Leander launches "The Fellsman" 29 July 2009

29th 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.

Contrary 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.

LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander draws into Lancaster station with the first Fellsman 1024x768 DSCF7516.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander heads out of Hellifield towards Carlisle 1024x768 DSCF7527.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander has reached Carlisle at the end of its outward run 1024x768 DSCF7535.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander has reached Carlisle at the end of its outward run 1024x768 DSCF7541.JPG
LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander has reached Carlisle at the end of its outward run 1024x768 DSCF7552.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander reverses its train out of Carlisle station 1024x768 DSCF7561.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander reverses its train out of Carlisle station 1024x768 DSCF7567.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander is ready to depart Carlisle on its return journey 1024x768 DSCF7575.JPG
LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander takes water at Appleby 1024x768 DSCF7576.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander has the road to head from Appleby up the climb to Ais Gill 1024x768 DSCF7592.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander enters the goods loop at Hellifield, whilst a Class 66 heads north on a cement train 1024x768 DSCF7599.JPG	LMS Jubilee No 5690 Leander has reached Preston on its return journey 1024x768 DSCF7606.JPG