Following the success of the Steam Charter to Peak Rail operated by 'Oliver Cromwell' on the 27th May 2012, a similar tour visited Peak Rail on 14th April 2013.
In 2013, the 'Peak Forester' was operated by unrebuilt 'Battle of Britain' Class 'Tangmere', named after RAF Tangmere. This famous RAF Station, near Chichester, played an important role during the Battle of Britain (see the Wikipedia article here).
On the day of the charter, Peak Rail ran a modified service between Rowsley and Matlock Town, with a 7-coach train top-and-tailed by a steam locomotive 'Lord Phil' at the north end and a Class 31 diesel electric locomotive at the south end. I was the driver on 'Lord Phil' and Phil was the fireman.
The passing loop at Darley Dale was used to allow the steam charter to pass the Peak Rail service. When the 'Peak Forester' arrived, the Peak Rail passenger train waited in the Up platform at Darley Dale. At Rowsley, 'Tangmere' was watered, coaled, turned and serviced. With the stock for the charter shunted to the loop, the Peak Rail service was able to use the single platform at Rowsley. To allow the 'Peak Forester' to return to Network Rail, the Peak Rail service ran Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) to Darley Dale, drew onto the single line to clear the loop points. A preserved Fire Tender with around 400 gallons of water then topped-up the saddle tank on 'Lord Phil'. The ECS was then signalled into the Down platform to await the passage of the charter. Once the charter has disappeared towards Matlock, the ECS was able to continue to Rowsley before forming the last passenger service of the day to Matlock Town and back.
My Pictures
'Peak Forester' 2013.
Friday, 19 April 2013
The 'Peak Forester'
