JL - 27.5.23 D345 5Z79 Appleby NE Sidings - Appleby

With 3 tours passing through Cumbria today there was much to go at. I prioritised the Class 40 hauled Northern Belle tour which covered ECML, Tyne Valley, WCML and S&C in one great day out. Starting at Darlington working north and across the Tyne Valley to access the WCML at Upperby Junc. From there it was south to Preston only to retrace its steps back north behind the beautifully turned out Brunswick green D345 (40145). Again, taking Upperby Junc and Petteril Bridge Junc for the S&C and a 1hr 45min break at Appleby. Enough time for the passengers to enjoy the county town of Westmoreland. During that break the train recessed in Appleby NE sidings and worked the short distance back to the station under headcode 5Z79. With the ECS headcode showing, D345 prepares to depart along the former line linking the Midland with the NE line from Penrith to Kirkby Stephen via Warcop. Following this diagram today was a great way to spend a warm Spring Saturday.