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Jacobite 2026

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Kt1995, Jan 27, 2026 at 7:38 PM.

  1. Kt1995

    Kt1995 New Member

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    Not seen a thread for this years Jacobite season so i thought id start it off. It seems strange that we are at the end of January and Wcr hasn't announced the dates or started selling tickets yet. Usually the seasons announce November/December time.
     
    Kt1995, Jan 27, 2026 at 7:38 PM
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  2. Romsey

    Romsey Part of the furniture

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    I agree, it's very odd that the highest profile work for West Coast isn't being publicised more. The timings until the end of the December 2025 to May 2026 are live on Real Time Trains and other sites.

    SX
    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...3/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR
    SO
    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...6/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR
    SUN timings apply until Mid December.
    https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...7/0600-2000?stp=WVS&show=all&order=wtt&toc=WR

    All things being equal the SX and SO timings should apply through the summer timetable.

    Cheers, Neil
     
    Romsey, Jan 27, 2026 at 7:53 PM
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  3. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    The latest Trackside contains a rant by David Smith regarding the ongoing fall out with the ORR & fitting CDL. Essentially some compromises have been put forward by West Coast which they have discussed with the ORR (but doesn't include fitting CDL) and they await another decision by the ORR who they feel are dragging their feet.
    Last season was not profitable, ticket sales are down and capacity is also down - as a Mark 1 is locked out of use for passengers, but included as it has a dynamo to power electrics.
    David Smith essentially says he is under no obligation to provide the service, he gets no appreciation from traders in Maillaig and someone else is welcome to take it over. He is delaying ticket sales until he decides what to do, he would rather fill just one train, than run 2 at 70% capacity.
     
    acorb, Jan 28, 2026 at 11:40 AM
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  4. acorb

    acorb Part of the furniture

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    Mods: Would this thread be better suited in 'Whats going on'? All previous year's Jacobite threads have been there.
     
    acorb, Jan 28, 2026 at 11:44 AM
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  5. NathanP

    NathanP Well-Known Member

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    Yes I read that article too. Very interesting. He has essentially lost his passion for The Jacobite and it is being put in a state of managed decline. If it does run this year, I could well believe this is the last year that it does so.
     
    NathanP, Jan 28, 2026 at 1:33 PM
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  6. Fred Kerr

    Fred Kerr Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I wonder if his recent purchase of HST power cars could be his "solution" by removing the attraction of steam and boosting the attraction of the journey ?
     
    Fred Kerr, Jan 29, 2026 at 1:14 AM
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  7. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    I would expect the opposite effect. Some of the customers who go for the Harry Potter connection have already expressed dissatisfaction with the coaches. I would expect greater dissatisfaction if there is no steam loco at the front. Customers who are primarily steam enthusiasts would lose interest entirely. Who would find HST power cars more appealing?
     
    MellishR, Jan 29, 2026 at 8:57 AM
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  8. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    The other £10000 question is loco availability . My understanding is 45212 has not had its 10 year overhaul started yet (still at the ELR) so we are down to two black 5's , and add in the competing demands of enough motive power for RTC tours as well , which would provide 45407 and 44871 with more than enough work.

    Whilst clearly It is David's choices , he finds himself rather backed into a corner . We worked out years ago the potential profits from the Jacobite and assuming we were in the right ball park it was definitely worthwhile doing . I know it is all on a point of principle but a seven coach CDL fitted mk1 set similar to the 84E set up shouldn't break the bank and ought to payback in a season

    then there is the K1 question . no air brakes but the grapevine continues to send signals it is wanted at Fort William .
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2026 at 10:46 AM
    Sidmouth, Jan 29, 2026 at 10:41 AM
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  9. Gunslinger1948

    Gunslinger1948 New Member

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    A lot of the Jacobite capacity is prebooked for various tour companies which will have completed their planning well ahead of the New Year holiday booking season. The 2026 Great Rail Journeys brochure features a Jacobite steam train ride in "vintage carriages".
     
    Gunslinger1948, Jan 29, 2026 at 11:07 AM
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  10. 35B

    35B Nat Pres stalwart

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    All of which will have caveats about availability, and where the tour company may or may not have redress against WCRC.
     
    35B, Jan 29, 2026 at 11:16 AM
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  11. TonyW

    TonyW New Member

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    The "vintage carriages" phrase has been used before, so I asked WCRC just how "vintage" they might be. The response was "Around 50 years old". So, Mark 2s then.
     
    TonyW, Jan 29, 2026 at 11:31 AM
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