Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2016

RYTC have announced there WCME runs for 2016.
First one is advertised as Manchester - Carlisle with 60103 (45407 & 44871 as back up)

http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/winter-cumbrian-mountain-express-23-01-16

Then 6 more running from London with the locomotive pool being 46115, 46100 & 46233

http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/winter-cumbrian-mountain-express-2

 

How long for that first trip to sell out

 

The NRM latest press release suggested the debut of 60103 would be in the spring on a KX to York?

 

Surprised me too. Unless they're looking for a lower-key trip first time out, just in case?

 

Or entice customers with the A3 then sub the fives for "operational reasons"? Shades of the Jubilee pairing that never was.

 

I do question the mention of 6233 unless she is doing the later runs.

 

Indeed they do, Al! 46100 was trailed for several GB tours when she still in pieces, 6023 and 35018 have been suggested for regular trips since about this time last year, and even currently in-ticket locos have been advertised before the loco owners have agreed to anything. On the other hand, the NRM site listing the plans for 2016 says FS may appear in black undercoat on preserved lines and the main line for trials ahead of the inaugural run in February. Maybe MeltonNorth has discussed the possibility with Ian R, and maybe Ian has not said "no", but I wouldn't see it as anything more than an aspiration at this stage.

 

A big old con ! I will expect the black fives & nothing else

 

Who knows the debut of 60103 might be as per NRM but 502 hauls the WCME? If it ain't black it ain't right after all.

 

No con, actually. Subject to the usual caveats of a loco coming off overhaul, it has been agreed by all parties that the 23/01 train from Manchester should by hauled by 'Flying Scotsman', as part of its mileage accumulation, prior to its official launch, in February.

RTC are being up-front about this, by mentioning the reserve position of the two Black 5s, which would normally be expected for this annual event. Clearly, you can judge the likelihood for yourselves, from the regular updates from Mr Riley or the NRM.

 

Well, I hope I'm wrong !

 

Precisely....

 

Have we forgotten about the test runs at East Lancashire in December prior to the January 23rd wcme. Also the test around the Carnforth circle prior the same week. Ian is going to do this right no matter what. Today is September 9 that is late January.

Same can be said about 46100 about today because that is 5 months away.

 

Good news, and thanks for the confirmation. Let's hope it comes together as planned.

 

First WCME of January im booked on as this will be part of my 22nd birthday.

 

I just thought that this thread would be a good one to move back to the front because prospects of 46100 are looking really good.

 

Apologies-hadn't spotted the date

 

That comment was moons ago, when the confirmation of the Scot's finish date wasn't fully confirmed! Happy to be proven wrong.