WCR Rail Tours

Latest update to SLL shareholders mentions Saturday 25th October as '28s next main line outing.
Possibly this refers to RTC's "The Varsity Explorer" (https://www.railwaytouring.net/ve-25-10-25) with steam over the 'new' East-West route from Slough to Chester and a diesel hauled return.
If correct, then presumably the steam loco returns towards London on the following Saturday hauling the outward leg of "The Chiltern Explorer" (https://www.railwaytouring.net/ce-01-11-25) from Manchester to Reading, via the East-West route again, with a diesel return leg. This trip will enable the steam loco [34028 presumably] and support coach to return direct to Southall.
No idea where the loco could reside between arrival at Chester and departure one week later from Manchester. Awfully long way for the Dorset-based support crew so hope they get free rail travel warrants.

 

I would imagine it would stay at Carnforth for the week, as the stock for the 01/11/25 trip would originate there anyway.

 

I’m really out of the loop on the mainline scene, having been actively involved at one point. Are wcrc still digging their heels in over fitting CDL

 

Enjoy
https://www.national-preservation.com/threads/orr-and-wcrc.1423255/page-84#post-2951804

 

Thank you

 

Just noticed the 2026 SSE and Dalesman dates have been announced on the wcr website.

 

Outbound Journey: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line.

Wonder which is the oldest steam loco they are referring to?

 

Probably just WCR's way of trying to hype up Tangmere to an audience who they hope won't question it.

 

That statement has been in there for years, carried a bit of weight when 46115 was in use.

 

Well out of the 16 or so mainline steam locos currently available, 34067 is younger than 5 of them, so technically it's true...