Today’s video is of SR Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class Light Pacific 4-6-2 34067 Tangmere on the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express promoted by Railway Touring Company and operated by West Coast Railways. The tour originated at Manchester Piccadilly, travelling via Manchester Oxford Road, Wigan North Western, Preston and up the WCML to terminate at Carlisle. After a short break, the train returned to Manchester via the S&C, Preston (where the steam was planned to come off) and continuing via the outward route. The advantage of chasing this train is that it’s steam hauled for a larger proportion of its journey than the WCMEs that originate at London, so there’s potential for more shots. Weather forecasts for the day weren't very positive beforehand but the weather was quite kind to us which made for a nice change. Also, due to WCR's Central Door Locking issue, they're still making use of their Mk.2s which necessitates the use of an air brake compatible locomotive, the only ones available currently being 34067 and 44871.
I headed out from my local at 6:41, arriving in Carlisle for an Avanti service southwards. Alighting at Lancaster, I took a position on Platform 4 with a good view of the approaching through road. 34067 came absolutely rocketing through, smoking out the station and leaving us impressed. Here I met @themodster and @EHSteamVideos so great to see you both! After this we headed to Oxenholme, where sadly a too low pressure water pump at Carnforth meant she passed us nearly an hour late, still putting on a very impressive show. My plan was to then follow her to Carlisle, getting her leaving before going back down the WCML to Pleasington. I did manage to see her very slippy departure from Carlisle, before I took a Transpennine service back to Preston. Sadly here some news filtered in that due to the late running, 34067 had been taken off the train at Hellifield meaning there was no chance of a 4th shot. In hindsight I'd have liked to try out Armathwaite or Garsdale rather than a Carlisle departure shot, but I wasn't to know that Pleasington wouldn't be possible. I therefore took an Avanti service back to Carlisle, and back home via Newcastle to end a very enjoyable day out!
I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it!