RTC 2025

RTC have posted their first set of 2025 tours, taking us to March 29th so far.

Seems to be all Black 5 or Tangmere haulage, so that would suggest RTC don’t believe there is end in sight to the current CDL stumbling block.

https://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-2025

 

Well I think that’s pretty much the same thing isn’t it? RTC not seeing an end in sight, is the same as what’s currently available.

I was commenting on it to put a downer on thing, which is how you come across. It was merely something I noted.

 

Yes I agree. I don’t think they’ve got as much chance of selling seats whilst offering the current system, however only time will tell!

We are up in Scotland currently photting the Jacobite, and it was noted that a passenger described the MK2s as “Exceedingly warm, no fresh air, and absolutely stifling. The lady opposite fainted”. Not a good way for any businesses to sell seats. Fort William was 27 degrees yesterday!

 

Interesting that the last few tours with 44871 have only included 6 passenger carrying vehicles. Yes, the Royal Duchy is always a reduced load, but it doesn't seem other tours are selling out to the extent they were. Prices haven't gone up either, and hiring in all these Riviera vehicles isn't going to be cheap. Someone must be taking a massive hit financially, and I don't think it's RTC.

 

Next year could see more variety if 60103 stays with WCRC and operates tours again with RTC although they may be a little bit different to before with shorter days. Otherwise with 60163 looking unlikely because of WCRC’s reluctance to operate it which I hope gets resolved then next year faces being a repeat of this year if there is no change in the CDL situation. It would help if 6201 & 6233 were around but I don’t know if they will be around soon or not.

 

All it says is locomotive from the Carnforth pool. If you go by the pictures it shows Mk1 coaches!

 

Out of 10 tours listed, 5 are “hauled by a Black 5”. 2 are
Pictured as Tangmere. So a high chance I’d say.

 

I keep seeing this being repeated on the forum, but despite requests, nobody has provided any evidence! Prior to withdrawal Tornado was working quite happily for West Coast and all 'issues' had been resolved. Are there new problems and if so what are they? Tornado's return would ease the situation considerably and she could start recouping some of the £ that has been spent on her overhaul.

 

I agree with you and hope you’re right. I travelled behind 60163 3 times in 2021 all WCRC operations and it’s been absolutely fine. The A1 trust did sign a new long term contract with DB Cargo in 2022 but that looks unlikely. If there are no issues between the A1 trust and WCRC then Tornado will come in very handy for the rest of this year and beyond given the situation WCRC find themselves in.

 

Within the past few days more tours have been added for 2025 up to mid April

The Blackpool Steam Express was briefly removed before reappearing with a new route for the steam haulage, Crewe-Blackpool via the WCML and return via Manchester

Extra tours include a Worcester Steam Express from Norwich 5th April, a Yorkshireman from Euston-York via the Marston Vale Line (if that goes ahead it’ll be the first time since 46233 took that route in 2012) 12th April and a Sussex Belle 16th April, all with Black V steam haulage

 

Euston-York via the Marston Vale Line is appealing if it happens, unlike the SD one in April this year. Steam up Camden Bank would be part of the appeal, but less so with a Class 5 loco that would certainly have diesel assistance.​

 

The Blackpool trip now has an interesting route on the return, particularly if it includes Wigan-Walkden-Piccadilly. However, the write up is a bit vague, as it also notes Eccles, which is on a different line. Styal is still pretty rare mileage.

 

The full programme for 2025 has been listed up to October
A few new itineraries plus some we haven’t seen in a long time and the usual routes and destinations all should be familiar with

Interesting to note the Rail 200th specials as a dedicated named train(s)

Motive power looks to be a flurry of a Black 5, note right at the bottom of the page it lists
“Please note: All images shown on this website are for promotional purposes and not necessarily indicative of the locomotive to be used.”

Having only done 1 tour this year with RTC and torn on booking an Xmas trip, a few dates for 2025 have certianly caught my eye even if it’s likely to be the same haulage

 

Yes, the Rail 200 itineraries are rather appealing. Not sure when steam last ran over High Level Bridge in Newcastle.

 

The Rail 200 tour from Kings Cross on October 4th sounds very tempting. Can't guarantee I can go on it just yet, but if I can, will probably get off for Locomotion (as I've never visited before). I won't mind if it ends up behind a Black 5, as I haven't been behind one on the mainline yet, if the football doesn't get in the way.

 

The Valentine White rose 1Z14 York-London Kings Cross LMS Class 5 No 45212 at Spalding making a wonderful sound on the approach. https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/

 

Surprised no one else has posted about 45212 and the Valentines White Rose from London Kings Cross to York today (edit just seen the superb photo above posted at the same time!). Luckily for us running on the first Saturday of half term as we travelled to Doncaster to see family today so we were able to time our journey north to catch the tour three times northbound, plus later see the return, and working hard at all four locations which was a nice bonus! Outward leg starting at Bridge Road, Stevenage and getting away from the Stevenage pick up. Next its Eaves Lane Level Crossing, Sutton on Trent and working away from a pathing stop in Carlton on Trent loop and finally racing past the site of the former Scrooby Station. For the return she is seen powering along in the last of the light at Warren Lane, Bessacarr, Doncaster.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54329777883/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54329961435/in/dateposted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/54329777848/in/dateposted-public/