Lickey to be tackled solo minus banker
VINTAGE Trains' much-publicised ‘Lickey Banker' double trips featuring GWR 4-6-0 No. 7029 Clun Castle and LMS 4-6-2 No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, assisted by Hawksworth 0-6-0PT No. 9466, saw significant changes when the pannier was declared unavailable, leaving the two 4-6-2s scheduled to tackle the 1-in37 gradient solo.
Not only was the banker not involved, the planned two 10-coach trains were to be reduced to six vehicles, amounting to no more than 200 tons behind the drawbar.
However, Vintage Trains spokesman Adam Williams said that booked travellers remained happy with the revised arrangements for November 20 despite the non-availability of the banking engine.
Christmas trips
As it was, the ‘Banker' was scheduled to depart Tyseley Locomotive Works and, after picking up at Birmingham Snow Hill, to run direct to Worcester before heading back via Bromsgrove and Birmingham New Street.
The Castle was due to work a morning train, the Duchess an afternoon departure on November 20.
Vintage Trains has added another three trips in the build-up to Christmas, the first being the ‘Melton Mowbray', which is to be top-andtailed by Clun Castle and Duchess of Sutherland on December 5.
While passengers are attending the Melton Mowbray Christmas Fayre, the train offers the option of staying on board as the two 4-6-2s carry on to Corby, crossing the Harringworth Viaduct on two occasions.
This tour starts from Tyseley's platform and picks up at Coleshill Parkway and Nuneaton.
On December 11, the ‘Merchant Venturer' departs Solihull for Bath behind No. 7029, calling at Dorridge, Leamington Spa and Banbury. The ‘White Rose' leaves Tyseley on December 15 for York and its St Nicholas Fayre and Christmas Market, the train stopping at Coleshill Parkway, Nuneaton, Leicester, East Midlands Parkway and Ilkeston, with the Duchess providing motive power.
Second York trip
A second ‘White Rose' departs Tyseley's platform on December 18, calling at Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth High Level, Burton-on-Trent and Derby behind Clun Castle, and so ends what might be considered a hesitant beginning to this year's truncated season from Vintage Trains.
With GWR 4-6-0 No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe not expected to return to traffic until the spring and No. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall unavailable, the Tyseley-based operation faces the prospect of hiring in an engine if an early start is made to its New Year tour programme.