West Coast Santa trains 2017

48151 being pushed at Starrick's farm on a dire day .

 

A class 5 0r 6, would of put up a better showing that absolute 'Shower' ! Bravo on braving the elements Steve.

 

Thanks Liam, don’t think it would’ve mattered what was on the front as it was pretty obvious from the off that the can would be pushing after the last two Santa’s .

 

Glad I didn't venture out! Deffo a day to 'do a Winskill!'

 

Bloody hell Steve are you a masochist or don't they have weather forecasts over your way!

Merry Christmas.

 

Well it was a grotty old day, but I don't think that mattered one jot to the inhabitants of Coach E. To be honest it could have been a smoke machine or a GWR manor on the front and you wouldn't have told the difference due to the noise in the carriage of kids enjoying themselves. Stewards (are they wcrc staff or hired in), were great and went way beyond the extra mile for the kids (the Elf in our carriage walking the length of the train to find the entertainer to get a new balloon dog when our lasses popped) things just kept coming to keep the kids busy fed and watered. They earned their money alone when we strangely got looped at Barton for about 15 mins, when 20 odd early yet nothing overtook us, kids are getting a bit bored but stewards just took their minds off it.

Did exactly what it said on the tin for the kids, not one for the enthusiasts and you would have to be a masochist to travel without kids, trust me I would avoid like the plague if I didn't have kids but our lass had a ball and her mum wants to go next year so boxes were ticked - if it gets the next generation interested more the merrier! I am not remotely Christmasy, despite the wife's best efforts but I have to admit it was a bloody fun old day.

The only slight sadness is that the kids never really got the chance to see 48151 unless joining at carnforth, as she was off the platform end at Lancaster, not really sure how they can address this, the days of fun pasts we enjoyed when I were a lad are well gone.

And to cap it all even northern played ball making it an enjoyable and stress free day.

Now having to sit through the Polar Express which was requested when we got home!

 

True but I was already soaking wet after fitting a 5 meter shop canopy so thought what the hell

 

Like it lol

 

The final 'Santa Special' works through Kettlesbeck, Steve Chipperfield with the reins, Chris Holmes feeding the beast and James Marshall on the tail. The rain which had been bucketing down stopped just before the trains arrival but soon started again. So that's it for this year so roll on the WCME's in 2018



Wherever you are have a good un!!

 

Shots from Bentham, leaving Hellifield, Whalley Arches, Wilpshire Tunnel and Barton.

 

Wonder if there is any thoughts towards a non santa version at other times of the year using a similar itinerary?

 

Mad dogs and Englishmen Steve!!

 

Coincidentally Mrs GWR4707 commented today that it would make a nice little reasonably priced Valentines itinerary. For some reason there are lots of these short day trips down south at valentines but nothing up here?

 

Mad being the operative word lol

 

You don't have to be mad Henry but it helps

 

You and Shep are definitely mad but full marks for going out Merry Christmas and a drier New Year