Tornado Railtours 2020

A1SLT have started releasing their programme of tours for 2020 and it's already looking like a cracking year. Here are a few highlights:

- Tornado's first ever departure from Liverpool
- A trip from Darlington going up the S & C and back over the Cumbrian Coast

But without a doubt the absolute standout for me is Crewe to Glasgow on 18th July. Outside of the GB each year, it's quite rare to have steam up Beattock, and it will certainly be a first for me. That is one trip I will definitely not be missing!

 

It's a shame that Tornado can't come on/off at Carnforth so you could possibly do steam both way's ! Or is this just a positioning move for the A1 ? looks to be plenty of work for WCR with Tornado next year !

 

The first Aberdonian is just a few days later so this is essentially just a glorified positioning move.

 

Good for them. Far better than the normal diesel + steam + stock moves. <BJ>

 

A bit surprising Tornado will gauge round the Cumbrian Coast. But Britannia did so maybe the problem at Harrington has been resolved.

When was the last time steam made it to Glasgow Central?

 

September 2014 possibly? The last 'West Highlander.'

 

Tempted to book on that as if all goes according to plan, I'll be retired and can indulge such things without agonising over shutting the shop or not.

 

I've booked on the trip to Glasgow. I'm debating not doing the return leg (which is electric-hauled) and instead spending a few nights in Scotland so I can do The Jacobite and The Aberdonian, and then getting a cheap advance ticket back to the Midlands from Scotland. Early days yet, but it might be an opportunity for a good steam-based mini holiday north of the border!

 

Sounds like a plan.

 

Oh dear, I can feel my wallet twitching, not done Beattock since the Scottish Lowlander..

 

Think Glasgow is a good punt. Need the track between Larkfield Jc and Central before I've done the entire WCML in the down direction for steam. However, there's two other potential iterations which could take in some of the suburban lines (Newton E. Jc to Eglinton St. Jc or Whifflet to Rutherglen E. Jc).

 

I don't mind either way as long as I have the opportunity to tick off Central with steam at the front end. Its the same issue as any branch line trip with steam without easy access to turning facilities.

 

I'm certain this will be a WCRC operation as the Itinerary quotes usage of a Class 86. I would assume that would be Les Ross. Also the fact that the Aberdonian trains will be a WCRC operated means that this will surely be WCRC operated.

 

Seems very likely, itinerary also states water stop at Carnforth - unlikely to be anyone other than WCRC.

 

Tempted to book, though as it's just a glorified ECS move and with the possible shunt move at Glasgow, it's all a bit risky in regards to a pure steam run !

 

Well my wallet twitched open, Glasgow here we come next July!

 

Just got email from A1steam, The Caledonian 18 July has been postponed to an unspecified date later in the year. Options are, travel on revised date, transfer to another trip, gift voucher or refund. Disappointing but understandable.

 

Yes I have had the email too, no doubt the Aberdonian will follow, as the Caledonian was just a glorified stock move for the Aberdeen runs. As we booked tickets for both and the Jacobite it's unlikely our party will want to reschedule, especially in the Autumn with the darker days.