Merchant Navy Class '35018 British India Line' puts on a superb climb over Grayrigg and Shap on the Cumbrian Mountain Express. The big southern class 8 ran between Carnforth and Carlisle well inside of even time at 61 mins and considering you have the long pull over Grayrigg and then the fearsome Shap this arguably the best run of the year over the northern hills of the West Coast Mainline. In this video we capture the Merchant Navy near the top of Grayrigg at Docker and then just after the Summit at Beckfoot. On board reports have the train topping Grayrigg at 57mph and Shap was taken at 47mph which indicates a breathtaking run for all concerned.
The return leg over the S&C was the polar opposite, the Bullied roar which was showcased on the outward run was replaced with the usual soft Bullied chatter that we're all used too, with a more 'run of the mill' ascent over the S&C on the return leg. We capture the action at Waitby Common near Kirkby Stephen and at Angerholme near Ais Gill. The final scene captures 35018 working well up Wilpshire Bank on latter stages of the steam section.
Its been nearly two months since we've filmed a mainline steam tour due to the heightened fire risk across the country though in the North West the risk has diminished unlike southern parts of the country which are still under restrictions. We can now look forward to a busy month in September, though fingers are still firmly crossed due to the lack of rain we're still not getting.
I hope you enjoy the video.