RAILTOURS

The Branch Line Society is offering the chance to savour two ‘Hoovers’ on a day out over the Midland Main Line and on into Kent.

BLS to take ‘50s’ to Margate.

BOOK out the date of Saturday, July 31 if you fancy riding behind Class 50 No. 50008 Thunderer and another classmate to the delights of Margate.

The second ‘Hoover’ will ‘top-andtail’ some sections, double-heading the rest. The intended ‘50’ is in the process of being made ready, but should it not be ready in time, one of the Class 50 Alliance machines will be used instead.

‘The Thanet Thunderer’ will run from East Midlands Parkway (06.30), with pick-ups at Leicester and Kettering, and a lunch break of around two hours has been requested at Margate.

There is an option to alight at Canterbury (with a break of over three hours expected), or at Broadstairs (more than two hours). The highlight for track fans is use of Bramdean Sidings at

Grove Park on the return journey (with thanks to DB Cargo), the Up Lee Spur at Hither Green, and the slow lines through Wymington.

A photo stop is expected at Dumpton Park on the return journey, and doubleheading will occur between Bramdean and Leicester.

A DB Cargo Class 66 has been requested for the final leg from Leicester to East Midlands Parkway.

The BLS is advising that, as part of its Travel Safe procedures, part fares and pay-on-the-day fares will not be available.