Winter CMEs 2013

Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express

Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express 2

Details for this winter's CMEs from RYTC have appeared on their website. First double-headed Black Fives from Manchester on 26th January, and single locos Carnforth-S&C-Carlisle-Shap-Carnforth with haulage from Euston with Mr Ross' Class 86 on Saturdays in February and first two in March.

That's some mileage covered from London with promised civilised start and end times even from Euston, steam and "vintage" electric haulage all for £69 standard. :clap2:

 

I hear 70013 is going back to Loughborough for an Intermediate overhaul, will she be ready for this? may leave it a bit tight if they find any hiccups!

 

This is where I believe we might see some of 777 in action.

 

Wouldn't that be nice? I have my doubts, however. Ollie is returning to Loughborough for routine maintenance, planned some time in advance. Of course, they won't know what they might find until they start dismantling the parts to be refurbishied, but there's 3 months before Ollie's next turn, and 5305 is available to cover the first few turns if needed. I'd guess that Ollie will be available for the GCR's Winter Gala in late-January, and then move to Carnforth.

I'm sure the footplate crews would prefer the more enclosed cabs of 5305 and 70013 for "winter" S&C trains. 777, with her ancient "storm sheet" between cab and tender, is more of a cabriolet. ;-)

 

Is anyone excited about the addition of 60009 to the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Season?

This is great! I have been hoping that something such as an A4 or Duchess show up for these specials!

 

Shap is now featured on the outbound leg to Carlisle. Settle and Carlisle back to Carnforth. A change from what was advertised. March 2nd shall be something. Yes, 2 Trains going the same directions over Shap and S&C routes with VT "Cumbrian Guardsmen" supposedly powered by LMS 6115 being on the schedule.

I really hope that this change is true based on what I read on RYTC's website.
70013 has been removed from the rostered completely. It Shall Now be the A4 and the 5.

 

If I recall that during this year the schedule varied quite a bit. I can remember going to see two northbound runs over Shap but on other Saturday's it went via the S&C on the north leg.

Already got 2nd March off from work!

 

Would be good if RTC were to advertise which of the days 5305 and 9 were intended to be used ather than either or...

 

Any information on which loco (45305/60009) will be used for the first and second weekend yet?

 

The Vintage Trains trip is now S and C outwards and return via Shap

 

For those of you thinking about the 2 March trip, this tour may be very well moderated!

Richard

 

Correct. We are northbound over the S&C and South over Shap. 46115 will haul the train from Hellifield > Carlisle > Carnforth. 47-773 will be the diesel of choice for the rest.

We are pretty close to being sold out. We have a few seats in Standard only.

Cumbrian Guardsman featuring 46115 Scots Guardsman - Sat 2 March 2013

 

Indeed though the quality of the onboard ale will have to be moderated further... some how some bloke called john smiths managed to get onto a photo last year !

 

Thinking of booking on one of these,but can anyone say what the chances of a box on the back are?

Many thanks

 

If they follow the format of last year then there's no Diesel involvement whatsoever, Electric on the non steam legs and steam heat elsewhere.

 

in posting 9 in the "USA to LIncoln" thread Nigel Dobbing says "from January onwards we will be without diesels on the back". Hopefully this means what it says otherwise there will be a lot of disappointed people.

 

Looking at the forecast for later in the week it may be pretty snowy for the first CME.

 

S&C currently blocked with snow at Garsdale. Buses running between Carlisle & Skipton. A66 & A684 (Garsdale) closed.

 

Latest update re S&C - 40 minutes delay on services between Carlisle & Skipton. Presume they mean rail services.