RTC White Rose - 11/07/26

34028 timings [subject to change in the interim of course]:
ECS WCRC Southall to Kings Cross: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...1/detailed
Outward KX to York: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...1/detailed [There's an unusually long station stop [22 minutes] at Huntingdon so I presume water is being taken there. If not there, then I haven't spotted another decent timed pause before Ruskington which is almost 115 miles from KX. Ruskington to York is around 86 miles apparently.]
Return York to KX: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...1/detailed
ECS KX to Welwyn Garden City FD Sidings: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...1/detailed [Presumably engineering works somewhere en-route back to Southall precludes direct return. Hope someone knows where the nearest hydrant is on the adjacent industrial estate or has arranged a tanker to call overnight!] 5 Road is the longest siding but that might be needed for '28 to coal/water perhaps. 4 Road is the next longest but a full length train may not fit without blocking the points at one end or the other.
Sunday 12th July - WGC FD Sidings to WCRC Southall: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service...2/detailed Coal might be an interesting consideration having to keep a fire in overnight. Perhaps the odd bag or several in the support coach might come in handy although '28 could possibly uncouple and shunt to 5 road (assuming it's still usable as it hasn't been relaid in years) which is next to the security fence and would permit a grab lorry to come alongside and drop a few tons in the tender whilst the loco takes water from the estate's water main or tanker. Haven't a clue who might have a key for the security gates if a hydrant hose won't fit through the fencing.

 

A fair number of tours have had the ECS go to WGC in the past 18 months or so Peter. I guess it is proven to work.