Vintage Trains to run two Lickey bankers

VINTAGE Trains is to recreate the time when steam banking up the 1-in 37 Lickey gradient, including the ‘Pines Express', was an everyday event.

On November 20, the Tyseley-based tour operator is planning to run ntwo trains

‘up the hill' from Bromsgrove, using GWR 4-6-0 No. 7029 Clun Castle and LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland following, supported by 0-6-0PT No. 9466.

A morning train sets off from Tyseley, calling at Birmingham Snow Hill for Bromsgrove, behind the Castle, followed by an afternoon departure with No. 6233. Undoubtedly both trains and the linesides will be packed for the occasion.

On October 30, when No. 6233 first returns to traffic following recent repairs by its owning group which caused it to miss the Severn Valley Railway's autumn steam gala, will be back to work ‘The Midland Bristolian' from Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth High Level and Coleshill Parkway. The first leg will be hauled by Class 47 No. 47541 The Queen Mother , Sutherland joining at Dorridge for a diesel-assisted attack on the Lickey.

November 13 sees No. 6233 heading the Vintage Trains ‘Welsh Marches Express', which starts from Tyseley, picking up at Snow Hill, then proceeding via Worcester, Gloucester and Maindee Junction to Hereford.

Vintage Trains ran six successful ‘Shakespeare Express' trips to Stratford-uponAvon between August 1 and September 5 behind No. 7029 and alternatively doubleheaded Class 20s.