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Saphos Trains 2026

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by GWR7812, Oct 7, 2025.

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  1. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Its doable waterwise as 5043 did it on the Castle Over Shap in 2009, IIRC they actually took 5043 into Steamtown on that occasion and watered and coaled her, what I cannot recall from that trip is whether there were any intermediate stops or not?
     
    GWR4707, Oct 9, 2026 at 10:51 AM
    #421
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  2. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    GWR4707, Oct 9, 2026 at 11:05 AM
    #422
  3. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    No light engine moves around Carlisle at present, and stock definitely isn't left in the platform, so certainly looks like it.
     
    5944, Oct 9, 2026 at 11:11 AM
    #423
  4. dmr

    dmr Member

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    They have diesels at Carlisle?
     
    dmr, Oct 9, 2026 at 12:36 PM
    #424
  5. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    I suppose LE moves might appear later. I recall that LSL's Carlisle-allocated 37 diesel did the shunting on the previous Saphos similiar trips. I fear leaf fall season may put the kybosh on an unassisted run?
     
    alastair, Oct 9, 2026 at 1:07 PM
    #425
  6. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    The Duke took 10 last November. The only issue with an S&C return would be Wilpshire Bank, especially the tunnel. Everything on their tour page indicates this will run the same as the previous runs, regardless of the lack of Upperby LE paths which could be added at anytime.
     
    LMarsh1987, Oct 9, 2026 at 1:38 PM
    #426
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  7. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    Tour page now says return via S&C line
     
    neildimmer, Oct 9, 2026 at 4:58 PM
    #427
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  8. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    MellishR, Oct 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM
    #428
  9. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Says back via S&C on my device, as per post above yours.
     
    Bulleid Pacific, Oct 9, 2026 at 7:02 PM
    #429
  10. NathanP

    NathanP Well-Known Member

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    The email they sent about it today says S&C back as well.
     
    NathanP, Oct 9, 2026 at 7:02 PM
    #430
  11. neildimmer

    neildimmer Resident of Nat Pres

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    neildimmer, Oct 9, 2026 at 7:44 PM
    #431
  12. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Big Al, Oct 9, 2026 at 9:17 PM
    #432
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  13. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Said S & C when I looked after the first post yesterday.
     
    Gladiator 5076, Oct 9, 2026 at 10:29 PM
    #433
  14. JonathanH

    JonathanH New Member

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    It is a really drawn out return with 25 minutes at Settle, 45 minutes in the loop at Blackburn and 14 minutes at Farington, and in all reality a rather too late finish.

    Obviously water needs to be taken on, but plenty will be in the dark.

    Leaving the train at Settle would appear to be an option for travel back to London, if it is possible to alight during the water stop.
     
    JonathanH, Oct 9, 2026 at 11:31 PM
    #434
  15. 45698Mars

    45698Mars Member

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    It does draw up in the Up platform when taking water at Settle.
     
    45698Mars, Oct 10, 2026 at 8:42 AM
    #435
  16. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I understand the appeal of the S&C but the previous trips out and back via Shap gave excellent links with trains from the south. However, it would be surprising if this trip doesn't fill up with people who can get to Crewe from the north west. That said, very little of the S&C will be seen with the train returning from Carlisle only half an hour before sunset. I'm surprised that the trip hasn't been planned with the S&C first.
     
    Big Al, Oct 10, 2026 at 8:43 AM
    #436
  17. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Guess it depends on your view. The S & C is perhaps more scenic, but for unassisted steam ( if that is what it is) I personally prefer the northbound WCML to the S & C
     
    Gladiator 5076, Oct 10, 2026 at 11:38 AM
    #437
  18. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    The idea of these excursions is to pit 6024 against 71000, 60007 and 60532. For me, I prefer the S&C but on this occasion a northbound run over the WCML trumps it as we'll get to find out how the newly slimmed down 'King' stacks up against the other class 8's in this day and age.
     
    LMarsh1987, Oct 10, 2026 at 12:43 PM
    #438
  19. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I get that in which case I'm bemused that the return over Shap is not included as I reckon that straight out of Carlisle onto the 1 in 130 and upwards is the greater challenge of sustained steaming for 30+ miles.
     
    Big Al, Oct 10, 2026 at 2:04 PM
    #439
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