25th March 2006

Pathfinder Tours
The Redmire Rambler

Route:
1Z27 : Cardiff Central to Redmire (3)
1Z28 : Redmire to Cardiff Central

Notes :
(1) 50049 on rear.
(2) 50031 on rear.
(3) NR TRUST timings only gave 1Z27 as far as Ainderby and 1Z28 from Ainderby.

50031 & 50049 are captured as they pass by Rother Valley Country Park
heading towards Beighton Junction (photo: Glyn Brocklesby)

Sources : various

Tour Review
(from Mark Harrington)

You know how it is. The combination of mortgage, partner and the family dog don’t leave much scope to do railtours. Especially if you live in Darlington, where tour pick ups are rarer than home wins. So the attraction of a legal, two hour spin on a Pathfinder tour, within the confines of the Wensleydale Railway, was not to be sniffed at. Even the rain stopped as I drove the twenty miles to Leeming Bar, for a civilised early afternoon jaunt in the path of the 12.35 DMU, replaced by two 50s and a lengthy set of ex-Virgin Mk2s. As expected, the Class 110 coughed into the station from Redmire and parked up for the duration. Here is where things started to fall apart. Does this sound familiar? The 12.35 departure was now put back to 13.10, due to York Station being unable to accommodate three railtours at once, especially where a top ‘n’ tail move was to be done. The return trip from Redmire now included an hour break at Leyburn, where no doubt ‘The Sandpiper’ pub would have its hand pumps tested to destruction. So what was it to be? I had to pick ‘er indoors up as the train was booked back at Leeming Bar. Not risking the wrath of a cross-armed partner and a cross-legged dog, I formulated a cunning plan worthy of the great Baldrick. Buy a single to Bedale, and get the bus back! Let’s just say that single ticket sales from Leeming Bar to the nearby town were as rare as emissions from rocking horses, and to all credit the ticket office confirmed it would be stopping there, and the price was £2-15p. Sorted!

Around 13.15, 50049 came into sight and rolled through Leeming at walking speed so the train wouldn’t foul the crossing, well, sort of. There was a disappointing turn out of locals to do the 50s to Redmire I am afraid to say, although only six seats were available. Anyway! Another five minutes passed and eventually 50049 sauntered away. The on-board commentator welcomed us aboard and announced we would shortly be crossing the A684 road. Correction! We thrashed across the A684 crossing at Aiskew, as I relished the sound of a 50 working hard from a door window for the first time in years. The commentary fell silent for a few minutes, as the scenery on this section comprises of back gardens and cars dumped at the rear of motor dealers. Just as I was getting as comfortable as I ever would be, I decided to move forward as the photography opportunities at Bedale would be minimal. Wine was just being served in the Posh-ex front end, a pity no spare glasses were on the go! A quick leap onto the platform, and that was that. Just over five minutes of aural pleasure, as some might say. Both 50s were duly photographed and I reflected on the fact I may well have been the first person to do Leeming to Bedale on a loco hauled train since 1954, when passenger services ceased until DMU’s returned in 2003. Hellfire!

Mark Harrington

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Mark Harrington & Brian Ovington)

Timings continue in first table.

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