Flying Scotsman returns on WCML

[Train2Win]

I would like to have a ride on it !

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-35504951

One of the world's most famous locomotives has returned to the West Coast mainline.
Flying Scotsman is travelling from Carnforth on the West Coast Main Line following a £4.2m restoration project, which has taken 10 years.

The engine, which was retired from service in 1963, has been restored for York's National Railway Museum by Riley and Son Ltd, based in Bury.

Low-speed tests have taken place along the East Lancashire Railway.

The locomotive is in its black undercoat and sporting wartime numbers.

It will be painted in its new green livery next week after the test run.

Jim Lowe, head of operations at the National Railway Museum in York, said: "We have all been looking forward to the day when Flying Scotsman is once again running on Britain's tracks."

 

[Boysteve]

Well so would I, however the BBC report states return via the S&C, however I thought that there were capacity restrictions and single line working around a land slip. Buses are replacing some trains according to National Rail Enquiries. Surely the Flying Scotsman is not prioritised over scheduled services? Actually I cannot believe I have just typed that!!!
But realistically, surely when the railway is run as a business for customers the scheduled services have to come first? I can 'feel' the daggers already!

 

[Darandio]

Surely the Flying Scotsman is not prioritised over scheduled services?

Well it's running. Left Carlisle 11 down, was then 49 down at Kirkby Thore, presumably after being held before the single line section.

 

[furnessvale]

But realistically, surely when the railway is run as a business for customers the scheduled services have to come first? I can 'feel' the daggers already!

Especially with the shortage of freights at the moment, and given its timetable of passenger services, I think the S & C will be able to accommodate a section of single line working AND a steam special.

 

[Darandio]

Went through Kirkby Stephen at no more than 10mph in atrocious conditions. Then passed Ribblehead around 33 down, there must have been 40-50 people there.

 

[James Starkie]

Went through Kirkby Stephen at no more than 10mph in atrocious conditions. Then passed Ribblehead around 33 down, there must have been 40-50 people there.

I took the family to Whalley station for a close up and it was great; the single white light coming out of the gloom, the sight and then the noise of the steam etc. Marvellous. Since then I've been thinking about who drove it? Not names but is it the same crew that would be doing all the testing. Is there a rota. Do they swap over en route. Is it actually hard work doing a shift, peering into the darkness beyond? Etc etc.

 

[miami]

That would explain the half dozen people looking over the bridge near clitheroe last night then. I thought it a bit strange for a sprinter.

Realtimetrains had a Carlisle London train down as diesel hauled?

 

[Darandio]

Realtimetrains had a Carlisle London train down as diesel hauled?

It never stipulates Steam.