Cotton Mill Express 2020

Times now out

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52083/2020-02-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52084/2020-02-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52086/2020-02-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52085/2020-02-29/detailed

 

Didn't expect this to work out as well as it has from the route and timing perspective! Just goes to show that the system has the capacity to pleasantly surprise. Nice to see the two different routes from Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge (Ashton-under-Lyne and Ashburys) are included for good measure.

 

Coming on top of RTT’s confirmed timings for the day’s itinerary, fulfilling all the promise of RTC’s original scope for the Cotton Mill Express, the spotlight on this particular feature of the routing really does come as the icing on the cake. It’s worth highlighting this as something not merely interesting but a bit special because the Manchester Victoria–Stalybridge leg of the second circuit is scheduled to traverse what is nowadays some genuinely rare mileage for a passenger service – let alone a steam hauled excursion.

The 2.16 miles section between Philips Park West Junction to Ashburys West Junction hasn’t seen any regular revenue earning passenger movements since 20th October last year, when a single once weekly Sunday morning Manchester Airport – Scarborough service that had used the line since May 2018 was withdrawn from this route. Prior to that no passenger services had worked over this section since the removal of a single Sunday morning Liverpool-Newcastle service in September 2015.

Not sure whether it would have been correct to call these “Parliamentary” services – unlike the legendary once-a-week Stockport-Guide Bridge–Stalybridge service, these trains didn’t call at any intermediate station between the two junctions. But as a “Passenger Service on an Unusual Line” (as the Branch Line Society’s superbly informative website would have it described) they were every bit as distinctive as an entity within the passenger timetable. So now we have the opportunity to follow in their tracks – and perhaps make a little bit of history for the BLS record (I think they do count excursions, whether steam hauled or otherwise). I wonder when this line last saw a steam-hauled passenger train of any description? I’m sure someone, somewhere within the NatPres cohort will know.

A 20 mph permanent speed restriction prevails along the entire two mile section. So, time enough to take in the glories of the East Manchester landscape and Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium as one of its centrepieces. And an unexpected interlude in what will in any event be a fascinating day

 

Possibly the Pennine Limited on 3/3/18?

Cotton Mill fully booked in standard, seats available in first and dining. Not the usual profile!

 

Does anyone reckon on nat pres there may be another cotton mills express after this one on 29th feb 2020?

 

I did it on a 'Tin Bath' in November 2015. Nevertheless, it's not common track, and will be nice to do it again. Just wish Walkden and Reddish North get done again so I can tick them off!

 

any ideas what loco or locos allocated for these 2 runs

 

The riley 5mts or 45690 at a guess maybe?

 

I don't think it will be Leander, because she having winter maintenance at the moment.

 

Im only going on that 45407 sometimes did the cotton mills 10 years ago

 

All of which probably makes 45562/45699 the odds on favourite.

 

So did 76079.....

 

Which is what I'm hoping for, since I usually get 45699 instead.

 

Either suits me, and could do with accumulating a bit more mileage with 45699. However, I wouldn't complain if some completely left-field steam locomotive was on the front...

 

Shame that 76084 couldent be used on the cotton mills maybe double headed with 45407 like 10 years ago with 76079. Well one can only dream, the mainline steam scene has changed alot in that 10 year gap.
Davo 56F.

 

Any news on what loco is doing this run please?