The RCTS: then and now
THE columns of the Railway Observer have always kept members up to date with news from the heritage sector, including progress on the various new-build projects such as the ‘Patriot’. When complete the 4-6-0 will provide an important missing link in the ranks of preserved LMS locomotives.
Almost 60 years ago on Sunday, September 4, 1960, ‘Patriot’ No. 45503 The Royal Leicestershire Regiment, allocated to Carnforth shed, was selected to work the Carnforth to Ravenglass leg of the RCTS ‘Cumbrian Rail Tour’, organised by the society’s West Riding branch. As was often the case with the class the ‘Patriot’ was to play a secondary role to preserved Midland Compound No. 1000.
The itinerary saw the Compound work the nine-coach special to Carnforth, where the ‘Patriot’ came on and produced a very laboured run to Ravenglass via Ulverston Junction and Millom, resulting in a 30-minute late arrival.
At Ravenglass, the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway provided three trains to take the participant over the narrow-gauge line to Dalegarth and back, hauled by River Irt, River Esk and one of the company’s diesels.
Rejoining the main train,
No. 45503 worked up the scenic coast line to Workington, where two immaculately turned out Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-0s – Nos. 46442 and 46456 of Workington shed – took over to work the special over the steeply graded former Cockermouth, Keswick & Penrith line to Penrith.
Despite the load and the gradients the two 2-6-0s made up all of the 30 minutes arrears from Workington.
At Penrith, No. 1000 was waiting to take over the journey (via Carlisle) to Leeds over the Settle & Carlisle, one of its old stamping grounds. In contrast to the performance of the ‘Patriot’ that of the Compound between Appleby and Hellifield was remarkable.
Departing from Carlisle at
5.14pm, No. 1000 was soon running freely passing Armathwaite at 55mph, Lazonby at 60mph and Appleby at 57mph. Ais Gill was topped at 32mph, but the Compound was then given her head and passed Dent Head at 58mph, Blea Moor at 63mph, Ribblehead at 80mph, with a maximum of 88mph through Settle station.
After taking water at Hellifield the run through the Aire Valley to Leeds was less spectacular, but speed was maintained in the mid-50s.
The run from Penrith proved to be a quite outstanding performance by the crew and locomotive.
It is unlikely the new-build Patriot will be allowed to run at 80mph on the national system and it may still be some time before we get the chance to see The Unknown Warrior in action following the various setbacks that have beset the project in recent times.
Many details about the project are to be found in the RCTS publication detailing the history of the class.