Winter Cumbrian Mountain Expresses 2014

45736 was 'Phoenix'.

 

Many thanks all. Things definitely improved around Salterwath, with 45699 accelerating against the grade and then quite rapidly once onto the level section. I think it's too early to judge this engine against a class-mate.

A lot of attention has been given to her performances on Shap - but there are other climbs that she has conquered in style. For example, her run up Wilpshire on the return leg of the Lune Habitat last September. Wilpshire from the south is about 2 miles of 1 in 73, compounded by a 20 mph speed limit at the bottom. With 13 behind the tender she went over the top at 24, with the safety valves feathering. Her southbound run over the S&C on saturday was similarly assured, into that vicious headwind. I cannot recall seeing 5690 on any of its runs over the S&C since 2008 coming up and over Ais Gill much better - except for the time it was pushed by a diesel.

 

Galatea was regarded as one of the stronger Jubs back in the day, IIRC. There's a story regarding her taking a huge load up the Lickey & the bankers fell away halfway up, but she actually accelerated away. Terry Essery mentions her, I think, and there was an article pertaining to the late Driver Tom King in an early 'Midland Record' which recounts it. She seems to be getting better as the 'fine tuning' progresses too - credit to those responsible for her.

 

Nay Ralph - Wilpshire from the south - i.e. Daisyfield Junction - 20 mph restriction over the points and then onto the climb.

 

It would be something for her to do Beattock solo in the near future. 5690 has done some spectacular performances North of Carlisle in 2009,2010.
2009 West Highlander had 11 coaches. mike rab4472 has both of those on Youtube.

 

Due to a change in circumstances at work I've a ticket for the CME later in the program, that it looks like I won't be able to use, if anyone is interested in buying this off me at a reduced price, please send a pm?

Tickets are issued by e-mail, so I can forward that way, joining station requested is Preston

 

again!

 

Galatea had better behave, I've got friends on board today who are new to steam tours ......

Hope SG is back for our trip on the 22nd.

 

Can only hope that No. 46115 is in better health for next weekend, I would suspect that if the fine tuning is completed in time, she may have another test run this week?

Hope Galatea is up to the job again. I had thought about coming down, but these engineering works are proving a nightmare for now. 7 hours to do Shap - Fife ( a 3 hour increase ) isn't a tantalising thought. Good luck to all who head out today!

 

As I feared - Galatea lost 17 mins from Carnforth to Penrith, and is now held there due to loco issues according to my on-train source

Edit - talk of being rescued by a box now .....

 

According to RTT, 50 late in to Carlisle? Leaving some delays behind her too....

 

Not heard from my contact on board since Penrith .... she was hoping to visit the castle. Probably another first timer who won't book again.

 

50 late in. Load 11.stopped for 22min at Penrith lack of steam according to Steward. Steam ok now.

 

Galatea arrived at Carlisle 1322 (due 1233). Has delayed two Virgins and an intermodal, and probably also the start of a major engineering possession at Shap.

Andrew N