Northern Belle 2023

Nothing available possibly that has air breaking as Tangmere not available as Idris mentioned above.

 

Times on RTT for 29 April
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55007/2023-04-29/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U55001/2023-04-29/detailed

 

Hopefully something is available .

 

Maybe 2 options. Smile

 

Not looking good especially with no Tangmere available for the GB tour plus nothing else I know of that’s air breaked at Carnforth.

 

The only possibility would be the Duchess

 

Did think about that to be honest but I suppose it’s down to both parties agreeing.

 

Indeed, when I was at Southall last year the Duchess was looking very tired, I’m not sure how much it’s got left on its ticket. Carnforth badly need Lizzie back

 

Currently minus wheels at Butterley.

There's a dearth of class 7/8 air braked locos at the moment that aren't solely LSL operated. 35028 and 60163 both out for far longer than expected. 34067 unavailable. Still no sign of the Duke. No no. 9 any more. 6024 might appear at some point this year, depending on how things go at Crewe. Not an ideal situation.

 

Believe the duchess has a few years. Last overhaul completed in 2018.

 

Video now on Great Britain XV link

 

Any rumours about what loco is likely to be used?

 

One that is not powered by coal I'm afraid (Northern Belle web site has been updated).

 

D345! Carnforth - Appleby - Preston.

Edit - 86401 working Coventry - Carnforth and Preston - Coventry, according to WNXXforum.

 

Quote taken from Northern Belle website
'An army of 6,000 navvies toiled in extremely harsh conditions during the late 19th century to hew this 73-mile wonder of engineering out of the rugged Yorkshire Dales and the Cumbrian Fells. And until the mid-1970s, steam-hauled expresses between London and Scotland like The Thames-Clyde Express and The Waverley still thundered over the route' !!!

 

Footage of 86401 flying past Forton then D345 thundering up the last mile to Shap Summit.

 

Not a good idea to forget that the Bluetooth is still connected to my speaker in the kitchen whilst watching that, scared the crap out the missus!

 

Birkett .

 

D345 at Salterwath and Birkett Common .