23.12.15 37401 2C47 10.04 Preston - Barrow, Cart Lane

Cumbria got a welcome break from the perpetual rain and gloom today with broken cloud and decent spells of sun, especially around the coast. So with nothing to shoot on the S&C because the cement was cancelled yet again I took a trip down to see the most interesting diagram in the county at present. The day before with rain forecast all day I took a long but very enjoyable ride from Lancaster to Carlisle using both the loco hauled services. It was a real trip down memory lane as I stood by the windows most of the way listening to the loco. For my journey DRS liveried 37409 was in charge of the morning Preston to Barrow service whilst large logo 37401 was on the 11.38 Barrow - Carlisle. That meant the reverse would be the case today which suited me as 37401 'Mary Queen of Scots' is by far my favourite and the light is at a favourable angle around the Grange area. Seen approaching Cart Lane at speed the attractive working basks in the glowing December light whilst working 2C47 10.04 Preston - Barrow.
From there it was over to Green Lane for the 11.38 Barrow - Carlisle and then over the Ais Gill for 6K05 and 6J37, unfortunately I was done by cloud for all three shots. Still this is a great way to end the year and well worth the effort.