The Caledonian Tornado 3rd November

Just booked on this today, it should be an interesting run Shap and Beattock both ways. Its a long time since i last travelled by steam in to Glasgow Central. I believe it is Tornado's first attempt at Beattock? The train will consist of the Royal Scot set of MK1's. Promoted by HF Railtours. Anyone else travelling on it?

 

The wife and I are on it.....promised her some shopping in Glasgow.

 

Shame its on a Wednesday, otherwise I might have gone on it. hwell:

 

Ditto - picks up and sets down at a station which is 10 minutes walk from home, but no hols left.

 

Tactical Illness???

 

Suggest you look the HF web site---tour postponed.
Douglas.

 

"due to the unusually difficult trading conditions (created by the present economic situation)"
Isn't this the second tour to be cancelled by this operator? Also the reason on the wesite differs from your understanding Ralph. I hope it isn't an omen for this operator and others.
"The alternative date proposed is 21st September 2011."
Regards,
John.

 

I think the somewhat challenging timetable might also be a factor - past midnight return to Crewe after a 7am start anyone?

 

The banner advert for this tour still keeps appearing on this forum - can it be removed?

 

Mersey Tornado also bit the dust due to poor bookings. Both of these tours seem to have been planned at short notice and maybe not the best time of the year. Poor light on the return leg makes for a less than pleasing trip. May and September may prove a better option for both. I hope they fill up well.

 

Tornado's debut on the East Lancs Railway 23-30 October 2010

Within hours of unhooking from the Royal Borderer at York, Tornado crossed the Pennines and made its debut at the East Lancashire Railway's Autumn steam event on the Saturday morning. The A1 Pacific was paired with BR 4-6-2 No 71000 Duke of Gloucester on a number of trains, a formidable 16P value of express motive power!

Tornado continued running through the following half term week and weekend, and drew large crowds on each of the four days I attended.

There is good news for those who feared they had missed Tornado on the East Lancs. Due to the cancellation of the HF Railtours Caledonian Tornado on 3 November, the loco is to stay a further week and will be running on 6 and 7 November.

See 12 pictures at http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net

Peter, just about to put back his clocks on an autumn night in Manchester
http://pjhrailpics.fotopic.net

 

Tornado has been a raging success on the Lancs and good luck to them for taking the gamble. Rides and fotting have been equally successful.

As to this particular tour - at £89 standard class it stopped me as, despite the lure of Shap and Beattock, I can get far better value out of a Lancs Rover or two and making ruts up the M61 for Day Rovers on the Blackpool trams where the turnout the last few days has been good to spectacular.

Tornado will be around next year - Balloons and Twin Sets are more than likely not.

Blackpool however has been noticeably quieter than usual and one must wonder if - especially away from London - people are being more careful with their money. Add unsocial timings and a mid week itinerary when most people are working, and this tour had more going against it than for it.