Photoplug] Cumbrian Mountain Express 1983

Thirty years ago CMEs used two steam locos, from Carnforth to Hellifield and then Hellifield to Carlisle. There was a photo stop at Dent, a water and photo stop at Garsdale, and two runpasts at Appleby. Here are 24 photos starring 5407 and 46229. Please can anybody identify the footplatemen?

Cumbrian Mountain Express, 29 October 1983 - andrewstransport's Photos

Cheers

Andrew N

 

I was on board on this day and according to my memory bank the Carnforth driver on 5407 was Jack Newton.
As for 46229's driver, I know the face but not 100% sure of the name. Having poked the old memory cells the name
Patterson springs to mind but I'm probably way off the mark.

 

Cannot help with the identity of the driver on 46229, would appear to be Skipton or Leeds based, certainly isn't Carlisle. Although the crewing arrangements of the CME's on the S&C changed over the years, the roster during 1983 was usually Skipton crews northbound, Carlisle south. As an aside, 46229 after being serviced at Upperby that day, went on to Ayr to feature in an Open Day event at the depot there before returning to Carlisle on the 31st.

 

Right, I've done my Sherlock Holmes bit and the driver on 46229 was F. Wilkinson of Skipton.

I knew there was 'son' in it!

 

Well done Alan. Have you still got that tartan headboard that used to adorn 46229 back in those days??

 

Yes, I still have it and I'm now intrigued as to how you knew it was mine.......

 

You're not the only Sherlock! It would have been back in the early 80s that you once told me to never even attempt painting a tartan RS headboard! Made a nice change from the usual headboards of the day though. Very fitting for 6229 when it ruled the S&C.

 

Yes, I did attempt to paint one once, not easy. I thought it would save lugging the heavy original one around but in the end I
decided that the original looked much better.

 

Thanks for the names.

Andrew N