Railtours

  • Tornado test run problem solved: Wensleydale trips on

    Tornado test run problem solved: Wensleydale trips on

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    THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust was forced to cancel Tornado’s main line comeback trip after it sustained minor damage while on its eagerly-awaited test run. No. 60163 had been undergoing repairs at Wansford shed on the Nene Valley Railway following its failure while hauling ‘The Ebor Flyer’ on Saturday, April 14 last year because of…

  • With Full Regulator: LOCOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE THEN AND NOW

    With Full Regulator: LOCOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE THEN AND NOW

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    In his latest column, Don Benn describes the performance of Ian Riley’s ‘Black Five’ No. 44871 on two main line trips in December 2018 and May 2010 – plus some additional information about Bulleid Pacific No.35028 Clan Line’s on November 24’s ‘The Chilterns & Downs’ tour. It HAD been some years since I had a…

  • Designated charter network capacity

    Designated charter network capacity

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    In the latest in our series examining the issues of operating special trains on the main line with heritage rolling stock, Andy Castledine looks at what the future is likely to hold for pathing – and the processes and implications required in planning. He also shares the view of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s Graeme…

  • No. 10000 and the ‘Royal Wessex’

    No. 10000 and the ‘Royal Wessex’

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    The recent photos in The RM of No. 10000 working the ‘Royal Wessex’ (and the Up express at Bournemouth Central) reminded me of the problems associated with the running of this train when it was introduced in 1951. The Up and Down ‘Wessex’ was covered by two separate Bournemouth diagrams; originally light Pacifics were rostered. …

  • 60 years on, last day of Wye Valley line re-created in Leicestershire

    60 years on, last day of Wye Valley line re-created in Leicestershire

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    GWR pannier tank No. 6430 will make its final appearances during its current loan visit to the Battlefield Line during the February half-term period. The Llangollen Railway-based locomotive will run on February 16, 17, 20, 23 and 24 in the Battlefield Line’s first-ever February services. The line’s diesel railcar will also run on February 19…

  • New owners’ expansion plan for Alaska’s White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

    New owners’ expansion plan for Alaska’s White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

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    ALASKAN three-foot gauge operator White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad (WP&YR) is planning to expand its tourist train services during 2019 and is even considering reopening the closed section of its historic route. The development follows its sale for $290million in mid-2018 to a consortium that includes Carnival Cruise Lines. Three of the iconic GE…

  • Pathfinder announces triple dose of Tornado trips

    Pathfinder announces triple dose of Tornado trips

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    A TRIO of Bristol-based trains hauled by Peppercorn ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado has been announced by Pathfinder Tours. The new-build ‘Pacific’ has added the tours to its itinerary as it gets set for a return to the main line on February 9’s ‘North Briton’ from Leicester to Carlisle. ‘The Summer Cornishman’ on June 23 is a…

  • Northern’s farewell to ‘37’ haulage

    Northern’s farewell to ‘37’ haulage

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    LOCOMOTIVE haulage on the Cumbrian Coast Line came to an end last month with Arriva Rail North operating a special return trip to mark the event on January 11. Displaying both ‘The Cumbrian Coast Express’ and ‘Class 37 Farewell’ headboards, Northern’s 09.52 Carlisle-Carnforth special passes Maryport. No. 37409 Lord Hinton leads the train with No. 37425 Sir…

  • Pathfinder returning English Electric classics to old haunts

    Pathfinder returning English Electric classics to old haunts

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    FANS of English Electric traction will have the opportunity to relive past glories over the coming months with Pathfinder Tours. March 23 sees Class 50s return to the West of England to mark 25 years since their final run under British Rail. The ’50 Terminator-Phoenixed’ is an epic day out, starting from London Paddington at…

  • Flying Scotsman heads railway tribute to Sir William McAlpine

    Flying Scotsman heads railway tribute to Sir William McAlpine

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    THE railway industry paid tribute to one of its leading figures of the past few decades on January 11 when No. 60103 Flying Scotsman hauled a special train from King’s Cross to York. ‘The Scotsman’s Salute’ ran as a memorial to Sir William McAlpine, who passed away in March 2018, and carried members of his family,…

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