BLS 2025 tours

[Forty29]

RTT won't change, all it will display is 'no report' if the route changes.

I see the tour did go via Wokingham getting caught behind a Waterloo stopper so the good run from Bristol seemed to be lost. Hopefully it can get back to Derby before Network Rail close the line

Okay didn't realise that. Arrived in Derby just one minute late!
I think a round of applause goes to everyone for getting this tour home and overcoming the setbacks and difficult conditions that besieged it.

 

[The_Train]

The return journey was superb. The 56s were in fine form

 

[axl88]

It's very easy to spout this "I knew this would happen" nonsense after the fact that the BLS have revised the itinerary slightly. It's a shame the lottery doesn't work this way as I would win it every week otherwise!

Most people will be booked onto this for the Tytherington bit and for the multiple locos and particularly the 56s so I doubt there are too many who are booked onto it thinking it is a "farse" (sic) 3 days before it has even turned a wheel!

I am sure the @Branch Line S would really appreciate you volunteering your time and expertise to help their planning on future tours.

By the way, have you tried the WNXX forum? I think you'd fit in very well in their rail tour section

Hmm....shall I eat my hat...

 

[Branch Line S]

The week of the Greatest Gathering is nearly here! And although The Creighton-Ward Explorer on Thursday is fully sold out, we have some spaces remaining on six excellent railtours across three days featuring no less than sixteen locomotives! The details are as follows:

Friday
Shuttle 1

• 2 x GBRf Class 66 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66720 and 66771
• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 66750 and 690xx

Shuttle 2

• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66750 and 690xx
• 2 x GBRf Class 69 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby - Chesterfield) - 690xx and 690xx

Saturday
Shuttle 3

• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66314 and 690xx
• 1 x FL Class 66 and 1 x FL Class 70 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 665xx and 700xx

Shuttle 4

• 1 x FL Class 66 and 1 x FL Class 70 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 665xx and 700xx
• 1 x DRS Class 68 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby - Chesterfield) - 68001

Sunday
Shuttle 5

• 2 x DRS Class 68 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 68016 and 68001
• 2x FL Class 66 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 666xx and 666xx

Shuttle 6

• 2x FL Class 66 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 666xx and 666xx
• 1 x EPR Class 37 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Chesterfield - Derby - Chesterfield) - 37423

There will be a buffet car of drinks and light refreshments, and of course the Branch Line Society Real Ale Bar!

Please see the Fixtures page of our website branchline.uk for details and bookings. Look forward to seeing you all there!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jul 2025 ==

With thanks to our good friends at EPR, we have been advised of a change of locomotive for Shuttle Six. Class 37 37423 will now be replaced by Class 37 407. Shuttle Six also provides the opportunity to enjoy Freightliner Class 66 locomotives between Derby and Barrow Hill.

We have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders only. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards.

 

[cambsy]

i have recently become a BLS member as their tours always look really interesting with good traction and interesting routes, and for for first tour im looking at doing the Tractor Spectacularas it sounds interesting and its over 2 days.

 

[Kite159]

i have recently become a BLS member as their tours always look really interesting with good traction and interesting routes, and for for first tour im looking at doing the Tractor Spectacularas it sounds interesting and its over 2 days.

Unless you know something which hasn't been made public other than the 'no further details are available' it's hard to say if it will be interesting or not.

 

[Branch Line S]

With huge thanks to Freightliner, Sunday will feature 66621 and 66622 operating in multi! Now the hot topic of debate is will they be in the correct numerical order?! To enjoy a ride behind these locomotives, you can book on shuttle five OR shuttle six.

Shuttle five will see the Freightliner pair work from Barrow Hill to Derby (having taken over from the pair of DRS Class 68s), whereas shuttle six will see the much sought after locos work from Derby to Barrow Hill before handing over to EPR Class 37 37407.

Just a reminder, we have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders only. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards."

 

[The_Train]

Unless you know something which hasn't been made public other than the 'no further details are available' it's hard to say if it will be interesting or not.

It's called the Tractor Spectacular - it's guaranteed to be interesting

That being said, the dates match with the weekend of the 60 years of 37s event at the SVR so I presume this tour will be connected to that in some way. Presumably a tour to take people to and from the event but as it is BLS, probably with a few surprises in between as well

 

[Branch Line S]

With thanks to our good friends at GBRf, we can now confirm the Class 69s for Friday. Class 69 69004 will work with Class 66 66750 on the second part of shuttle one, and then, during the loco change at Barrow Hill, will be joined by Class 69 69002, providing the unusual sight of a pair of Class 69s working a passenger train!

We have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders only. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jul 2025 ==

With massive thanks to our friends at Freightliner, we can now confirm the FL Class 66 for Saturday. Class 66 66556 will work with a Class 70 on the second part of Shuttle two, and the first part of Shuttle three. The Class 70 will be advised once confirmed. We believe 66556 has never worked a passenger train before.

We have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards.

East Midlands Railway reminds all photographers that flash photography is not permitted.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jul 2025 ==

With huge thanks to our friends at Freightliner, we can now confirm the FL Class 70 will be 70004 on Shuttles 3 and 4 on Saturday. 70004 will work with 66556 as previously advised. This sought after Class 70 has only worked one passenger train before in 2013 so we are very grateful to Freightliner for providing this one.

We have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards.

East Midlands Railway reminds all photographers that flash photography is not permitted.

 

[The_Train]

What a great way to finish an amazing few hours at the Greatest Gathering than by spending some time behind winning locos on another well organised BLS tour. Great run out to Barrow Hill and then a well received by many onboard 68001 which had the red pens shimmering in the vast sunlight we got to enjoy today!

Thanks to the organisers for a great few hours (and for coming up with the idea for these shuttles) and here is to completing a great weekend with more red pen action tomorrow

 

[zkirby387]

The week of the Greatest Gathering is nearly here! And although The Creighton-Ward Explorer on Thursday is fully sold out, we have some spaces remaining on six excellent railtours across three days featuring no less than sixteen locomotives! The details are as follows:

Friday
Shuttle 1

• 2 x GBRf Class 66 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66720 and 66771
• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 66750 and 690xx

Shuttle 2

• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66750 and 690xx
• 2 x GBRf Class 69 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby - Chesterfield) - 690xx and 690xx

Saturday
Shuttle 3

• 1 x GBRf Class 66 and 1 x GBRf Class 69 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 66314 and 690xx
• 1 x FL Class 66 and 1 x FL Class 70 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 665xx and 700xx

Shuttle 4

• 1 x FL Class 66 and 1 x FL Class 70 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 665xx and 700xx
• 1 x DRS Class 68 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby - Chesterfield) - 68001

Sunday
Shuttle 5

• 2 x DRS Class 68 (Chesterfield - Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 68016 and 68001
• 2x FL Class 66 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Derby) - 666xx and 666xx

Shuttle 6

• 2x FL Class 66 (Derby - Barrow Hill Sidings) - 666xx and 666xx
• 1 x EPR Class 37 (Barrow Hill Sidings - Chesterfield - Derby - Chesterfield) - 37423

There will be a buffet car of drinks and light refreshments, and of course the Branch Line Society Real Ale Bar!

Please see the Fixtures page of our website branchline.uk for details and bookings. Look forward to seeing you all there!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jul 2025 ==

With thanks to our good friends at EPR, we have been advised of a change of locomotive for Shuttle Six. Class 37 37423 will now be replaced by Class 37 407. Shuttle Six also provides the opportunity to enjoy Freightliner Class 66 locomotives between Derby and Barrow Hill.

We have been advised that it is expected Derby station will be exceptionally busy and a queuing system may be in place. Access to the station will only be permitted for ticket holders / special ticket holders only. East Midlands Railway advises that you should allow extra time to navigate the station. As such, we advise all tickets for Branch Line Society special charter trains are purchased in advance on www.branchline.uk as pay on the day from Derby will not be available. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time so please be respectful to station staff and fellow passengers, and obey instructions given by staff and stewards.

Can anyone help with the coaching stock numberst that was working these shuttles, many thanks if someone can help

 

[JonathanH]

Can anyone help with the coaching stock numberst that was working these shuttles, many thanks if someone can help

Answer in this thread

Yarmouth CHS - Barrow Hill - What on earth is this?

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U58491/2025-07-31/detailed Heard it through Alfreton at 18.00, gave a blast of the horn - didn't recognise the sound at all so looked it up. Was out and about from Yarmouth CHS yesterday as well.

www.railforums.co.uk

9805 was at the front of the formation on Friday and Sunday, 6046 on Saturday.

 

[alsheppit]

Friday 1st August, Shuttles 1 & 2, also Sunday 3rd August, Shuttles 5 & 6 ....

9805+3385+3295+1220+5937+6173+6046.

Saturday 2nd August, Shuttles 3 & 4 ....

6046+6173+5937+1220+3295+3385+9805.

Hope that helps.

 

[Branch Line S]

2 new fixtures now available to book to support the SVR GBRF Weekend. On Friday 5th September we have the The Coal Brush, running from Peterborough to Kidderminster SVR with both a 57 and a 69, and then on Monday 8th September, we have the The Cotswold Crusader, returning from Kidderminster SVR to Peterborough, with 2 x 66s and a 57 working the train. Full details available on our website where you can also book.

 

[DarloRich]

@Branch Line S I have to say I enjoyed the Creighton - Ward explorer a great deal. Well done!

 

[Branch Line S]

Please do have a look at the BLS website - https://branchline.uk where we have recently launched a couple of new Fixtures, and also updated a number of Save the dates around both the Polmadie Open Day, and also the SVR Class 37 event, both in October.

The Willingdon Wickham on the 12th September is now live which really is a unique experience, and The Great Bitton on the 10th October is also filling quickly, as it includes rare track and haulage on the Avon Valley Railway.

 

[Branch Line S]

We are pleased to offer you 3 exciting new fixtures this evening to book:

Barrow Hill Bonanza - Friday 10th October 2025 - which includes the first run of a Class 93 on a passenger train.
The Brush and Broomstick - Friday 31st October 2025 - 47 haulage from Peterborough to Kidderminster
AV Dawson Shunter Special - Saturday 22nd November 2025 - winning shunters and track exploration around AV Dawsons in Middlesborough

Please see full details and to book on the Fixtures Tab of the BLS website, and in their own individual threads on here.

 

[Trains1]

Hello.

Does anyone know what happened/were to access the video from the Network Rail helicopter following the Creighton Ward Explorer on 31/07/2025

Thanks

 

[ExRes]

The Brush and Broomstick tour for 31st October has been cancelled

 

[EYFanatic]

Any reason as to why?

 

[JonathanH]

Any reason as to why?

Yes, it was explained that it was in connection with a GWR event at Paddington on the Saturday which now isn't happening.

 

[EYFanatic]

Fair enough... Rather a bit sad, but these things happen

 

[sad1e]

Does anyone have any more information on the Save the date on the 21st of December, a few weeks ago it was changed to be the 455 farewell tour for a day or so then changed back to to a save the date ?
Will the 455 farewell tours still operate on this date and does anyone else have information on it ?

 

[Trainlog]

Yes, it was explained that it was in connection with a GWR event at Paddington on the Saturday which now isn't happening.

Out of curiosity, what kind of GWR event was it?

I know that Vintage trains are doing a last run of Clun Castle into Paddington that day (November 1st) to commemorate the last BR Western region steam train from Paddington (albeit several weeks early by the looks of things). That doesn't seem to be cancelled by the looks of Vintage Trains website and Railway herald.

 

[31160]

Out of curiosity, what kind of GWR event was it?

I know that Vintage trains are doing a last run of Clun Castle into Paddington that day (November 1st) to commemorate the last BR Western region steam train from Paddington (albeit several weeks early by the looks of things). That doesn't seem to be cancelled by the looks of Vintage Trains website and Railway herald.

I was told there was the thought to run a pair of 43s up with a double castle set of 8 up ecs, but I suppose that's been binned off with the 50s, was it a Elgar thing perhaps the gwr band was also due to turn up

 

[Trainlog]

I was told there was the thought to run a pair of 43s up with a double castle set of 8 up ecs, but I suppose that's been binned off with the 50s, was it a Elgar thing perhaps the gwr band was also due to turn up

Okay, that's good, I thought the Steam railtour was cancelled for a moment, but fortunately not.

However, that's a shame about the HSTs. I enjoyed riding on a couple of them when I was in Devon/Cornwall back in July. It would have been nice to see one at Paddington again for an event.

 

[Branch Line S]

Class 455 farewell tour - Sunday 21st December 2025

Celebrating the Class 455 fleet of trains as they head to retirement

SWR are bidding farewell to their Class 455 fleet, as the last of the red trains are finally withdrawn after 42 years of service.

Built by British Rail Engineering Limited at their workshop in York between 1982 and 1985, they entered service on what is now SWR’s suburban network on Monday 28 March 1983. They have gone on to travel many millions of miles, transporting customers from the likes of Guildford, Twickenham and Windsor to and from London Waterloo.

In recognition of their role in the lives of millions of customers, their popularity with rail enthusiasts, and to mark the end of an era on the British railway network, SWR and the Branch Line Society will run a special charter service.

The 'Class 455 Farewell’ tour will include some familiar places on the suburban network, such as Epsom and Kingston, along with a few special routes and locations, such as the District Line’s branch between East Putney and Wimbledon, plus Haslemere on the Portsmouth Direct Line*.

400 tickets will go on sale on the Branch Line Society’s website at 11am on Monday 10 November, costing £45.50 each. The profits will go to three charities, The Alex Wardle Foundation, Macmillan, and The Railway Children.

Please check back for updates!

*The final route is subject to change and will be confirmed shortly before the date of the tour. More information will be available on the Fixtures page in due course.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Nov 2025 ==

Good morning! A quick reminder that tickets for the Class 455 Farewell tour go on sale at 11am today.

400 tickets will be available on the BLS website via the Fixtures Tab, for £45.50 each.

You'll need to be quick because when they're gone, they're gone!

The route of the tour is subject to final confirmation, but it will be split into four legs. The first will start at around 0930 at London Waterloo.

Each leg will have at least one stop for comfort breaks, and the final leg will finish around 1830 at London Waterloo.

More details will be confirmed in due course, so please stay tuned to our website for updates.

We look forward to seeing you on board, raising money for @macmillancancer, @RailwayChildren and The Alex Wardle Foundation.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Nov 2025 ==

Thank you for your support...to confirm the Class 455 farewell railtour has now fully sold out.

 

[Sun Chariot]

15 minute sell-out. That's excellent news, well done.

A bit of a lesson here, to some other tour operators, in regard to: "provide the right product and at the right price".

 

[omnicity4659]

15 minute sell-out. That's excellent news, well done.

A bit of a lesson here, to some other tour operators, in regard to: "provide the right product and at the right price".

Was actually a 5-minute sell out! Glad to have been clicking that refresh button!

 

[Sun Chariot]

Was actually a 5-minute sell out! Glad to have been clicking that refresh button!

Wow! That's mightily impressive. Kudos BLS