JL - 2.11.17 56078 & 56105 6J37 Carlisle - Chirk Smardale V

The great and the good of S&C photography were out on the line today targeting the much anticipated Grid hauled logs. With mostly clear skies it was a day that promised much but in the end delivered very little. Wouldn't you know it, I got done on the gypsum at Garsdale, K05 ran light engine (not unusual on Thursdays) and Colas suffered traction problems with 56078 or 56105 on 6J37 Carlisle - Chirk. A 45 min late departure from Carlisle Yard became a 90 min delay at Low House and then 113 min late arrival at Appleby, by that time the light had gone and everyone had headed home. I hung around for a silhouette to record the classic traction on the ever popular consist. Seen crossing Smardale Viaduct with the shimmering Scandal Beck in the low light foreground. Later gen was received that one of these locos was attached at Farington Junc. Another loco casualty claimed by the Long Drag. With the eventual arrival of these 56s and the rare appearance of 37s on RHTT today felt like heritage traction day on the S&C. Long may it continue.