29.9.13 - 56087 6C37 Chirk - Carlisle, Salterwath

For the past two weekends the Sunday empty log working from Chirk to Carlisle Yard had made good time on its way north and has worked up Shap around 1 hour earlier than its booked path. This would mean getting a shot with sun on the cab front (if there was any sun) would've been very difficult. However, today under cold but very clear Autumn conditions a different situation unfolded. Running just 30-40 mins ahead of time through north Lancs the working didn't have enough headway in front of a couple of following Virgin services. So was held further south awaiting it's booked path. Seen running just behind time, Colas 56087 hammers through Salterwath on the 1:75 climb to Shap summit with the attractive 6C37 diagram, a powerful shot to say the least. Driver Len Hawkins, who wrote to me to request the shot provides the details..."Approaching Winwick Junc I had greens all the way and looking across the curve prior to the protecting signal I saw it was green as I rounded the curve on the Down Fast and came through the road bridge it had reverted to red which at a junction is somewhat of a shock the emergency brake application brought the empties to a stand on the right side of the signal. The conversations between myself and Warrington Power Box and myself and Colas Control had me running late and I wanted to get going to ensure I caught my train back."