Vintage locomotives to steam into Preston

10:00am Saturday 5th July 2008

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Holiday makers and rail enthusiasts in Lancashire are set to enjoy a steaming hot summer regardless of the weather as a three-strong team of historic locomotives take to the rails for the holiday season.

The 1930s-built 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 60009 Union of South Africa and 71000 Duke of Gloucester have been drafted into service during August by heritage rail tour operator The Railway Touring Company.

These magnificent Pacific type steam locomotives, each restored to top operating condition, will be steaming into Preston to collect passengers as they head for the border city of Carlisle.

The Railway Touring Company’s Cumbrian Mountain Express service will operate each Saturday in August setting out to the border city of Carlisle from Liverpool Lime St or Manchester Victoria and stopping at Preston along the route.

The Cumbrian Mountain Express’ return journey takes in the famous Settle and Carlisle Line, which has the highest railway summit in England, Ais Gill, at 1,169 feet above sea level.

The Express will pass over high viaducts, including the famous Ribblehead, and travel past Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.

More than 5000 people travelled on The Railway Touring Company’s 2007 summer Scarborough steam service, which operated from the West Riding of Yorkshire and Managing Director Nigel Dobbing is expecting these day trips to be equally popular with day trippers in Lancashire.

“We have put together a great team of locomotives to haul our smartly refurbished vintage rail coaches along an exciting route – a combination, which offers people a chance to relive the pleasure of rail travel in former days and enjoy a special day away from it all without facing the busy roads,” he said.

Tickets on board The Cumbrian Mountain Express include Standard, First Class and Premier Dining, which includes full English breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner silver served at your seat.

Prices start from £74 and range up to £475 for a family Premier Dining reservation.

For information or reservations call The Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500 or visit www.railwaytouring.co.uk for details.

The Railway Touring Company also operates rail based holidays specialising in steam travel.

Its ‘Great Railway Adventures 2008’ programme includes a Swiss Steam Express rail tour, Sardinia and the Emerald Coast, a Brazilian Steam Safari and the Rocky Mountain Rail Adventure.