GB XVI and the Midland Pullman at Carlisle 15 04 24

Just 48 hours after a three-steam-train marathon at Carlisle we had the Great Britain XVI on the third day of its nine day tour arriving behind 34067 Tangmere to be taken on to Scotland behind two Black Fives - oh! - and the beautiful Blue Pullman put in an appearance too. What more could one ask for?
The day nearly got away to a disastrous start for me - watch the video to find out what happened.

[@britboy2883]

Such a great location Carlisle station, a good summer season concentration of steam, I’m very envious. If I ever make it over the pond for a visit I’ll make it a point visiting Carlisle. My bucket list is always full lol. Quality vid capture again, my favorite locomotive the black five, polishes up well to👍 Best of health…britboy.

[@schoolshorts]

If you do make it, Carlisle will offer you the warmest of welcomes. Just be sure to pick a time when plenty of steam trains are scheduled! Best wishes.

[@MrOldmeg]

Thanks again Tim, very impressive start to the two black 5's, loved it. Cold wait as I waited for them at a cold track side near Annan. Managed to film it for a whole 24 secs worth of video as they were going flat out but good capture.

[@schoolshorts]

Being without a car at the time, I toyed with the idea of taking the train to Annan and filming from the footbridge to the east of the station. The Blue Pullman was probably the deciding factor - plus the draw of numerous friends at the Citadel. The drone could have offered great possibilities at Annan but whether the wind would have permitted its use is doubtful.

[@jimmystransportmarvels8815]

Very nice, good to hear the drones is not damaged, and you got to london roadd and back in time!

[@schoolshorts]

Thanks James. A good day with lots of interest. If only we hadn't had that fierce wind!

[@tattoo1084]

Well done Tim for capturing all that. I bet you've been busy with all the editing over the last few days. Glad your drone is ok.👍👍

[@schoolshorts]

Thanks David. Yes, I'm suffering from a stiff neck as a result of too many hours bent over a computer - I really should have taken up stamp collecting!

[@tattoo1084]

@@schoolshorts Steam trains is a more exciting hobby.

[@cedarcam]

I saw a Sky News time lapse video of the bridge and lifts being erected over night yesterday 15/04/2024. It will of taken most of the night so you made the right decision to go to Carlisle. Good to hear your drone was not damaged It was horrid down where I am. some sleet very windy and cold. Looked a lot better in Carlisle. I enjoyed seeing your video of the day.

[@schoolshorts]

There was an appalling downpour at Carlisle at about 5 p.m. on the Saturday - hail as well as rain - the noise on the station roof was incredible. Yesterday was just windy and cold, otherwise not a bad day. Roll on the finishing of the Dumfries footbridge - it's an awful drag around St Mary's Street to get from one platform to the other.

[@cedarcam]

@@schoolshorts Hopefully not too long before it opens then, also it does not look too bad to me either. Not a garish bright colour

[@peterjarvis4882]

Always great reporting and videos..and passengers as well as three quarter loco/train shots ..well done again Tim.

[@schoolshorts]

Thank you Peter - so many hours go into the editing and it's nice to know that the work is appreciated. Best wishes.

[@kevinellis8869]

Glad the drone is ok, a good days filming. My next door neighbour is on GB XVI but you didn't capture him! Lot of ECS mileage for the Pullman, I wonder about the feasibility and financial viability of selling tickets for what are essentially one way trips?

[@schoolshorts]

That's an interesting idea. The Paddle Steamer Waverley does a one-way positioning trip each year from Glasgow to Oban. By providing return coach travel they quickly attracted large numbers of passengers - it became a sell-out sailing. The train operators might like to consider it although I'm sure they'll come up with many objections.

[@LeslieGilpinRailways]

Good to hear the drone is ok. The wind noise was horrendous all day - glad you managed to eliminate most of it. Interesting also to see the various trains from a different angle

[@schoolshorts]

Unfortunately, elimination of the wind noise has also got rid of much of the sound that I would have liked to keep. Ah well - can't have it all!

[@macjim]

44871 used to be based on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway many moons back and had the opportunity to drive her when I was a steam locomotive driver on the railway. Back then, I’m sure she was names Sovereign… It’s funny how WCR have suddenly found Mk 2 coaches down the back of the couch; I’ve never seen so many Mk 2’s! 🚂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@schoolshorts]

I suppose the Mk 2s will enable some sort of Jacobite service - but they don't look right behind a steam loco, even assuming you can find an air-braked steamer to pull them.

[@Madonsteamrailways]

I notice that the Bulleid was replaced with a Black Five!! Not as nice, but at least it’s running well!!

[@schoolshorts]

Very much a matter of opinion - I've never been a lover of the Spam Cans and several of the WCR crews that I've spoken to share my feelings. The Black Fives (which we haven't usually seen very much of at Carlisle) were designed and built as "go anywhere, do anything" engines and, by and large, they live up to their reputation.

[@Play_fare]

@@schoolshortsWere Black 5’s common in Carlisle during LMS and BR days?

[@schoolshorts]

They were LMS engines - it was their home territory.

[@Play_fare]

@@schoolshorts They look to be quite elegant in a simplistic, no nonsense way. I’m frankly quite envious that you have so much preserved and operating steam at you door step. Where I am (Ottawa, Canada) we have not had any operating steam here in decades. In my 57 years, I have only ridden behind steam once and that was on a scenic railway in the US. Perhaps one day I’ll make it over to Scotland and Northern England to experience this for myself. Thank you for your excellent videos and commentary. The wonders of technology allow me to see what you have experienced practically on the same day half a world away.

[@schoolshorts]

@@Play_fare Yes, we are fortunate in being close to Carlisle which sees more steam trains than anywhere else in Britain. If you are seriously considering a visit then use railadvent.co.uk to plan in advance - it lists all upcoming special trains, including light engine and empty stock movements. You don't want to cross the Atlantic to discover that you've picked the one week of the year when nothing is happening! I've only visited Canada once, in 1997, staying in a hotel close to Toronto's magnificent Union station. Although I used the city's Metro extensively, I only travelled by mainline train once - to Niagara Falls. An interesting contrast with our services here in the UK. So - who knows - we might bump into you one of these days on Carlisle's Citadel station - if so, do introduce yourself. You'll be most welcome. Every good wish in the meantime.

[@stephencope7178]

There you are trying to video and you always seem to get intruders in your focal space. The majority don't think you are recording sound as well!!

[@schoolshorts]

Steam locos always attract the crowds and major railway stations are busy enough even without the specials. One just has to grin and bear it!