Ex-GWR Pannier No.9466toact as Lickey Banker

HAWKSWORTH 0-6-0PT No. 9466 will act as banker on two ascents of the 1-in-37 Lickey incline on November 20.

Vintage Trains is planning a morning and an afternoon train, each being banked up the incline by the pannier tank. Leading the train will be ‘Castle’ No. 7029 Clun Castle.

Each train starts at Tyseley and calls at Birmingham Snow Hill before a run to Worcester via Kidderminster. Here the train will be turned on the triangle and then return to Birmingham New Street, taking the line to Bromsgrove at Droitwich.

At Bromsgrove, No. 9466 will attach to the rear of the train to assist the train up the two-mile gradient to Blackwell. After dropping passengers who joined at Snow Hill at New Street, the train takes the St Andrews Junction route back to Tyseley.

Ticket prices start at £79 at tables for two or four, £99 in Club Class with teas, coffee and Danish pastries, and £159 in Pullman Class with full English breakfast. There is an option at £599 of a private

First Class compartment for six with breakfast, tea and coffee included.

Book online at vintagetrains. co.uk or call 0121 708 4960.

COMPILED BY CHRIS MILNER Your reports and pictures are most welcome. Highly competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM.