Fellsman Tours 2021

Not seen a thread for the Fellsman so apologies if I'm wrong .

 

A few comments already on the 'Saphos Trains' thread, Steve. Hopefully, plenty of entries will be on this thread that you've started.

 

Running hard to catch up on a slightly late departure from Crewe, rebuilt Bulleid West Country class Pacific No. 34046 Braunton rushes through Hartford station on 26th May 2021 at the head of Saphos Trains' 'The Fellsman' charter to Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle line.



Cheers,

 

Crossing Dutton Viaduct (video still)

 

I was the only person on Chapel lane bridge to await the arrival of an extremely rare visitor to these parts, Braunton. The wind was from the NW, helpful for carrying the sound. There was thin high cloud but sufficient to give light patchy rain - could be tricky! A Bullied whistle in the distance, another, then another soon the busy chattering of the exhaust, then steam above the trees. Braunton came into view, a beautifully proportioned locomotive, clean, shiny at the head of a rake of equally clean and shiny coaches. Her exhaust was pure white as she chattered away appearing to be making a good sure-footed and honest job of lifting her train towards the summit which lies just a few yards beyond the bridge.

I waved to the driver, he returned the wave and as I was the only person present - it was MY wave (big kid that I am, but still smiling at the memory). Any day that the driver of a steam locomotive waves to you is a good day in my books. The 47 passed under the bridge, merely idling. As the train headed along the straight towards Pleasington a bit of watery sunshine seeped from a small gap in the clouds and for a few seconds lit the top of the trailing exhaust. Pretty as a picture.

 

Is this Braunton's debut on the S&C? AN

 

Yes

 

Please God no Ralph, fed up with the sibject

 

34046 at Helwith bridge and Birkett Common.

 

Footage of 34046 on the 1st Fellsman

 

34046 return Fellsman lifting its train off the 20mph slack @ Armathwaite 26.05.21

 

Accelerating away from a TSR, SRWC Class No. 34046 'Braunton' heads away from Lunds towards Ais Gill with todays 'Fellsman' railtour, M. Wylie driving,
J. Gresty on the shovel and S. Lovell TI



Feeding the fire, SRWC Class No. 34046 'Braunton' speeds toward Birkett with the return leg of 'The Fellsman' back to Crewe, P. Murgatroyd driving,
M. Searston on the shovel and M.Dale TI

 

An unexpected change in the wind direction more or less sorted the mis-matched stock problem this morning.

 

The sun was out at Golborne on the return