The Waverley

Walked as planned to York station well in time to catch the steam special due out at 8:51.
http://www.railwaytouring.co.uk/index.php/the-waverley---sundays-240711-to-040911.html
The weather was fine and we both took a risk and carried no more than a small umbrella - no waterprooks or coats to carry. The train was booked out and showing as 'on time' when we arrived at the platform but 8:51 duly arrived and departed and the train was not to be seen.  However just about 9:00am it reversed into the platform...

defeating any attempt to get a first photo of 46115 Scots Guardsman way down in front of the twelve coaches.

Everyone piled on and we were off.   We were travelling first class in the chocolate and cream Pullman car

all the other eleven coaches being LMS maroon. Whilst the acceleration out of York was not electric it very soon became clear that the crew were not going to hang about.  Booked to arrive in Leeds at 9:47 I made it that we arrived four minutes early!  That really set the scene for the day.  Each time any delay occured due to signalling or whatever the crew managed to quickly claw back time and arrived at the next scheduled stop on time or early.

We had brilliant weather all day although it was a little warm in the coach at times, eventually persuaded others to open some windows, let the air in and hear the sound of Scots Guardsman working hard up front.

We met Simon in Carlisle for lunch and all too soon were making our way back to Carlisle Station for the return journey..

When we finally got back to York we went to take a look at the engine and thank the crew who were in need of a good shower...