Cumbrian Mountain Express

What was supposed to be a Cumbrian Coast train via Workington and Whitehaven on Saturday 14th March 2020, turned out in the end to be a straightforward Cumbrian Mountain Express.  The reason for this change of plan was caused by a flood washing the track bed away near Ulverston, so we couldn’t go that way!  So, it was 86259 Les Ross to Carnforth, and then Galatea (as Alberta) north to Carlisle, returning to Preston via the Settle & Carlisle line.  On the Tuesday 17th March, it was announced that the country was in lockdown, so that was my last steam trip to date!

David Hughes

1     86259 arriving at Crewe with the stock from Euston

2      45562 Alberta arrived at Carlisle

3      Alberta at Carlisle

4      reversing through the station for turning at Upperby

5      Alberta being stoked up for the run south over the S&C

6      Alberta alongside 66126 at Carlisle

7      Alberta geting steam up

8     Alberta at the Appleby water stop

9     Alberta at Preston

10     Preston all ready to run light engine back to Carnforth.

11     86259 at Preston ready to take the train back to Euston