JL - 16.7.16 66144 6E95 Kirkby Thore - Milford, Smardale

The new imported gypsum flow which started operating in late June (Weds 22nd) from Fernwood Fuels at Hull Docks to British Gypsum at Kirkby Thore has brought a welcome return of freight to the Eden Valley. Just as in the early 90s when freight first returned to the S&C after a long absence, gypsum has once again proved the saviour. With the on going closure of the route north of Appleby to repair the huge landslip at Eden Brows the only S&C freight until now in 2016 was the Arcow stone flow, but that only runs as far as Blea Moor before returning south. Now with this new semi-regular diagram we have an out and back freight running over the majority of the line that remains open to traffic. I had been very keen to get a shot of this new working particularly as it tells a story of the S&C in 2016 which is obviously a very tough year for the route. With no time in the week to get out for a shot this Saturday was my first opportunity. DBS 66144 romps quickly through Smardale around at around 10.40 with 6E95 Kirkby Thore - Milford West Sidings using long open hopper wagons. On windy days it will be interesting to see if we get some of the payload blowing away.