Southern Region Battle of Britain Class steam locomotive class 34067 "Tangmere" is seen heading north along the west coast main line and through Springs Branch south of Wigan on the bright awkwardly lit morning of Saturday 10th February 2024.
The steam locomotive was working the opening leg of the “The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express” railtour from Manchester Piccadilly. We see her take a signal check here to let a pair of Blackpool services pass. Originally this tour was supposed to run via Bolton but thanks to the ongoing electrification scheme between Wigan and Bolton and possibly some other engineering works she was run this was giving me my first chance to capture this engine on tour duties rather than just light engine.
Northern Belle livered 57315 was at the rear for support and would take the train home from Preston to Manchester tonight with the steam coming off probably at Preston so she can head home in the right direction to Carnforth.
Trains taking signal checks seem to pick random points on the line, I've had other trains stop right in front of me where I was leaning against the fence, so the arrival shot is far from ideal, the departure was fabulous. Really are wonderful locomotives the bullied class engines.
An informative article about them found here,
www.railadvent.co.uk/2018/06/...
The official working today 1Z86 0816 Manchester Piccadilly to Carlisle
More of Tangmere can be found in the links below.
at Bamfurlong - 17th November 2022
• 34067 Tangmere at Bamf...
At Wigan North Western 17th December 2022
• 34067 Tangmere at Wiga...
Filmed at Springs Branch
Filmed Saturday 10th February 2024
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