Notes :
(1) 67022 on rear.
(2) Diverted to regain lost time (caused by the late arrival of coaching stock from Old Oak Common at the start of the day). Booked route was: Rugby - Coventry - Birmingham International - Stechford - Aston - Bescot Stadium - Portobello Jn - Stafford.

Source : Adam Daniels

Tour Review
(by Adam Daniels)

So then, I arrive at Euston around 30 early for what had become UK Railtours inaugural tour. The boards already had the tour advertised as being from platform 1, so needless to say 300 people were somewhat surprised when the "box" decided to route the ECS into platform 16 instead!

A swift walk to platform 16 saw me arrive just in time to see the ECS pull in lead by 67022. The full story told to us once on board (in John's own inimitable style, not heard by me for a while!) was that there were track problems at Willesden West London Jn, meaning that the stock was routed via Wembley (reverse) and then into Euston, arriving at 07:18. Another problem was that 90027 (our train loco up to Carlisle) was not to arrive until 07:40, and this was coupled up swiftly and departure was re-booked at 07:51. A further problem with the brakes being left on on 67022 meant we didn't finally depart until 07:58.

A reasonably normal run down the WCML ensued, until arrival at Hanslope Junction which was 40mins down. We continued on the Northampton lines as booked (the punters who joined at Northampton wouldn't have been pleased if we didn't!) but ran rather slowly. Again, John's voice came over the tannoy and announced that there were track problems in the Roade area so we'd have to run at reduced speed. Departure from Northampton was some 47 mins late. At Daventry IRFT was to be seen my only sighting cop of the day, 66420, which was stabled there along with 66404 (and 66504, which I thought somewhat strange?). As per the re-run 2 days later we were routed after Rugby via the Trent to make up time, which worked as we were only around 20 down at Stafford. The booked route was then taken via Crewe & Warrington, with good news coming for me in that 90027 was finally cleared somewhere around Acton Bridge. The WCML was reasonably quiet in terms of movements, with Warrington Yard and depot being nearly empty.

Arrival at Carlisle was 18 late, being greeted by 31190 (D5613) light engine waiting at the South end signals on route learning. Myself and my friend abandoned the station immediately for the usual chip shop run (it's far too convenient at Carlisle!) to return for half an hour or so of spotting and photting.

67022 (a winner for me) had been fired up for departure, but we were all on board in plenty of time but sat there not going anywhere. Of course at this point nobody could put their heads out of any windows to see what was going on because we'd got the window police on board owing to Network Rail's statement about clearance on the line through to Maryport. I did think this was taking H&S a bit too far given we'd not even moved! Anyway, departure was finally at 13:57, John's voice once again coming on to tell us that the delay was due to the signalman arguing about whether or not we were in gauge! A very pleasant run along the coast was had, only broken by 20307, 20312, 37194 and 37038, along with BNFL nos 2 & 3, at Sellafield. At Carnforth we re-joined the WCML and on to Preston for a 40mins or so break. Sight of a 12 car 325 along with 2 x 86 made for an interesting break in the unit only station. We opted to remain on the station for photos and we left Preston right-time again behind 90027.

Another reasonably fast run was made up the WCML before arriving Northampton 10 down (despite passing Long Buckby 4 early). Reason for our delay was an error in the timings - I guess a unit was booked out at the same time we should have been? Another run up the WCML was made to Watford before we stood for 10 minutes. A door interlocking problem was given for this delay.

All in all a good tour, despite a few minutes of late running here and there. Long may these tours continue...

Adam Daniels

Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Adam Daniels)

Timings continue in first table.

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