Diversions over the Settle and Carlisle Railway 1999

RES liveried 47634 approaches Howe & Co Sidings to the south of Carlisle with a diverted Cross Country working, 1O38 0735 Glasgow Central to Bournemouth. The down starter is on and a shunting signal is almost lost in the bushes of the former gypsum works exchange sidings.

The former Midland Railway signalbox at Low House Crossing stands guard over the road. 156484 was held here to allow a diverted working to clear the section ahead of it. The set is working 2H85 0925 SO Carlisle to Leeds.

The up ROYAL SCOT comes over the level crossing at Culgaith and passes the former Midland Railway signalbox. 47778 leads an InterCity liveried mkIII and DVT set, 1M22 0839 off Glasgow Central to London Euston.

A down train approaches Culgaith with a class 2 local working. 156490 and 156484 forms 2H82 0847 Leeds to Carlisle.

The awesome sight and sound of a Deltic at speed, the first time for some 17 years. D9000 pilots 47884 through Appleby with 1O40, 0910 Edinburgh to Brighton. Train could be heard for several miles before it appeared, as it came into sight the driver shut off the power. As he came past the signalbox he opened the throttle and the two Napier Deltic D18-25 two stroke 1650hp powerplants screamed into life and the train tore through the station about 70-80mph. It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up!!

Kirkby Stephen is the setting for 156480 as it draws to a stop with a local working, 2H89 1151 Carlisle to Leeds.

The first down diverted train is seen approaching Kirkby Stephen behind 47831. The train is 1S55 0725 Euston to Glasgow Central.

156489 sits in the dock at Kirkby Stephen with the north end cab sheeted over. This set was damaged on 14/1/99 when it was derailed by a landslip near Crosby Garrett and then hit by a slow moving coal train. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt. Behind is the BR built signalbox which replaced the Midland 'box which suffered from water penetration to its foundations!!

A mixed InterCity and Virgin liveried HST passes through Kirkby Stephen with an up diverted cross country working. 43067 is the rear powercar on 1V52 1110 Glasgow Central to Penzance.

Still at Kirkby Stephen, but a move to the overbridge just to the north of the station gives this view. Fragonset 47709 passes the down starter with 1S54 0550 Bournemouth to Glasgow Central cross country working.

A rare freight in between the usual and diverted passenger trains. 66047 comes up to the off up home signal protecting Kirkby Stephen. It is powering a rake of empty gypsum containers running as 6E13 1355 Newbiggin to Knottingley. The gypsum is a by product of power station flue desulpherisation process and is also found naturally.

The sun is shining weakly at Garsdale despite the dark and stormy clouds to the south. 156484 runs into the station with the 1247 Leeds departure to Carlisle.

Turning round to get the going away shot of 156484. The down starter has been put back to danger, as has the advanced starter, as the set crosses Dandry Mire viaduct.

We have already seen the up ROYAL SCOT at Culgaith, this is the down working, 1S57 1030 Euston to Glasgow Central. 47778 brings the train over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct with the line climbing at 1 in 100. The line was singled over the viaduct many years ago to ease the stresses on the structure.

A loaded MGR working behind 66078 caught me out. This working is 7Z32 0658 from Ayr to an as required power station. The destination of these trains varies on a week to week basic depending on demand.

Sitting at the south end of the up loop at Blea Moor is 47822 acting as a Thunderbird. In the event of a train failing, it will go out and rescue it.

From Blea Moor to Garsdale the down line is bi-directional. 156480 is about to pass the recently installed up starter off the down line. The train is 2H92 1447 Leeds to Carlisle. The down loop is no longer in use here.

An up local passes the refurbished former Midland Railway signalbox. The ex signalman's cottage is still unoccupied despite being up for sale for several years. 156471 works 2H93 1423 Carlisle to Leeds. Blea Moor tunnel is visible in the distance as is evidence of its construction on the hill above the unit.

Ingleborough rises in the background as 43062 comes round heading north with a diverted long distance 1S71 0720 Penzance to Glasgow Central. The point where the single track becomes double is visible in the foreground. 47822 departed south just after the HST cleared the section at Settle Junction.

43079 is the rear powercar of the Penzance to Glasgow working.

A double headed southbound working comes through the cutting to the north of Blea Moor 'box with the southern portal of Blea Moor tunnel visible in the background. 47709 fronts 47831 on 1M33 1410 Edinburgh to Birmingham New Street, the up Midland Scot.

A grand overview of the Blea Moor loops and buildings can be have from the occupation bridge just to the north. 47818 in Virgin house colours grinds up the last mile or so of the 15 mile 1 in 100 climb from Settle junction to Blea Moor. The train is 1S76 the 0915 Brighton to Edinburgh cross country working, The Sussex Scot.

In the fading light I was heading away when the signalman at Blea Moor 'box shouted that an HST was on its way. There was just enough light to record 43155 leading 1S39 1120 Bournemouth to Edinburgh.