Northern Belle hopes for ‘Lizzie’ as it outlines 2022 steam plans
LUXURY train operator Northern Belle is planning 14 steamhauled journeys over the picturesque Settle-Carlisle line for 2022.
Northern Belle had an agreement during 2021 to use ‘Princess Royal’ class Pacific No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth, and wants to use the loco in 2022, but a crack in the firebox throatplate, discovered in July, saw ‘Lizzie’ withdrawn.
Popularity
Northern Belle owner David Pitts hopes the 4-6-2, which is subject to an appeal for around £165,000 to cover the repairs, will be concluded in time for the first trip of 2022 from Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester on February 26.
Mr Pitts said the trips using
No. 6201 had been incredibly popular with many selling out within days, so it was a terrible blow to hear about the boiler problems. Some trains have been hauled by ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado as a replacement. He added: “We have a very exciting series of journeys lined up for next year and we are confident that 2022 will turn out to be a bumper year.”
Departures
While the first Northern Belle of the season starts from Leeds, other trips begin from Birmingham, Coventry, Derby, Durham, Lincoln, Liverpool, Newcastle, Shrewsbury, Wrexham and York. Other specials will be to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show and the Weymouth Seafood Festival.