Evening Star On The Settle & Carlisle

The last steam locomotive built for British Railways, at Swindon in 1960, Standard class 9F,2-10-0, no.92220, Evening Star is seen on a number of excursions over the Settle and Carlisle line in 1988. The loco is currently on display in Swindon. It would be nice if the last loco built for BR and new build A1 Tornado could meet in the future.

[@BernieHolland-w4l]

Thanks for sharing this with us - the Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 - what a fantastic design ! Passenger or freight - makes mincemeat of it all - brilliant !

[@chiefchook]

Nice piece of filming, better than 99% of the steam material I've looked at this year. Nice to see someone letting the loco move, rather than the camera. Well done!

[@HankAmericanEngine]

I remember posting a comment along the lines of fancying the BR Lined Passenger green on another video of Evening Star, but I find seeing this marvel of engineering at work even more fascinating than having seen the locomotive static in York last year. Even the Locomotion OO Scale model brings the majesty of this to my collection and layout, yet nothing will ever compare to hearing the stack talk, the pounding of 92220's wheels on the rails, and the Swindon copper-capped chimney shine. Thank you for sharing this majestic freight locomotive in action; it just adds to the illustrious history and lasting legacy this marvellous locomotive has left British Steam.

[@acw71000]

Thanks for watching. At least it's possible to see other working 9F's on our preserved lines but I agree that 92220 has a special place in our railway history

[@chrisdee5032]

Imagine, she was only 28 years old at this point! Great video, very enjoyable.

[@acw71000]

Thank you, she must have done the least mileage of any preserved loco I should think

[@acw71000]

Many thanks Bob, the great man actually died ten years earlier in 1978, at Appleby, whilst waiting to photograph Evening Star on one of the return to steam specials over the S & C. I treasure my copies of two of his books, Lure of Steam and Portrait of Steam

[@acw71000]

That sounds fantastic, they could give some great performances in the right hands

[@khankadet]

I've never seen one of these at speed before - what a sight - brilliant. Many thanks for sharing it and showing what I've missed again. Usual great filming of course as well. Chris

[@paulcaswell2813]

The late Peter Townend (Shedmaster, King's Cross 34A), once had to press a 9F onto a Pacific working when one of the latter was unavailable. Unbelievably, the 2-10-0 managed a speed into the mid-90s...

[@johncliff996]

Makes me feel old when I recall seeing this beautiful, majestic and powerful beast as a brand new engine while I was changing trains at Crew on way back to A.A.J.L.R at Tonfanau in the early 60's. What a memory. Thanks for a great video.

[@acw71000]

Thank you for watching. She had such a short working life and I consider myself very fortunate to have managed to see her in action

[@acw71000]

Thanks for sharing those memories, my first sight of her was when I was going on holiday to Devon in the sixties and she came past while our train was standing at a station, possibly Bristol

[@moose4675]

Just found this one Austin. Simply wonderful stuff. It must have been a real privilege to have seen this magnificent legendary loco on the mainline. It will never happen again! Here's hoping it will show itself in steam on a Heritage line some day in the future! Thanks, Lee.

[@raindance4cardiff]

Nice one! We were on that one, amazing trip!

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much Lee, I had a few good runs with 92220 on the Welsh Marches and also one memorable southbound run on the S & C when we all piled off the train at Ribblehead and they reversed the train over the viaduct for a couple of runpasts!

[@PennRailVideos]

That's one speedy decapod! Neat footage.

[@acw71000]

Congratulations!! and thanks, I never expected this old footage to be so popular.

[@acw71000]

That's great information, thanks very much for that, you can just imagine those little wheels spinning like crazy!

[@RailMon]

Absolutely beautiful stuff Austin. I asked the Curator at the NRM some years ago, if it would ever see steam again and he said, 'Unlikely, but not impossible!'. Heres hoping. I believe Anthony Coulls is now the curator. I met him up at Shildon when we were there with the 'Duke'. I'll have to ask him to see what can be done. He was of coarse, formerly the curator at Shildon.

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much, hard work for you but I bet you enjoyed it and took a pride in the job. I was lucky enough to drive 92212 on the Great Central for my 50th.Birthday.

[@acw71000]

Cheers, I remember travelling on one of the southbound runs and piling out at Ribblehead, walking up the road to film a runpast over the viaduct. Happy days!

[@kennethcraig6275]

The 9F was a very powerful engine, i believe the record load for the uk was set by a 9F of something around 2 100 tons. I was able to look around the cab at York museum in 2014, & she looked very handsome indeed.

[@acw71000]

They were fine looking locomotives as well as being powerful. We are fortunate that there are quite a few preserved

[@michaelhampton9493]

Yes a very handsome engine .Built 1960, withdrawn 1965. Should be out on the main line.

[@acw71000]

Mick, that is a wonderful memory to have, I can well understand how proud you must have felt even though it was a sad journey in many ways. Thanks for sharing that memory.

[@rosegrovempd1]

Great video. 5*. A terrific locomotive from a sorely under used batch of well engineered stock. A crying shame that the end of steam was being heralded as these powerhouses were coming on line and being taken out well before their 'sell by date'. Would be great to see one on mainline duty again. Regards Dave.

[@acw71000]

Thanks, they sure are powerful beasts.

[@blackcountryme]

I saw the Evening Star at Tyseley when i was about 8 years old we were at track level and it came out from a engine shed and it was a massive monster. one of the kids in our group peed himself. Beautiful things. great vid

[@KenBrownekb71000duke]

Superb footage Austin and thanks for reminding us of what a 9F in full flow is like! 92220 was very sure footed and quickly off the mark on the restarts on your clips. No probs for a 9F! I understand there may be documented evidence of a 9F on either the Ex GSW or CR WCML travelling at 90 mph when being tested for use north of the border. It may have been around 1955. I believe it was decided that the Ex WD 2-10-0s were sufficient for our traffic. Cheers. Ken

[@awalkingman83]

Phew - such photography!! And audio. Saw it being built at Swindon when i was 12. Bookmarked.

[@acw71000]

Thanks, what a shame she is now 'stuffed and mounted'

[@acw71000]

Thanks, I did a lot of those SLOA trips myself, used to film one week and travel the next, great days.

[@jamestwynham8332]

Fantastic video - My Father (Born in England in 1960) was an absolute Train fanatic. Having built his collection from the age of 2 years old, he has an extraordinary collection (some hand made and others bought). I have live recordings of many steam locomotives all across Southern Africa which my Dad recorded, All on cassette as well as amazing photographs that he captured and can be viewed on his old school slide machine. (Its like watching the Football, but better) The last Train my father completed which took around 2 years, was the Evening Star. The last steam locomotive built for British Railways and the Last steam locomotive my dad built.

[@acw71000]

Many thanks James, it was lovely to read of your Father's interest in trains and how wonderful that the last model he completed was 'Evening Star'. I'd really love the opportunity to film her again with modern equipment but sadly it will not happen

[@jimyoung2188]

It goes to show that people dont give a s**t for diesels but come out of the woodwork in their droves for a steam loco. it is good that some enthusiasts wont let them die. Keep up the good work videoing as i will keep watching STEAM engines

[@acw71000]

Thanks Jim, the older diesels do have a large following but steam will always be my first love

[@MrJimbaloid]

Jim old more like and stuff your comments about diesels, deltics or westerns fill stations to bursting. It's nasty comments from people like you that put me right off steam.

[@keith-nb8ps]

A really good video...A long time after we are gone and the oil has dried up...Steam will be Back....There is a enough Coal in this Country of ours to last 800 Years..and there is always plenty of Water...!!!!!!

[@manuelfernandes3389]

Nice video

[@douglaslambert6109]

Wished that I could be their I was a 1985 baby.

[@balmesh]

This one popped out of the in-box, austin, so I had to give it a run. Brilliant film, wonderful locations, great steam effects and loads more photographers than we get these days!

[@acw71000]

One of my golden oldies this one Alan! Have to consider myself fortunate to have captured 92220 on the mainline. I remember travelling behind her over the S & C southbound and we were able to stop for a runpast over Ribblehead...far more relaxed times!

[@balmesh]

+acw71000 Wow - a runby on Ribblehead! On my English railtours I have never had a runby at all.

[@kimmccarthy2988]

Like this thank you for posting. Just been to the railway museum and seen her, which is what made me want to see her in steam

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much Kim. Just a shame that the equipment used when I filmed this wasn't up to the standard we have today but still a record of her mainline days

[@marshallart100]

For me that is the number one film on you-tube of steam locos and super quality sound ...pure steam magic ...thanks so much

[@alexkrycek21]

Love Evening Star. Awesome locomotive.

[@NN2Blue]

Good video - Many moons ago, I remember watching a northbound special with a 9F absolutely cruise up Llanfihangel bank in South Wales. Magnificent engines.

[@acw71000]

Thanks David, I wasn't sure whether to post this or not. It's standard VHS and needed a bit of digitizing and is a good advert for a fluid head tripod!! It would be superb to see one on the mainline again.

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much, it would be nice to see her on the main line again.

[@pega17pl]

Hello Austin, esp. thanks to your note of 'A1 Tornado' drawing my attention to that steam loco and technical development of steam locos since 'Evening Star' (1960). - Heinz

[@acw71000]

Thanks Heinz, sadly we won't see Evening Star again on the mainline

[@kevinbrigginshaw4712]

My Gramp and took me and my brother to see Evening Star naming ceremony at Swindon my gramp wi 40 years service at the works in Swindon. My brother and I have just bought two Ace O gauge Evening Stars as a reminder of that time so many years ago.

[@acw71000]

It's great that you have those memories. It must have been a very special day

[@acw71000]

Thanks Matt, quite agree it would be great to see one out again...Austin

[@acw71000]

Many thanks Ken, I have heard those tales of a reputed 90mph which no doubt were met with horror by BR management! Sadly I don't think we will ever enjoy a 9F on the mainline again so I'm pleased to have been able to capture what little I did. I had a great run behind her southbound on the S & C which included a runpast over Ribblehead Viaduct!

[@acw71000]

Really appreciate your additional and knowledgable comments and hope other viewers do as well. Thanks very much

[@acw71000]

Thanks for your kind comments, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@acw71000]

Thank you, the Dales does provide the perfect backdrop for steam trains. The large crowd wouldn't like to be called trainspotters I don't think! I prefer to think of us as people who film landscapes which just happen to have a train in them!

[@acw71000]

Many thanks Chris, I only wish I could have filmed it in with better quality equipment. I travelled on one of her southbound runs and we had a runpast at Ribblehead. Everyone trooped off the train and up the side of the B6255, Health and Safety...what Health and Safety!!

[@MURRA1]

Brilliant ! Well filmed

[@acw71000]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it

[@robmasterman]

Abother brilliant video Austin, nice to see the crowds at Ais Gill. Two things spring to mind, wasn't it around the time of these runs that the late great photographer Canon Eric Tracey died at Appleby, and after it was withdrawn from BR service the loco sustained severe front end damage, and this resulted in new Name plates being fitted, the origionals being on display at Steam in Swindon..5*...Bob

[@brianclark8709]

In the early 1960's when the Britannia's were allocated to Cardiff Canton one day the allocated Brit for the up Red Dragon failed. The shed foreman, for a bit of devilment, put Evening Star on the train. Apparently it kept perfect time and did the turn for three days before 'high authority' stopped it. In one of the rail mags I saw a photograph of the Star backing out of Paddington - with Red Dragon Headboard up- to Ranelagh Bridge for servicing.

[@acw71000]

They were certainly very capable locos in their short lives. Many thanks for watching

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much. Ais Gill is indeed north of Garsdale on the B6259, keep on going towards Kirkby Stephen and where the road crosses the railway line that is just north of the summit.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

I’d so love to see this happen again!

[@acw71000]

You and many others but sadly it's very unlikely to happen

[@acw71000]

Thanks a lot, glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaelhampton9493]

Yes great footage of a tremendous loco

[@redcarmodels]

Fantastic video. They have got to get 92220 back in steam again soon.

[@itfcsam]

superb clips! I think i like the second from last one the best! 5* and fav'd

[@acw71000]

Thanks Dave, I fully agree with your comments, they had years of service left in them when withdrawn. I'm sure one would go down well on the mainline although I think I read that because of the small wheels they would be restricted in speed. The modern railway needs steam to move as quickly as possible I think.

[@spiccybaby]

Passenger turns started in 1955 as deputies for failures and it went from there. In August 1958, 92184 was timed at 90 mph with a 14-coach express from Peterborough to Kings Cross. The practice was discouraged when excessive piston and valve wear became apparent from this type of use. (paraphrased from "Locomotives in detail no. 7", Riddles Class 9F 2-10-0, David Clarke)

[@tulyar1043]

It did the 90mph through Essendine. It only started slowing because Lolham's up fast distant signal was at caution.Hope this info is of help.

[@acw71000]

Thanks, it's surprising that only 92220 made it to the mainline. They were certainly more than capable on passenger trains.

[@afcbgord1]

First saw a 9F one morning coming down Parkstone Bank on the Pines Express. Even though we were used to merchant navy's and West Country's we were gobsmacked at its' size and perceived power. Cabbed Evening Star at Bournemouth West on the last Pines Express and then again at Bold Colliery sidings where it was stabled overnight for the Rainhill 150 trials.

[@acw71000]

They are certainly very impressive locos. Ridiculous that they had such a short working life

[@mattybutler1985]

The great thing about smaller-wheeled engines on the main line like this, just a small detail, is that because the wheels are smaller and they do more rotations, they sound like they're going faster or accelerating faster than they actually are, you can see how quickly Evening Star went from pretty much a standing start to full chat.

[@acw71000]

Thanks for your interesting comments

[@althejazzman]

Yes it seems almost unrealistic, like a model running too fast, but it's so fascinating.

[@mattybutler1985]

@@althejazzman Right! Uncommon locos on the mainline were great.

[@40022laconia]

superb vid again for some reason you make steam look very good compared to other clips that i get bored with and stop within the first 10 secs i thought i knew where ais gill was but after travelling up there again i still havnt found it thought it was north of garsdale up the b6259 but i was wrong i cant find ais gill and its a near 200 mile round trip for me but i will try again

[@acw71000]

Fine engines, I believe 92220 is currently on display at 'Steam' in Swindon

[@acw71000]

Well probably not the exact spot Tim but no doubt fairly close. Its always been my favourite spot on the line down the years. Thanks for your kind comments and all the best for 2012

[@smiffy1071]

It would be so nice to see her in steam again, but for nostalgia sake at least she is back in her birthplace....for the time being at least!

[@atsf7809]

it's amazing a 9f 2-10-0 can go this fast

[@acw71000]

Thanks Hugh, I think the problem with a 9F on the mainline centres around the flangeless driving wheels. It would still be great to see 92220 on a preserved line though

[@sandletters39]

Proof that this is the real Evening Star and not one disguised as it for it was repaired at Crewe Works after being involved in a shunting mishap.

[@acw71000]

I agree, the 9F's were beautiful and impressive looking machines

[@acw71000]

Thanks Stuart, they were a great design, scandalous to think how much life they had left in them when they were scrapped.

[@HughFromAlice]

@mickhazeleyes Thanks for sharing that. Must have been amazing. Great memory :-)

[@acw71000]

Yes it was, not sure if it's back now, she had been on display at the Steam museum in Swindon

[@acw71000]

It's because of their centre driving wheels, which are flangeless and Network Rail feel that could cause too many problems over pointwork, for example if running at speed.

[@collinblack8474]

Just an idea, rebuild a 9F into a 2-8-2 like Mr Riddle proposed, but never built. It could be done, just remove the last coupled wheel and trailing truck under the firebox. Just a idea.

[@marshallart100]

wow!!! brilliant vid ..thank you

[@acw71000]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@acw71000]

Correct that most are allowed 75mph but some including the 8F are restricted to 50. The centre driving wheels on the 9F's are flangeless which causes concern where speed is concerned. They were known to run passenger trains at very high speeds in service until someone 'high up' put an end to the crews exploits!

[@bwarrrrk]

very nice..i wanna go and see her now

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much, I just wish it was better quality.

[@acw71000]

They look so big and powerful, lovely design

[@katerinakittycat3849]

The 9fs were designed to be heavy goods engines right?

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much, glad you enjoyed the video

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

Imagine being new built but your railway considers you old fashioned

[@acw71000]

Indeed, a very misguided decision to continue building steam locos which would only have a very short life

[@davidantoniocamposbarros7528]

@@acw71000 ikr,but it's possible that if dieselization haven't started so abruptly,the 9Fs could still be in service in the 70's,80's or 90's

[@adambridgewater]

How could 8 people not like this?

[@acw71000]

I never take much notice of likes or dislikes to be honest, as long as I'm happy with it that's all that matters!

[@adambridgewater]

Fair enough!

[@gnosticbrian3980]

Green party members?

[@adambridgewater]

Gnostic Brian probably

[@highphysics3617]

@@acw71000 Absolutely spot on! Ya can't please everybody,and,it's good not to get stirred up about it,but,enjoy what you do,and,know that there are more people who love your videos than those who don't .

[@acw71000]

Thank you, it's a great shame that she was the only one of our preserved 9F's to run on the mainline.

[@acw71000]

It is indeed, I'd love the chance to film one on the mainline again

[@ta455driver]

A nice listing of a much missed main line runner. She might have been a freight engine but you'd never have guessed it when you saw her fly

[@michaelnaisbitt1639]

Tis running like a well oiled sewing machine. Marvelous

[@acw71000]

A great shame we can't see her running today. Thanks for watching

[@michaelhampton9493]

One of the staff at the National Railway Museum in York told me that Evening Star would be running any more and was a permanent fixture in the N.R.M

[@acw71000]

That's right, she is a special loco and there are a number of preserved 9F's about on preserved lines

[@Spamcan81]

Cracking stuff. A 9F is a beast, what a shame they are banned from the main line nowadays.

[@GrahamsGO]

Just beautiful!

[@acw71000]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it

[@acw71000]

Thanks very much, its great to have the views of an ex driver

[@acw71000]

Thanks, she's sorely missed.

[@acw71000]

It would be nice to see her back in steam especially with next year being her 50th. birthday

[@acw71000]

Thanks for your kind comments

[@fftopskin1]

they were doing freight runs at nearly 100mph on the central Line in the late 50's early 60's

[@acw71000]

Cheers, glad you liked it.

[@acw71000]

As I have often said you can never say never as far as railway preservation goes. I think if she does steam again it may be on a preserved line though rather than on the mainline

[@wattass7]

superb vid, i remember having this loco as a boy with brittania, dutches of sutherland, and meld, when my did built a small railway in the shed, now im building a layout in spare room wish i still had those steam locos, as mines all diesel mite just buy this one as they would have met, tell me though whats wrong with evening star will she ever run again do you think, thanks hugh

[@acw71000]

Indeed, I doubt if we'll ever see one on the mainline again

[@Cazdeltic55002]

Super video clips, such a shame there isnt a 9F on the mainline, could be a huge money maker. Can imagine Network Rails displeasure at one.

[@acw71000]

Thanks, but I did say 92220 was built for BR!! I think I will make it a bit clearer in the info.

[@TimRuffle]

I think preserved steam loco's are restricted to a 75MPH (IIRC) but it's unlikely that a 9F would go much faster anyway. They were wonderfully capable and versatile but, as you note, not built for speed. I believe the A1 Steam Trust is trying to get Tornado cleared for 90MPH running on the basis that it's a new locomotive.

[@bwarrrrk]

nice its on display at swindon mueseum

[@acw71000]

Can well belive it, cracking engines

[@acw71000]

Good news re 92212 but a great shame we are unlikely to see a 9F on the mainline again. How come 92220 didn't go round damaging points in the 80's?

[@aureol40012]

I'm not a fan of kettles, but bloody hell that is an impressive climb of Ais Gill!