'Staycation Express' returns for October half-term holiday
after the main summer season of Rail Charter Services (RCS) ‘Staycation Express’ trips between Skipton and Carlisle came to an end, the all first class 2x5 HST train was back on the route for another week of services in late October.
The trains operated again along the Settle and Carlisle line to coincide with the October half-term school holiday, operating on October 23, 25-28 and 30. The train calls at Settle and Appleby en route. RCS director Adrian Quine told Railways Illustrated: “October went really well, with the 11.18 ex Skipton and 15.09 ex Carlisle both loading at or near capacity, with social distancing in place. “The Appleby starter in the morning and terminator in the evening were not that well loaded, mostly as a result of not being able to start or terminate at Carlisle, owing to Network Rail platform upgrades.” Mr Quine explained that the company is still finalising its programme for the 2022 season, and information on its plans would be announced as soon as possible. The racing green and silver liveried train, made up of Class 43 power cars 43058 and 43059 with five Mk.3 HST trailer coaches, was launched in July (Railways Illustrated, September 2021) to mark the start of the second season of summer services along the Settle and Carlisle line.
It was part of an initiative to boost tourism following the coronavirus pandemic, as well as encouraging people to travel along the scenic route.
The first year’s operation in summer 2020 used locomotive-hauled trains and a rake of Locomotive Services’ former Greater Anglia Mk.3 coaches, but the use of the refurbished HST was designed to provide a higher quality product with competitive ticket pricing.
The train belongs to Locomotive Services Ltd’s subsidiary company, Locomotive Intercity Ltd, but is dedicated for the use of Rail Charter Services, a separate company to LSL but with close links to the organisation.