RTC 2026

Nothing shown on RTT as going from Barrow to Carlisle today, so I would assume it still is.
Thought the reopening is still some way off.

 

Thats right Sheff, the last I read the repairs at Bransty aren't expected to be completed until some time in 2027.
The Saphos Lakelander tomorrow, and presumably others this year, returns south via S&C, in effect a CME rather than CCE.
RTCs approach is novel, not going to Carlisle. Presumably the steam runs round at Ravenglass and brings the train back tender first, or vice versa?
Seem to recall WC running trains to Ravenglass circa 2010/11, can't recall the name of the train though.

 

Going back to 1980-81 Ravenglass steamex trains were advertised as "Cumbrian Coast Express" and the loco was turned on the BNFL triangle at Sellafield.

Sometimes two steam locos were used one out, one back though I think these too may have used BNFL to turn.

 

Yes the CCE of old turned at Sellafield. Although I recall as a very young 'un, two 5s double headed tender to tender on the coast line from Steamtown and back.
The more recent WC trains ran tender first one direction. The 8f and 44932 spring to mind as motive power.