RTCplans ‘ Cumbrian Mountain Express’ opening

THE RailwayTouring Company ( RTC) remainshopeful that it can cover its August dayexcursions with steam traction.

Theplan includes all trains listed in RTC’s current brochure starting with an old favourite, the ‘ CumbrianMountainExpress’.

Following its usual format the‘ Express’departsEuston on Saturday, August 8, with Class 86 No. 86259 LesRoss heading the train to Carnforth, where steam comes on for the remainder of the outbound trip to Carlisle. The ‘ Express’returns southvia the Settle and Carlisle line.

OnSunday, August 16, another RTCannual,‘ TheWaverley’leaves York calling at Leeds en route forCarlisle returning by way of Applebyand the Settle and Carlisle line.

Itineraries

The‘ CotswoldVenturer’on Saturday, August 22, is booked to departPaddingtonforWorcester, picking up at Slough, Reading and Didcot.

Sunday, August 23 sees‘ The Waverley’followthe same itineraryas that advertisedfor the departuredated August 16.

OnSaturday, August 30, another ‘ CumbrianMountainExpress’starts out of Euston as programmedfor the August8trip.

Thesameday, the‘ RoyalDuchy’ takes tothe rails for the first time this year boundfor Plymouth and Par. Departing BristolTemple Meads, the‘ Duchy’calls atYatton andTaunton.

The‘ CumbrianMountain Express’ and‘ Waverley’will beworked by one ofWest Coast’s Carnforthbasedengines, while LMS CoronationClass PacificNo. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland is booked for the Paddington- Worcester trip and the‘ RoyalDuchy.’