Six Decades of the Settle & Carlisle

We finished our programme for 2025 on a high, with our largest attendance of the year. Our speaker Michael Smyth (Cambridge) presented a fascinating look at “The Last 60 years on the Settle and Carlisle”.

In 1963 the S&C saw 90 trains a day, 80 of which were freight and, over the course of the afternoon, we touched on the several attempts and suggestions that the line was going to close. Each time demand primarily kept it going plus its continued use as a diversionary route for incidents on the WCML. Among other reasons for closure were the mounting maintenance costs, but similarly these also were over-ridden by demand.

Michael had many superb photographs of the various traction working the route, taken in every weather condition imaginable, from bright warm sun and into freezing blizzards. The variety of traction was amazing with 8 and 9Fs in the 1960’s through to Class 60 and 66’s today.

Charter trains have been and will always be using the line for its spectacular scenery. Michael had many photographs of the steam Charters over the years using most loco’s that are certified for main line running. Ranging from Clun Castle and Kings, Jubilees, various Pacific locos along with a variety of diesels.

A really great presentation leading us nicely into the New Year with great expectations.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary