Railtours

Class 50s unveiled in GB Railfreight livery

by

Sam Hewitt

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2nd April 2019

THE close and growing relationship between the Class 50 Alliance and GB Railfreight has been underlined with the repainting of two of the former’s locomotives in GB colours as part of an on-going hire agreement. No. 50007 Hercules and 50049 Defiance were unveiled on March 20 at Eastleigh Works after the repaint by Arlington Fleet Services.…
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Tornado returns to action with Scottish adventures

by

Sam Hewitt

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1st April 2019

There was disappointment later in the day when Class 55 No. D9009 Alycidon failed on the return leg.
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British Line Society secures Thunderer for railtour return after 28-year gap

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

THE Branch Line Society has scored a major coup by securing Garcia Hanson’s No. 50008 Thunderer for a railtour on July 27. The ‘50’ has been active on the main line for several years, but to date has only hauled passenger trains on heritage railways. Its last railtour outing is thought to have been in October…
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Unusual pairing sparkles in sunshine and snow

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

THE rare combination of a Thompson ‘B1’ 4-6-0 and a rebuilt ‘Merchant Navy’ was the highlight of February 2’s ‘Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express’. No. 61306 Mayflower and No. 35018 British India Line worked north to Carlisle via the West Coast Main Line and returned later in the day via the Settle to Carlisle Line, enjoying glorious conditions…
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Bahamas returns in style

by

Sam Hewitt

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29th March 2019

IT WAS a close-run thing, but ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 No. 45596 Bahamas made a triumphant return to the main line on February 9. The immaculate Stanier ‘5XP’ passed a late trial to ensure its new and overhauled equipment was in full working order, and then worked through from Oxenhope on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR)…
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No. 10000 and the ‘Royal Wessex’

by

Sam Hewitt

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6th March 2019

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

by

Sam Hewitt

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2nd March 2019

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…
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Pathfinder announces triple dose of Tornado trips

by

Sam Hewitt

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28th February 2019

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…
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Northern’s farewell to ‘37’ haulage

by

Sam Hewitt

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28th February 2019

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…
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Pathfinder returning English Electric classics to old haunts

by

Sam Hewitt

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28th February 2019

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…
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