Great Britain XVIII: 18/4 -25/4/26

Day 7
Aberdeen to Edinburgh
https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train.php/?c=U80553&d=2026-04-24

Edinburgh to Newcastle
https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train.php/?c=U80556&d=2026-04-24

 

Day 8
Newcastle to York
https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train.php/?c=U80721&d=2026-04-25

York to Euston
https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train.php/?c=U80724&d=2026-04-25

 

All times are now on RTT; looking forward to my annual jolly with some great company.

 

Day 1 - Saturday

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U80271/2026-04-18/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U80274/2026-04-18/detailed

Day 2 - Sunday

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U80283/2026-04-19/detailed

 

Ditto, .... 'we go again'

 

Rumour control..
Day 2. Diesel on front from Penzance to Taunton. Steam on rear.
Train to turn on Norton triangle at West Somerset Railway.
Steam on front to Chester.
Don't shoot the messenger.

 

The timings do give that impression. Reverse at Taunton p2, then 80 minutes at signal E483. E483 gives access to the Minehead branch from the down slow. I would've thought going round the triangle at Plymouth would be easier.

 

That’s not the case, Bill Monteith confirmed yesterday we are steam hauled all the way. The times for the trip to St Blazey for turning are now on RTT.

 

Either way it gives we punters a leg stretch on what is a long day, the other water stops being in loops.

 

On the return from Penzance to Taunton, RTT (at present) is giving just a 2 minute stop at Plymouth. It gives the impression that the tour will run from Penzance to Taunton without a water stop. 140+ miles? Very strange. <BJ>

 

It shows 32 minutes from St Budeaux Junction to Plymouth, rather than the usual 6.

 

Apparently the watering point at Plymouth is at the 'country' end of the platform so the loco will pull up at that and only pull into the station proper when it has finished. (So I am told)

 

No, plan is, loco is returning to Par/St Blazey Sat evening for turning, then back to Penzance,

 

The Taunton / Norton F move is for coal and water.

Looks like the steam returns from Newcastle to Carnforth at the end of day 7, with the Newcastle - York pathed as diesel on day 8.

 

Interesting as the line is on embankment or viaduct for some distance back towards St Budeaux and there don't seem to be many access points either. My guess is the RRV access point at Keyham or hoses over the footbridge at Devonport.
( The viaduct to the west of Plymouth station crosses the delightfully named "Pennycomequick Road".)

Cheers, Neil

 

Does anyone know what loco is gonna be on Day 3?

Asking for a friend who's not on the forum.

 

https://www.national-preservation.com/index.php?posts/2976599

Reported up thread by @GWR5972 that Chester to Carlisle leg slated as 34067.
Black 5s thereafter back to Newcastle.

 

Possibly in readiness to work the NoBelle of 25th?

 

Quote from a driver (on Facebook):"there are 26 minutes allocated in the running time from PZ to Ply to facilitate a water stop on the END of platform 7 at Ply. It then pulls into the platform for a 2 minute stop before proceeding. It is exactly the same on the Royal Duchy's"

 

Sounds like Tangmere may still be OOA and the Black Fives are being pressed to cover? Is there any news of 34067?