LE movements, ECS and test runs 2026

My mistake, meant to say "headcode" accidentally sent without checking.

 

There's also an onward Carnforth - Crewe Heritage Centre move on Saturday 11th for the NWCE loco.

And The Waverley on Sunday 19th needs a loco - there's a steam path from Carnforth to York on Saturday 18th. 34067 will presumably be on the Northern Belle on 18th.

 

Does this suggest a planned period of diesel haulage on one of the Jacobite trains or down to one train operation?

 

Correct on both counts

Diesel (Class 37)haulage for the afternoon train. All passengers are being e-mailed about this. Interesting to see if any Class 37 fans come north for what could be termed West Highland Heritage traction

Peter

 

Potentially negative headlines incoming after a turbulent start to the season, alongside possible refunds? Can hope for any cancelled bookings to be substituted by an increase in diesel enthusiasts coming up.

 

ORR to blame again for not letting them use the mk1s without CDL......

 

Enthusiasts pulled by a Tractor beam Peter?
I assume this is a short term measure pending the expected imminent resurrection of mk1s?

 

Can people cancel? I thought the T &C's refer to possible diesel substitution.

 

West Coast's Terms and Conditions page, under heading Cancellations and Refunds:

"Whilst every effort will be made to operate our services as advertised, West Coast Railways reserves the right to alter the service, which may include the timings, route taken and if required the use of a replacement locomotive. In the event of high fire risk or a steam locomotive failure a replacement diesel locomotive will be used, without notice and no refunds will be given in this instance, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions."

And then, on the Booking Conditions page:

"

• On Steam Hauled Excursions: West Coast Railways reserves the right to use diesel traction if unforeseen circumstances dictate; this includes but is not limited to the event of high fire risk, emergency operational incident or any form of mechanical failure experienced by the steam locomotive. This will only be done as a last resort by our train suppliers and as such no refund will be available to any party in the event of Diesel Traction being used on the day under such circumstances."

It would be for a more legally savvy mind to determine if re-allocating No. 44871 to duties in the South meets or breaches the above I suppose.

 

With no rain all week and temperatures in the high 20s at the weekend let's see if the move goes ahead.

 

No it isn't possible to disclaim liability for a business decision made to suit operational convenience rather than the failure/fire risk sort of "force majeur". It isnt "every endeavour" really, is it?
Also who is this "our train suppliers" mentioned...... ? The loco owners?

 

You're probably right, but most of the Jacobite punters won't know any different.

 

I suggest that you wait to see how this is handled. Last Thursday the afternoon train was a diesel so that 44871 could be stopped for repair. The evening before all passengers booked on it (the advantage of an on line booking system) were notified by e-mail and I believe there was a small refund involved too. While there was natrually some disappointment on the train I was surprised that there was no complaint directed at the train staff at all, thanks, I'm sure, to the prior communication. Seems to be a new and very welcome way of handling matters.
BTW 44871 was fixed and on the train on Friday.

Peter

 

True, but if the "train supplier" is a third party it seems like a loophole for WC to attribute the lack of steam loco to something outside the operators control thus negating potential eligibility for refunds.

 

Looks like an LSL Crewe - Chester - Crewe test run this afternoon. Nunney?

 

Never ran did it ?

 

It did, but it was the Bubble Car.

 

Failed outside Crewe station and rescued by 86101.

 

Have heard reports that Network Rail have plans in hand to ban steam haulage in the near future so plans may be forced to change unless the weather does.