Home»All my photos»2009 Railway Photographs»Scots Guardsman over the Settle and Carlisle 7 February 2009

Thirty years and four months ago, I last travelled behind 'Rebuilt Scot' 4-6-0 No 46115 Scots Guardsman on the main line. My dream was that one day, I would ride behind her, in BR Brunswick Green, over the Settle and Carlisle. Yesterday, that dream came true. An early start from Manchester and a tortuous journey through Wakefield and Skipton brought us to Hellifield, where No 46115 coupled on. A signal stop at Settle Junction prevented a run at the 1 in 100, but she reached 28 at Settle, 33 beyond Helwith Bridge and dropped only to 22 at the mouth of Blea Moor Tunnel. We had a brisk run across the tops (with 63 at Garsdale) and plenty more lively spells down the hill to Carlisle. Here was my first (and almost only) photo opportunity. The first part of the return run was dogged by signal checks, but the water stop at Appleby was curtailed by six minutes. We stormed up the hill, passing Kirkby Stephen 14 minutes early at 44 mph, and staying above 40 all the way to Ais Gill, reached 24 minutes early. Fast running down from there was punctuated by braking for speed limits and signal checks, but all too soon the dream was over when we reached Hellifield 27 minutes early.