Home»All my photos»2009 Railway Photographs»Leander launches "The Fellsman" 29 July 2009

New tour company Statesman Rail ran its first steam tour yesterday, "The Fellsman" from Lancaster to Preston and Blackburn, then over the Settle - Carlisle. LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No 5690 Leander reached 73 mph on the straight and level main line to Preston, then turned east to pick up passengers at Bamber Bridge, Blackburn, Clitheroe and Long Preston. The loco got away sharply from its final pickup, reaching 55 mph by Settle Junction. The 1 in 100 and the damp rail in the mist and drizzle took their toll and we dropped to 26 at Taitlands, recovered to 40 after Helwith Bridge and reached Ribblehead without dropping below 30 again. Leander ran freely down from Ais Gill, having to brake frequently to keep its speed within the limit. Contary to the weather forecast, the mist and rain cleared for the return run. Leander performed well again on the southward climb from Appleby, accelerating to 38 past Outhgill and reaching Ais Gill Summit at 32 mph. Its final challenge was the steep climb from Whalley Viaduct to Wilpshire, where it slogged away steadily in the high 20s with its ten coach load – not at all bad for a Class 6 engine with a ten coach load.