The Emerald Isle Explorer June 2016

I dont suppose anyone yet knows for sure the likely motive power arrangements for the out and return trips between Euston and Holyhead?

I know the best laid plans are always likely to fall foul of all sorts of problems, but the permutations of motive power for this pair of runs seem to be endless

The horses mouth suggests 60103 Euston to Holyhead and a Virgin service for the return, ie no steam or special train at all on the return leg.

UK Steam suggests FS for the entirety of both legs.

The Railway Herald suggests a class 86 to Crewe then FS to Holyhead outbound and is silent on the return suggesting a service train might ferry the tourists home.

Rumour and local radio suggest FS will be at Crewe Heritage Centre on the evening of Tuesday 14th, which if true lends credence to the idea that steam will only run from Crewe.

I'm glad I ventured to Nantwich to catch my first view of FS since about 1987 as my plan to catch it flying through Stafford twice within 9 days is beginning to look a little ropey

 

There's a 5Z72 move from the NRM to Crewe Heritage Centre on Tuesday, arriving early evening - draw your own conclusions.

Add to that 0Z86 from Willesden to Euston, 5Z86 from Southall to Euston on Wednesday morning, 0Z85 from Carnforth to Crewe and 5Z85 from the Heritage Centre to platform 11 at around midday and I think it's fairly obvious that it's only steam from Crewe.

 

Thanks, looks very much as I thought.

I assume the 86 is kept at Willesden, then WCRC are bringing ECS from Southall.

 

The page on the SD site for the day trip to Holyhead states "please note that this trip will be hauled by a heritage diesel or electric locomotive between London and Crewe in both directions."

 

But just to add to the confusion, the SD holidays page still says:

Starting out from London Euston station mid-morning, hauled by Flying Scotsman we travel up towards Chester and onwards for the beautiful journey along the North Wales Coast to our hotels. On the way we pass beneath the walls of Conwy Castle, cross the Britannia Bridge over the Menia Straight to the island of Anglesey and end our journey at the very edge of the Irish Sea.

Then:

Those who have opted to return to London by sea and rail will leave Dublin on the morning ferry. On arrival in Holyhead we transfer to a Virgin train of modern traction to whisk us back to London for an early evening arrival in the capital.

I'm putting my money on FS Crewe to Holyhead out, and nowt special on the way back

 

UKSteam still shows 60103 haulage throughout, both ways.

 

Agreed, but the 'evidence' suggests that is either no longer the case (or it was never more than an aspiration by SD in the first place)

 

Indeed - my comment was more to highlight the mixed messages that still abound for this tour.

 

Sorry, I see your point, and it was very much the reason for my original post. There is often a bit of conflicting gen, but this one takes the biscuit

 

Noticed this morning that the times for tomorrow are now in the usual, not to be mentioned, location. And assuming I won't be excommunicated for saying there is a turning move and a schedule for a return working - to Euston ?. Anyone know anything about that, steam back to Crewe or piloted ?

 

Steam Dreams had been selling a return day trip from Euston option for the tour, with steam Crewe-Holyhead-Crewe.

 

Thanks , that explains it. To be hoped the weather does clear tomorrow afternoon then.

 

Just seen Les Ross on this train leaving Rugby.

 

A brief shot of FS passing Holywell Junction on the outward leg:

 

It's a long way to Holyhead, from anywhere - at least it feels like it and hard work trying to photograph Scotsman with all the general public interest in it.
On the outward trip I was at Valley before getting a decent shot. On the return Valley was spoiled by the wind direction but Abergele made up for it. By Chester it was pouring down. Certainly every time I saw the loco it was working.

Scott

 

A very enjoyable half day off with a dart over to North Wales. Good to see so far out, with every over bridge along the A55 full of spectators. Video from Conwy, Valley (both directions and turning) and passing the Duke of Lancaster ship to follow.

 

I see the Northern Island part of the tour visits Derry. Must be a day or two since steam was seen in that neck of the woods.

 

Return leg now cancelled, according to UKSteam - no reason shown. Haven't noticed this mentioned here yet.

 

Return is by service train, and has been since brochure issued last year.