Saphos: Blue Peter to Carlisle - 12/02/26; Sir Nigel Gresley - 11/03/26; Britannia - 8/04/26

Where was the Thunderbird? Don't NR contract for one on that part of the WCML? Bit vulnerable the 2 track sections.

 

Isn't it now West Coast providing thunderbird on that part of WCML or have I got that wrong? They lost the ECML gig to Colas I think recently, who rescued 34067 to York last weekend.

 

My thought on that is that if they could get a stop put in at Wigan or preferably Preston, that would probably add a coach load.

 

Correct. But I guess it was decided that there was no need for a WCRC Thunderbird because the LSL 20s were already on their way to recover the Brit. It was safely in the siding at Oxenholme so its recovery was not a priority, and the 20s could be diverted to the 37 which was blocking the line.

To be clear, WCRC operate their Thunderbird cover from Carnforth Stesmtown. No locos are out-stationed at Crewe or Carlisle.

AN

 

Agreed, I was merely answering the question 1020Shireman raised as to whether a T'bird contract is in place rather than commenting on whether it should have been invoked.