Northern Belle 2023

Many thanks for the information RalphW

 

Scarbough and Windsor Castles head for Bristol with an ECS

 

45212 in charge of today's Northern Belle.

 

45212 at Crosby Garrett.

 

info from Rail Cam 45212 failed at Hellifield

 

I remember having a conversation with Ivo Peters and Norman Lockett on that bridge in 1966. Showing my age now!

 

45212 near Shap Wells and Crosby Garrett.

 

Hung about like cheese at fourpence when the message filtered thro’ to those of us at Ramsgreave and Wilpshire that 45212 was found to have at hot box at Hellifield and was to be replaced by the tail gunner. Went home!

 

With a fortunate break in the showery rain, Black 5 No. 45212 heads today's 'Northern Belle' through Greenholme northbound towards Carlisle with Mick Kelly driving, Fraser Birrell firing and Roly Parker Guard



Just before the heavens opened Class 5 No. 45212 works the return 'Northern Belle' towards Birkett and the south with Mick Kelly driving, Cameron Overend firing and Roly Parker Guard

 

45212 seen from Scout Green through to Shap Wells then on the return in between heavy showers at Birkett Common.

 

Any news on motive power for Saturdays train on the steam leg please?

 

Reported to be 45212 with diesel tail gunner

 

Anyone out for this today?
Currently at a wet and windy Ribblehead.

 

With a lull in the heavy rain 45212 is seen charging through a soggy Oxenholme .

 

Under threatening skies Class 5 No. 45212 heads the 'Northern Belle' through Hincaster and onwards to Carlisle with Mick Rawling/Davidf Blair driving, Fraser Birrell firing and Steve Adams Guard



Just missing a burst of sun light on the return at Aisgill

 

Although I've travelled behind 45212 on several occasions and seen her from the lineside I don't recall seeing her climb Wilpshire - so today was an opportunity I did not intend to miss.

After some morning rain the afternoon cleared into sunshine with just the odd shower. As the hours passed the forecasts converged and suggested that in the Wilpshire area it would be dry except around 18.00 when there was a 50% chance of rain - lucky Oswald (the train was due at 18.21). Mrs W was not available, either as a lucky mascot or, a brolly holder. You know the story by now, drive over, park up, R&W station, onto the platform, set up then faff about with RTT - and so it came to pass.

For some reason there was a 10 minute booked stop at Whalley. Perhaps the view (much nicer than Daisyfield) or, it could be catering reasons. I don't know if it stopped or if it didn't but it passed thro' Clitheroe 6E. Oswald was ready! The clouds gathered, my brolly was to hand. Oswald was ready!

Some exhaust beats echoing back from the retaining wall, she was almost here - camera on! Some exhaust visible in the distance, then the slow, steady beat of the exhaust as the loco slogged towards the station and the waiting throng (all 3 of us and 2 more on the bridge). The sound was magnificent, the translucent exhaust shot high into the sky, progress was slow (and so would last longer).

The sound grew louder and louder, resonating and amplified by the geography of the station - true surround sound. The loco powered past, waves were exchanged with the young men on the footplate. The coaches passed regally by, windows filled with well-filled diners and finally 57.313 emitting a healthy hum. 45212 had a charred smokebox door - you don't get that from letting the diesel do all the work. 18C, 9E & 18mph. What's next? Mrs W reckons. a glass of wine and Match of the Day - cue Gary . . .

 

Tangmere has apparently been test running within the yard at Carnforth this last week so assume she will be back in charge of these shortly.

 

Test run possibly next week I believe.