Mersey Moorlander: Every Monday in August (Compass Tours)

Please note although the train is again heavily laden, as per the previous 4 weeks, limited space is available for Monday's train and payment on the day will be accepted for standard and first class fares. I don't anticipate any "masive rush" so shouldn't see the need to contact anyone in advance.

One way fares (at reduced prices) between Preston and Carlisle will also be available.

 

45231 is working the Moorlander today, Mon 29th.

Andrew N

 

Please don't shoot the messenger! A friend who is travelling on the train just called me from Preston to say that the set is topped and tailed by diesels. When 45231 moved out of the station to drop onto the train she sounded 'rather poorly.' There is a rumour that the diesels are staying put and the five will pilot the train to Hellified where a further decision on her condition will be made. I'll try to get a further update if it helps people to make a decision to go out or not.

 

Passed Hoghton more or less on time, confirmed consist as 45231 + POB, large logo 47, train tailed by WCR 47. 45231 doing little work and blowing from both valve glands. An unusual combination. Is 45305 moving to York rather than 70013 hence the emergency use of 45231?

 

Thanks for that - not looking good then. Last I heard was that Cromwell was having a boiler wash and brick arch attention in prep for the SSE.

 

Sorry to hear that news Ralph. Hope the rest of the trip is without incident.

 

Sad news about 45231. That's a very unusual operation though. What does it say in the rule book about having the support coach in such a position?

 

Footage of the ill fated tour with 45231 at the helm at Chatburn and then with 47580 leading at Selside Shaw on The S&C.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT52CQn69Y0

Hope you enjoy.

 

From the videos on Youtube it looks pretty serious. A very uneven one-sided beat from the exhaust.

 

45231 passing Pleasington this morning - http://philmetcalfe.zenfolio.com/p268550676/h3e2d4ac#h3e2d4ac

 

Saw 45231 pass Nappa, between Gisburn and Hellifield earlier, doing absolutely no work and receiving quite a shove from the Class 47 behind.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/davestubbings/6092417659/in/photostream

 

Hi guys,This is my attempt of Mersey Moorlander at Bamber Bridge this morning

Best Wishes Tony

http://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/6093956100/in/photostream

 

45231 performed very well on the Forth Circle which we were on, on 21 August, funny thing was it was making that common Stanier sound of steam escaping from a drain cock once per revolution but no steam was visible. I believe this is often caused by broken bits of valve/piston rings getting where they shouldn't.

Dave

 

I travelled on the afternoon circuit from Dalmeny and - on occasion - 45231 sounded a little off-beat and had to stop south of Cowdenbeath for a blow-up after a slow run through Cowdenbeath North Junction. I presumed part of the problem was poor coal although the Bo'ness supply normally seems to be good quality coal.

 

It sounds to me like the problem with 45231 was already known about at Preston and she was only attached to the train as far as Hellifield to give the passengers some token steam for the day and as a convenient way of getting her back to Carnforth.

 

I have to totally agree, after seeing it arrive at Carnforth from Bo'ness on sat evening, I was amazed to see it out on monday morning.

 

I was also on the afternoon trip from Inverkeithing, and it sounded off when the empty stock was moved into the sidings to wait for the 37 to haul the set back to Bo'ness.