31st July 2025

Branch Line Society
The Creighton-Ward Explorer

Loco Used 57307 'Lady Penelope'
Stock Used (2) 390119 'Progress' (formed: 69219+69919+69819+69719+68819+68919+65319+69619+69519+69419+69119)

Route : 1Z35 throughout

Loco Route
57307 Crewe - Stafford - Lichfield North Jn - Lichfield Trent Valley Jn - Wichnor Jn - Burton-on-Trent - Stenson Jn - Derby
57307 Derby - Derby Litchurch Lane

Notes:
(1) A one-way trip in advance of "The Greatest Gathering" event taking place in Derby's Litchurch Lane Works, presenting a very rare opportunity to travel on a Class 57 hauled Class 390 in planned passenger service. And not just any normal WCML drag; this train will cover the very rare connection into the Works. Not only does your ticket allow you to cover the connection into Derby Litchurch Lane Works, but you will also be able to benefit from early bird access to the Alstom site before the main event opens to the public the following day! Also includes a ride on the Works' 1.6km-long test track.
(2) 390119 in Avanti West Coast Pride livery.
(3) This charter raised funds for the Railway 200 charities, namely Alzheimer’s Research UK, Railway Benefit Fund, Railway Children, Railway Mission and Transport Benevolent Fund.

Source : Alan Sheppard (on the train throughout)

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Alan Sheppard)

M.C Location Booked Actual
0.00
Crewe 14.24d [P12] [SL] 14.44˝ [P12] [UF]
1.60
Crewe Basford Hall Jn 14/30 [FL] 14/47˝ [UF]
8.42
Madeley (Staffs) 14/34 [FL] 14/56 [UF]
19.15
Norton Bridge 14/43˝ [FL] 15/05 [UF]
24.40
Stafford 14/48 [UFL] 15/08 [UF]
30.78
Colwich 14/54˝ [SL] 15/13˝ [US]
33.56
Rugeley North Jn 14/59˝ [SL] 15.18˝ ~ 15.19˝ [UTVS]
41.25
Lichfield North Jn 15/07˝ [SL] 15/30˝ [US]
?
Lichfield Trent Valley 15/09˝ 15/31˝
42.07
Lichfield T.V. Jn 15/11˝ 15/33
46.01
Alrewas L.C. 15/20˝ 15/37˝
47.25
Wichnor Jn 15/23 15/40
52.60
Burton-on-Trent 15/29˝ [P1] [UTF] 15/48 [P1] [UTF]
54.73
Clay Mills Jn 15/32˝ 15/52
58.33
North Stafford Jn 15/35 15/56˝
58.71
Stenson Jn 15/35˝ 15/57
62.67
Derby L.N.W. Jn 15/41˝ [UTS] 16/01 [UTS]
63.61
Derby 15.44˝a ~ 16.21d [P3] [DTS] 16.04a ~ 17.11d [P3]
65.06
Derby Litchurch Lane 16.24a 17.21

Mileages taken from tour brochure.


Associated E.C.S. Workings

5Z35 : (57307 + 390119) : Edge Hill Depot to Crewe

Location Booked Actual
Edge Hill Depot 12+35d 12+50
Wavertree Jn 12/40 [SL] 12/53 [US]
Liverpool South Parkway 12/44 [P3] 12/58 [P3]
Ditton East Jn 12/51 13/09 [UDF]
Runcorn 12c55 ~ 12c57 [P1] 13+14 ~ 13+19˝ [P1]
Halton Jn 12/58˝ 13/22
Weaver Jn 13/02˝ [FL] 13/27 [UM]
Acton Bridge 13/05˝ [SL] 13/29 [UF]
Hartford 13*09˝ ~ 13*14 [FL] 13/30 [UM]
Winsford 13/18˝ 13/34 [UF]
Crewe Coal Yard 13/25˝ 13/39˝
Crewe 13+29a [P12] 13+43 [P12]
 


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