VT: The Shap Mountaineer with Tornado - 28/03/26

shoveage from the back should take care of that!

 

Following in LSL's 'footsteps'.

 

I wouldn't rule out the Trans Pennine having a say on matters.

 

Tickets now out for Tornado Sat

 

Still a handful of tickets left according to the A1st - a look at the issued timings really shouldn't leave any fence sitters in doubt this will be a cracking trip. Steam mileage wise this is back to the glory days of 10 or 15 years ago.

 

Plus they're running a 20% discount offer now

 

yes I booked months sgo

 

Should be load 11 on the drawbar as well so a good load for a loco on its own from Crewe.

 

At least with this trip if you are near the back on one part of the trip to Carlisle you will be near the front on the return part

 

Isn't the whole set being turned round the triangle south of the station? The diesel loco comes up light from Crewe according to the timings on the previous page.

 

Does it?
Not too familiar with that area, but from what I know from past ECS moves & on checking my track atlas, does this not imply the back coach into Carlisle will be the back coach leaving? As the diesel will pull it out of the station & Tornado will lead the train into Upperby Yard after a reversal at Currock Junction? Diesel then pulls it back into Citadel.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U77023/2026-03-28/detailed

 

well they are advertising it with enthusiast class stating that at least on one leg of the journey it will be the 1st passenger coach behind the loco, i imagine the people who have booked this coach and paid extra for it will be a bit miffed if it doesn’t happen, I imagine they could just turn the engine and support coach instead of the full train

 

"At least one leg" doesn't preclude it from being at the front for more than one leg.

 

In September, the whole train was turned and Enthusiast Class remained at the front throughout.

 

According to RTT, Pl 3 is required for two Glasgows and the CME. No sign at all of parking the coaches on road A. Looks like the whole train is turning, get it out of the way.

 

Away from Wolverhampton on time.

 

Standard class at the front as expected.

 

Taking water at Crewe, diesel on rear being removed (not that it did much). Lovely sprint up to 74mph near Penkridge, some nice noise from up front.

 

I thought I spied Alastair at the drivers window as it passed the Crewe webcam.
For those that are on board have a good trip. Would normally be on- it ourselves but a family event comes first.

 

With a red light still guarding the section ahead, A1SLT Peppercorn Class A1 4-6-2 No. 60163 Tornado ambles through Hartford station at the head of Vintage Trains The Shap Mountaineer charter on Saturday 28th March 2026.



Cheers,