A long way from the Northampton and Lamport, 45118 at the tail end of the tour at Crewe
Thanks to Guy Kendrick for the report and phots
A ½hr drive from an overnighter in Northwich got us to Crewe for 07.20.Plenty of cranks milling round in and outside the station but very few (if any) TikToks.A good atmosphere. Stock came in onto 11 whilst queuing for a brew.
50050 looked immaculate on the front and the stock was also exceptional. From the rear 9513, 11068, 11075 (coach H and our ride for the day),11091,11098, 10411, 11070, 11076, 11082, 11066 and 1666 (kitchen car) behind the class 50.
On the rear and providing air con 45118 looked splendid. All locomotives today were a credit to LSL in their presentation. Some could learn from this outfit…..you know who I mean. Great atmosphere in our coach throughout the day. The MK3 FO’s really are superb compared with the rancid coffins used on other charters! And…..NO RIDICULOUS LENGTHYPA! Just the info you need delivered quietly and efficiently. Staff were all a credit to the organisation it must be said.
Right time out of Crewe, 90050 looked fantastic in the cosmetic restoration paint job sat in the Heritage centre yard. The APT a little less fresh…
6 down into Preston saw us joined by the Glasgow contingent. 90mph reached on several occasions on GPS with 46mph at Shap summit. Not too bad for an old bird dragging 11 and a peak for company!
The 50 failed just outside Carlisle with oil pressure and coolant issues but was nursed in only 4 mins adrift.
Train reversed for the run down the S&C which put us three coaches behind the mighty Sulzer. She could clearly be heard even inside a MK3. The run across to Hellifield saw us only 7 mins adrift in spectacular scenery and sunshine. The noise through the tunnels up by Blea Moor was outstanding. Many people lineside photting and filming.
40013 and the 50 at Preston with the tour, Hellifield bound
5 Early through Clitheroe and right time back at Preston at 14.30……now at the back of the consist. 40013 was then attached to the dead 50050 for the circular run back to Hellifield and via Carnforth back to Preston, the Settle-Carnforth required by me. Despite the crowds on Preston it was a great atmosphere with only one drunken crank being a pain in the arse…..but to be fair he was ignored and soon went off to find his medication, or another audience.
Even from the rear the 40 was still audible and given the curves and train length was visible from the stock. Gen has the peak assisting on numerous occasions during this run shoving from the rear. Our coach remained nicely ambient in temp but the dining at the front were having issues with melting point in coach C resulting in the stock of water and fans disappearing. The sharp curves into and out of Carnforth gave a great view of the depot with many live and demic 47’s, 57’s and tractors visible. 33029 minding her own at the rear. Peak assistance gave us 85mph at Garstang on the run back into Preston. 40013 then took the 50 back home with a massive audience on the platform ends.
This is where the wheels came off. Track circuit issues at Wigan meant the LE move from Crewe were late. 20118 leading 20132 towing tractors 37521 and 37409 eventually arrived and split. Once again at the back we left +51 for the circular via Blackburn, Rochdale, Man Vic and Bolton but the 37’s were epic. And it’s a lovely run snaking across the base of the moors over viaducts and through tunnels, with the sun eventually disappearing behind the architecture of Manchester. It might have been pedestrian but it was fantastic as the light was exactly right. Big buildings, old demic warehouses, low light, shining track and signals. Brilliant .
And of course the growl from the front of the train. Good pair. +48 back into Preston and a quick turnaround with the 20’s moved from the bay onto the front of the peak put us at the front for the run back to Crewe. Shortly after the tractors had charged off south back to depot the signal came off and the 20’s rattled off the platform in good order……driven to full power an outstanding racket. Hellfire! The peak was again giving a healthy shove and the combo of big Sulzer and EE wide open was a sound that should be bottled and sold.
+32 back into Crewe was a decent claw back. All in all a long day but also a great one.. My first time with InterCity/ LSL but definitely not the last. Great outfit. Take a bow.
Rolled into bed at 01.30 this morning.
Thanks to Guy Kendrick for the report.
Leighton Lists 