LE movements, ECS and test runs 2025

Well there wasn't much choice as 71000 isn't passed to work on the mainline under its own power, so the diesel had to be on the front. And as it turned out, it wasn't fit enough to be dragged any sort of distance either.

 

The light engine moves for the Lakelander on 14th June. It's planned with 60mph so it could be 61306 Mayflower.

Crewe - Preston: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54528/2025-06-14/detailed

Carnforth - Crewe: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U54533/2025-06-14/detailed

 

Isn't Mayflower allowed 75 mph?

 

Wouldn’t matter either way as they all get timed at 60

 

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:W28276/2025-06-10/detailed Any idea what this is?

 

Could be a fair bet on the 8F maybe?

Although 0 headcode would suggest diesel

 

Reported elsewhere as 57008 + 57006

 

34059 heads onto the Main Line for the first time since the 1960's as part of a Diesel hauled positioning move to Willesden. Still image taken from the Bluebell webcam at East Grinstead:




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Yes - just as startling is the inclusion of a Bulleid coach on the main line! Amazing that it wasn't made to go by road, as so much stuff does these days.

 

Any news on 5029 and if she will be moving down to BL soon? That trip on the 21st is still being advertised by Steam Dreams as 5029.

 

Three Bulleid coaches appeared on the mainline in 2023: https://richardstevens.smugmug.com/...steam-on-Britains-main-lines/2023/i-j3gF9Qf/A

 

Given suitable inspection, I don't think there is much limit to what can travel by rail. (What's allowed to carry passengers is another matter, of course). Amongst Bluebell carriages, the Bulleids, Maunsells, SECR 100 seater, LBSCR bogie first, the Victorian 4 wheelers and the Metropolitans have all been on the mainline in the last few years. I think the only thing that we haven't been able to send on the mainline is the SECR Birdcage, which I believe was ruled out on account of having Mansell wooden-centred wheels.

Tom

 

The SVR's teak set was going to go by rail to the NYMR for a gala a few years ago, but it fell through at the last minute.
And a number of Heritage Diesels get towed between railways by rail too.
Does make you wonder why more steam locos don't utilise rail transport rather than rail, given the risks involved with loading and unloading on road transport - I guess it's down to the fact the locos need to be in light steam and therefore manned, so road transport is simpler. In recent years I can only think of 6023 from Didcot to Old Oak Common and 46512 ftom Aviemore to Kingussie as non certified locos to get a tow on the mainline.
Will we see more being delivered to Derby open day by rail?

 

Just amongst Bluebell locos, in recent years we've had 73082 to the West Somerset Railway; 592 to Kings Cross and 34059 to Willesden. No 65 also ran on Network Rail under its own power (not towed) in connection with the rebuilding of Network Rail's station at East Grinstead.

Tom

 

Wow - I had certainly missed this previously.

 

Indeed, it just annoys me that so much modern stock is moved by road when it would seem to be perfectly able to go by rail, given, as you say, suitable inspection.

 

Inspections don't come cheap, all axles need an ultrasonic, there's the paperwork, vehicles having to be registered on the database, then there's the movement costs, Vehicles only travel via rail, if its cost effective, or someone else is paying for it.

 

It’s worth remembering that ultrasonic testing of axles and draw gear isn’t reserved for mainline vehicles: it is a regular part of the maintenance regime of vehicles on heritage lines as well.

There are a couple of other considerations. One is how many lorry moves would be required, which is significant for moving carriages. The move of 592 to Kings Cross for timing was I think 8 carriages, one loco and one tender - that would have been 10 lorry moves but only one rail move.

The other consideration is whether the destination can actually unload a lorry - not many places can. So there maybe some jobs where a rail move is the only option.

For the filming job done by the Bluebell Bulleid carriages last year I suspect the latter was the reason for a rail move - the carriages moved by lorry to Carnforth where they could be unloaded, but then went by rail to Hull for filming.

Tom

 

Tuesday to Thursday

5Z31 and 5Z32 Crewe-Preston-Crewe

5029 loaded testing.

 

Surely one of the most unusual main line movements , albeit 20+ years ago were the passenger carrying specials run to celebrate the revived line to Portbury Dock near Bristol. Motive power was either an Avonside or Peckett 0 6 0 ! I am sure someone will be along shortly to correct this hazy recollection!