The Fellsman 2017

25/07/2017 - LMS 8F 48151 returning with "The Fellsman" in the evening sunshine at Wilpshire

 

The Fellsman 25 July 2017 – 48151 hauling 10+POB

Fine drizzle was in the air as Mrs W and I made the short journey to Blackburn station, but it stopped before we arrived. This was a trip we had discussed in previous years but had always left booking until it was too late. So popular is The Fellsman that this year’s reduced number of trips was fully booked many weeks ago.

There had been no firm info on which of the 3 (or 4) possible locos would turn up; it was 48151. I had not travelled behind 48151 since the ill-fated, Yorkshire Coast Express (3 April 2013). We were in the fourth coach and with Mick Kelly driving and Frank Chippendale firing we were away from platform 1 RT. We didn’t get very far as we were held before Daisyfield Jn. After only 1 minute we were away again and built speed to pass Wilpshire summit at 30, then down the bank, across the arches, through Whalley station and to our next pick up at Clitheroe (dep RT). 48151 sounded busy as she climbed the bank past Rimington and crossed the A59 with a minimum of 29, then a gentle saunter to arrive in Hellifield loop 3E.

After taking water we departed 2L. We had another pickup at Long Preston, so the usual brisk acceleration was replaced by a trundle. We left 2L and now had only 2 miles to gain some momentum, on an, albeit, falling gradient. We passed Settle Jn at 51 but 3½L, speed rose to 52 just beyond but fell back to 39 by Settle station (2L). Speed dropped to just above 29 north of Stainforth but improved to 30 by Helwith Bridge (1L) and to 36 on the level beyond. The sound of 48151 could be heard clearly despite all the toplights in our coach being closed. (Some fine cinders continued to make their way in through gaps around our seemingly “closed” window; a lady sitting at our table was becoming obsessed with them as she had ill advisably decided to travel in her best(?), light coloured clothing. At one point she placed an A4 sheet of paper on her shoulder to keep the cinders off; I thought it best not to open the window.)

We were through Horton in R at 32 (1L), speed climbed to 34 beyond but fell back to 30 as we approached Selside, back up to 32 through Ribblehead (2E), across the viaduct, past Blea Moor SB (3E) and into the tunnel. Job well done. The climb from Settle Jn to Blea Moor SB had taken only 2 mins longer than DoS (CME 22 July) and with an identical load. We passed Garsdale at 53 (1E) and gained a few seconds before passing Ais Gill at 51 (1½E). Keeping time on the downhill stretch usually requires some running around line speed (60 mph) but we had a 50 mph loco. However, with plenty of running in the low to mid 50s we arrived at Appleby for water (3E). As the tender still contained 2500 gallons no water was taken and the tanker sent on to Carlisle.

It was becoming increasingly sunny as we left Appleby (RT) and we soon passed Kirkby Thore SB at 52 but 1L. Despite some vigorous downhill running, within the constraints posed by our locomotive, we continued to struggle to keep time. We passed Howe & Co 3L but, with a generous allowance of 11 mins for the last 5 miles and a clear road in, we stopped in platform 3 at Carlisle (RT).

So off we went for lunch in a cloudy but warm Carlisle, sandwiches at a cafe on the corner of the square (BLT for Mrs W and a bacon & brie for me – bacon again!). Time for a stroll around Bitts Park, where the playground was swarming with kids, then back to the centre for a bit of shopping. We returned to the station just in time to see 48151 leaving A road with the ECS and reverse into platform 1. We took our seats, now midway along the ninth coach. I opened the toplight, only an inch, but you do need to hear the engine!

We were away 1L with Ron Smith? driving (so I was told but didn’t get chance to check) and Bob Bullock firing. It was a steady start; it is usual to be doing 30 as you pass under the M6 (2 miles out) – we were doing 23. Howe & Co was passed at 37 now 3L, Lowe House Crossing (42 & 4L), Armathwaite (46 & 4L). 48151 was working hard but as she was not permitted to run at line speed on the short downhills she had limited momentum for the climbs. By Langwathby we were 5L, but some good running beyond meant we were only 2½L into a sunny Appleby.

Quickly off the train and to the ice cream lady (Mrs W chose Thunder & Lightning and I had Ginger – deeelicious!). RT off Appleby and a sprint downhill to Ormside Viaduct (52) where the climb to Ais Gill begins. As the gradient eases at Crosby Garrett we were 1½L & 40. Then the 1/100r begins, but this is what 8Fs do best, Kirkby Stephen (RT & 31), into Birkett Tunnel at 28 and out at 27, the gradient eases again (1/330r) at Mallerstang (less than 1L and 33) then up to 38 beyond, down to 30 across Ais Gill Viaduct, 28 under the road bridge and 27 at the summit (2½L).

The deficit had increased to 3L by Blea Moor SB where an Arcow Quarry – Bredbury train was waiting in the UGL for us to pass. Then it was down the hill to pass Settle Jn (50 & RT), a stop at Long Preston to let out passengers and finally a slow switch into Hellifield UGL where we stopped (1L). A few minutes later the Bredbury bound stone train passed us in the platform line. Mrs W and I moved forward one coach into F (this was empty, having been vacated by the “Long Prestoners” and now we had a fully open toplight).

Watering complete, a toot on the whistle told the signalman we were ready for the off and 4E we got the road. There followed a very sedate run towards Clitheroe; too early and we would wait at Horrocksford Jn, too late and we may miss our slot. We were early and held for 5 mins, then into Clitheroe to let out passengers. We were away 4E; again a similar problem we didn’t want to arrive at Whalley before the preceding service train had cleared the section (over 6 miles). We trundled along and as we approached Whalley we were down to 7 mph, then the clear signal was sighted and we were up to 17 through the station (2E), Billington 18, Langho (2L) but up to 20 on the 1/81½r. 48151 was “shouting out loud” and willing its train up the bank, down to 18 into Wilpshire Tunnel and 17 out, a minimum of 16.6 and through Ramsgreave and Wilpshire (2E) then over the summit and down towards Blackburn. We were almost stopped at Daisyfield Jn but continued on our way through the tunnel and into platform 2 at Blackburn (RT). Before I had time to reach the front to confirm who was driving, a quick toot and she was away.

We had another very enjoyable day out with an “engine that could”. 48151 appears to be a strong and free running engine and it is easy to see why she is so highly rated by Carnforth footplate crew. Our thanks to all concerned in organising and operating the trip. After 3 trips in a week (8 days for the pedants) I think I’ve a bit of a break coming up, so back to the day job – retirement can be so very tiring . . .

 

Thanks very much for the review, @Oswald T Wistle . A couple of questions if I may. Is a lot of the Fellsman traffic coach tours? I'm intrigued as to why it consistently books up months in advance. Also, did you notice whether a lot of people got off at Appleby for the trip to Ullswater which seems like a good idea if the weather is OK.

 

I didn't see anything to suggest that the Fellsman attracted coach tourists. Most passengers appeared to be local. At least a carriage load boarded at Blackburn, same at Clitheroe and same again at Long Preston. Some, like us were first-timers; others were repeat travellers. The Dalesman and Scarborough Spa are well advertised in the local press but I can't remember if the Fellsman was similarly advertised, however, it does have a proven track record and is always fully booked - perhaps a mix of the previously satisfied travellers and disappointed would be passengers? There were 6 or 7 from our coach who left/rejoined at Appleby, don't know if this was representative of the whole train or if all of them went on the Ullswater cruise.

 

I think the "parties" are more likely to be those applying through Newmarket Holidays which has more recently become prominent in advertising "steam trips" in local newspapers rather than promoting them through coach operators.

 

Noticed this week as 10 + POB. Am I remembering earlier seasons correctly that there was one more coach?

 

10 and POB today also with the Scot.

 

SG had 11 on today. Working well up Hoghton Bank running RT, plenty of noise and plenty of exhaust on a coolish morning with watery sunshine and a threatening sky to the west.

So that's the first three trains of this season with 11 coaches. Previous years have had 12 and there is a clue in the blurb that came with the ticket from Statesman Rail. From section about boarding at stations with short platforms, "The Fellsman normally consists of 12 carriages . . ."

 

Yet they are suggesting that they are 'sold out' which does not seem to be a coach being dropped for lack of sales?

 

Maybe one of the Statesman rake is not available for some reason or other?

 

Is there a 'Statesman Rake' looking at the consist today the vast majority are WCRC branded and include the named carriages which are seen in a vast range of services?

On another matter, there are certain suggestions that this could be 46115's last jaunt prior to withdrawal, if that is the case will be sad to see her go.

 

01/08/2017 - 46115 "Scots Guardsman" coasting across Whalley Arches running on "the Fellsman" - still taken off a video

 

From memory Statesman has coaches which are maintained at Carnforth presently. Supplemented by WC coaches for Fellsmans.
Echo your remarks if this the end of current life for 46115. Hopefully it will get the same priority treatment enjoyed by the 8F in terms of overhaul queue.

 

46115 "Scots Guardsman" at Selside with The Fellsman, on 1st August 2017.

 

46115 'Scots Guardsman' with 'The Fellsman' on 1/8/17 at Hoghton Bottoms, Newsholme and Selside

 

Not sure, today rake only has two not branded WCRC, one of which is the 'pullman' and I think the other is one of the ex SLOA pullmans in maroon (I may be majorly wrong here!)

I have always bot the impression that 46115 is a bit of a pet for Mr Smith, possibly as is 48151 as his first love so fingers crossed.

 

but look at what may be hopefully waiting in the wings in the meanwhile, a clue, its number begins with a 3

 

Lovely shot,beautifully processed

 

At the mo it's number begins with 9!

 

Nifty turn of speed from Hoghton to Newsholme! The latter section with Pendle Hill in the background was tremendous but equalled by Selside.