34067 Tangmere charges through Penrith at full speed with the Northern Belle! | 27/4/24

Today’s video is of SR Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class Light Pacific 4-6-2 34067 Tangmere hauling the Northern Belle from Coventry to Carlisle! A diesel hauled the train for its journey from Coventry through the Midlands and up the WCML to Carnforth, before 34067 emerged from the WCR Steamtown base and attached to the front of the train to haul it through Oxenholme, over Shap and down through Penrith to Carlisle. After that the train returned via the Settle & Carlisle (S&C) route via Appleby, Hellifield and Blackburn to Preston where 34067 was detached and the train returned to Coventry. The weather was forecast to be relatively sunny and this is my last opportunity to film some mainline steam until Z48, so I aimed for it to be a fairly fun, cheap and simple day out.

I started out from my local at 7:42, heading North via Newcastle across to Carlisle. Once I arrived I walked directly from one train to another, taking the 9:34 Transpennine Express service to Penrith North Lakes. Here I set up on Platform 1 facing Southwards. I was initially worried about bowline from a stopping Avanti service due around the same time heading Southbound however Avanti then cancelled that service so that put the worries to rest lol. 34067 came flying through a few minutes late, picking up speed on the descent from Shap and giving us a great whistle. After that I headed into Carlisle where a few static shots of 34067 are featured, after which I moved to the opposite side to see her and the stock get dragged out to Upperby Sidings for servicing. Whilst that happened, I walked up to Eastern Way road over bridge overlooking Petteril Bridge Junction, where the Tyne Valley and Settle & Carlisle lines diverge. Here we see 34067 powering away ready for the long endurance test for the loco up to the summit at Ais Gill. I was expecting it to be largely empty but in fact a fair few turned out to witness it and everyone was very respectful of people recording so that's nice to see! After that I headed home.

Thanks to all who made today possible, to Northern, TPE, Avanti and XC, and to 34067 and her crew as well as Northern Belle and WCR. Thanks also to my secondary planner who helped again with the Penrith shot! It was a very fun day out for all involved in (mostly) lovely sunshine! i hope you enjoy as I did!