Northern Belle 2025

No fewer than 17 S&C Steam Specials are in the offing for this year.

Mar 29, Apr 05, 12, 19, 26, May 24, Jun 07, 14, Jul 19, 26, Aug 16, 30, Sep 13, 20, Oct 18, 25 & Nov 08.

Originating from a variety of locations the usual steam section is Carnforth-Carlisle (WCML) and returning south over the S&C with steam coming off at Hellifield, Blackburn or Preston depending on the the return destination - always check! (as I have learned to my cost).

One exception (so far) is the run on Mar 29 which originates from Man Vic and runs outbound over the S&C with steam from Hellifield. Presumably this is linked to available paths northbound over Shap for the CME and VTs Bahamas trip on the same day. The paths on RTT show both the NBelle and CME turning and watering on the Upperby curve. There are no current paths shown for Bahamas but presumably she will serviced and turned using the Bog Jn triangle. A busy day for Carlisle.

 

Hi David

Vintage paths now up. As you say, Currock Jn/Bog Jn.

So, three trains plus the shadow TY diesel into Carlisle P3 between 12 and 1, two trains plus the shadow diesel back over the S and C between 1420 and 1510. Plus no service trains north of Carlisle that day. Northern Belle is returning via the WCML.

Peter

 

Thanks Peter,

I looked some time ago and for some reason I didn't spot all the VT moves (and there are plenty of them) - I hope that it's because they weren't there then, but I am overdue an eye test. I think that the shadow VT diesel is heading to Hellifield via the WCML and the "Little North Western", presumably easier to find a path.

David

 

Eye test passed. I think all that has gone up recently. I have been looking as an interested traveller! Missed the routeing for the diesel southbound though.

 

One has to wonder at what point "S&C fatigue" sets in. I'm down to just doing 2 or 3 tours a year that way now. There comes a point where you get fed up of having to kill a few hours in Carlisle for the umpteenth time!

 

Is March 29 not a WCME from Euston? Plus of course one on Feb 22 as well.

 

Yes, WCME on both dates but on Mar 29 there is also a NBelle starting at Man Vic running north up the S&C with steam from Hellifield AND VT’s Bahamas trip also running out over Shap and back on the S&C.

 

I agree about Carlisle especially in bad weather but never tire of the S&C, 2 directions of travel, 2 sides to the train, 4 seasons in the year, a variety of steam locos, some performing exceptionally, others not and more weather than you ever thought possible. What is not to like?! (I want no mention of coffins, heads out of windows and the like!)

 

Following weekend closures S&C the NB steam specials on 5th and 12th of April are now being advertised as Cumbrian Coast Steam Specials. "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, . . . "

 

That means 2 steam hauled specials around the coast on the 5th. With a Saphos Lakelander also listed on that date.

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U46339/2025-04-05/detailed

NB times already in.

 

Looks like it is turned before reaching Carlisle station at London Road Jct

 

Steam will follow steam up Shap. Just 7 minutes separates them at Shap Summit.

 

What's on the front tomorrow?

 

I believe Tangmere.

 

Interesting move Neil, looks like platform 1 is going to be busy. The Lakelander (Lk) arrives in pl 1, the NB is following but heads off to London Rd to turn, the Lk reverses out of the station to Upperby TMD to water/service. The NB runs heads in to pl 1 (diesel leading). After its passengers have left, the NB heads over to High Wapping (steam leading) to water/service. Prior to departure the NB returns to pl 1 before heading down the coast behind steam. Later in the afternoon the Lakelander heads off to London Rd then reverses and into pl 1 ready to head down the coast. All well choreographed, let's hope that everything at Carlisle is on time.

 

What with TPE Northern and Avanti involved?

 

Thanks Harry. I'd have liked a 5, especially with a forecast easterly component to the wind at Shap, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

Two are in Scotland, the third is at York.

 

Whichever train is on time stays in its booked path. ( Including that Lockerbie to Shap tamper positioning trip ready for the possession later in the day!) Everything else takes it's turn hopefully depending on (not exclusively) destination, slack in the schedule, train operating requirements (water for steam locos or booked crew changes) and whether the operator claims they are the "priority" TOC for the route .....
One long distance TOC with a fleet of 4 & 5 car units used to get very upset when they were late and then were held to follow on time trains with minimal time reversals as part of a multiple route circuit. The aggrieved TOC had long reversal or pathing dwell times, sometimes longer than the timings for loco hauled trains 30 years before.

Yes I am greatly pleased not to have to unravel delay attribution anymore!

Cheers, Neil