Keith Marshall: A day return from Settle to Carlisle with preserved steam and BR diesels

MEETING REPORT 12.03.24

At our March meeting, local RCTS member Keith Marshall stepped in for Gavin Morrison, who had to pull out of his planned presentation owing to continuing poor health. Keith took us on a journey along the Settle & Carlisle Line mostly during the 1980s and 1990s showing the changes that have taken place in the last 40 years. The most recent photos shown were some steam specials from 2005. Starting at Settle Junction we headed north. In an era of many fewer trains compared to nowadays when the route was being run down with closure in mind by BR, Sundays was often the best day to be lineside, with many loco-hauled express trains to be seen diverted away from the West Coast Main Line. A mix of passenger and freight trains were shown, along with steam specials. Classes 25, 31, 37, 40 and 47 all featured amid some stunning scenery and on some of the S&C’s classic viaducts. At Carlisle we also saw some parcels trains and DMUs before we headed back south again with many more superb images. Keith finished with some of his highlights from many years photographing on the line.