Having recorded the loco heading north earlier in the day, because of the wind, we were in a bit of a quandary as to where to go for the return. Ais Gill would have been first choice but, with the wind direction and strength, the lack of shelter there made that seem a bad idea. Tramping through the lying snow wasn't all that attractive either so we plumped for the second favourite at Greengate Bridge near Wharton. This proved to be an excellent choice.
While my friend went to our usual spot at the top of the cutting north of the bridge, I went along the farm track heading the other way where I found a suitable dry stone wall for shelter.
46115 was due off Appleby at 15:43 but, knowing that times are not always adhered to and that there was a chance that as soon as enough water had been taken that the train might leave, I had my recorder turned on shortly before ten to five.
And not a minute too soon as no sooner had I got the recorder running than a faint but distinct roar could be hear coming from the north.
Now, I've heard similar sounds before and thought it was a train only to discover that it was actually coming from an aircraft but this time there was no mistake for the sound continued to grow becoming clearer and clearer on the gradient to Kirkby Stephen.
While the wind might have been a problem for choice of location, at least it was also carrying the sound well and I suspect that we could hear the Scot as far away as Smardale.
In due course Scots Guardsman burst under the Greengate Bridge and passed going very well indeed.
The gradient leading up to Birkett Tunnel often used to be the slowest part of the climb to Ais Gill but no one watching would have thought so on this day. An excellent performance and what a superb sound - I shall look forward to many more recordings with the fine loco!