~The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express~
26th January 2013
Heavy snowfall fell in the north of England on the night of Friday 25th, would we be able to get to the station? Will the train be in the right place (after the derailment in Salford, three days earlier)? Are both engines in the mood? The weakest link will break the chain, fingers were firmly crossed.
Winter CME from 11th Feb 2012
The bait. Why should I always be the spectator? Last year we booked on a trip in May, but it was cancelled. When The Railway Touring Company listed their winter programme, I spotted a gem. The first run of the season was to be a Double-Headed Black 5 - hauled, Cumbrian Mountain Express up the West Coast Mainline and then back via the Settle & Carlisle. All we needed was a little snow and two "in-form" crews and engines, is that too much to ask for?
Scroll down for photos and a description of the day....
Blackburn Railway Station
At least four inches of snow fell on Friday night. We had to get to Blackburn for a connecting train to Preston. I was up at 05:00hrs checking the rail news on t'internet and then clearing snow off the car. We arrived at a dark Blackburn Station in good time for the 07:16 for Preston.
Here Comes The Train
The charter train started at Manchester Victoria, then picked up at Bolton and arrived in Preston a few minutes later than scheduled. As this was an extra-special event, we'd booked First Class at a price of .... well quite a lot!
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First Class Service |
Table Stuff |
The plush carriage even had a wall-papered ceiling. Waiters served drinks and snacks. All passengers received a tour programme. We are being pulled by two Black 5 Engines, Nos. 44871 and 45497. Both owned by Ian Riley and based at Bury. Does this help to explain my visit to The East Lancashire Railway last week? Remember this one?
No. 44871 at Bury - The Leading Engine on Today's Train
Watering at Carnforth
If you are on the train, it is not too easy to see the train (obviously!) All doors with drop-down windows were occupied by seasoned travellers and some went to great lengths to protect themselves from soot and the effect of cold, rushing air:
Frightening!
Anywhere else, he'd be arrested and locked up on suspicion of planning some devious act of malevolance.
Passing Natland, South Cumbria
North of Oxenholme
Well, if you can't be at the lineside, employ some Special Agents! Don and Nicola read my appeal on The Natland Blog for any contributions - the above two photos were taken at roughly the same time, but from different sides of the track.
Near Grayrigg
Passing Red?
No, red is for the siding, we're green for "line clear". I was ready for the Grayrigg curves, an opportunity to see the engines from the train. I was really looking forward to taking a photo of Lowgill Viaduct on the old Sedbergh line.
The Lune Gorge
The wind direction (NW) pushed the exhaust steam and smoke across my view of the Lowgill Viaduct, so no photo this time. However, by the time we entered the Lune Gorge, we had great views up to Tebay, with Jeffrey's Mount on the left and Howgill Fells on the right.
Approaching Shap
Shap is the summit of the West Coast Main Line and at 916ft above sea level represents a significant climb for steam engines. Our "5's" made it look easy. I will offer links at the foot of the page and you too can watch the train head over Shap!
Fantastic Location!
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Racing Through Penrith
Carlisle Railway Station
Soon enough we arrive at Carlisle, our destination. Everyone hurried off the train to go and look at the engines, so we crossed over to the other platform, where everyone else was and had a look at these triumphant legends of the "steam era". The headboard is a bit of a mystery to me, maybe they couldn't find "The Cumbrian Mountain Express" board.
Reversing Engines
The train comprised two engines, a support coach (seen here), 10 carriages and a Class 47 diesel brought up the rear. I believe it is not unusual for such a train to have a diesel in tow - maybe it's providing the heating, maybe it's just insurance against any type of engine failure at the front end. At Carlisle, the engines can use a triangle of track to turn around and face forward again for the return trip.
The Border Town's Main Street
We found a good pub in Carlisle for a beer and a light lunch.
Peter & Harry
Two of my travelling companions. My brother and Harry are "old" school friends and collectively know a vast amount about trains and railways. Heritage diesel loco's, especially Class 40's are their favourite.
Resting in Carlisle Station
Lots of photographers were busy at the station.
A Troop of Rail Photographers - 3 names so far ...
The black-jacketed enthusiast is Ruairidh MacVeigh, the bright blue coat belongs to "Cazdeltic" (Callum?) and the chap third from the left is Allan McKever and he took the following two photos:
44871 and 45407 at Carlisle
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Departing Carlisle at 14:30hrs
And so begins the trip south over England's most scenic railway line - the Settle & Carlisle. It is true that I had now surrendered a window seat and thus was less likely to take photos. However, enjoy the next few photos, there's still plenty to see....
Charles Little's photo at Cumwhinton
Isn't that a fantastic scene and wonderful photograph?
Near Langwathby
Taking Water at Appleby
Passengers had time to disembark and have a look around Appleby Railway Station.
Engines at Appleby
Soon enough, we're on the move again. Photo opportunties strictly limited as the weather closed in on the impressive climb to Ais Gill. Hundreds of photographers welcomed the train at Ais Gill summit, again refer to the links down below.
Black Fives 44871 and 45407 head past Greengate (just south of Kirkby Stephen) in rapidly deteriorating weather and light, by David Horner. Note the rods in tandem, both down in this photograph.
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Arten Gill |
Blea Moor Signal Box |
Ribblehead Viaduct
Crossing the famous viaduct in the fading light and encroaching gloom of a chilly winter afternoon. Camera away, we progressed through Settle and Hellifield and on to a final water stop at Chatburn. Then the steepest climb on the journey, up Whalley Bank to Blackburn. We left the train at Blackburn, thus answering the question of why did they get a service train from Blackburn to Preston at the start of the day? The charter train's route back to Manchester did not go through Preston Station and most travellers had to catch the next service train to Preston - we did that awkward bit of the journey in the morning, rather than the evening.
Cheerio!
Somewhere in there, the steam engines pull the train away from Blackburn.
No.44871 at Carlisle
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Don Shore's walking adventures: Boot Boys
When Trainspotters Fail! - contains one mildly offensive expletive.
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