Pathfinder Cumbrian Fells Express: 03/09/22

https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-cumbrian-fells-express/

A rare non-Northern Belle outing for 34067.

 

Do Pathfinder use DB Cargo as their TOC for steam tours?

 

They did previously but this year West Coast are the TOC for some trips.

 

Diesel as well as steam as I am only aware of WCRC and Swanage with mainline certified Class 33's.

https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events/the-dorset-coast-explorer/

 

Based on some of my trips in its last stint on the mainline the phrase used by Pathfinder
"Restarting for the south, sit back and watch the unfolding drama from your comfortable seat," was often only too accurate!

 

Pathfinder used DRS a lot for their diesel tours but they have had to find alternate operators as DRS are withdrawing from operating charters. Pathfinder's 4 day Scotland trip over Easter is the last charter they're operating. DBC and GBRF are also cutting back charters just to core routes that they have knowledge of, so the possibility for random "one offs" is much reduced. So there will be mainly WCR operated trips now, although there is one on 2nd July operated by SLC Rail.

 

Sign of the times. A Pathfinder Train with only 2 Standard Class Carriages. Rest of the train is 2 and a bit First Class and 4 and a bit Premier Dining. 9 Passenger Carrying. Says Full Buffet Service is available for Standard and First Class so presumably both Buffet Car and Restaurant Car pushing it to 11. They're still hoping for 34067 but with POB we're talking 12. Any thoughts on the motive power? Would WCR let 34067 out for its first unassisted run with 12 over Shap and the S&C?

 

Definitely Tangmere, I am booked on it
Maybe tail end Charlie anyway because of weather

 

With it being Pathfinder, will it be a Riviera rake and Tangmere being the only West Coast option for air braked stock?

 

I thought I had read that with the new owner WCRC were now providing stock for some of their tours. That was probably from a different forum so may not be accurate.

 

Yes, I thought the same as well. Just A and B Standard Class (I'm in A).
I've never been behind Tangmere at all ever, so to say I'm looking forward to it is an understatement!

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66421/2022-09-03/detailed

This is the stock move, so yes. Presumably two diesels T and T to Carnforth and then ????

 

same here was unable to get a standard class seat, all sold out weeks ago, so dug deep for a 1st class one

 

The last time Tangmere did twelve on Shap unassisted was a struggle.

 

Not sure about that as it says at BTM P4 'Service Loco runs around here'.

 

might be double headed to there?

 

I was looking at Burton rather than Bristol when I wrote T and T, I must admit.

 

These are the RTT links. Don't think anyone has posted them yet:

Out: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66422/2022-09-03/detailed
Rtn: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U66423/2022-09-03/detailed