ONAugust 5,Carnforth’s record-breakingMerchant Navy PacificNo. 35018 British India Line turnedin another goodperformance on the northbound ‘CumbrianMountain Express’.This capable engine wouldnot have neededtobeworkedtoo hardand little comment is needed. TableOne shows thedetail, andI amgrateful to Sandy Smeaton for sendingthe log.He commented:“Class 86No. 86259 Les Ross brought the 10-coach train intoCarnforth loopfrom Euston about threeminutes late, having left Preston six late.No. 35018 British India Line, with its support coach backedonto the train,made the load394 tons tare and about 420 gross.The crewwereDriverDavidBlair and firemanChrisHolmes.After the 10.04amManchester Airport-Edinburgh servicepassednorth eight late, No. 35018 startedout of the loop6½late.
“With a speed profile of 67½/42½/75/31½ at mileposts 13/26/31½/37½ and an unchecked run downhill to Carlisle, 12½ minutes were gained on the 80-minute schedule, arriving in Carlisle six early after a well-judged run which hardly extended the Bulleid. For the last
