WCR - Jacobite 2026

[12C]

Possibly unconnected but I noticed on Facebook today WCR have announced the Dalesman Settle-Carlisle trips are now open for booking, apparently with “vintage carriages”. Read into that what you will, although the Mk2s are of a certain vintage too!

 

[37069]

Plus the Scarborough Spa Express.
https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/scarborough-spa-express/steam-experience

The Scarborough Spa Express is a full-day coast-to-coast heritage steam excursion from Lancashire to the Yorkshire seaside. Steam from the first mile to the last. Enjoy an afternoon at the coast or, if you prefer, a day in historic York instead. Five Wednesdays in 2026, and nothing quite like it anywhere else in Britain.

And The Dalesman
https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/dalesman/settle-to-carlisle-line

The Dalesman is a full-day heritage train excursion with steam from Hellifield, across the most celebrated railway in England. Seventy-two miles of Victorian engineering cut through the Pennines, over 20 viaducts and through 14 tunnels. This year, the line turns 150. Eight dates. Then nothing like it until 2027.

 

[12C]

Plus the Scarborough Spa Express.

The Dalesman - https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/dalesman/settle-to-carlisle-line
Scarborough Spa Express - https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/scarborough-spa-express/steam-experience

Just read some of the information on those links and they certainly seem to be promising Mk1s:

From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored.

 

[martin butler]

I just hope that West Coast can deliver what's promised.

So far, on the Sussex Belle, they are still using the unpopular Mk2 aircon coaches.

I think that they will put out a short rake of Mk1's to satisfy demand on the Jacobite, and pray for an exemption so they can use another rake of non-fitted coaches, then blame ORR when they don't allow any further exemptions.

 

[hexagon789]

I just hope that they, West Coast, can deliver what's promised, So far, they are still using the unpopular Mk2 aircons, at least the Sussex belle, was,

I think that they will put out a short rake of mk1's to satisfy demand on the Jacobite, Mk1's with the large window Mk2's converted so far, and pray for an exemption so they can use another rake of non-fitted coaches, then blame ORR when they say, sorry no we are not allowing any further exemptions,

I'm not sure they can do that.

My interpretation of previous posts was that the ORR has to approve the CDL fitted Mk1s first, before they can be used with passengers.

Assuming I understood that correctly, then they can't just press a short rake or mixed rake of them and CDL Mk2s into service as an interim measure.

 

[37069]

I'm not sure they can do that.

My interpretation of previous posts was that the ORR has to approve the CDL fitted Mk1s first, before they can be used with passengers.

Assuming I understood that correctly, then they can't just press a short rake or mixed rake of them and CDL Mk2s into service as an interim measure.

I think this was conjecture. WCR fitted a Mk. 1 with CDL last year and it already runs in public service - 325 Duart in the Northern Belle set. https://www.flickr.com/photos/61989838@N07/54519745620/

ORR sign-off may be needed if it is a bespoke system.

 

[D1537]

To clarify, that list is what WCRC have in their access agreement that they can use, not what the route permits which is indeed less restrictive.

They used 47s last year during the steam ban, and 47245 went in 2024 after the steam loco failed. Can they ad hoc modify the access agreement during periods of disruption?

 

[TonyW590]

"From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today"

... they have used that phrase for a while now. When I challenged them to tell me exactly what stock would be used (a couple of years ago) they confirmed it was a/c Mark 2s as the earlier stock was not available so not in working condition. Nice get out!

 

[renegademaster]

I'm not sure they can do that.

My interpretation of previous posts was that the ORR has to approve the CDL fitted Mk1s first, before they can be used with passengers.

Assuming I understood that correctly, then they can't just press a short rake or mixed rake of them and CDL Mk2s into service as an interim measure.

If they have say 4 coaches signed off but haven't finished the rest, why not?

 

[hexagon789]

If they have say 4 coaches signed off but haven't finished the rest, why not?

Because they are waiting for the ORR decision on the Section 5 exemption, as was stated up thread.

 

[Bill57p9]

A section 5 exemption is not required to run CDL fitted stock, though I do appreciate that any CDL design or installation will require some form of certification.

WCRC already have the required section 4 (crashworthiness) exemption to run around 65 mk1s.

 

[SwindonManor]

I'm likely to go on the dalesman now, too much waiting, it will be booked up when it releases probably in 2 seconds flat...they need 44871 out (that is the right one isnt it?) I believe to make sure they have 2 steam engines for both services.

 

[Isle of Mull]

I'm likely to go on the dalesman now, too much waiting, it will be booked up when it releases probably in 2 seconds flat...they need 44871 out (that is the right one isnt it?) I believe to make sure they have 2 steam engines for both services.

It's already on sale as far as I know

 

[Killingworth]

It's already on sale as far as I know

I've had an email promoting it today. See their website but still carefully vague about Jacobite.

 

[Isle of Mull]

I've had an email promoting it today. See their website but still carefully vague about Jacobite.

Hopefully the jacobite releases soon

 

[CoachB]

Nevermind, noticed it was the Great Britain rail tour.

 

[martin butler]

I am wondering if only one service a day will run with Steam this year on the Jacobite,

West Coast, are still going to struggle with only 4 air braked steam locos, for their entire tour business this year, with one needed at Fort William, one at Southall, and two at Carnforth. there will have to be some cancellations, or where a diesel has to be put on instead.

 

[SwindonManor]

I am wondering if only one service a day will run with Steam this year on the Jacobite,

West Coast, are still going to struggle with only 4 air braked steam locos, for their entire tour business this year, with one needed at Fort William, one at Southall, and two at Carnforth. there will have to be some cancellations, or where a diesel has to be put on instead.

Let's see: Fort William requires at least one steam loco, maybe two. They might need two at Carnforth, unless they shuffle things round, as it's their main base.

Southall definitely needs at least one, maybe two, to hire to other companies services who use WCR locos (The Great Britain XVIII - WCR Mark 2s and a WCR 47 on the back assisting, an RTC tour)

Carnforth sees trains stop there from the Dalesman and the Scarborough Spa, although one loco could operate all those services, as they are on different dates; steam is either all the way (SSE) or from Hellifield/back to Carnforth (TD).

 

[LesS]

I have spent today in Fort Wiliam.

I took a long but easy walk this morning along the Great Glen track as far as Soldiers Bridge and then along a track beside the Mallaig main line. The depot is empty. There are no carriages, no locomotives or any rolling stock to be seen. There is a large pile of coal and some open wagons which appear to have seen better days. A few small rail maintenance vehicles are present.

At Fort William station Jacobite handbills continue to be displayed.

Unless WCR can commence running by the end of June they will probably miss this year's summer season, in which case it can be seriously surmised that WCR will never resume service.

Perhaps someone else may be able to start an equivalent service.

 

[Killingworth]

A neighbour has just returned from a heritage rail based coach tour in Scotland, highlight intended to be the Jacobite. They did get to Mallaig and discovered the lack of amenities, particularly toilets. The coach parking area at Glenfinnan seems to have been full so they couldn't linger.

A substitute attraction was worked into the tour, the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. Food, a good view and clean toilets. Quite a hit.

They were given an explanatory leaflet at the start of their tour.

 

[Krokodil]

For anyone wondering about the leaflet, it's just a printout of this page on the WCRC website:

The Jacobite: 2026 Season Update

<p id="isPasted"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://wcr-s3.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/1fyKSZNDv7yZHM53E6oDM3dvfOyDfBM9sj0bC7Qk.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib w-full"></p><p>Following valuable feedback from our passengers and an evaluation of the operational costs associated with...

westcoastrailways.co.uk

Following valuable feedback from our passengers and an evaluation of the operational costs associated with our Mark 2 carriages, West Coast Railways has formally approached the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to reinstate our traditional Mark 1 rolling stock. These traditional carriages have been a hallmark of the Jacobite experience for over 25 years, and we know how much our passengers value their classic charm.

Progress on Safety Upgrades
West Coast Railways is committed to the long-term future of heritage rail and are going to install Central Door Locking (CDL) systems across our entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the mainline.

While this safety upgrade is a significant undertaking, it will take time to complete. To this end, we are currently working in close partnership with the ORR to finalise a timeline that balances the technical requirements of the installation with our goal of commencing the 2026 Jacobite season.

What This Means for You

Delayed Start: We sincerely apologise for the delay in launching this year's service. Our priority is ensuring we can return to the tracks using the traditional rolling stock you know and love.

Official Announcements: As soon as our start dates are confirmed, we will notify all existing customers directly. Please sign up to receive updates https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/register

Stay Informed: Updates will be posted immediately on our official website and social media channels.

Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work to bring the traditional Jacobite experience back to the Highlands.

Kind regards
WCR

 

[bleeder4]

A neighbour has just returned from a heritage rail based coach tour in Scotland, highlight intended to be the Jacobite. They did get to Mallaig and discovered the lack of amenities, particularly toilets. The coach parking area at Glenfinnan seems to have been full so they couldn't linger.

Mallaig has a relatively large toilet block located in West Bay car park right next to the station.

 

[martin butler]

Which means ORR will be blamed as to why the Jacobite will miss much of the season, not West coast's own actions on not installing CDL when everyone else was complying,

 

[Harpo]

Which means ORR will be blamed as to why the Jacobite will miss much of the season,

There will only be one organisation blaming ORR.

 

[martin butler]

There will only be one organisation blaming ORR.

That is my point it becomes a convenient scapegoat for West Coast.

 

[D1537]

That is my point it becomes a convenient scapegoat for West Coast.

I'm pretty sure that everyone involved, even outside the rail community, is quite aware that WCR have had years to sort this out and have refused to do so.

 

[Invincible]

Are the carriages in a workshop having the CDL equipment installed.

 

[Killingworth]

For anyone wondering about the leaflet, it's just a printout of this page on the WCRC website:

The Jacobite: 2026 Season Update

<p id="isPasted"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><img src="https://wcr-s3.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/1fyKSZNDv7yZHM53E6oDM3dvfOyDfBM9sj0bC7Qk.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib w-full"></p><p>Following valuable feedback from our passengers and an evaluation of the operational costs associated with...

westcoastrailways.co.uk

Dunno why the copy didn't load. Have removed it from my post.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 7 May 2026 ==

Mallaig has a relatively large toilet block located in West Bay car park right next to the station.

Difficulty is that is aimed at those arriving by car - and bus, as this older lady had. It's not on the natural route from the station to the town. It can get long queues for the ladies once they all realise it's there and want to go before the Jacobite returns!

 

[Invincible]

We saved a train TV on Quest/ HBO Max episode 6 briefly shows CDL being fitted to a mark 1 carriage in Bo'ness railway, could this be for the Jacobite?

 

[matt]

We saved a train TV on Quest/ HBO Max episode 6 briefly shows CDL being fitted to a mark 1 carriage in Bo'ness railway, could this be for the Jacobite?

No that is an SRPS coach