West Coast Railways
West Coast Railways (WCR)[1] is a railway spot-hire company and charter train operator based at Carnforth MPD in Lancashire. Using buildings and other facilities previously owned by the Steamtown Carnforth visitor attraction, in June 1998 the company became the first privately owned company to be given a licence as a train operating company.
| Industry |
|
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Steamtown Carnforth |
| Founded | June 1998 |
| Headquarters | , England |
Key people | David Smith (Majority owner) Patricia Marshall (Managing Director) |
| Website | www |
History
Before 1998
After British Rail closed the Lakeside branch to passengers on 6 September 1965,[2] a group of enthusiasts chaired by Dr Peter Beet formed the Lakeside Railway Estates Company, with the idea of preserving both the line and Carnforth MPD, to provide a complete steam operating system.[3] After agreeing to rent out part of the Carnforth MPD site, but with the counter the development of the A590 road meaning that the complete vision was unsuccessful, Beet developed the visitor attraction Steamtown Carnforth, which became a mecca for steam enthusiasts from 1967.[4]
In 1974, Sir Bill McAlpine became a shareholder in the company,[3] with his 4472 Flying Scotsman making Carnforth its home.[5] McAlpine subsequently acquired a controlling interest in the company, in order to fund the purchase of the complete site including the track from British Rail.[6]
In light of McAlpine's declining interest, in 1990 his controlling interest in Steamtown Railway Museum was sold to David Smith, who over the following years has bought out most of the minority shareholders. With increasing Health & Safety Executive regulations, and an increased reliance on revenue from supplying and servicing steam locomotives to power enthusiast trains, the commercial decision was taken not to reopen Carnforth as a museum or visitor attraction for the 1998 season. Steamtown Railway Museum still exists today as the holding company, and operates an extensive railway repair and operating facility on the site.
After 1998
In June 1998, West Coast Railway Company was granted an operating licence to become a train operating company.[3][7] WCR is a spot hire company which provides locomotives, stock and crews to other companies within the rail industry. The company operates charter trains, some of which are hauled by steam locomotives. The company provides stock and crews for steam workings on the national network, and for diesel tours. The headquarters, engineering base and depot are at Carnforth, where locomotives and stock are stored and maintained, and where contract work is undertaken for other operators.[citation needed]
WCR own and operated steam locomotive 5972 Olton Hall under the guise of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter film series, with the Hogwarts Express.
March 2015 incident and operating licence suspension
On 7 March 2015, the 16:35 east bound Cathedrals Express operated by WCR (Bristol Temple Meads to Southend East) approaching from Chippenham, headed by Battle of Britain class No. 34067 Tangmere and 13 coaches passed signal SN45 at danger at Wootton Bassett Junction on the Great Western Main Line, overrunning the signal by 700 yards (640 m) and coming to a stand blocking the junction.[8][9][10] This occurred less than a minute after the up/east bound First Great Western (FGW) service from Swansea to London Paddington passenger service approaching via the South Wales Main Line from Badminton, Gloucestershire and operated by an InterCity 125 set, had cleared the junction at 100 miles per hour (160 km/h).[8][9][10][11] The signal was being maintained at danger to ensure the safety of the FGW train after it had passed through the junction, as is signalling practice.[9][11]
The incident was investigated by track owner Network Rail (NR), the Office of Rail Regulation and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The RAIB launched an investigation into the incident on 27 March, releasing a statement in which they described the incident as a "dangerous occurrence".[9] According to the RAIB, the incident was caused by driver error, after the traincrew isolated the Automatic Warning System and Train Protection & Warning System on approach to a temporary speed restriction in the area of line immediately after signal SN43, the signal before signal SN45.[9] These were not reinstated on approach to signal SN45;[9] as a result, the train was not automatically stopped by the safety systems as it passed the signal at danger.[9] 700 yards (640 m) down the line, the train was manually brought to a stop by the driver; it came to a rest across Wootton Bassett Junction.[9]
WCR and NR met on 30 March 2015. NR subsequently expressed the view that at that meeting "WCR demonstrated that its controls, communication and commitment following the recent SPAD were inadequate" and that since then "the response by the senior management of WCR to the issues raised" had been "inadequate",[10] suspending WCR's operator's licence effective from midnight 3 April 2015.[8][10] Previously operators had been banned from certain routes, but this was a total network ban unprecedented since privatisation.[10] The suspension notice states:[8]
Network Rail has had concerns about WCR's performance of its Safety Obligations for some time, and recent events lead Network Rail to believe that the operations of WCR are a threat to the safe operation of the railway. If five of the seven required remedies are completed by May 15, with demonstrable progress towards completion of the other two, the suspension notice will be withdrawn. The required steps include introducing a risk-based driver monitoring regime, and demonstrating that there is an effective and secure system of tamper-evident seals for train protection isolator cocks on all relevant traction.
WCR stated that it was in negotiations with NR regarding the terms of the suspension, and also with other train operating companies in order to prevent the cancellation of many scheduled WCR operated railtours during the period of suspension.[12]
On 8 May 2015, Network Rail lifted the track access ban off the company. This meant that the company could continue its scheduled tours for the coming months including the first of the Jacobite railtours.[13][14]
Network Rail has confirmed that it reinstated West Coast Railway Company's track access agreement as of 00:01 this morning, five weeks after suspending the organisation over safety concerns. In a letter to West Coast Railway Company, Paul McMahon, Director for Freight at Network Rail, said that the company welcomed the commitment WCR has made to improving safety through changes to the Safety Management System (SMS), and the appointing of a new Director/General Manager, Head of Safety and Non-Executive Director. The new interim Head of Safety, Alex McGregor, from Lloyds Register and a Non-Executive Director are being appointed before services recommence.
On 9 December 2015, the Office of Rail & Road (ORR) announced that the WCR and the driver of the train involved in the incident at Wootton Bassett were to be prosecuted for offences contrary to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. An initial hearing was scheduled at Swindon Magistrates Court for 11 January 2016.[15] The case came to trial at Swindon Crown Court on 27 June 2016. WCR and driver Melvyn Cox both pleaded guilty. WCR was fined £200,000 and £64,000 costs. Cox was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for eighteen months. He was also ordered to do 80 hours unpaid work.[16][17]
June 2015
On 13 June 2015 it was reported that a service had moved forward at Reading at the same time as the doors were open. This was attributed to a miscommunication between the guard and the driver.[18]
August 2015
On 19 August 2015 it was reported that the company had no systems in place for keeping drivers updated with route changes, instead getting updates from other operators, and no system for managing driver training.[19]
September 2015
On 5 September 2015 it was reported that a service had hit the buffer at Weymouth. This was not reported to the ORR, contrary to RIDDOR rules.
On 15 September 2015 it was reported that risk assessments for steam operation were outdated, and staff were unaware of them.[19]
October 2015
On 2 October 2015 it was reported that a service had an unauthorised TWPS activation at Doncaster signal 264 at Hexthorpe Junction, between Doncaster and Conisbrough, whilst a locomotive and support coach was reversing.[19]
November 2015
On 24 November 2015 it was reported that the ORR had temporarily prohibited WCR from operating steam trains on the mainline rail network, following an initial investigation into an incident near Doncaster on 2 October 2015 when 45231 The Sherwood Forester was hauling a WCR 'Spirit of the Lakes' charter train and the footplate crew of the engine had isolated the Train Protection & Warning System equipment which would have applied the emergency brake if the driver made a safety critical error.[20]
On 26 November 2015 it was reported that a service had moved at Bath Spa, approximately 1 meter, with the doors open and passengers boarding.[19]
December 2015
On 1 December 2015 it was reported that an Improvement Notice was served on WCR following an inspection at Southall Railway Depot, due to issues around managing health and safety risks.[19]
February 2016 Prohibition Notice
On 17 February 2016 the ORR issued a Prohibition Notice to WCR preventing it running its heritage rail services on the mainline railway. The notice related to concerns about WCR's management of safety, following a number of incidents over the past year.
Under the terms of the notice, the company was not able to operate trains on the mainline network until the ORR was satisfied its governance and operations meet industry practice. Steps the company were required to take included: the introduction of clearer governance structures with proper accountability for safety; more robust risk assessments; and enhanced processes for managing staff with a focus on safety culture.[21] Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector of Railways at ORR, said the decision to revoke the company's safety certificate had "not been taken lightly".[22]
On 23 March 2016 the track access ban was lifted.[23]
On 25 September 2018, the ORR, after extensive review and consultation with other affected parties, renewed West Coast Railway safety certificate for a period of five years.[citation needed]
June 2023
On 9 June 2023, a safety inspector attended the Jacobite service and found issues which were considered a breach of Health and Safety. A prohibition notice was issued, coming into effect on 15 June 2023, preventing West Coast Railways from running the Jacobite until the issues discovered were rectified.[24][25]
Services
WCR operates several regular steam-hauled excursions every summer. The most famous of these trains is The Jacobite (named for the historic Jacobite political movement). It runs along the West Highland Line from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing Glenfinnan Viaduct. It runs Monday to Fridays from the middle of May until the end of October and also runs at weekends from the end of June until the end of August. In 2011, WCR added a second Jacobite service, leaving Fort William in the afternoons from the start of June until the end of August running on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 2012 saw this second service increase to five days a week, between June and August. In July 2023, all services were suspended following an inspection by the ORR.[24][25] The morning services resumed on 9 August and the afternoon services are planned to restart on 18 August.[26][27]
In July 2002, WCR began to operate the steam-hauled Scarborough Spa Express operated from York to Scarborough three times a week between July and September.[28] After a steam ban on the eastern region in 2014 which resulted in the season being axed a restricted season ran for 2015 over three days in October. This was once again put into place for three days in October 2016; the tour was also renamed The Scarborough Flyer for the 2016 season.
In 2007, West Coast Railways took over operation of the Cambrian Coast Express running over the Cambrian Line from Machynlleth to Porthmadog and Pwllheli and renamed it The Cambrian. The service ran from the last week of July until the end of August between 2007 and 2010. Before the 2011 season, WCR issued a statement stating that due to Network Rail's implementation of the new European Train Control System (ETCS) signalling on the Cambrian Coast, which necessitated new in-cab signalling equipment, the seasonal steam services had to cease running because there isn't yet a system available for fitment in steam locomotives.
In 2014, The Dalesman was brought back after a few years absence. The tour started at York and travelled to Carlisle via Normanton, Wakefield, Leeds, Keighley, Skipton, Hellifield and the Settle & Carlisle line. The tour was diesel-hauled from York to Hellifield where steam traction took over the train and travelled along the Settle and Carlisle line to Carlisle and then back to Hellifield. It had been planned to run only on Thursdays for 2016 but due to a landslip north of Appleby on the Settle and Carlisle line, The Dalesman did not run again until 2017 when the line re-opened.
In 2016, to replace The Dalesman season, a new set of tours of The Scarborough Spa Express were run from Carnforth to Scarborough with steam haulage being between York and Scarborough. Alternating each week the tour would for one week run from Carnforth to York via Hellifield and Keighley and then the following week would run via Preston, Blackburn and Brighouse. As of 2020 these trips are still running in place of the original Scarborough Spa Express trains; the tours start off diesel worked from Carnforth with a steam loco taking over in York.
In June 2018, West Coast Railways ran a service on the Windermere branch line between Oxenholme and Windermere after Arriva Rail North cancelled all trains on the line in the short term in an attempt to fix the disruption and cancellations around their network.[29]
Train Operating Company
Former companies operated with:
- Vintage Trains (WCR unable to provide crews for tours from start of 2018, trains now operated by Vintage Trains CBS)[30]
- The Royal Scotsman (Contracted ended April 2016 by owners due to running issues with WCR and awarded to GB Railfreight)[31]
Routes
Routes commonly operated over by WCR include the nearby Cumbrian Coast Line and Furness line, Little North Western Line, the Settle & Carlisle line and the West Highland Line. The company utilises several sidings at Hellifield, south of Settle Junction, where the lines to Carlisle and Carnforth diverge, allowing easy access to the WCR home base.
Depots
The headquarters and main depot is at Carnforth MPD. The former LMS depot coded 10A has workshops for steam and diesel locomotives, and also carriage and wagon facilities to maintain the company's fleet of Mark 1 and Mark 2 carriages. The site includes extensive sidings plus a paint shop.
The company's second base is the former Great Western Railway depot at Southall Railway Centre in West London which it has occupied since 2008.[32] "The Green Train" is based here, used on "The Cathedrals Express".
For half of the year the company also uses part of Fort William depot as a base for the stock and locomotives for its Jacobite service. The Transport for Wales depot at Machynlleth has also been used previously for the Cambrian trains, but due to the line having the new ETCS system fitted which presently isn't compatible with steam locos the services had to cease.
Rolling stock
The company owns and operates a fleet of diesel locomotives, which are primarily used to haul charter trains, but have also been hired to other railway operators. The fleet is mainly composed of Class 37 and Class 47 locomotives, but also includes Class 57 locomotives, including the prototype passenger locomotive 57601.[33]
Several Class 37 locomotives were purchased from Ian Riley Engineering, which ceased its spot-hire operations in mid-2004. In 2005, WCR won the contract to haul The Royal Scotsman luxury train. As a result, its two operational Class 37 locomotives and a Class 47 were repainted into a revised maroon livery, officially known as Royal Scotsman Claret, based on that of the Royal Scotsman carriages. In late 2005, WCR sold its two operational Class 37 locomotives (nos. 37197 and 37261) to Direct Rail Services, and received four Class 33 locomotives in exchange.[34] As of 2011, WCR started investing in more Class 57 locomotives, bought from Advenza Freight, Harry Needle Railroad Company, Freightliner and Porterbrook.[35][36][37]
The company's coaching stock consists of vacuum and air plus dual braked Mark 1 and Mark 2 coaches, mostly painted in the British Railways maroon livery, albeit with West Coast Railways branding on the bodyside. Some of these coaches were built as British Railways Pullman coaches.
Fleet details
This section needs additional citations for verification. (May 2022) |
Steam locomotives
Locomotives listed here are not owned by WCR, but are made available to operate on the mainline by their respective owners (assuming they have the appropriate mainline certification).
Some engines may not now be operated on the mainline because their mainline or boiler ticket has expired or may be on display away from the national network. 5972 Olton Hall was on a 2-year loan agreement from November 2014 to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden for their Harry Potter tour.
| Number | Name | Class | Livery | Owner | TOPS No | Air Brakes | ETCS Fitted | Location | Photograph | Present Status | Mainline Certified | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4936 | Kinlet Hall | GWR "Hall" 4-6-0 | N/A | Kinlet Hall & Thornbury Castle Ltd[citation needed] | 98536 | No | No | Tyseley LW | Under Overhaul | |||
| 5972 | Olton Hall | GWR "Hall" 4-6-0 | Hogwarts Crimson | David Smith | 98572 | No | No | Leavesden | Static Display | No | On loan to Warner Bros.[38] | |
| 9466 | - | GWR "9400 Pannier Tank" 0-6-0PT | BR Black, Early Emblem | Johnathan Jones-Pratt[39] | 98466 | No | No | Bishops Lydeard | Operational | No | ||
| 30777 | Sir Lamiel | LSWR N15 4-6-0 | BR Green, Early Emblem (on completion) | National Collection | 98577 | No | No | Loughborough | Under overhaul[40] | No, to be certified | On loan from the National Collection to 5305 Locomotive Association.[41] | |
| 31806 | - | SR "U Boat" 2-6-0 | BR Black, Late Crest | John Bunch | 98406 | No | No | Swanage | Operational | Yes (2021 - ongoing) | ||
| 34016 | Bodmin | SR "West Country" 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest | David Smith | 98716 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Stored | No | ||
| 34067 | Tangmere | SR "Battle of Britain" 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest | David Smith | 98767 | Yes | No | Carnforth MPD | Under repair | Yes (2021 - ongoing) | ||
| 35018 | British India Line | SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest | David Smith | 98818 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Operational | |||
| 35028 | Clan Line | SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest | Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Group | 98828 | Yes | No | Stewarts Lane | Under Repair | Yes (2017 - ongoing) | Undergoing firebox repairs and retube.[42] | |
| 44767 | George Stephenson | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | N/A | 98567 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | |||||
| 44871 | - | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | BR Black, Early Emblem | Riley & Son (E) Ltd[43] | 98571 | Yes[43] | Fort William | Operational | Yes[43] | |||
| 44932 | - | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | BR Black, BR Lettering | 98532 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Operational | Yes (2022 - ongoing) | Worked inaugural post overhaul railtour on 24 Sept 2022.[44] | ||
| 45212 | - | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | BR Black, Late Crest | Keighley & Worth Valley Railway[45] | 98512 | Yes | No | Fort William | Operational | Yes[43] | ||
| 45305 | Alderman A.E Draper | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | N/A | Draper family | 98505 | No | No | Loughborough | Under overhaul | |||
| 45407 | The Lancashire Fusilier | LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 | BR Black, Early Emblem | Ian Riley | 98507 | Yes | No | Fort William | Operational | |||
| 45596 | Bahamas | LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 | BR Green, Late Crest | Bahamas Locomotive Society | 98696 | No | No | Southall MPD | Operational | Yes (2019 - ongoing) | Only surviving Jubilee with double chimney. Returned to mainline on 15 January 2019.[46] | |
| 45690 | Leander | LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 | BR Black, Early Emblem | 98690 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Operational | ||||
| 45699 | Galatea | LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 | BR Green, Late Crest | 98699 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Operational | Yes (2023 - ongoing) | Returned to service in Jan 2023 working first test run in Feb 2023.[47] | ||
| 46115 | Scots Guardsman | LMS "Royal Scot" 4-6-0 | BR Green, Late Crest | 98715 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Operational | Yes (2019) | |||
| 6201 | Princess Elizabeth | LMS "Princess Royal" 4-6-2 | LMS Crimson Lake | Princess Elizabeth Locomotive Society | 98801 | Yes | No | Carnforth MPD | Stored | No | Withdrawn in October 2021 with leaks in firebox throat plate.[48] | |
| 6233 | Duchess of Sutherland | LMS "Princess Coronation" 4-6-2 | LMS Crimson Lake | Princess Royal Class Loco. Trust | 98834 | Yes | No | Butterley | Operational | |||
| 48151 | - | LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 | BR Black, Late Crest | David Smith | 98851 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Under overhaul | Withdrawn August 2019[49] | ||
| 60007 | Sir Nigel Gresley | LNER A4 4-6-2 | BR Blue[50] | Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust | 98898 | Yes | No | Locomotive Services, Crewe[51] | Operational | Yes (2022 - ongoing) | Worked inaugural post overhaul railtour on 21 May 2022.[52] | |
| 60103 | Flying Scotsman | LNER A3 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest | National Collection | 98872 | Yes | No | York | Operational | Yes | ||
| 60163 | Tornado | LNER A1 4-6-2 | A1 Steam Locomotive Trust[53] | 98863 | Yes | Being fitted | Loughborough | Under overhaul | No, to be certified | In final stages of ongoing overhaul with steam test being undertook in July 2023.[54] | ||
| 1264 | - | LNER B1 4-6-0 | LNER Lined Black | Thompson B1 Loco Trust | 98564 | No | No | Ruddington | Under Overhaul | |||
| 62005 | - | LNER K1 2-6-0 | N/A | NELPG | 98605 | No | No | Carnforth MPD | Under Overhaul | No, to be certified | ||
| 70013 | Oliver Cromwell | BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 | BR Green, Late Crest (on completion) | National Collection | 98713 | No | No | Loughborough | Under overhaul[56] | No, to be certified | ||
| 76017 | - | BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 | BR Black, Early Emblem | John Bunch | 98417 | No | No | Southall MPD | Operational | No, to be certified | Intended to be mainline certified following change of ownership. | |
| 76084 | - | BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 | BR Black, Early Emblem | 76084 Locomotive Company Limited | 98484 | No | No | North Norfolk Railway | Operational | Yes (2017 - ongoing) |
Modern Traction
All locomotives below are owned and operated by West Coast Railways.
Diesel locomotives
Note: Marked names indicate that the loco is not presently wearing them[clarification needed].
Shunting Engines
| Number | Class | Name | Livery | Date Acquired | Into Traffic | Previous Operator | Status | ETCS Fitted | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D2084 | Class 03 | BR Green | January 2010 | January 2010 | ex-Preservation | Depot Shunter | Not Required | 15 mph | |
| 03196 | BR Green | July 2002 | July 2002 | ex-British Rail | |||||
| D2381 | BR Green | March 1976 | March 1976 | ex-British Rail | Stored | ||||
| 08418 | Class 08 | EWS Red | August 2010 | November 2010 | ex-EWS | ||||
| 08485 | BR Blue | August 2010 | September 2010 | ex-EWS | Depot Shunter | ||||
| 08678 | Artila | WCR Maroon | November 1994 | November 1994 | ex-Glaxo, Ulverston |
Mainline Diesels
| Number | Class | Name | Livery | Date Acquired | Into Traffic | Previous Operator | Status | ETCS Fitted | Max Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33025 | Class 33 | WCR Maroon | September 2005 | November 2005 | ex-Direct Rail Services | Operational | No | 80 mph | ||
| 33029 | September 2005 | March 2006 | No | |||||||
| 33207 | Jim Martin | September 2005 | November 2005 | No | ||||||
| 37516 | Class 37 | Loch Laidon | February 2009 | June 2009 | ex-EWS | No | ||||
| 37517 | Loadhaul | December 2007 | N/A | Stored | No | |||||
| 37518 | Fort William | WCR Maroon | October 2013 | October 2013 | ex-Ian Riley | Operational | No | |||
| 37668 | December 2007 | October 2014 | ex-EWS | Yes | ||||||
| 37669 | March 2011 | March 2015 | Yes | |||||||
| 37676 | Loch Rannoch | November 2007 | November 2008 | No | ||||||
| 37685 | Loch Arkaig | December 2007 | May 2010 | No | ||||||
| 37706 | December 2007 | December 2008 | No | |||||||
| 37712 | December 2007 | June 2008 | Stored | No | ||||||
| 47237 | Class 47 | January 2011 | July 2011 | ex-Advenza Freight | Operational | No | 95 mph | |||
| 47245 | V.E. Day 75th Anniversary[citation needed] | April 2004 | April 2006 | ex-Harry Needle Railroad Company | No | |||||
| 47270 | Swift | BR Blue | May 2010 | May 2010 | ex-Preservation | No | ||||
| 47355 | FM Rail | May 2010 | N/A | ex-European Metal Recycling | Stored | No | ||||
| 47746 | Chris Fudge 29.7.70-22.6.10 | WCR Maroon | March 2011 | October 2013 | ex-Preservation (BT4F) | Operational | No | |||
| 47760 | February 2007 | April 2008 | ex-EWS | No | ||||||
| 47768 | Undercoat | March 2011 | N/A | ex-Preservation | Stored | No | ||||
| 47772 | Carnforth TMD | WCR Maroon | June 2008 | August 2017 | ex-EWS | Operational | No | |||
| 47776 | Rail Express Systems | February 2007 | N/A | Stored | No | |||||
| 47786 | Roy Castle OBE | WCR Maroon | February 2007 | October 2008 | Operational | No | ||||
| 47787 | February 2007 | February 2008 | Under repair | No | ||||||
| 47802 | September 2014 | August 2015 | ex-Direct Rail Services | Operational | No | |||||
| 47804 | February 2007 | June 2007 | ex-EWS | No | ||||||
| 47812 | April 2021 | N/A | ex-Rail Operations Group[57] | No | ||||||
| 47813 | April 2021 | April 2021 | No | |||||||
| 47815 | Great Western | BR two-tone Green | April 2021 | April 2021 | No | |||||
| 47826 | WCR Maroon | April 2005 | June 2005 | ex-Virgin CrossCountry | No | |||||
| 47832 | September 2014 | October 2014 | ex-Direct Rail Services | No | ||||||
| 47848 | April 2021 | April 2021 | ex Rail Operations Group[57] | No | ||||||
| 47851 | April 2005 | June 2005 | ex-Virgin CrossCountry | No | ||||||
| 47854 | Diamond Jubilee | June 2003 | February 2004 | No | ||||||
| 57001 | Class 57/0 | January 2011 | March 2011 | ex-Freightliner | Awaiting repair | No | 75 mph | |||
| 57005 | Advenza Freight Blue | January 2011 | N/A | ex-Advenza Freight | Stored | No | ||||
| 57006 | WCR Maroon | April 2011 | June 2012 | Awaiting repair | No | |||||
| 57008 | DRS Blue | March 2022 | N/A | ex-Direct Rail Services | Stored | No | ||||
| 57009 | March 2022 | N/A | No | |||||||
| 57010 | WCR Maroon | March 2022 | N/A | Operational | No | |||||
| 57011 | DRS Blue | March 2022 | N/A | Stored | No | |||||
| 57012 | WCR Maroon | March 2022 | N/A | Operational | No | |||||
| 57313 | Class 57/3 | Scarborough Castle | Pullman | January 2013 | April 2013 | ex-Porterbrook | No | 95 mph | Formerly named Tracy Island. | |
| 57314 | WCR Maroon | January 2013 | April 2013 | No | Formerly named Firefly | |||||
| 57315 | January 2013 | March 2013 | No | Formerly named The Mole | ||||||
| 57316 | Alnwick Castle | January 2013 | March 2013 | No | Formerly named FAB1. | |||||
| 57601 | 57/6 | Windsor Castle | Pullman | November 2003 | February 2004 | No |
Preserved locomotives
Bold = Current number
| Number Pre-TOPS | Number TOPS | Class | Name | Livery | Owner | Status | Location | Photograph | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D345 | 40145 | 40 | BR Green | Class 40 Preservation Society | Operational | East Lancashire Railway | |||
| D1762 | 47580 | 47 | County of Essex | BR Blue (with Union Jack) | Stratford 47 Group | Operational | Mid Norfolk railway | ||
| D407 | 50007 | 50 | Hercules | GBRF | Class 50 Alliance | Operational | Kidderminster | ||
| D444 | 50044 | 50 | Exeter | GB Railfreight | Class 50 Alliance | Operational | Kidderminster | ||
| D449 | 50049 | 50 | Defiance | GB Railfreight | Class 50 Alliance | Operational | Kidderminster | ||
| D1015 | ~ | 52 | Western Champion | BR Chromatic Blue | Diesel Traction Group | Operational | Kidderminster | ||
| E3137 | 86259 | 86 | Les Ross | BR Electric Blue | Les Ross | Operational | Rugby | Named Les Ross on one side & Peter Pan on the other. | |
| E3199 | 86401 | 86 | Mons Meg | Caledonian Blue | David Smith | Operational | Carnforth MPD | Purchased in February 2020 from AC Locomotive Group[58] |
See also
References
- ^ {[cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03066109 |title=Companies House extract company no 3066109 |website=Companies House}}
- ^ Butt 1995, p. 115
- ^ a b c "Obituary - Dr Peter Beet". The Guardian. 7 December 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- ^ . Mike Hanson. Archived from the original on 9 May 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- ^ "Steamtown Museum, carnforth". BBC Domesday Project. 6 February 2012.
- ^ . Mike Hanson. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- ^ "West Coast Railway Co becomes a TOC". The Railway Magazine. No. 1168. August 1998. p. 12.
- ^ a b c d STATEMENT - West Coast Railways suspension notice, Network Rail, 2 April 2015
- ^ a b c d e f g h Rail Accident Investigation Branch (27 March 2015), "Dangerous occurrence at Wootton Bassett junction, Wiltshire", www.gov.uk
- ^ a b c d e Foster, Stefanie (2 April 2015). "West Coast Railways track access suspended".
- ^ a b Johns, Cedric (8 April 2015). "SPAD stops Tangmere at Wootton Bassett". Heritage Railway. Horncastle: Mortons Media Ltd (201): 59. ISSN 1466-3562.
- ^ (PDF) (Press release). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2015.
- ^ "Network Rail lifts WCR ban". Railway Herald. 8 May 2015.
- ^ STATEMENT – Network Rail revoke West Coast Railways suspension notice, Network Rail, 8 May 2015
- ^ "ORR prosecutes West Coast Railway Company and train driver over signal incident" (Press release). Office for Road and Rail. 9 December 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
- ^ "West Coast steam train 'near miss' firm fined £200k". BBC News. 27 June 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ Browne, Stephanie. "WCR fined £200k for safety failings". Rail. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
- ^ "West Coast Railway Company prohibited from main line running". Rail Magazine. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Office of Rail and Road (17 February 2016). "Decision letter following end of notice period - revocation of safety certificate - parts A & B" (PDF). Letter to West Coast Railway Company.
- ^ "ORR issued prohibition notice on WCR". Railway Herald. 24 November 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
- ^ "Revocation of safety certificate" (PDF). Office of Rail & Road. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
- ^ "West Coast Railway steam train firm banned from operating". BBC News. 17 February 2016.
- ^ "West Coast Railway Company prohibition lifted". Rail. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ a b Holden, Michael (24 July 2023). "ORR release statement on Jacobite steam train cancellations". Rail Advent. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Important Travel Information - Jacobite steam train Updated". West Coast Railways. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/news/important-travel-information-the-jacobite-1 Morning Jacobite services restarted
- ^ https://www.railadvent.co.uk/events/the-jacobite-2023-fort-william-mallaig/var/ri-128.l-L1 First morning Jacobite following ORR suspension
- ^ "West Coast to start York - Scarborough summer trips". The Railway Magazine. No. 1212. April 2002. p. 70.
- ^ "Train services return to the Lake District thanks to Tim Farron and West Coast Railways". Rail Advent. 16 June 2018.
- ^ "Vintage Trains CBS Share Offer" (PDF). Retrieved 1 April 2018.
- ^ "GBRf takes over Royal Scotsman train contract". Rail Magazine. No. 779. 27 April 2016. p. 19.
- ^ "West Coast Railways takes over at Southall". The Railway Magazine. No. 1290. October 2008. p. 11.
- ^ "Porterbrook to sell 57601 to West Coast". Rail Magazine. No. 779. 28 May 2003. p. 13.
- ^ "Locomotive Exchange: Four 33s for two 37s". The Railway Magazine. No. 1255. November 2005. p. 65.
- ^ "West Coast buys Advenza locos". The Railway Magazine. No. 1320. April 2011. p. 80.
- ^ "Second Advenza 57 at Carnforth". The Railway Magazine. No. 1322. June 2011. p. 79.
- ^ "Remaining Class 57/3s snapped up by DRS and West Coast Co". The Railway Magazine. No. 1343. March 2013. p. 80.
- ^ . Steam Railway. 26 June 2017. Archived from the original on 19 January 2019.
- ^ "Steam locomotive 9466 for West Somerset Railway". 24 June 2019.
- ^ "Sir Lamiel back on the main line in 2023 after overhaul". Heritage Railway. No. 270. August 2020. p. 42.
- ^ https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/07/steam-locomotive-777-sir-lamiel-set-for-5305-locomotive-association-mainline-overhaul.html 30777 undergoing mainline overhaul
- ^ Holden, Michael (24 October 2022). "35028 Withdrawn for repairs".
- ^ a b c d "Our Locomotives". Riley and Son.
- ^ "The Cumbrian Coast Express (London Euston - Carlisle)". Rail Advent.
- ^ . Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019.
- ^ "LMS Jubilee Class 6P 4-6-0 no 45596 Bahamas - TIMES". UK Steam. 15 January 2019.
- ^ "Light Engine Movement (Carnforth Steamtown - Southall WCRC)". RailAdvent. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "19 Oct A National Treasure Needs Your Help!". 6201 Princess Elizabeth Society. 19 October 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "End of the line for Carnforth's 8F". Railways Illustrated. No. November 2019. p. 35.
- ^ Holden, Michael (24 January 2023). "Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley unveiled in blue livery". RailAdvent. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "A4 60007 makes way for Wonderlab". Steam Railway. No. 521. July 2021. p. 24.
- ^ Holden, Michael (25 May 2022). "Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returns to mainline passenger service after £1 million overhaul". RailAdvent. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
With its £1m overhaul complete, LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returned to the mainline on the 21st May 2022.
- ^ "60163 Tornado". Al Steam Locomotive Trust.
- ^ "Success! Tornado's boiler passes its steam test". A1 Steam. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
- ^ "Tornado's Overhaul 2022".
- ^ "GCR awarded custody of Oliver Cromwell by NRM". Heritage Railway. No. 257. August 2019. p. 21.
- ^ a b "West Coast Railways buys non-standard ROG 47/8s". Rail. No. 929. 21 April 2021. p. 29.
- ^ "West Coast Railways secure 86401". Railways Illustrated. April 2020. p. 17.
Sources
- Butt, R. V. J. (October 1995). The Directory of Railway Stations: details every public and private passenger station, halt, platform and stopping place, past and present (1st ed.). Sparkford: Patrick Stephens Ltd. ISBN 978-1-85260-508-7. OCLC 60251199. OL 11956311M.
External links
- Official site