LMS 6233 Unassisted Monster

[@britboy2883]

The Dutchess on top form, 11 on the hook and no banksman, showing off raw power! Well captured 👍

[@tomcarr1358]

Outstanding collection . Enough to give Ed Milliband a fit

[@TheLRider]

Why? I'm a steam fan and not a climate change denier. There are a small handful of steam engines and thus their carbon footprint is negligible. We will still have these when we've eradicated the bulk of CO2 emissions, no worries. Enjoy.. What a fabulous site and sound. Bet the fireman had a bit of a sweat on.. 😂

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Tom , and Greta 😂👍

[@EternallyDisappointed]

@@TheStephengthompson Don't be a fool on your own videos.

[@boyfromblackstuff7859]

@@tomcarr1358 Club of Rome, Maurice Strong, will explain all you need to know about "climate change"!

[@RayFox-y1g]

A Stanier masterpiece.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Totally agree Ray 👍👍

[@rogercarrell]

Wonderful stuff watching a four-cylinder Pacific tackle some uphill grades in the Fells. Reminds me of my time firing Bulleid Pacifics up the Bank from Eastleigh to Roundwood. It must have been very uncomfortable for camera-armed enthusiasts to wait in the rain, sleet or snow for their quarry to appear. Great filming, well done.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Roger , pleased you enjoyed the video especially as it brought back great memories for you 👍

[@michaelmiller641]

Great videos! And thankyou for not zooming in and out all the time!

[@TheStephengthompson]

My pleasure Michael, met a chap once who filmed professionally and he told me not to zoom in and out 👍👍

[@lawrencecody4085]

A great compliation, and to brave the elements on some of those clips is dedication, and commendable..This shows the Stanier loco on top form.hard work for the fireman..thoroughly enjoyed this video.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much Lawrence, I’ve always had the philosophy to go the extra mile to get the best results 🎥👍

[@philiprodney2164]

Wonderful sight and sounds from trackside , and not a diesel in sight. Brilliant

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Phil , much appreciated as always 👍

[@mikeschillinger4427]

I have been in love with The Dutchess ever since I got my Hornby model of her when I was 9 years old. She's a marvel of the slide rule and credit to the men who designed her, they probably never envisioned her still going strong almost 100 years into the future.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Mike , must admit we had a Hornby Duchess back in the day .

[@davidcrc9155]

A wonderful reminder of what we are missing, the two four cylinder LMS pacifics 6201 & 6233. Their return can't come too soon.

[@haroldpearson6025]

The 3 cylinders 5X are pretty good.

[@mikeschillinger4427]

Aren't you forgetting 6229?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David, not exactly sure when 6233 and 6201 are expected to return but certainly looking forward to seeing them again 👍

[@kevinheaton9213]

Thank you stephen for such a fantastic video one of the best I have seen for a long time regards kevin 😊

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Kevin and thanks for the very kind words 👍

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Proper filming, some very nice shots with the train in a wonderful landscape.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Tom 👍

[@nickjh1968]

Beautifully captured sir, magnificent machine!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you liked it Nick 👍

[@wgj4813]

Fantastic compilation the sharp.bark is always in sync with the speed. Just perfect

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much 👍

[@keithalexander3386]

Great videos. I used to drool over this class of loco when I was a child trainspotter.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Many thanks! Keith , glad it brought back memories for you 👍

[@edwardwilson4974]

Superb! Great choice of settings, especially the last one - a wonderful climax in the snow! Thank you for these terrific clips.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Edward , planning on the day helps sometimes especially for the last location 👍

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

That has got to rank as the best compilation featuring a single locomotive that I have ever seen. Absolutely super Stephen. Many thanks

[@simonfellows5837]

Agreed - fantastic

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Robert , praise indeed that’s very appreciated 👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

@@simonfellows5837Cheers Simon 👍

[@Silsb61531]

Thanks.. Wonderful memories as the Pacific s hauled up the gradients. The sound took me back to the very early 1950s when I would snuggled down to sleep and listen to the last train haul its way from Shanklin I W to Ventnor !

[@TheStephengthompson]

My pleasure and I’m glad it brought back memories for you 👍

[@waynemather6560]

From Sydney Australia, great footage.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Very kind of you Wayne 👍

[@nigeldawson8797]

That's what you call real history Stephen. In May 1964 i was on the RCTS East Midlander rail tour from Nottingham Victoria Station to Eastleigh and Swindon with my Dad. Down the old Great Central then via Didcot. I was 9 years old and still remember it to this day. Priceless mate 👌

[@nigeldawson8797]

It was hauled by City of Nottingham i forgot to mention

[@leoroverman4541]

It'll always be the duchess for me. Superb locos, Looks right, Works right, Sounds right.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Leo , totally agree with you 👍👍

[@boyfromblackstuff7859]

Excellent, thanks for posting.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@andywalkerchannel]

My, she is a beauty! The power, the sound and the locations are absolutely stunning. This is fantastic. A friend passed this link onto me and I must say I haven't seen anything as good as this in terms of locos. Thank you so much.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Wow, thank you Andy , really appreciate your kind comments 👍👍

[@davesteel550]

Cracking stuff Steve, hopefully the Duchess will be back on duty soon.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Dave , can’t beat this engine in full cry so hopefully back soon 🤞

[@railwayscene]

Loved that, superb collection Steve.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jed 👍

[@johnbeck2042]

Wonderful memories which encourage restoration! From John in Cape Town, beautiful South Africa.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John , pleased you enjoyed the video 👍

[@derrickworthington7351]

It so reminds me of my childhood. Used to go to Oxheys signal box just outside Preston and watch these huge living beasts go past on their way to Scotland. Sometimes you would get a double header as the black fives and Jubilee Class weren’t powerful enough to get over Shap fell. But the big Lizzies could haul 16 coaches in their own. Then go to Blackpool by train, stick your head out of window and be a face full of beautiful smelling smoke, grit in your eyes and black snot when you blew your nose. Happy memories. 8:21 8:26

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Derrick , my late father worked as a relief signalman on Shap but mainly worked Scout Green and told many a story of Duchess hauling 16 no problem 👍

[@ldegmtrainspotter]

Fantastic rail video, lovely images with steam locomotives in action, good work master! Thumbs Up 626 Greetings from Romania Andrew

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much Andrew 👍

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Should’ve kept a few more of these rascals. Together with the Princesses they were some machines 👍 As ever, fantastic audio and visual Stephen.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind words as they are much appreciated 👍I was amazed they never preserved Sir William Stanier as it had a bigger boiler and fire grate I believe.

[@bobnweaver]

Superb compilation Steve and a nice fix for all who are missing The Duchess on the mainline at the momment. Cheers, Jeff.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeff , be good to see and hear her again hopefully sooner rather than later 🤞

[@eaglesfield102]

Great collection Steve, featuring my favourite Loco. Lets hope that she returns to North West and Scotland in next couple of years. Someone told she not expected to be finished before 2026.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Alistair, problem for the Duchess might be in getting work with all of the other companies being fully stocked with locos.

[@kennethcraig6275]

Many thanks, most enjoyable, my favourite loco of them all! In their hey day 16 coaches were no problem, majestic power in action.

[@michaeltaylor1869]

A very nice video Stephen well done

[@TheStephengthompson]

Many thanks Philip .

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Fantastic compilation. The last shot in the snow...wonderful!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the very kind words as they are much appreciated as always. The snow shot certainly paid off 👍🎥

[@acw71000]

That is a cracking compilation Steve, so many fine shots. Nice to see proper train headboards too rather than just the 'advert' for RTC. In the current climate it's hard to see how privately owned locos like the Duchess will find work sadly

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Austin, must admit the headboards back then looked better 👍Do wonder how the Duchess will get work 🤷

[@nicholasforman1195]

Astonishing effort! A pilot was usually on duty from Beattock for very many years to give a helping push up to the summit.

[@keithgrafton3067]

What great video footage, well done and the locomotive, just pure class!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Keith 👍

[@ncs8730]

12 coaches! Stunning video, thank you!

[@colimhatton5612]

Beautiful video well done Mr frosty

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you kindly Colin 👍

[@dirks.4172]

Wow, brilliant, just brilliant ! Thank you very much. Cheers Dirk

[@TheStephengthompson]

Many thanks Dirk 👍

[@GreatBritishRailways1]

Steve, Superb power shots from a great locomotive. You also win the award for the most unusual reason for an audio problem but perhaps not surprising as its quite a long walk to that spot. Regards, John

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it John , couldn’t believe it when the bloke turned up at Blea Moor with the poor overweight dog especially as it was certainly destroying the audio 😂😂👍

[@Duncs1961]

That sound causes an ASMR for me. When she's on full chat on the inclines - nothing sounds better!

[@grahamhall5211]

Wow Steve brilliant videoing talk about exhaust could not get enough of it brilliant at kirkbystephen station spot on 😊

[@TheStephengthompson]

Many thanks Graham, always got great performances from 6233 where ever it went 👍🎥

[@davebutterworth7414]

Simply Wonderful Much enjoyed Thanks ❤️

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave 👍

[@lnerrules-iw6ry]

Excellent footage there Steve, off the mighty Duchess. I got a real soft spot for her, nice to see her back on the mainline soon?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew , be good when she’s back 🤞

[@tattoo1084]

Cracking compilation. Just goes to show that diesel's not always needed. What location was the crossing at 5:00.👍👍

[@haroldpearson6025]

Surely the diesel is there to avoid any breakdowns on the main line?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David , pleased you enjoyed the video. It’s the foot crossing near Cotehill about half a mile north of the bridge that looks back towards Cotehill and Cumwhinton. Five minute walk from the road .

[@tattoo1084]

@TheStephengthompson thanks

[@rodneycooperLMSCoach]

Well, that is what it was designed to do back in the 1930's. Nice filming by the way.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Rodney , certainly built to do the task and never failed to impress me 👍🎥

[@stephenbrass1808]

Good old days Steve considering the state of things now, very nice captures, hope to see it again soon, cheers . 🎥👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

I hope so too Steve as we can only hope 🤞👍

[@ReginaldCarden]

They were monsters. I train spotted all over the UK during steam and the Coro's looked the biggest of all locos and pulled the longest trains, over 400 tons like this one (12 carriages).

[@yeojohn]

Superb footage.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Yeo 👍

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Wow! Great footage and that loco’s rhythm is awesome!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much Nigel , always great seeing this loco 👍🎥

[@jmoref]

Que maravilla. Gracias.

[@robindeer-park5755]

Stanier majic in the fells Great Filming Stephen.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers Robin , pleased you enjoyed the video 👍

[@ronambergerphotoandvideo6263]

excellent job

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much Ron 😊

[@RailwayTavern]

Super shots Steve, great sounds too. Much like the proper steam age I think these are almost archive videos now from a bygone age as I fear the chances of regularly seeing those kind of performances again unassisted may have gone the same way as using the droplights.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Ian 👍Hopefully West Coast are getting their act together if the rumours are correct 🤞

[@jontaylor1652]

Greta will love this !

[@TheStephengthompson]

I hope so Jon 👍😂

[@10wanderer]

Used to sit in the glass bridge Preston back in the late 40s, some traffic around in those days !!!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Peter , glad it brought you some great memories 👍

[@SimonTog]

Good video Steve :)

[@TheStephengthompson]

Glad you enjoyed it Simon 😊

[@tonystack7375]

Once again a proper 🚂 MADGIC!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Tony 👍

[@johnhenstock9668]

Very good! Shared.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers John , much appreciated 👍

[@grahamj9101]

Over 50 years ago (before we had the kids), I took my long-suffering wife to see Princess Elizabeth in steam at Ashchurch. And only last year (or was it the year before?), I ventured into rural Wiltshire to see the Duchess of Sutherland go through. As a boy, my family home overlooked the west coast main line, so Duchesses, Princesses, Scots, Jubilees, Black Fives, etc., were regularly to be seen.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks Graham, be brilliant if we could go back in time especially with today’s modern cameras 👍

[@nigeldawson8797]

When Stanier created the Big Un's, he created really Good Un's. I'm from Nottingham and i remember Nottingham City Council having the opportunity to buy City of Nottingham for around 3,000 pounds and they refused the offer. They're not much smarter these days either so, hey-ho. Great filming mate 👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers Nigel , my late father saw many a Duchess on Shap from his box at Scout Green just up from Tebay 👍

[@nlo114]

Nice locomotive, doing what it was designed to do!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thank you very much for the kind words 👍

[@theeverlastingtension]

Not a monster. A beautiful thing….

[@Havoc5429]

Poetry in motion and such a beautiful sound 😊

[@TheStephengthompson]

Totally agree 👍

[@TheStephengthompson]

@@Havoc5429Thanks Patricia , certainly a great unforgettable sound 👍

[@robertcharlessceats3647]

That's what I like. Not a diesel in sight!!!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers Robert, totally agree 👍

[@nattyco]

I'm almost sure I remember this engine was coloured red. I think it was pulling a train from London to Glasgow. Mind you it's 60 years since I was trainspotting so my memory may be at fault.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks for the kind comment and your correct as it was in Crimson Lake back in the day 👍

[@Gary-V16]

I have a memory of reading somewhere there's 4000+ DB horsepower here, but they're not sure of an exact figure because she, or one of her sisters, burnt coal on test faster than a left and righthanded pair of firemen could feed the firebox. I like to think it is true, but then again, it might just have been a fevered dream. One more loop and some more dreaming.

[@rickvanheerden788]

There is nothing quite as thrilling as the urgent sound of a steam locomotive huffing at full pelt...

[@TheStephengthompson]

Totally agree with you on that one Rick 👍

[@davidowens2614]

Brilliant

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks David 👍

[@geoffcollier8736]

In Winter. What a treat. Heated carriages.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Heated seats would be nice an all Geoff 👍😂

[@damienhill6383]

Just a question : what axle do the inside cylinders drive, and is there enough room for the rods to pass over the front axle ???

[@TheStephengthompson]

I’m not totally sure to be honest Damien 🤷

[@alancragg1839]

12-rake? Bring it on!

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers for the comment Alan, back in the day they would have 16 on the hook without a banker 👍

[@alancragg1839]

@TheStephengthompson Sorry my memory has failed me. I remember the 8Ps hammering along the down 'flyer' through Lancaster Castle, but I never appreciated the loading!

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

12 up and no crummy diesel hanging on behind! Beautiful. How quickly was the fireman working do you think?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Thanks John , a few years back I had the pleasure of a ride over Shap in the suppprt coach of 6233 and that day two lads fired her and boy they were black from the coal dust and totally knackered.

[@JohnSmith-pd1fz]

++@@TheStephengthompson++ Thanks for your reply. I've often wondered how much of that white smoke which many locos blast out when they are loaded is a actually steam. When the load is less, on the level or down grade it looks more like almost clear heat coming out with very little coal smoke.

[@nigeldawson8797]

It was hauled by City of Nottingham i hasten to add

[@billsullivan2577]

This may be a stupid question but, where do they get the coal nowadays? 🤔

[@geoffcollier8736]

I assume, like everything else, from China? Or, more likely, Australia. Vast open cast mines.

[@geoffcollier8736]

We still have a lot but no one is telling milliband. It is a long way down and probably very wet.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Some of it comes from abroad I believe but not totally sure where most comes from Bill 🤷

[@Backwardlooking]

I have always preferred them’Blinkered.’ I don’t know why the L.M.S. didn’t on their non streamlined locomotives. 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@TheStephengthompson]

Totally agree with you on that point 👍

[@neilharmer9440]

No CDL, how many were lost overboard? No diesel, must have racked up thousands of delay minutes. Thank God we know what we,re doing now 🤦‍♂️

[@gb5uq]

Enjoy while you still can. Under net zero this will become a thing of the past... Heritage railways are destined for the chop.

[@TheStephengthompson]

We shall see 🤷👍

[@Thechoppersofcardiff]

This the Lickey ?

[@TheStephengthompson]

Sadly not Richard as it’s the Northern fells around Cumbria .

[@michaelnaisbitt7926]

40,000 lbf 4 cylinders unleashed power on the poor track These locomotives were easily the equal of early diesels

[@TheStephengthompson]

Cheers Michael, certainly did what they were built for 👍

[@DanDare-i2z]

Shouldn't need assistance with only , I think, 12 carriages.

[@TheStephengthompson]

They used to haul 16 back in the day unassisted 👍👍

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Excellent video, but some narration would make it even better.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Maybe one day Nigel as it’s not my thing but you never know. Thanks for the kind words 👍