46233 The Cumbrian Mountain Express 6th Sept 2014

The big fat Duchess passing Garsdale in typical S&C weather.....................wet, cold, foggy and dull.

clickety click

 

Excellent frame Stuart and to most that's a Summers day up North!!

 

Thanks Phil, you should have seen the weather later, I've never seen so much rain outside of Manchester!

 

Thank you kindly. Thought it would make a bit of a change and feared "The" Steve might have nicked the dry spot under the bridge at Hoghton.

Chris

 

Cheers Steve lol You were pretty quick getting your scorecards out Shep LOL






s.a.s likes this

 

Thank you very much it is much appreciated.

 

here's my humble offering from Keld and Appleby

 

Considering the weather Mrs W & I were fortunate to be travelling on the train rather than hanging about in the countryside.

I have neither the skills to make a detailed log of the journey nor do I possess a speed recording device, so these are simply my impressions from coach H.

Departed Bolton on time and effortlessly gained on the schedule and as a consequence we were early at Lostock Hall Jct and held. We started the climb to Hoghton and built speed quickly, a slight slip further up the bank (SGT video) then more measured but sure-footed. Watered at Cherry Tree, left Blackburn RT. Very slow across Daisyfield Jct then speed built quickly to Wilpshire (I'd always thought this was uphill!). Early through Clitheroe and continued early to Hellifield.

Took my place at an open droplight, we were away from Hellifield a couple of minutes soon, tore through Long Preston and up through Settle. Loco was obviously putting out the power but it did seem so very much within her capabilities. Gained a couple of minutes up to Blea Moor. Returned to my seat and removed the cinders from my hair (well I would have done if I had that much hair). Just kept going along on time or early. Weather improved in the Eden Valley and arrived on time in a sunny Carlisle.

Bit of lunch then a lovely afternoon shopping (got to keep in Mrs W's good books).

On time away from Carlisle. Now only 2 coaches back from the loco - no need to stand, it was "chimney music" all the way. 3 minutes early into Appleby and first to the ice cream seller. Away early and continued to gain on schedule with sounds that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The weather had returned to normal (rain) but the loco forged on, all too soon we were over the top a quick dash through Garsdale and around the top of Dentdale and down the other side.

Early in and out of Hellifield and through Clitheroe early. We had to dawdle along on the approach to Whalley waiting for a green, once we got it the loco was opened up and blasted across Whalley Arches and up the bank, even though we must have been using plenty of steam the safety valves opened for what seemed like and age closing again just before Langho. We blasted up the bank (I thought it was 1 in 82) and the safety valves lifted again only re-seating just before Wilpshire Tunnel. Over the summit and down towards Blackburn where our early arrival at Daisyfield Jct led to a 10 minute wait to be allowed into the station.

A quick water stop in the dark at Cherry Tree. We were regaining lost time and were almost back RT by Chorley, however we were checked on the approach to Bolton and arrived 3 minutes late. Out of the carriage and down to the front to watch the Duchess steam off into the night.

Highlight of the day? Easy, asking and being allowed a quick visit to the footplate. The last time I had been on the footplate was at Bressingham in 1982 and was told that the loco would never steam again - how wrong they were!

Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable day and thanks to all who braved the rain and posted all the excellent photos and videos (as usual).

Overall impression, a tremendous machine - but I already knew that.

 

Fabulous to see 46233 again yesterday, video from an eerie Pleasington now up:

 

Superb night shot David with 46233 sounding fantastic in the dark .

 

Many thanks Steve - the calm air was a real benefit. As I was walking away from the station she could still be heard whistling for the numerous crossings around Hoghton etc.

 

Thanks Ralph. I wasn't sure what noises I'd hear next - all slightly disconcerting and it was something of a relief when 46233 could be heard departing Cherry Tree

 

Hi Guys,this is my shot of the Southbound CME on 06/09/2014

https://www.flickr.com/photos/garstangpost/15003131068/in/photostream/

 

Beautiful early autumn tones there Tony, and what a sight 46233 makes on that full maroon rake.
Many thanks, David.

 

Some very nice shots and video - Toni, you did especially well considering the conditions

I was at Dent Head viaduct for the northbound - resorted to B&W and a 1950s feel as it was so dreary in colour

https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1059/15021194877/


Then at Ais Gill for the return - the Duchess is definitely impressive close up

https://www.flickr.com/photos/d1059/15030388020/