‘Hoovers’ conquer Cumbria!
ARAILTOUR sponsored by Rail Express should be a prime candidate for a headline pair of classic traction, and so it proved on April 14 with Pathfinder’s ‘Cumbrian Hoovers’ trip from Birmingham International to Carlisle in co-operation with the Class 50 Alliance, Riviera Trains and GB Railfreight.
The tour was booked for two Class 50s to cover some 473miles, and Nos. 50049 Defiance (leading outbound) and No. 50007 Hercules were rostered – both in blue livery but the former sporting the large logo version.
The outward journey after leaving the West Midlands was a dash down the West Coast Main Line to Wigan before cutting across via Hellifield to the Settle & Carlisle Line. The return took the scenic option via the Cumbrian coast and Barrow to Carnforth before another high speed opportunity back up the WCML to Stafford, New Street and Birmingham International.
OUTWARD TO CREWE
The day started in fine style readers time to settle in comfortably and assess their train. Ten Mk.2 passenger coaches, a Mk.2 former TFO, a Mk.1 restaurant car and the crew support/generator van comprised a tare load of 454tonnes tare – or some 500tonnes with its full passenger complement and 730tonnes including the two locos.
