LE movements, ECS and test runs 2026

Unusual formation - 43+render+60103+support coach+43, presumably due to the 2 reversals at Ash and Foxhall Jn. I guess this formation is only possible due to the tender having a buckeye, allowing it to be coupled to the blunt end of a power car.

 

Surely the LNER loco tenders had knuckle couplers that could be lowered so they could attach to non LNER / BR buckeye fitted stock? I suspect it has more to do with minimising crew member numbers on 60103. ( Basically a caretaker fireman to keep enough pressure to keep the lubricators working.)

Cheers. Neil

 

45407 heads for Carnforth from Chester. Seen near Oubeck loops.

 

34028 Eddystone works from Swanage to Southall on 8th April with support coach(es?). Tender-first to Eastleigh, then reverse and runs via Andover and Reading.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U81452/2026-04-08/detailed

 

Does anyone have an idea what is being moved on this Tyseley to Bury ELR trip on Friday 3rd April?
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U77025/2026-04-03/detailed
Note, it class "0" therefore a light loco.

Cheers, Neil/

 

60163 is meant to be moving there, but seems odd without the support coach.

 

Seems a odd route direct through the logjam at Man Picc/Oxford Road to Victoria
Wouldn’t going via Denton, Ashton Moss, and Brewery Jct be more reasonable?

 

Not being an expert on main line routes, but does going the way it does mean it faces a different way for its transfer onto the ELR?

 

It is a Bank Holiday though, slightly quieter,engineering works, crews who don't sign the route through Denton, there could be a number of reasons why it's going through Piccadilly.

 

no it will still be pointing in the same direction as the current route/timings, this is the route taken by the Liverpool to Drax services.
As mentioned earlier I forgot it will be Good Friday, so it could well go through centre of Manchester

 

Tornado? Going past my house at a convenient time on a day when I'm not at work? Well now.

 

Changed now to 5Z78 1014 Tyseley Steam Trust to Castleton Hopwood Gf
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U77025/2026-04-03/detailed
Neil

 

Strange movement Friday afternoon, Castletown North Jct to Manchester Victoria then back to Castletown North Jct
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...3/0000-2359?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=ZZ
Is it anything to do with Tornado move to ELR as it starts and ends at Castleton North Jct

 

Looks like 60163 turning round the triangle on its own, via a reversal at Man Vic.

 

I was thinking that last night when I did the post, but wanted someone else to confirm of possible
Thanks
Neil

 

60163 seen passing Wolverhampton to time. Loco and coach. No unnecessary diesel on the rear, front or anywhere.

It can be done - and it was brilliant.

 

On a dull Good Friday morning, Tornado is seen passing over the 1837 built Grand Junction Railway Grade 11 list structure at Penkridge with its engine and coach move from Tyseley to the East Lancs Railway. The seven arch viaduct crosses the River Penk and a minor road.

 

Certainly dull, 60163 passing the North Staffs Railway station at Stone.