Great Britain XVII - 26/04 to 4/05/25

Lots of interesting possibilities next year if not restricted to just WCR locos?

 

Full details now live:
https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-great-britain-xvii---april-2025

Heading deep into West Wales (Pembroke Dock and Fishguard) will be a rare treat, and revisiting Wick and Thurso after a number of years.

 

Looks like a very good and well thought out trip. Some quite sensible lengths of days mixed in with some longer ones. Wick and Thurso is a cracker of a day

 

It’s over 30 years since I went up there, and I’ve never been loco hauled - the nearest I got was a tour cancelled the day it was due to run in October 1993. However, my domestic credit won’t run to it!


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At the other end of the country, beginning the first day with a run down the Portsmouth Direct will be a pleasant way start to the trip. This route hasn't featured as prominently as some other lines in the south of England such as the Bournemouth line or the Canterbury circuit as a route for steam in the preservation era (Nor indeed before that - it was electrified in the 1930s) but from Godalming to the outskirts of Havant, there is plenty of very attractive countryside and the two summits at Haslemere and Buriton are approached by climbs of 1 in 80, so a lot to enjoy before reaching the more spectacular scenery of Wales, Cumbria or the Scottish highlands.

 

2016. I remember it well... Seem to recall a bridge restriction towards Wick resulted in a change of destination. Certainly tempting if an optional day.

 

So as things stand currently, what's the list of Locos that GB XVII could realistically provide (if LSL are excluded)?

34067
44871.....

 

45407
45212
44871
34067
35028

Although admittedly one of the 5s will be needed in Scotland for the Jacobite.

One thing I did find interesting the other day is RTC have revamped their locomotives page…..They’ve shown the 3 Air Braked engines they’ve used this year 35028, 34067, 44871….

But also 35018….But nothing else from the Carnforth Pool….Im possibly reading too much in to this, but is BIL gaining air brakes?

https://www.railwaytouring.net/rtc-locomotives

 

One other Black 5 as the Jacobite is only the morning service. 35028 possibly for the first day? 60163? 60103? Other than that, I'm struggling. 6233 doesn't look like it'll be back any time soon - rumours of it needing a boiler lift now.

 

Where do 7029 & 5043 at VT stand?

 

Not air brake fitted. So a no go for WCR work as long as they can only run air. But I suspect just a general no go tbh.

 

shame - the thought of double headed Castles to/from Pembroke Dock & Fishguard would be a nice treat!

 

Why, 5043 was stabled at Carnforth during her visit up north this year suggesting that relations are cordial?

 

Oh I’m not suggesting anytning is a miss relations wise, just more that VT have a nice programme for their engines and I am not of the opinion they are actively seeking additional work for them.

 

Clicking 'view more' below 44871 will bring up the rest of the Carnforth pool, as well as 6233, 60103 & 60163. Interestingly, 45212/407 aren't included.