Enhanced ‘Staycation Express’ to return this summer – with HSTs

THE ‘Staycation Express,' Rail Charter Services Limited's (RCS) summer tourist service which was piloted in 2020, is to return this year – but will be extended along the full length of the Settle-Carlisle line.

While last year's trains ran only between Skipton and Appleby and used heritage main line diesel traction, including Classes 20, 47 and 37, plus a Class 40, with first class former Greater Anglia Mk.3 carriages, the 2021 operation is to utilise a High Speed Train.

Dedicated ex-Great Western Railway trailers for the HST belonging to Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL) are undergoing refurbishment by Arlington Fleet Services at Eastleigh. When complete, the set will operate in a 2+5 configuration – the power cars being former East Midlands Railway vehicles.

The five carriages will be fitted with leather reclining first class seating and power points. Other onboard facilities will include an enhanced buffet counter and single premium ‘at seat' dining coach, while Covid-secure Perspex screens will be fitted between each bay of seats.

It is envisaged that two return trips between Skipton, Settle, Appleby and Carlisle will run daily except Fridays for eight weeks from mid-July to mid-September. The dates and timings remained to be confirmed as this issue went to press. RCS has however, said the trains will travel at a maximum of 60mph.

RCS director Adrian Quine said: “A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes to build on the success of the ‘Staycation Express' last year. We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders, with innovation at the heart of everything we do, and look forward to announcing further initiatives soon.”

Driver training for the service has already started. Power cars Nos. 43058 and 43059 operated back to back from Crewe to Carlisle and return on March 2, via the Settle-Carlisle line.