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SRPS Railtours in 2021
The start of the 2021 programme was delayed by the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic with several proposed tours in May and June postponed.
Four-day charter from Linlithgow to York on 2-5 July 2021
This Branch Line Society enthusiasts special ran over four days and traversed many loops and several freight lines along the route.
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Linlithgow to York on 20 July 2021
This tour was jointly organised by SRPS Railtours and Tornado Railtours. The ten-coach train was double-headed southbound along the East Coast Main Line by West Coast Railways blue liveried 47 813 and maroon 47 854 Diamond Jubilee . From York 60163 Tornado hauled the train with 47 813 on the rear. The weather was extraordinarily hot and sunny throughout giving fine views on the return journey over the Settle & Carlisle line and Beattock summit.
Charters from Edinburgh to Aberdeen on 22 & 31 July, 8 & 12 August and 11 September
and Glasgow to Aberdeen on 21 August 2021
These Tornado Railtours Aberdonian steam specials were hauled throughout by 60163 Tornado. The trains from Edinburgh ran via the Forth Bridge, Fife and Perth and returned via Stirling, except on 11 September when the train ran both ways through Fife.
The train from Glasgow Central ran via Cumbernauld, Stirling and Perth to Aberdeen.
Forth Circle Steam Specials on 15 August 2021
The eleven coach train hauled by A1 Class 60163 Tornado comprised the locomotive, support coach and ten passenger coaches. As in previous years there were two excursions round the Forth Circle. The morning train was from Linlithgow and the afternoon train from Dalmeny & Inverkeithing. The weather was fine, giving good views of The Forth Bridge, Fife Coast and the Ochil Hills. 60163 performed excellently and the trains ran close to time throughout the day.
The locomotive carried a wreath in memory of Ian Boettcher who was for many years responsible for the maintenance of the SRPS Railtours coaches.
Charter from Liverpool to York on 16 September 2021
This Tornado Railtours steam special was hauled throughout by 60163 Tornado from Liverpool Lime Street via Newton-le-Willows, Manchester Victoria, Romiley, Edale, Sheffield, Mexborough and Doncaster to York. The return route was via Castleford, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, Rochdale and Miles Platting to Manchester Victoria and Liverpool.
Dunbar to Kyle of Lochalsh on 2 October 2021
The nine-coach train was top-and-tailed by West Coast Railways 47 854 Diamond Jubilee and 47 813 through Lothian, Fife and Perth then over the Highland Main Line. Although the weather was mainly cloudy passengers were able to enjoy good views of the mountains, lochs and glens through the highlands and along the spectacular Kyle Line. The train ran close to time throughout.
Dunfermline to Fort William & Glenfinnan on 9 October 2021
This eight-coach train was top-and-tailed by West Coast Railways 47 854 Diamond Jubilee and 47 813 from Fife across central Scotland then over the spectacular West Highland railway. The weather was mixed but remained dry during the break at Fort William. The train then continued to Glenfinnan where there was heavy rain for the short stop. However for the return journey the weather cleared and passengers were able to enjoy stunning views of the mountains, lochs and moors.
Linlithgow to Skipton & Keighley on 30 October 2021
This eight-coach train was top-and-tailed southbound by West Coast Railways 47 813 and 47 854 Diamond Jubilee. The outward journey was via Newcastle then along the Tyne Valley Line to Carlisle where the train reversed and traversed the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway to Skipton and Keighley. Although showery there were fine views of the rivers and dales across the Pennines. The weather was mainly fine and sunny at the destinations and many passengers enjoyed a trip on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. A few passengers remained on board while the train continued to Bradford Forster Square to reverse and return to Skipton. The return journey via Leeds then took the York avoiding line, top-and-tailed by West Coast Railways 47 854 and 37 668. The train ran close to time throughout the day.
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