Settle & Carlisle - May 2004
Black Five to the rescue
Another steam locomotive was substituted, Black Five 45407, but this was not as powerful as the original locomotive and the Settle-Carlisle line often referred to as the "long drag" represented too big a challenge for it so a diesel (Class 47) was put behind the Black 5 to assist. This put many of the purist off travelling, photographing or filming the train.
We travelled to Carlisle over the scenic Settle-Carlisle route and our return was notable because we had all to alight at Appleby. The train reversed into the local siding to let a service train pass. When the line was clear our train came back into the station. The Black 5 had little, if any, assistance from the diesel and the word struggled comes to mind. Steam enthusiast would call it spirited. The load behind must have been towards the limit of the Black 5's capability but it was a splendid sight and sound.
