Cumbrian Mountain Express 2022

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...2/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Timings out for the first WCME on the 22nd.

 

Direct southbound over Shap with no looping the loop!

 

I think this is the link
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91433/2022-01-22/detailed

northbound
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91432/2022-01-22/detailed

 

Steam on at Hellifield and off at Carnforth I wonder?

 

RYTC suggests steam throughout and Railway Herald agrees.

 

ECS between Carnforth and Manchester Vic with steam on the rear, apart from Brewery Jn to MCV in the morning.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...-22/0000-2359?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

Cheers, Neil

 

RTC having it running the other way around -
The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express
Saturday 22nd January 2022
Our first main line steam hauled train of 2022 starts the year off with a winter scenic day out from the north-west to the Cumbria Fells. Travelling outwards over the West Coast Main Line via Shap to Carlisle, time will be available to explore this historic border city. In the afternoon, we head southwards again, but via the highly scenic Settle & Carlisle line. This will be even more special if there is snow about to enhance the breathtaking scenery of the Pennines. The train will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth pool.

Our special train will depart from Manchester Victoria at about 07:00 stopping to collect passengers at Bolton and Preston.
We enjoy a fast run along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Carnforth where we stop for our locomotive to take on water. We climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg and then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. We stay in the Border City for over two hours, providing ample time to visit the castle, cathedral, museum and shops, or just to relax in one of the many fine coffee shops, restaurants or bars.

 

I'm looking at doing some photography on the West Coast route over Shap & the Settle to Carlisle railway for 2022. I've been on several railtours in the past, but never done any photography from the lineside.
My only problem is I don't drive, and using public transport at the moment is a little difficult.
So I was just wondering if there is a kind soul on here, who would be able to offer me a lift?? I will be more than happy to assist with petrol costs if that helps!
I live in Chester, and mostly photograph heritage railways at places like ELR, SVR and Ffestiniog, as well as the mainline scene in Chester & North Wales.
I await in anticipation.
Thanks.

 

Guessing well shall find what is on the first WCME by Friday, next week. 34067,35018, 45690, 45699 or 46115

 

Is it possible 34067 will be involved on this train? Has it passed all the running in tests?

 

West coast could err on the safe side and diagram both 34067 and 35018, with Tangmere as pilot to allow for more running in mileage All we need now is heavy snow fall, so the pictures are of a spamcan, piloting a rebuild, slogging up the long drag in artic like conditions

 

Surely that should be the train the following weekend so that those of a Southern background could have the experience!

 

RTC website updated to show 45699 is rostered for this weekend

 

Previous years from memory the Manchester CME has run with a diesel, the Euston ones not, although of course the October 2021 one did.

 

Do you happen to know if it’s on the dining or SC end and if a full train turn on the triangle at Carlisle please ?
Interested in a seat if SC leading ,not if at the rear all day .

 

A diesel would imply the whole train is turned, why uncouple two locos swop ends and turn one as well when you do not have to? Although RTT shows as arriving in P1 and leaving from P4 no intermediate moves yet shown there.