Railway Herald
Merchant Navy class Pacific No. 35018 'British India Line' heads 'The Dalesman' from York to Carlisle on 6th October 2022, seen approaches Settle, reaching the point where the gradient briefly eases from 1 in 100 to 1 in 200.
The train had been held at Settle Junction while the Hunslet to Arcow Quarry stone train was safely onto the branch, 5 miles to the north. With a 12 carriages load and No. diesel assistance, the crew were faced with a start from the foot of the 'long drag', as well as a wet rail following a light shower. Passing Settle just 10 minutes late, the train was 31 minutes behind time at Blea Moor, having taken 37 minutes for the 12 miles from Settle, at an average of just 19 mph.
Paul Braybrook
