RSR Welcomed UK Railtour’s “North West Freighter”
On 14th July 2024, Ribble Steam Railway welcomed the “North West Freighter” Railtour, operated by UK Railtours, for a short stay.
The train, part of the company’s “Off the beaten track” collection originated from Watford Junction, calling at a number of stations to pick up passengers before collecting an additional locomotive in Crewe – then heading to Runcorn Folly Lane, before heading to Preston.
Inbound, 57 306 brought the train down from the WCML, crossing Strand road just before 1430, where the passengers could alight, and enjoy a whistle stop tour of the site, a short trip on our Diesel Railbus on a section of our running line where passenger services don’t normally travel, and take on refreshments from our café.
A tight turnaround meant that the outbound train needed to leave our Preston Riverside platform just after 1515 with 60 047 leading the charge back down the line before tackling the steep gradients of the Preston Dock branch leading back to the West Coast Main line, where the train continued, via Chester to Watford.
It was a pleasure to work again with the team at UK Railtours, and we hope to see them and their customers again soon (Hopefully for a longer stay!)
