I thought all their tours were 67s? I understand 30/6 will be top and tail 67
( http://www.railtourinfo.co.uk/diesel.html )
Would the 75mph maximum speed of 66s cause pathing problems on the WCML?
If a railtour is 66 hauled where does the electricity for catering etc come from?
The best thing is to speak to UKR themselves. Despite the claims that they "never request traction for their tours", I understand any tour that will operate fully under the wires will be a 90, and any that will visit somewhere from where 67s are barred will thus be 66s.
UKR have also confirmed to me this one is 67s.
That will be interesting given that in order to access the ELR is via Buckley Wells... Though I am not certain of who actually owns the metals between the ELR and the Mainline, is it still the privately owned steel works?
I'd have figured that the tour would use an ELR locomotive at some point after all it would be a bit pointless to visit the railway and not get much of a proper opportunity to travel behind one of their locomotives.
Still keep 66s and 67s away!!!
Phil
Just received my ticket for this tour. No mention of booked traction. Bury to Rawenstall and return will now be by ELR service train and the tour won't be permitted on the Buckley Wells branch but it should still be a good day out
I will have to find out if there is a Wetherspoons or similar at Bury
Access to the ELR hasn't been via Buckley Wells since Metrolink took over the Bury line! Trains come in from the main line via Castleton/Heywood.
There's two Wetherspoons in Bury The Robert Peel & The Art Picture House
Reet, to stick my head above the parapet as an 'east lancs-y type'...
The tour's booked to arrive Bury just after 1pm (delays on the mainline notwithstanding), then there's time to grab some dinner before, as has been said, onward travel via East Lancs service train at 1430 which is booked for steam, although there is/should be a diesel running too - don't think the times fit in as well though.
Access to the East Lancs is via Castleton Junction, and the connection between the main lines and the East Lancs is owned by NR up to just a tad before Hopwood Ground Frame, where it becomes ELR owned. There's talk (as has been mentioned) of an extension towards Castleton, into a new platform at the current station - I believe at the moment it's all a matter of getting everyone to agree and finding someone with a big pot of money!
There is indeed still a connection to the Metrolink at Buckley Wells, and it has been known to see use when trains have brought ballast and such on site for Metrolink track renewals.
Now, the most important bit - Wetherspoons! If you'd like my personal recommendation, go to the Art Picture House opposite the bus station. It's not quite as close as the Peel but I've always found the standards (food, beer, staff) are much better - and it's a lot nicer a pub.
Hope everyone who's on it has a great time,
Jon
Correct, have now had sight of the STN and it is top & tail 66 throughout.Irrespective of what you've been told, this trip is down for 2x66.