LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

In full dull conditions Black 5 No.45212 has just taken the, little used by steam, Stoke line at Searchlight Lane junction rather than the direct WCML to Crewe on it Peterborough to Carnforth engine and coach move after the previous days York railtour.

 

It's so dull and miserable in these parts I wasn't going to bother until I noticed the curious little diversion between Stafford and Crewe via Stoke, as @Spike says little used. The route made it worth the effort of a drive over to Stone, for yet another Black 5 shot featuring the ornate North Staffordshire Railway station building.

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U45824/2025-02-19/detailed

60103 on the move to York. Stays there for nearly 3 hours then on to NVR this afternoon.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U45825/2025-02-19/detailed

 

Who is the opearator?

 

ZZ is the TOC code that RTT shows, so I would assume DBC are operating it.

 

It is DB, as shown on RailRecord

 

Was a 47. Thunderbird for the ECML. They tend to swap them about every now and then.

 

60103 'Flying Scotsman' running Engine & Coach from Shildon to the Nene Valley Railway today, passing Warren Lane, Bessacarr, Doncaster, working away from a stop at Bessacarr Junction...


https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54338144589/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54338144594/in/dateposted-public/

 

OZ78 was diverted off it's original schedule and preceded Scotsman from York for NR to check for trespass.
Screenshot attached:

Dave B

 

Interesting development.

 

How do DB crews retain steam knowledge - they have very few steam operations these days?

 

They're looking to expand. Their charters boss gave an interview to one of the mags a couple of months ago saying that they'd be looking at taking on more steam work this year. Number of steam crews was also mentioned but I can't remember now what the figure was, and I've thrown the mag away.

 

Indeed. Other than a very small number of crews for the Belmond Kent circulars and the infrequent Bath/Bristols anyone with steam knowledge must be pretty rare.
Does anyone know how long steam knowledge lasts, does it have to be refreshed every so often?

 

Although I guess as a thunderbird contracted to NR, WCRC just do what the buyer wants.

 

I think the interview you refer to is in the Down Main column of this months Steam Railway. It was given by Richard Corser, DB's Account Manager for Special Trains, Charters and Resource Hires and he states that DB are this year looking to treble the number of steam locomotives that they operate; 35028 (existing), 60103 (deal close at the time of the interview) and 60163 (possible). DB have "10 or 11" steam crew and because of the economics do not envisage using route conductors, this would limit steam operations to routes signed by existing drivers. DB envisage operations would be repeat itineraries and as they don't have own any carriages suitable for steam operation, these would have to be "hired in from other organisations." "It's not something that Richard sees as impossible though."

Encouraging news, or not? It appears that 60103 might now be a done deal. I wonder if the A1 will want to join with DB with possible route availability limitations and having no carriages (of their own), Might WCRC be a more suitable option? Time will tell!

 

Given all the costs of operating a train with a steam loco at the front and possibly a diesel at the back, I am surprised that the cost of putting one more person on the footplate would be significant.

 

I think it's too early to say yes or no - we'll have to see how DB addresses the carriage issue, what routes it intends to use and also which tour operator(s) it intends to work with. Out of interest, does anyone know when the last DB steam operation took place apart from LE moves or 35028 on the pullmans?

If most of its steam-qualified drivers are based in the south, it will necessitate a change of plans for 60163, given that the A1SLT had been planning to focus on Scotland, but considering I've still got a credit with them from the unfortunate "Ebor Flyer", a chance to have a run behind a fully fit 60163 without firstly having to travel 400 miles to board the train would be very welcome. 60163 is due down here for the Bluebell New Build gala in October, so here's hoping!

 

The last 3 non-Pullman DB operations afaik are:
1. 60103: Royal Train 12/06/23
2. 60163: Jorvik Express 16/09/21
3. 35028: Man of Kent 15/09/21