86259 arrives at Watford Jn with the Cumbrian Coast Express Tour
Back in the day I was a pretty keen “roarer” (class 81-85) basher. I hated “cans” (class 86) with a passion as they had a habit of ambushing you on what were fairly solid “roarer” turns, and they did nearly everything else as well.
I knew only one “can” basher “Boghead” from Birmingham. I can remember to this day back in February 86 when he did a little hand clap and jig when 862xx moved off of the holding siding at Euston and 85030 remained there, off diagram!
Still, times change, with the “roarers” now scrapped or stored unserviceable at Barrow Hill, to enjoy classic AC traction you have to do tours. The run on June 1st saw 86259 making an extended run from Euston to Carlisle so was quickly booked, even though it was primarily a “kettle” tour.
86259 stormed North in fine style the highlight being the Lune gorge in sun. At Carlisle many cabbed 86259, as the proud loco owner Les Ross looked on. The kettle 34067 “Tangmere” was pretty dull on her chuff round the Cumbrian Coast, not helped by the coffin’s stock air conditioning seeing us sweltering in the fierce afternoon June sun.
The centre of attention, 86259 on arrival at Carlisle, she then proceeded light back to Carnforth
Heres the tea pot, 34067 “Tangmere”, an unrebuit Battle of Britain class loco at Carlisle with the tour
47746 was attached to the rear of the tour for eth from Carlisle to Carnforth
At Carnforth 86259 took over for the return run and boy did she go. Rugby to the Keynes start to stop in 29 minutes for the 32.74 miles is an average of 68.24 mph via Weedon. A good day out on a loco in tip top condition with top drivers to match..
PS – there was no sign of “Boghead” the can basher on this tour either!
A pathing stop at Crewe allowed a welcome leg stretch and photo opportunity
86259 at Watford awaiting departure for the final 17 miles back to Euston with the tour
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