61306 & 35018 Thunder over Shap & the S&C on the WCME 2/2/19.

B1 61306 Mayflower & SR 35018 British India Line were at the Helm of West Coast Railway Companies second Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express from London Euston to Carlisle via Shap and back via the Settle and Carlisle line . The pair would take over the train at Carnforth and take on the 1 in 75 climb of Shap Bank and are seen in snowy and sunny conditions at Shap Wells . The return over the Settle and Carlisle line sees the pair at Birkett common after a restart from Kirkby Stephen . Thanks to Nigel for the lift today .

[@weatheroakwanderer5941]

Just came across this Steve, great video....... captures the reputation of Shap as being, er, slightly cold and unforgiving....!

[@matthewormston27]

just bloody fantastic...sent shivers down my spine. AWESOME sights.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Mathew , it was a day to remember that's for sure . Steve

[@highphysics3617]

The more I look at it,the better it becomes. You definitely have the magic touch.

[@highphysics3617]

My,oh! My.....what a magnificent video. Brilliant,absolutely brilliant. The plume in the beginning is out of this world! Super stuff,Steve.

[@stratac30]

There's something special about steam photography on a sunny cold winters day with snow covering the landscape and this video encapsulates it. Excellent.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Geoff , steam tours and snow always work well I reckon 👍

[@robmasterman]

It doesn't get better than this Steve...absolutely stunning.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Bob , must admit it was a special day . Steve

[@rainbownines]

Outstanding quality. Brilliantly captured.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Dave , can’t go wrong in that sort of weather 👍

[@rolandharmer6402]

The magic of steam and snow - and brilliant photography! Many thanks.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Roland , you’re so right as it’s a magical combination 👍

[@rjas365]

Superb locations making for a fabulous backdrop in each sequence for an equally impressive steam performance. Thank you for going there, making this video and sharing it. Kind regards, Bob.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Bob , it certainly was a day to remember that’s for sure 👍

[@allan5919]

Great scenes from the snowy fells Stephen. A day to remember for the unusual pairing of these two steam locos. Superb video! Regards - Allan.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Allan , it was a day to remember that's for sure even with the snow .

[@JoshMallard96]

Brilliant video of Mayflower and British India Line out there my friend. Well done Steve

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Josh , it was worth freezing for I thought.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Fantastic video, full of atmosphere. The sound of the engines through the valley... just brilliant. Well put together and recorded, thanks for uploading

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Malcolm , must admit it was a special day especially with all the snow around . Steve

[@alans2495]

It was great to be on it but the icing on the Cake seeing these fantastic clips. Many thanks as always Steve. Alan (Waterbuck)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Alan , pleased you enjoyed your day out in all the snow . Steve

[@markus8451]

Wonderful conditions and scenery! Couldn´t be better - thanks for sharing that perfect little vid! Greetings from Germany.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind comments as they are much appreciated . Regards Steve

[@deauvilledad07]

Absolutely awesome 😁. Well do e Steve. Thanks for braving the weather to bring us this little film. 😁 😁

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Anthony , it was a superb day for steam even though it was chilly .

[@highphysics3617]

Wow!....WOW! Just look at those plumes,and,to be totally enveloped by one as well.. C'mon,Steve ,you have influence with the "Weather Gods"? Absolutely stunning video,absolutely stunning. I could watch an hour of that,easy. Spectacular landscape,and,wonderful 4 toots at 2.23. Fantastic Steve.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Allison , must admit I was rather fortunate that the sun came out at both locations .

[@GRAHAM1514]

Superb ! Thanks Stephen for Braving the cold ( to the loco crews as well ! ) and sharing

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Graham , it was a tad chilly but worth it in the end . Steve

[@BigRoj]

Very nicely shot with some lovely contrasts. Also nice to see there was no class 47 nailed to the back of them!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Roj , it was good to see the pair run without assistance on the rest I must say.

[@davidcrook4166]

Very unusual pairing of locomotives but what a video!!! The sound of that B1 whistle more than makes up for "The Great Marquess" ' retirement! And the sunlight on the snow and the smoke in the cold air and Shap and Birkett Common = a winning formula! Thank you yet again and to Nigel, of course...

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David, must admit it was an unusual pairing but it worked well I thought especially with the snowy conditions.

[@bluedoris88]

Soooo good,Wow,gave me goosebumps,,thanks again

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind comment and it’s much appreciated. Steve

[@Jakeey154]

Fantastic video! Saw them in Carlisle which was great but would have loved to have seen them go full pelt like in your superb video 🙂

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jakee , it was a sight to see the pair at speed especially in all the snowy scenery 👍

[@bobnweaver]

Superb viewing Steve, what a great combination of locos in that fantastic winter landscape.Regards, Jeff.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jeff , you can't go far wrong with snow and steam tours . Steve

[@paulnash1810]

Fabulous video of to iconic locos double heading in great scenery Steve.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Paul , it was a special day especially with all the snow on the ground 👍

[@PhilbruProduction]

Magnificent ! Thanks Steve. Philippe

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Philippe , can't go wrong in those conditions .Steve

[@EMuksteam]

Fantastic video Steve. In absolutely superb conditions. With the steam,sun and snow. Got the ideal filming day for once. Kind regards C&A

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks C&A, it was a perfect setting with all the snow still around .

[@reddog-ex4dx]

There is nothing like steam trains in the dead of winter!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Your so right and it was a sight to behold.

[@TheDaf95xf]

Fantastic video 👍🏻 I was on the one when Leander failed at Bolton 🙈 But we had a great day out 😁 We do the Cumbria mountain winter express from Manchester every year but never had any snow ❄️ it looks so good with snow in the back ground 😁 Cheers Stevie

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Stevie , snow and steam certainly go well together 😊

[@themodster]

Great footage there, nice to see Mayflower back! The snow really added to the scene! Thomas

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Thomas , must admit the snow made the shots better 👍

[@JamesandPeter]

Very nice Steve, unusual paring but the snow makes it all worthwhile. Like the shot at Birkett Common. Regards James

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks James, the snow certainly made for a wonderful sight I must say.

[@paulhicklin3433]

Brilliant video and a lovely view

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Paul , the snow certainly made for a good video .

[@tsbnh0]

Wonderful images, great sound! Thank you!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind words . Regards Steve

[@balmesh]

Brilliant Steve. Your S&C location was much better than my choice - you had sunshine!

[@balmesh]

It was worse than that, for me. My camera malfunctioned halfway through the shot. The still images carried on OK but there was no movie!!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Alan , thought the sun might stay out at Birkett so glad I chose it .

[@alanpatey7833]

Fabulous footage. Thanks.

[@GrumpyL5]

Beautiful. Thanks for standing in the cold for us ;-)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment and it’s my pleasure. Pleased you enjoyed it 👍

[@callumthornelow2936]

Excellent filming, not only rare pairing, but also to see Mayflower NOT on a cathedrals express

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Callum , it was a great run from the pair and good to see Mayflower again 👍

[@coleencarter8776]

two superb locos working hard in beautiful British countryside 10 /10☺☺☺

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Coleen , must admit it was a fantastic sight .

[@stephenharrison645]

Great combination!! Cannot have happened too many times before Thanks for posting

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Stephen, it was a stunning day for steam over the Cumbrian fells . Steve

[@MarshSteamVideosTM]

Memorable stuff Steve, shots to cherish. Mayflower sounded great at Birkitt.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Liam, rare mixture of steam and snow so worth freezing for I thought 👍

[@hemerdonbank]

Wonderful, Steve. It can't get much better than that, can it? Keith.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Keith, the weather was near perfect especially with all the snow around 👍

[@acw71000]

Super stuff Steve from this memorable day. See you captured a wave from a member of the crew on your second camera at Birkett

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Austin , it was something to remember that's for sure even if it was cold . Not sure who the footplate chap was waving at to be honest .

[@struck2soon]

Great job Tommo, you must be delighted with that footage! (And so much better than diesel assistance)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Andrew, can’t go wrong in those conditions plus no can on the back like you say.

[@davebambrook7745]

Excellent mate and looks really good in the snow

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Dave , must admit snow and steam are a sight to behold .

[@thirdengineer]

Superb shots Stephen they dont get any better than that . Brian

[@nige7577]

Brilliant Steve , every shot perfect couldn't have got any better and spot on locations.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Nige , can’t go wrong in those conditions 👍Thanks again for the lift.

[@snowjohnb]

Lovely filming and beautiful weather for it! Cheers John

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers John , s near perfect day for steam condition wise 👍

[@SC71000]

Excellent clips Stephen, good to talk to you at Birkett.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment and pleased to chat again. Regards Steve

[@JulianThurgood]

Well done - superb shots in lovely winter light!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Julian , must admit the light was something special . Steve

[@scottishtrainspotter7209]

they were some really great videos of 61306 Mayflower and 35018 British India Line including with the snow as well

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind comment and it was something special I must admit . Steve

[@LelaE34]

What a beautiful train and the scenery is pretty.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind words as they are much appreciated . Steve

[@midsomermikey]

Really Great thanks for taking the time to film edit & post really don`t understand the dislikes so its a thumbs up from me

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Mike , don’t mind the dislikes to be honest as it’s par for the course.

[@NSRJohn]

Stunning piece of film, love it!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John , pleased you enjoyed the action. Steve

[@clive.r1414]

Absolutely stunning!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Clive , not often we get conditions like that 👍

[@clive.r1414]

@@TheStephengthompson It all comes together on that footage, and the sound from the engines is terrific!

[@FeckHallBahn]

Stunning, thank you.

[@TheStephengthompson]

My pleasure Nigel , glad you enjoyed the video . Steve

[@stephenbrass1808]

Marvelous back drop Steve at second location , sun & Snow great video.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Steve, must admit Birkett in the snow is magical .

[@NorbertRoll]

Really wonderful shots.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Norbert , it was a superb day for steam I must admit . Steve

[@johndodd6575]

Wonderful! Thank you

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John, much appreciated comment 👍

[@willj7248]

Wow, perfect in every respect, thanks for sharing

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Will , it was a perfect day for steam I thought especially with the lighting and the snow on the ground 👍

[@gaspode2005]

Stunning shots, Steve. Too cold for me!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Bob, it was a tad chilly but worth it in the end. Steve

[@981smithy]

Cracking shots Steve in perfect conditions. Cheers Phil.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Phil , I was pained to do shots I’ve done many a time before but decided the snow and possible sun outweighed things 👍

[@STEVEHARLEY1956]

Stunning footage indeed...well done...

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Steve, I was lucky with the sun staying out at both locations 👍

[@SimonTog]

Super video Steve, really well done :)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers Simon, can’t go far wrong in those conditions 👍

[@moxon2313]

Brilliant Video of 61306 + 35018 - I really wish I could of caught them - But I hope that I can see them again?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Richard , it was a special day out I must admit .

[@locomotive6727]

Hi Steve , once again Great filming and locations ..Dave

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Dave , can’t fail on days like these when it’s snowy 👍

[@locomotive6727]

Hi Steve, very true , So atmospheric, Thanks for reply ..Dave

[@harnettyrailways]

Glorious shot Stephen of the pair in the snow on Shap & The Settle & Carlisle.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Richard , no better sight than steam in the snowy scenery I must admit . Steve

[@Phil6219]

Great shots Steve, there's just something special about a steam train in the snow...

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Phil , must admit when it snows a big grin appears LOL .

[@Trainvids716]

Excellent as always

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Daryl , pleased you liked the action.

[@MrDavil43]

In the early 50's a Merchant Navy had a cracked axle. They were all taken off duty for checks and some B1's were loaned from Eastern Region as cover. Thought that was pertinent to these beautifully shot sequences.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the relevant information as it’s much appreciated. Steve

[@AndreiTupolev]

That's definitely one for the next highlights compilation.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Andrei , it was a superb day for steam with the stunning snowy scenery.

[@stewarthughesstewart]

Glorious! I could smell the steam!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Stewart, I must admit it did smell nice as the exhaust drifted over me in the second shot 👍

[@DavidHennessey1984]

Magic. Pure, unadulterated magic!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David , it was a sight to behold I must admit . Steve

[@jasperj1000]

Beautiful ! I hope you weren't too badly frostbitten !

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jasper , I was well wrapped up but it was cold standing in the cold wind but well worth it in the end I thought . Steve

[@atlantaman]

Delightful, Steve.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment as it’s much appreciated. Steve

[@TheADT1000]

Fantastic!!!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Andrew , it was a day to remember I must admit .

[@allbuaa]

Breathtaking stuff in perfect conditions Sun snow and smoke perhaps a bit too much of the latter. Mind you 60009 on the Belmond Pullman was pretty special as well.

[@46115al]

Er, I think it's predominantly steam not smoke...It lies low over the carriages because of the vapour combined with the very cold temperature

[@46115al]

Surely you mean Steam......Smoke is Black in Colour like Diesel Fumes from Cars and Diesel locomotive Trains...Seam Vapour hangs in the air (as you can see) Er! permit me to ask Do you drive a road vehicle?

[@iankemp1131]

Super power!

[@TerribleIvan]

A wise move going to Birkett Steve. It was in the shade at Aisgill.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Ivan , did think about Aisgill but thought the sun would be better at Birkett .

[@jimbegin6554]

Certainly a good day, but shame the cold air kept the smoke low! Thanks Steve.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jim , yes it was a shame the exhaust blew down especially for the Shap shots . Steve

[@46115al]

Don't you mean Steam . It's water based and because of the very cold weather it perhaps is lower, over the carriages, than normal

[@jimbegin6554]

46115al Thanks, you are right. I still call it smoke from school days. A teacher said “it is vapour “. How about exhaust, thanks to Steve? Jim

[@lewisdoherty7621]

Those are some great pictures. Maybe you should create some stills and make Christmas cards for next year.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Lewis , must admit you can't go wrong with that sort of snowy scenery .

[@johnbrown9092]

Superb!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind comment . Regards Steve

[@SBCBears]

WOW! 👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you so much for that . Steve

[@johnrichard6894]

the best ever

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John, pleased you enjoyed the show.

[@bez81022]

GRAND !!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Phil , much appreciated as ever .

[@jack2848]

superbe

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Jack , much appreciated .

[@daviddowling9830]

And sounds...

[@brianthetrain9283]

can’t get much better , steam in the snow in Cumbria

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Brian , must admit snow and steam are a magical combination . Steve

[@johnlner]

who on earth didn't like it??? and why???

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John , most videos from Saturday in the snow seemed to get dislikes oddly but hey ho 😊

[@peterberry5901]

Ridiculous combination of locomotives, but nevertheless outstanding light and locations on the S&C. Pete B

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Pete, yes it was odd combo but a rare sight in all that snow . Steve