A ‘Peak’ to Paignton!

Hopes for first ‘Peak’ railtour in more than 20 years – dates also earmarked for ‘Deltic’ main line excursions.

THE autumn will hopefully see the return of a Class 45 ‘Peak’ to the main line. No. 45118 The Royal Artilleryman, which is owned by Locomotive Services Ltd is being restored to main line condition to add to the LSL railtour fleet.

With that target in mind, InterCity, is planning a tour on October 19 along the north east/south west cross country route from York to Paignton – a diagram synonymous with Class 45 and 46s in the 1970s and 80s. It will be the first ‘Peak’ railtour since outings by D172 Ixion more than 20 years ago. At present restoration is progressing but No. 45118 will need to be fitted with TPWS, GSM-R and an on train data recorder (OTMR).

From York, the ‘Torbay Delight’ tour will call at Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby and Tamworth taking the familiar route through Bristol and Exeter to the Torbay area.

Seating is first class and fares are £129 from all pick-up points. A guaranteed window table for two will attract a supplement of £30 per person. There will a buffet on board selling hot and cold drinks and snacks.

If the ‘Peak’ is not ready in time, then substitute traction will be a pair of LSL Class 37s. The ‘Peak’ is booked to work a second train on November 9 from Lancaster to St Pancras.

Separately, a significant step in returning Class 55 ‘Deltic’

No. D9000 Royal Scots Grey to the main line on behalf of LSL has taken place. The first of the two Napier engines were craned into the loco at the beginning of February. The loco is booked to work its first tour in new ownership, from Finsbury Park to Newcastle on May 7.

This is due to be followed by a tour from Wolverhampton to Newcastle on August 26 and finally a trip on October 12 from Newcastle to Bridgnorth, which will see the rare occurrence of Mk.3 stock running over the Severn Valley Railway.

Full details of all these tours are on the InterCity website at inter-city.co.uk