RTC 2026

E-tickets arrived for the Buxton Spa Express this Saturday, steam haulage is rostered to 44871

 

34067 down for Carlisle-Edinburgh, following the diesel leg from York/Newcastle.

 

Advertising £30 off at weekend.

 

Low blow that one....

 

Indeed, 34067 has been dogged by "low blows".

 

You’d think in 2026 steam on the mainline would be appreciated regardless.

 

Not, perhaps, when the particular "steam" in question is a pale imitation of what it should be and was 20+ years back.
and before you come back with another moan Harry, yes I do know how it performed back then, from both sides of the footplate, albeit not 'up Shap' ....

 

Tangmere from what I've seen is the only mainline loco that people appear to moan about (well aside a lot of people consistent moans about Scotsman). Unfortunately Tangmere has gained such a reputation in past years for breaking down and the like, it's just become what it's known for in enthusiast circles, I'm sure the general public like it.

 

This enthusiast just ploughs on regardless in the knowledge it could all end with a flick of a switch anyway - let's face it, there's quite a few headwinds facing the sector at the moment. There's still some good stuff to be had.

 

It is unfortunate pure and simple that the Jubilee, and Scot are not available for trips in reference to Beattock.

 

35028 Clan Line is now rostered for the Portsmouth Flyer on 13th June

 

44871 at the head of today’s Buxton Spa Express at Leicester

 

44871 at Peak Forest with today's Buxton Spa Express.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55273859738/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55273727491/in/photostream/

 

The Buxton Spa Express passing Chapel en le Frith on the former Midland main line and then leaving Buxton over an hour late (more details in the video description)

 

Tangmere returning from Edinburgh yesterday, heading through Kirknewton.

 

Not a bad day out with 34067 yesterday. Coal levels in the tender suggested it wasn't entirely down to the diesel, but then again, it was mostly under the wires, so assistance was to be expected once it needed raking forward. Good to finally get a Bulleid at the front over Beattock. I'd even venture it didn't sound quite as off-beat as when I last saw it in April, but this is only based on a brief watch of the shunting at Carlisle on the return.

 

Cumbrian Coast Express 27th May.

Map shows normal loop around the coast, but itinerary is elec to Carnforth , steam to Ravenglass and back, then elec back to Euston.

So coastal route still severed?

https://www.railwaytouring.net/cce-27-06-26