The Great Britain XVI - 13/04/24 to 21/04/24

I feel the same way about the situation as you but will travel as usual, as meeting up with friends made over the years and some unusual routes will still make for a good time.
Obviously more choice of loco’s and mark 1’s would be better but with the current situation I am just glad that the trip is going ahead at all, as I have been fearing cancellation for some time.

 

I was just thinking that this morning about relying on such a small pool of locos. I’m still waiting for the final details to arrive in the post, and just hope the stock provided is of adequate quality. This is my first GB (and actually my first railtour in 40 years), and having seen it from the lineside on many occasions I am very disappointed to miss out on the MK1s. That said I am looking forward to the Cumbrian coast, Central Wales, and Highland main lines

 

Need to cross fingers hard for the Cumbrian Coast given events at Grange-over-Sands. Two of the highlights of my short career on the charters were the days on the GB in 2019 from Ayr to Stranraer and then over the GSW to Carlisle. In terms of itinerary, this looks the best trip since then. So I wish you guys all the very best for as good a trip as possible

 

I believe they aren’t targeted to reopen G-o-S until 19th April so I assume GB will divert. Lancaster to Carlisle via S&C perhaps?

EDIT - Although Steve has just posted the times for going via G-o-S so maybe it’ll open early?

 

Times for Lancaster to Carlisle.https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U06294/2024-04-15/detailed

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U06295/2024-04-15/detailed
Also a backup path over the S&C just incase.

 

Presume the Black 5s rostered are 44871, 44932 and 45407?

 

932 isn’t air braked so that’ll be a no

 

Post#51 says locos for the tour are 34067, 44871, 45407

 

Intersting if it does use that path….

Either Tender first or Diesel hauled to Hellifield. Surprised they didn’t send it round the Pendle Dalesman way

 

Apologies, I didn't see the above post. Was unsure whether 44932 was air braked or not. Thank you both

 

This may settle the Cumbrian Coast issue.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0jx9e2ge4yo.amp

 

The bridge near Workington has been open for a few days, the issue with the route is the closure of the line due to the Arnside derailment.

 

The article goes on to state "The route between Barrow-in Furness and Lancaster is expected to be closed for two weeks after a train derailed near Grange-over-Sands."

 

Might just be open when we go up then

 

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/grange-over-sands-20240322/

Updated situation. I think they only moved the units away a couple of days ago.Looking like a three week job minimum from here.

 

Surely double headed Fives over the S&C would be preferable? Granted, if its a clear weather day, the coast would be ideal.

 

Thank you, yes its looking a big job now