The Citadel 13/04 & 9/11/19

And the Border Raider due in about 25 minutes after it leaves. Something of a steam fest afternoon for Preston.

 

The Citadel is due to lose its steam engines at Carnforth on the return leg, unless that has changed from the original advert

Andrew

 

Ian Riley has confirmed today on The Works forum the two Black Fives will come off at Carnforth, then go to Fort William three days later. RTT shows 40 minutes in the loop at Carnforth.

I think Ralph means the Blackpool tour goes all the way to Preston, no stop at Carnforth?

 

Fort William times on 16/4 ex Carnforth http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52018/2019/04/16/advanced could get close to double figures chasing them.

 

If like previous years the ECS have had a Class 37/47 on the front between Carnforth and Craigendoran.

However, I won't take responsibility if that doesn't happen this year

 

It’s possible the 5s might be unassisted with longish stops here and there but other than the Lockerbie stop for possibly water the only other stop long enough for another water stop would be Craigendoran looking at RTT.

 

Mr Riley will know

 

Going to be a busy day 'oop north' on Saturday...lots of sunshine forecast (so far) too!

 

So he will Henry. Do you have his number

 

Should be superb John , can’t ask for more than a double headed train with 5s on followed by Tornado on the S&C with the same on the West Coast mainline. Don’t think I can get Leander though sadly.

 

Bamber Bridge/Helwith or Ais Gill/Lancaster and Woodacre in that order...sorted!

 

To be fair, the last time I was involved with an ECS between Carnforth and Fort William was with No. 45407 on load 8. The watering stops we used were Lockerbie, Craigendoran and Crianlarich.

In the last few years until the revised format I mentioned earlier, the double headed Black 5's have managed Craigendoran to Fort William without refilling (but yes, the 47 has given moderate assistance on rear during these. But I do believe two 5's can take the stock without diesel assistance and not require water between those stops).

So in theory, there's nothing to stop the ECS being a steam only job or with tailgunner. But nowadays there's much more reasons given for putting a diesel at the front than not.

 

Thanks Jonathan for the information . I’ve always thought it’s a long way to travel using coal that you don’t need to use if your being dragged.

 

Yes Winskill will be there

 

No Steve he hasn't got mine either

 

I've noticed that there's LE moves back to Carnforth, so should be pure steam. There's the possibility tomorrow that all four steam tours could run without diesel. All eye's on LSL, as they're slightly unpredictable !

 

Going well near Horton-in-Ribblesdale.