Jacobite 2026

Thread unwatched again...

 

Who is RTC's UK operator again?

 

At last some good news and it looks as if they will have at least ten days of rain up there, it would be very bad luck for WC if there was a steam ban during the first week.

 

Looks like now the Fives are off to Scotland it'll be the Southern Locos keeping the rest of WCR's operations on the road.

Very pleased the Jacobite is returning, can only assume with Mk1's.

 

ECS to Fort Bill tomorrow

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U86041/2026-05-30/detailed

 

The implication of the screenshot of the Scotland Travel Group forum is that WC has taken bookings from tour operators etc whilst general bookings have remained closed. Some of these might have been taken before the decision of WC not to run the 2026 Jacobite? Perhaps the tour operators have started asking for refunds so WC has decided to honour the bookings?

 

I wouldn't have thought that it's to do with refunding the tour operators. I don't think that the tour operators would be paying WCR up front.

 

Maybe not, the point was really that WC already has bookings for the Jacobite although general sale hasn't opened.

 

Numerous coach tours including the Jacobite are advertised.I think you are right, it is not the same commercially as telling a bunch of individuals that their trip is off.

What will the stock be and how many Black 5s will go north? 64k dollar questions. Not long to wait now. Any chance of a POTD from Carlisle to Fort Bill? (Only joking!).

 

My guess is a rake of shiny CDL fitted mk1s that WC has cracked on with whilst the ORR grinds slowly towards a decision on the exemption application.
Two 5s reportedly in tomorrow's move, so ...

 

If you're correct about the MK1s, and it wouldn't surprise me as it would be a good gesture of intent to the ORR, then they could keep one of the Riley Twins at Carnforth and send 44932.

 

and with the K1 reportedly almost ready to run ....

 

Boiler not back in yet.

 

I get your point, but if they send both of Ian's Black 5's, what is going to do next weekend's Coast to Coast, given that Tangmere will be doing a Northern Belle? I wonder how far away 45212 is.

 

Has 45212 been started?

 

Is there a chance that the latest exemption with the plan to fit cdl has been accepted and it begins on the 1st of June which is on Monday. Its just wc have been adamant all year that the Jacobite wouldn't start with no exemption.

 

If CDL’s been fitted to enough coaches a new exemption is not required. WCRC would never announce such a climbdown in advance, if that’s what they’ve done.

As usual we won’t know until the Jacobite stock & locos emerge, unless ORR want to announce something. WCRC enjoy keeping us in suspenders.

 

No, still sat in the yard at Bury I believe.