Iskra
Established Member
This is a great looking tour, with top and tail class 40's which must be quite rare these days. It's also a great way to travel behind LSL Class 40's without having to deal with some of their more anti-customer booking policies as bookings are through the Branchline society. This tour covers some obscure bits of track and I'm particularly looking forward to the sound of class 40's pulling out of the Lime Street cuttings 

The Branch Line Society is delighted to announce The Wirral Squirrel, a charity railtour operated by Locomotive Services Limited and featuring two Class 40s (D213 and D345) operating in top 'n tail mode throughout. Our coaching stock will be the wonderfully restored Saphos set with all First Class seating.
Our route and provisional timings are as shown below. Please note that all times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.
Crewe P12 (PU 10.30) - Liverpool Lime Street P10 (PU 11.30 / RM) - Runcorn - Halton Chord (Frodsham Single) - Helsby - Ellesmere Port - Hooton - Rock Ferry P2 (RM) - Chester Curve - Croes Newydd Up Goods Loop (RM) - Bidston (RM) - Croes Newydd Up Goods Loop (RM) - Chester Dn & Up Main - Helsby - Warrington Bank Quay - Earlestown P4 - Lowton Jn - Ince Moss Chord - St Helens Central - Olive Mount Jn - Olive Mount Chord - Bootle Jn - Hall Road Wallside Siding (RM) - Bootle Jn - Bootle Branch Jn - Liverpool Lime Street (SD 19.45 / RM) - Crewe P12 (SD 20.45).
The special train will be raising funds for James' Place (a charity that ensures help is available for every man facing a suicidal crisis) and our friends from Railway Children. There will be a charity raffle with a range of fantastic prizes.
Seating will be allocated in line with the latest Government guidelines and our Travel Safe procedures. Where possible, families and groups should make a single booking for their entire party. Please rest assured we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment on board, whilst adhering to all Public Health regulations. Our team will be following an enhanced programme of cleaning for your safety.
A Buffet Car will be available throughout the journey offering a wide range of drinks, snacks and light refreshments. We hope to have a number of real ales available to enjoy.
Subject to the necessary resources, it may be possible to offer a First Class Dining option. Please add a note to your booking if you would be interested in upgrading to dining should we be able to offer this.
As part of our Travel Safe procedures, part fares and pay on the day fares will NOT be available.
We are extremely grateful to Merseyrail and GBRf for all their assistance with this project.