! Well spotted.