“Steam & Diesel in the Northern Fells”

Presenter: Ian Pilkington

Ian Pilkington, of recent RO photographic renown, was the presenter at the November meeting telling of “Steam & Diesels in the Northern Fells”.  Concentrating between 2010-2017 many superb images were seen of steam specials over the Settle & Carlisle lines at a wide range of photographic locations.  The locomotives featured numerous engines from the Midland Region, such as the Pacifics, Jubilees and Black Fives operating in various atmospheric conditions ranging between snow clad hills and glorious mid-summer sunshine.  Southern Pacifics and Western Castles were also nicely pictured.  Freight activity over the lines was well covered showing numerous pictures of the Gypsum and tank trains plus other variations of traffic that frequented the territory all of which were hauled by a wide-ranging number of diesels chiefly from classes 66, 37 and 60.  Diesel hauled tours were also to be seen within the mix.

Similar attention was also accorded to the West Coast main line which again described and illustrated steam specials and diesel-powered traffic beneath the wires whilst negotiating through the hills around Shap.  The scope of the presentation was broadened via photographs of traffic taken on the Cumbrian Coastline which, in addition to the occasional steam special, also featured diesel hauled class 37 passenger trains meandering between Barrow and Carlisle.  “Flying Scotsman” pictured on the Newcastle to Carlisle line was a further notable inclusion.  This excellent photographic presentation was well received and enjoyed by all.