34067 Tangmere at full speed through Lancaster! | The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express | 10/2/24

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 top 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!

[@railfreightdrivergallagherGBRf]

Still 20 short of how fast they ran on the main line in steam days. Flying machines. Great video. JG.

[@2010ditta]

Didn't realise a Southern loco could go that fast. Epic!!

[@chrisbailey9331]

Who ever the footplate crew are they certainly know how to get the best performance out of this old girl 👍🏻😄

[@jagracershoestring609]

I well remember, as a child, standing on Paddock Wood station platform waiting for the Tunbridge Wells train, hearing the Night Mail, and Golden Arrow whistles screaming as they raced flat out through the vibrating station. Often, the Night Mail had a west Country piloted by an L1 with 14 or 15 heavy Wagon Lit's sleepers and a few bogie parcel vans. Those were the days!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

That loco is gonna be used again on the 24th of February railtour which I will soon see a diesel loco headed that tour for the morning

[@TheGreatWesternGuy]

Absolutely stunning footage mate! Tangmere's a favourite of mine, and I'm not able to see her very often. This more than made up for it. Keep up the good work!

[@daicymru5527]

Brilliant to see a steam loco at full flight, But sad to see a diesel at the back!

[@rarerufus8864]

Very well controlled wheel-slip, a characteristic of the Class, at which the driver must get regular practice and has now got down to a fine art. A very impressive locomotive and very well filmed. Thank you.

[@22pcirish]

Driver must be on a promise!

[@rsilman73]

Is it me, or has Tangmere's exhaust beat got harsher and louder? Not a smooth and even as usual.

[@a.r.productions]

There's giving it the beans and then there's that!

[@oli720-oli]

Lovely video, thank you for sharing. ❤

[@levelcrossing150]

Great footage, many thanks.

[@irelandbloke]

Super shots ! 👍

[@trainsacrossthenorth]

Great video! She was really going for it at Lancaster! Saw it at Manchester Piccadily 👍

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

I was born in Lancaster ( in 1943) in a house next to the line from Castle Station to Green Ayre. I just wish all my photos from back in the 1950/60 were on film/video. Not much has change at Castle Station, as it was called, but your excellent clips, despite the crowd, bring back all those memories. Thanks; Mike now in S/Wales

[@doctordave12]

Very nice! Lancaster is always a good shot!

[@flyingmutley]

Great. Thanks for the memory

[@user-ie5ro8fn3i]

Hi ,Great filming .....Dave

[@PandaadoTrains]

Very nice and I got to look inside the cab of the train at Preston and my video of that train will be out in around 25 mins!