SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2022 

A RAILTOUR TO ‘WEASTE AND WASTE’ FREIGHT LOCATIONS, PLUS GOODS LOOPS AND SIDINGS – FEATURING A ‘TUG’.

We are again pleased to present a traditional railtour that includes visits to a freight only branch and to a freight terminal, in addition to a dozen loops and sidings that do not feature as ‘everyday’ for passengers.

Freight power in the form of a Class 66 will be at the head of the train from the start, taking us via the joining points to Wolverhampton, north of which are several sections of ‘rare track’ as we make our way via Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent to Crewe. From there, we head via the Styal loop to Eccles where a class 60 will be attached to the rear, before visiting the Weaste Branch.

After another reversal on the Eccles Up Goods Loop, the route takes us to Stockport and onto what is now the Chester line, as far as Northenden Junction, where the Waste Terminal is the next target. 

From there, the route lies through Altrincham and the Mid-Cheshire line to Northwich and on the usually freight-only line to Sandbach, then by way of the Manchester Independent line to Gresty Lane Jn and back into Crewe for a break, and where the Class 60 will be detached. 

CONFIRMED ROUTE: 

Class 66 as per joining stations via Selly Oak to Birmingham New Street, then Perry Barr South Jn – Soho North Jn – Down Soho Goods Loop – Wolverhampton – Stafford Goods Loop – Stafford RMT – Searchlight Lane Jn – Stone – Sideway Loop – Stoke-on-Trent –  Down Goods – Kidsgrove – Alsager Up & Down Goods Loop – Crewe  – Sandbach – Styal loop – Manchester Piccadilly – Eccles Up Goods Loop (Class 60 attaches) – Weaste Branch – Eccles Up Goods Loop – Ordsall Lane Jn – Manchester Piccadilly – Longsight Up & Down Goods – Stockport – Northenden Jn – Northenden Waste Terminal – Altrincham – Northwich – Middlewich – Sandbach – Up Manchester Independent – Up Salop Independent – Gresty Green Through Siding – Down Salop Goods Loop – Crewe (Class 60 detaches), then Class 66 as the set-down stations back to Westbury

CONFIRMED TIMINGS:

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £35 per person in First Class only

Motive power is expected to be a DB Cargo UK Class 66 and Class 60.

Onboard catering will include a full buffet service with the Gricers Grill hot food menu, plus a selection of real ales & cider.

A sales stand will also be open, and a charity raffle will be organised.

Photograph by Martin Loader