Locomotive Services Fleet (LSL) updates

[fgwrich]

No, it's an LSL vehicle - 1661 was previously painted in Maroon as part of the Steam Dreams rake. And yes, it does seem like a rather odd choice given the Saphos Mk1s are Carmine & Cream, Statesman Mk2s are Choc & Cream Pullman style and the Mk3s are Intercity and ScotRail.

1661 was scrapped in 1980 (according to Longworth). Do you mean 1659?

Apologies, it's neither - it's 1666. Not sure where 1661 came from, I blame the heat!

 

[47444]

Apologies, it's neither - it's 1666. Not sure where 1661 came from, I blame the heat!

I have 1666 down as owned by West Coast Railway (as does the Vintage Carriage Trust Register - http://www.cs.rhrp.org.uk/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=3583 )

 

[43184spotter]

With 60007 reported unavailable according to Railway Herald, will tomorrow’s Welsh Marches Express still be steam hauled, and if so does anyone know what the substitute steam locomotive will be?

UPDATE: (see below)

 

[*8A*]

With 60007 reported unavailable according to Railway Herald, will tomorrow’s Welsh Marches Express still be steam hauled, and if so does anyone know what the substitute steam locomotive will be?

UPDATE: (see below)

rumour has it, it will be 46100

 

[SuperLuke2334]

rumour has it, it will be 46100

Confirmed as such by multiple news reports.

 

[43184spotter]

Nice! Thanks!

Haven’t seen 46100 in the longest time out of all the LSL steam fleet currently running, unless I’m missing a loco when I say LSL’s current steam trains out and about are: 46100, 70000, 61306, 60007, 45231, 34046

 

[Iskra]

Does anyone know why the Midland Pullman just came through Leeds on a Crewe-Neville Hill move please?

 

[MiNi]

ECS for the West Highland Pullman tomorrow. Darlington -Oban.

 

[_toommm_]

Does anyone know why the Midland Pullman just came through Leeds on a Crewe-Neville Hill move please?

I would imagine for maintenance. Work has been done there in the past for LSL’s HSTs, and Neville Hill has a long history looking after HSTs of course.

 

[Wyrleybart]

Nice! Thanks!

Haven’t seen 46100 in the longest time out of all the LSL steam fleet currently running, unless I’m missing a loco when I say LSL’s current steam trains out and about are: 46100, 70000, 61306, 60007, 45231, 34046

46100 has been one of the active LSL fleet. Currently at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway. It was up in Scotland last June then appears to have worked on 3rd and 24th August 2022, then returned to traffic in February working Crewe-Carlisle and back on 11th Feb, then Cardiff on 1st March. Another trip to Carlisle on 25th March and again in May. The latest trip was 13th July when it worked 1Z52 Shrewsbury-Bristol then light to Bishops Lydeard.

 

[james_the_xv]

46100 has been one of the active LSL fleet. Currently at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway. It was up in Scotland last June then appears to have worked on 3rd and 24th August 2022, then returned to traffic in February working Crewe-Carlisle and back on 11th Feb, then Cardiff on 1st March. Another trip to Carlisle on 25th March and again in May. The latest trip was 13th July when it worked 1Z52 Shrewsbury-Bristol then light to Bishops Lydeard.

Interestingly, 46100 was still in the shed at Bishops Lydeard as of today, alongside another unidentified loco on the rear with more curved frames? (Couldn’t get a good look unfortunately)

Has 46100 been based at the WSR all summer? Seems strange it just parked up not on the rail tour circuit.

 

[MiNi]

There is a Bedford -Kingwear this Saturday so will I assume be there for that. Runs light into Taunton on Saturday morning.

 

[31160]

Still all very quiet for the new year on the intercity website, its a pity I've done a few of their trips and the standard of the stock is really next level if you compare if with either the Rivera or WCRC coaches, a nice trundle out to holyhead or down the Central Wales line with the 20s would be great, also still waiting on 45118 to see the light of day again,it would be lovely to have a peak in the mainline again

 

[D6130]

Still all very quiet for the new year on the intercity website,

I wonder whether that is connected with the current uncertainty regarding potential strike dates?

 

[The_Train]

Still all very quiet for the new year on the intercity website, its a pity I've done a few of their trips and the standard of the stock is really next level if you compare if with either the Rivera or WCRC coaches, a nice trundle out to holyhead or down the Central Wales line with the 20s would be great, also still waiting on 45118 to see the light of day again,it would be lovely to have a peak in the mainline again

It is a real shame, I've had some tremendous trips with LSL's Intercity side of their business and they have plenty more locos I wouldn't mind a run behind. As you say, their carriages are second to none for comfort and their onboard staff are always superb.

I wonder whether that is connected with the current uncertainty regarding potential strike dates?

I'd heard a rumour that Mr Hosking hasn't been impressed with the negativity shown towards the tours designed more for enthusiasts. They've not helped themselves in a lot of cases by advertising tours when locos are not ready and then finding that the locos advertised cannot be used but it does feel that some people will only ever have a negative opinion of LSL because of his political views. I don't agree with the views either, but there is no way whatsoever that I am that politically minded that I am going to spite my face by cutting off my nose when there is classic traction available!

 

[Wyrleybart]

It is a real shame, I've had some tremendous trips with LSL's Intercity side of their business and they have plenty more locos I wouldn't mind a run behind. As you say, their carriages are second to none for comfort and their onboard staff are always superb.

I'd heard a rumour that Mr Hosking hasn't been impressed with the negativity shown towards the tours designed more for enthusiasts. They've not helped themselves in a lot of cases by advertising tours when locos are not ready and then finding that the locos advertised cannot be used but it does feel that some people will only ever have a negative opinion of LSL because of his political views. I don't agree with the views either, but there is no way whatsoever that I am that politically minded that I am going to spite my face by cutting off my nose when there is classic traction available!

Frankly, I couldn't give a toss what JH's political views or interests are because they don't impact on my life. So maybe one day when Saphos advertise a railtour with a pair of Sulzer type twos, I will book, but it would need to be in coaches with opening windows

 

[bleeder4]

Email from them today to say 2024 tours will be available to book on their website from Wednesday 1st November.

Ref, Mr H's political views, who cares? Each of us gives money to dozens of businesses each week in the course of our daily lives. Corner shop, supermarket, plumber, electrician, taxi driver etc. Do you ever check out the political opinions of their owners before doing business with them?

 

[The_Train]

Email from them today to say 2024 tours will be available to book on their website from Wednesday 1st November.

Ref, Mr H's political views, who cares? Each of us gives money to dozens of businesses each week in the course of our daily lives. Corner shop, supermarket, plumber, electrician, taxi driver etc. Do you ever check out the political opinions of their owners before doing business with them?

Here's hoping that there are some from the Intercity arm made available for sale as well. I think I'm ready for another ride behind the 87

 

[Nym]

Email from them today to say 2024 tours will be available to book on their website from Wednesday 1st November.

Ref, Mr H's political views, who cares? Each of us gives money to dozens of businesses each week in the course of our daily lives. Corner shop, supermarket, plumber, electrician, taxi driver etc. Do you ever check out the political opinions of their owners before doing business with them?

When their political views stem into the behaviours of their staff when welcoming contractors and customers on site, then it becomes an issue.

This is the case with LSL.

And no, this is not hearsay, this is 1st hand experience of being unfortunate enough to be required to work on one of their sites.

 

[fgwrich]

When their political views stem into the behaviours of their staff when welcoming contractors and customers on site, then it becomes an issue.

This is the case with LSL.

And no, this is not hearsay, this is 1st hand experience of being unfortunate enough to be required to work on one of their sites.

I’ve also heard similar. Their attitudes are somewhat, interesting. As has I’ve personally noted, taking a lot of claim for the high standards of work carried out for them by others. They may have a flashy, retro appeal, but there’s a lot that leaves to be desired for my liking.

 

[Nym]

I won't go into their quality of work. But I wouldn't want them in custody of any of my assets.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Email from them today to say 2024 tours will be available to book on their website from Wednesday 1st November.

Ref, Mr H's political views, who cares? Each of us gives money to dozens of businesses each week in the course of our daily lives. Corner shop, supermarket, plumber, electrician, taxi driver etc. Do you ever check out the political opinions of their owners before doing business with them?

If those images happened to contain a link to site I don't suppose you could paste that link in a reply by any chance? My screen reader doesn't handle those images very well I'm afraid. Thanks in advance

 

[GusB]

If those images happened to contain a link to site I don't suppose you could paste that link in a reply by any chance? My screen reader doesn't handle those images very well I'm afraid. Thanks in advance

The text contained within the image is:

STATESMAN

MIDLAND PULLMAN

INTERCITY

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT OUR 2024 TOURS BY TRAIN WILL BE AVAILABLE TO BOOK ONLINE FROM WEDNESDAY 01 NOVEMBER

Where would you like to visit? You'll soon be able to take a look at our fantastic 2024 portfolio of journeys, showcasing the most iconic views and destinations across Britain. Statesman Rail Tours |

Saphos Train Tours |

Midland Pullman Tours |

Intercity Tours

There are links at the bottom, but they're not formatted as such, I'm afraid. I've googled and pasted them below:

Statesman - https://www.statesmanrail.com/trips-tours/
Saphos - https://saphostrains.com/trips-tours/
Midland Pullman - https://midlandpullman.com/trips-tours/
Intercity - https://inter-city.co.uk/trips-tours/

There's nothing there for 2024 that I could see, but perhaps it will be updated later today.

 

[Iskra]

Doesn’t seem to be anything for Intercity, but there is for the other brands in 2024. Maybe it’s just going to be occasional training runs advertised as railtours, which is better than nothing. If they had no plans you’d think they’d have just killed off the brand by now.

 

[The_Train]

Doesn’t seem to be anything for Intercity, but there is for the other brands in 2024. Maybe it’s just going to be occasional training runs advertised as railtours, which is better than nothing. If they had no plans you’d think they’d have just killed off the brand by now.

From previous conversations with staff on board these services, the plan appears to be to just offer the Intercity workings on a more ad-hoc basis as opposed to offering a yearly tour schedule. I think they will be few and far between to be honest, which is a shame!

 

[Iskra]

A tour has appeared with class 86 and 87

Intercity | Discover the very best of Britain by rail

Unmissable days out in First Class comfort on our modern air-conditioned InterCity train, hauled by celebrity diesel and electric locomotives.

inter-city.co.uk

Departing From​

• CREWE,
• WARRINGTON BANK QUAY,
• WIGAN NORTH WESTERN,
• PRESTON,
• CARLISLE

This train harks back to the 1980’s when trains ran for a limited period between London Euston and Ayr. These trains were invariably hauled by Class 86 or 87 locomotives and ran via Glasgow Central in each direction. Whilst the train doesn’t start at London Euston, we have recreated the route north of Crewe with the bonus of both a Class 86 and a Class 87 hauling the train during the journey.
Our route will take us from Crewe direct, via the West Coast Main Line, to Glasgow Central. On arrival at Glasgow Central, for those that wish to spend some time in the city, the opportunity to alight and re-join later in the day is available. For those wishing to travel through to Ayr, after reversal at Glasgow Central, we will take the Ayrshire coast route to Ayr.
After a photograph opportunity at Ayr the train will retrace its steps to Glasgow Central for a break of around two hours. We will leave Glasgow Central shortly after 16.00 returning south, again direct via the West Coast Main Line, to Crewe.

Classes of Travel​

• first_dining​

  FROM £199

• First Class​

  (NON-DINING) FROM £99

TRAVEL TIMINGS*​

STATION	DEPARTS	RETURNS
CREWE	08.15	19.30
WARRINGTON BANK QUAY	08.30	19.15
WIGAN NORTH WESTERN	08.50	19.00
PRESTON	09.10	18.45
CARLISLE	10.25	17.30

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

Destination Timings​

STATION	ARRIVES	DEPARTS
GLASGOW CENTRAL	14.15	N/A
AYR	13.00	13.15
GLASGOW CENTRAL	12.00	16.10

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.

 

[Killingworth]

What's Sheffield done to upset them? We'll have to join at Chesterfield.

Hopefully more trips to come later in the year.

 

[The_Train]

A tour has appeared with class 86 and 87

Intercity | Discover the very best of Britain by rail

Unmissable days out in First Class comfort on our modern air-conditioned InterCity train, hauled by celebrity diesel and electric locomotives.

inter-city.co.uk

Thanks for the heads up - booked

 

[Iskra]

What's Sheffield done to upset them? We'll have to join at Chesterfield.

Hopefully more trips to come later in the year.

Which tour are you referring to?

 

[Killingworth]

Which tour are you referring to?

Several call at Chesterfield, but Midland Pullman avoids Sheffield altogether. We're looking at the Midland Pullman Penzance weekend in May.

Do any LSL group tours call at Sheffield in 2024?