West Coast Railways

Not to be confused with Virgin Trains, operator of the InterCity West Coast franchise since 1997.
West Coast Railways
Industry
  • Locomotive spot-hire
  • Charter train operations
Predecessor Steamtown Carnforth
Founded June 1998
Headquarters Carnforth, England
Key people
 David Smith (Majority owner)
Patricia Marshall (Managing Director)
Website www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

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.

On 17 February 2016 the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) issued a Prohibition Notice to WCR, relating to concerns about its management of safety. Under the terms of the notice, the company was not able to operate trains on the mainline network until the ORR were satisfied that its governance and operations met industry practice. The ORR have lifted the Prohibition notice, with serious considerations about the future of the company but have made sure that none of the previous areas will or can occur again and that WCR follow all the relevant safety procedures during their tour operations.

History

57601 passing Brockhampton in April 2005

Before 1998

Main article: Carnforth MPD

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] allowing his LNER A3 Pacific No. 4472 Flying Scotsman to make 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 Ltd 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 Ltd still exists today as the holding company, and operates an extensive railway repair and operating facility on the site. In June 1998, West Coast Railway Company was granted an operating licence to become a train operating company.[3][7]

Operations

WCR today is a spot hire company which provides locomotives, stock and crews to other companies within the rail industry. The company operates charter trains throughout the year, many of which are hauled by steam locomotives, and has grown to become the UK's leading special trains operator. The company now provides most of the stock and crews for steam workings on the national network plus a large amount for diesel tours as well. 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.

WCR are noted for their ownership and operation of steam locomotive 5972 Olton Hall under the guise of Hogwarts Castle for the Harry Potter film series, with the Hogwarts Express train being featured in each of the films.

March 2015 SPAD and operating license suspension

On 7 March 2015, the 16:35 return up/east bound Cathedrals Express 1Z67 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).[8][9][10] The incident occurred around one minute after the up/east bound First Great Western service 1L76, the 15:28 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 train 1L76 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 SPAD was caused by driver error, after the driver isolated the Automatic Warning System (AWS) and Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) 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]

Following an initial response by WCR to NR over the incident, NR expressed "concern at the WCR demonstrated controls, communication and commitment" considering them inadequate.[10] Following a further meeting on 30 March 2015 between both parties, in an unprecedented reaction NR suspended WCR's operator's licence effective from midnight 3 April 2015.[8][10] Previously operators have been banned from certain routes, but this was the first total network ban 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.[13] This meant that the company could continue its scheduled tours for the coming months including the first of the Jacobite railtours.[14][15]

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 and Road 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.[16] 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.[17][18]

November 2015

On 24 November 2015 it was reported that the Office of Rail and Road (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 (TPWS) equipment which would have applied the emergency brake if the driver made a safety critical error.[19]

February 2016 Prohibition Notice

On 17 February 2016 the Office of Rail and Road issued a Prohibition Notice to WCR preventing it running its heritage rail services on the mainline railway. The notice relates 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 will not be able to operate trains on the mainline network until the ORR are satisfied its governance and operations meet industry practice. Steps the company must take include: 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.[20] Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector of Railways at ORR, said the decision to revoke the company's safety certificate had "not been taken lightly".[21]

On 23 March 2016 the track access ban was lifted.[22]

Services

45231 The Sherwood Forester at Fort William after hauling The Jacobite from Mallaig, this is a regular service run by West Coast Railways from early May till late October.
46115 working one of WCR's regular trains from York to Scarborough

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 2002, WCR began to operate the steam-hauled Scarborough Spa Express operated from York to Scarborough three times a week between July and September.[23] 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 will once again be put into place for three days in October 2016, the tour has also been 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 Coast 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 Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) 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 would start at York and travel to Carlisle via Normanton, Wakefield, Leeds, Keighley, Skipton, Hellifield and the Settle-Carlisle Line. The tour is diesel-hauled from York to Hellifield and steam traction takes over the train at Hellifield and travels along the Settle & Carlisle line to Carlisle and then back to Hellifield. This ran on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the 2015 season (Wednesdays when Statesman Rail's "Fellsman" trains ran). 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 won't be running again until 2017 when the line re-opens. Tours run by other charter operators are also affected by the landslip.

In 2016, to replace The Dalesman season, a new set of tours of The Scarborough Spa Express are planned to 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.

Train Operating Company

WCR provides locomotives, stock and crews for many railtour organisers across the country. It also provides crews to some organisations, such as SRPS and Vintage Trains, who own their own stock. WCR act/have acted as train operating company to the following companies:

Former companies operated with:

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 London Midland and Scottish Railway 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.[25] "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 Arriva Trains Wales depot at Machynlleth has also been used previously for the Cambrian trains, but due to the line having the new ERTMS system fitted which presently isn't compatible with steam locos the services had to cease.

Rolling stock

47851 Traction Magazine at Ely with a charter train in British Railways Two-Tone Green livery

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.[26]

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.[27] As of 2011, WCR started investing in more Class 57 locomotives, bought from Advenza Freight, Harry Needle Railroad Company, Freightliner and former Arriva Trains Wales/Virgin Trains locomotives from Porterbrook Leasing.[28][29][30]

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

Steam locomotives

Locos listed here arent owned by WCR, they 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 is currently on a 2-year loan agreement from November 2014 to the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden for their Harry Potter tour.

Note: Some locos may usually have a nameplate but marked names indicate that the loco isn't presently wearing them.

Updated: 2 December 2016, 8:47pm

Key: Operational Under Repair/Fitment of equipment Expired Mainline Certificate/Withdrawn from Service/Stored Under overhaul/restoration/construction Due to be certified in near future Undergoing testing/Mainline Certification Operational, Heritage Railway/Museum
Number Name Class Livery Owner Tops No Mainline until Max Speed Air Brk's Location Photograph Notes
2999 Lady of Legend GWR "Saint" 4-6-0 N/A The Great Western Society 98499 - 60 mph No Didcot Modern conversion from 4900 Class.
4079 Pendennis Castle GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 N/A The Great Western Society 98779 - 75 mph No Didcot
4936 Kinlet Hall GWR "Hall" 4-6-0 BR Green, Late Crest Kinlet Hall Loco. Co. 98536 - 60 mph No Tyseley LW Withdrawn early for overhaul due to firebox stay issues.
4965 Rood Ashton Hall GWR "Hall" 4-6-0 GWR Green Tyseley Locomotive Works 98565 2017 60 mph No Tyseley LW
5029 Nunney Castle GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 N/A Jeremy Hosking 98728 - 75 mph Yes Crewe LNWR
5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 BR Green, Early Emblem Tyseley Locomotive Works 98743 2018 75 mph No Tyseley LW
5080 Defiant GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 GWR Green Tyseley Locomotive Works 98780 - 75 mph No Quainton Road Funding for overhaul being raised.
5972 Olton Hall GWR "Hall" 4-6-0 Hogwarts Crimson David Smith 98572 - 60 mph No Leavesden On 2-year loan to Warner Bros.
6023 King Edward II GWR "King" 4-6-0 BR Blue King Edward II Project 98823 - 75 mph No Didcot
6024 King Edward I GWR "King" 4-6-0 N/A Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98824 - 75 mph Yes Minehead
6880 Betton Grange GWR "Grange" 4-6-0 N/A The Betton Grange Society 98580 - 60 mph No Llangollen New build of next member of class.
7027 Thornbury Castle GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 N/A Jon Jones-Pratt 98726 - 75 mph No Weston-Super-Mare Undergoing restoration from scrapyard condition.
7029 Clun Castle GWR "Castle" 4-6-0 N/A Tyseley Locomotive Works 98729 - 75 mph No Tyseley LW Boiler re-united with loco frames on 20/6/16.
L.94 - GWR "Pannier Tank" 0-6-0 LT Red Tyseley Locomotive Works 98452 2018 45 mph No Tyseley LW
9466 - GWR "Pannier Tank" 0-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem - 98466 2023 45 mph No Tyseley LW
9600 - GWR "Pannier Tank" 0-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem Tyseley Locomotive Works 98457 2016 45 mph No Tyseley LW
34016 Bodmin SR "West Country" 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest David Smith 98716 - 75 mph No Carnforth MPD
34046 Braunton SR "West Country" 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest Jeremy Hosking 98746 2023 75 mph Yes Southall Currently outshopped as 34052 Lord Dowding.
34067 Tangmere SR "Battle of Britain" 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest David Smith 98767 2018 75 mph Yes Carnforth MPD
34073 249 Squadron SR "Battle of Britain" 4-6-2 N/A John Bunch 98773 - 75 mph N/A Carnforth MPD
35018 British India Line SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 BR Green, TBC David Smith 98818 - 75 mph No Carnforth MPD Steam test due shortly & final assembly to commence.
35022 Holland America Line SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 N/A Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98822 - 75 mph N/A Crewe LNWR
35027 Port Line SR "Merchant Navy" 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98827 - 75 mph N/A Crewe LNWR
44871 - LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem Ian Riley 98571 2016/17 60 mph Yes Southall
44932 - LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 N/A David Smith 98532 - 60 mph No Carnforth MPD
45212 - LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Late Crest Peter Best 98512 - 60 mph No Heywood On long term loan to Ian Riley.
45231 The Sherwood Forester LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Late Crest Jeremy Hosking 98531 2020 60 mph No Carnforth MPD
45305 - LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Late Crest Draper family 98505 2017 60 mph No Loughborough Formerly carried the name "Alderman A E Draper".
45407 The Lancashire Fusilier LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem Ian Riley 98507 2017 60 mph Yes Southall
5551 The Unknown Warrior LMS "Patriot" 4-6-0 LMS Crimson Lake (On completion) The Patriot Project 98651 - 75 mph No Llangollen Replica of last class member to be built.
45596 Bahamas LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 N/A Bahamas Locomotive Society 98696 - 75 mph No Tyseley LW Only surviving jubilee with double chimney.
45690 Leander LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem Chris Beet 98690 2021 75 mph No Carnforth MPD
45699 Galatea LMS "Jubilee" 4-6-0 BR Crimson, Late Crest David Smith 98699 2020 75 mph No Carnforth MPD
46100 Royal Scot LMS "Royal Scot" 4-6-0 BR Green, Early Emblem Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98701 2022 75 mph Yes Southall
46115 Scots Guardsman LMS "Royal Scot" 4-6-0 BR Green, Late Crest David Smith 98715 2018 75 mph No Carnforth MPD
6201 Princess Elizabeth LMS "Princess Royal" 4-6-2 LMS Crimson Princess Elizabeth Locomotive Society 98801 2023 75 mph Yes Southall
46233 Duchess of Sutherland LMS "Princess Coronation" 4-6-2 BR Green, Early Emblem Princess Royal Class Loco. Trust 98834 2019 75 mph Yes Southall
48151 - LMS Stanier 8F 2-8-0 BR Black, Late Crest David Smith 98851 - 50 mph No Carnforth MPD
60007 Sir Nigel Gresley LNER A4 4-6-2 N/A Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust 98898 - 75 mph Yes York NRM
60009 Union of South Africa LNER A4 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest John Cameron 98809 2019 75 mph Yes Bury
4464 Bittern LNER A4 4-6-2 LNER Garter Blue Jeremy Hosking 98819 - 75 mph Yes Crewe LNWR
60103 Flying Scotsman LNER A3 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest National Collection 98872 2023 75 mph Yes York NRM
60532 Blue Peter LNER A2 4-6-2 N/A Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98832 - 75 mph No Crewe LNWR
61264 - LNER B1 4-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem Thompson B1 Loco Trust 98564 2021 75 mph No Grosmont Recently returned to service following wheelset repairs.
61306 Mayflower LNER B1 4-6-0 BR Apple Green David Buck 98506 *2020 75 mph No Carnforth MPD To receive a new mainline certificate.
61994 The Great Marquess LNER K4 2-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem John Cameron 98642 - 50 mph No Grosmont
62005 - LNER K1 2-6-0 BR Black, Late Crest NELPG 98605 2019 50 mph No Carnforth MPD Formerly carried the name "Lord of the Isles".
70000 Britannia BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 BR Green, Early Emblem Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust 98700 2017 75 mph Yes Crewe LNWR
70013 Oliver Cromwell BR Standard Class 7 4-6-2 BR Green, Late Crest National Collection 98713 2018 75 mph No Loughborough
73096 - BR Standard Class 5 4-6-0 N/A John Bunch 98596 - 75 mph No Southall
76084 - BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 BR Black, Early Emblem 76084 Locomotive Company Limited 98484 2023 50 mph No Grosmont

Diesel Locomotives

All locomotives below are owned and operated by West Coast Railways.

Key: In service Under Repair/Overhaul Stored Spares Donor Currently non-operational on Network Rail

Locos which formerly carried names but now arent wearing them are marked.

Number Class Name Livery Date Acquired Into Traffic Previous Operator Status ERTMS Fitted Max Speed Location
D2084 03 - BR Green January 2010 January 2010 ex-Preservation Depot Shunter Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
03196 03 - BR Blue July 2002 July 2002 ex-British Rail Stored Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
D2381 03 - BR Green March 1976 March 1976 ex-British Rail Stored Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
08418 08 - EWS Red August 2010 November 2010 ex-EWS Depot shunter Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
08485 08 - BR Blue August 2010 September 2010 ex-EWS Depot shunter Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
08678 08 Artila Glaxo Blue and Black November 1994 November 1994 ex-Glaxo, Ulverston Under repair Not Required 15 mph Carnforth
33025 33 WCR Maroon September 2005 November 2005 ex-Direct Rail Services Under Overhaul 80 mph Southall
33029 33 WCR Maroon September 2005 March 2006 ex-Direct Rail Services Operational 80 mph Southall
33030 33 - DRS Oxford Blue Original September 2005 N\A ex-Direct Rail Services Spares Donor No 80 mph Carnforth
33207 33 Jim Martin WCR Maroon September 2005 November 2005 ex-Direct Rail Services Operational 80 mph Carnforth
37214 37 WCR Maroon May 2006 May 2006 ex-Preservation Spares donor No 90 mph Carnforth
37516 37 Loch Laidon WCR Maroon February 2009 June 2009 ex-EWS Operational 90 mph Carnforth
37517 37 - Loadhaul December 2007 N/A ex-EWS Stored 90 mph Carnforth
37518 37 - WCR Maroon October 2013 October 2013 ex-Ian Riley Operational 90 mph Carnforth
37668 37 - WCR Maroon December 2007 October 2014 ex-EWS Operational 90 mph Carnforth
37669 37 - WCR Maroon March 2011 March 2015 ex-EWS Operational Yes 90 mph Barrow Hill
37676 37 Loch Rannoch WCR Maroon November 2007 November 2008 ex-EWS Under repair 90 mph Carnforth
37685 37 Loch Arkaig WCR Maroon December 2007 May 2010 ex-EWS Operational 90 mph Carnforth
37706 37 - WCR Maroon December 2007 December 2008 ex-EWS Operational 90 mph Southall
37710 37 - Loadhaul December 2007 N/A ex-EWS Spares donor No 90 mph Carnforth
37712 37 - WCR Maroon December 2007 June 2008 ex-EWS Stored No 90 mph Carnforth
47194 47 - Railfreight September 2005 N/A ex-FM Rail Spares donor No 95 mph Carnforth
47236 47 - RfD December 2006 N/A ex-FM Rail Spares donor No 95 mph Carnforth
47237 47 WCR Maroon January 2011 July 2011 ex-Advenza Freight Operational 95 mph Southall
47245 47 - WCR Maroon April 2004 April 2006 ex-Harry Needle Railway Company Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47270 47 Swift BR Blue May 2010 May 2010 ex-Preservation Under repair 95 mph Carnforth
47355 47 - FM Rail May 2010 N/A ex-European Metal Recycling Stored No 95 mph Carnforth
47368 47 - Railfreight December 2006 N/A ex-FM Rail Spares donor No 95 mph Carnforth
47492 47 - Rail Express Systems March 2010 N/A ex-Preservation Spares donor No 95 mph Carnforth
47500 47 - WCR Maroon December 2009 July 2010 ex-EWS Stored No 95 mph Carnforth
47526 47 - BR Large Logo December 2006 N/A ex-FM Rail Spares donor No 95 mph Carnforth
47746 47 Chris Fudge 29.7.70-22.6.10 WCR Maroon March 2011 October 2013 ex-Preservation (BT4F) Operational 95 mph York
47760 47 - WCR Maroon February 2007 April 2008 ex-EWS Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47768 47 - Undercoat March 2011 N/A ex-Preservation Stored No 95 mph Carnforth
47772 47 - Rail Express Systems June 2008 N/A ex-EWS Stored No 95 mph Carnforth
47776 47 - Rail Express Systems February 2007 N/A ex-EWS Stored No 95 mph Carnforth
47786 47 Roy Castle OBE WCR Maroon February 2007 October 2008 ex-EWS Operational 95 mph Derby
47787 47 Windsor Castle WCR Maroon February 2007 February 2008 ex-EWS Under repair 95 mph Carnforth
47802 47 - WCR Maroon September 2014 August 2015 ex-Direct Rail Services Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47804 47 - WCR Maroon February 2007 June 2007 ex-EWS Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47826 47 - WCR Maroon April 2005 June 2005 ex-Virgin CrossCountry Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47832 47 - WCR Maroon September 2014 October 2014 ex-Direct Rail Services Operational 95 mph Derby
47851 47 WCR Maroon April 2005 June 2005 ex-Virgin CrossCountry Operational 95 mph Carnforth
47854 47 Diamond Jubilee WCR Maroon June 2003 February 2004 ex-Virgin CrossCountry Operational 95 mph Carnforth
57001 57 WCR Maroon January 2011 March 2011 ex-Freightliner Under repair 75 mph Carnforth
57005 57 - Advenza Freight Blue January 2011 N/A ex-Advenza Freight Stored No 75 mph Carnforth
57006 57 - WCR Maroon April 2011 June 2012 ex-Advenza Freight Operational 75 mph Carnforth
57313 57 *Tracy Island WCR Maroon January 2013 April 2013 ex-Porterbrook Operational 95 mph Carnforth
57314 57 *Firefly WCR Maroon January 2013 April 2013 ex-Porterbrook Operational 95 mph Carnforth
57315 57 *The Mole WCR Maroon January 2013 March 2013 ex-Porterbrook Operational 95 mph Carnforth
57316 57 *FAB1 WCR Maroon January 2013 March 2013 ex-Porterbrook Operational 95 mph Carnforth
57601 57 - WCR Maroon November 2003 February 2004 ex-Porterbrook Under repair 95 mph Carnforth

Preserved locomotives

Bold = Current number

Pre Tops Number Tops Number Class Name Livery Owner Status Location Photograph
345 40145 40 - BR Blue Class 40 Preservation Society Operational Bury ELR
D1762 47580 47 County of Essex BR Blue (with Union Jack) Stratford 47 Group Operational Carnforth
D1755 47773 47 - BR Two-Tone Green Vintage Trains Operational Tyseley
D1656 47798 47 Prince William Royal RES National Collection Operational York NRM
D407 50007 50 Hercules BR Blue Class 50 Alliance Operational Washwood Heath
D417 50017 50 Royal Oak Network SouthEast Boden Rail Engineering Operational Washwood Heath
D1015 ~ 52 Western Champion BR Maroon Diesel Traction Group Operational Kidderminster
D9000 55022 55 Royal Scots Grey BR Blue Beaver Sports (Yorks.) Ltd Operational NYMR
D9002 55002 55 The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry BR Green NRM Operational Shildon NRM
D9009 55009 55 Alycidon BR Blue Deltic Preservation Society Operational Barrow Hill
E3137 86259 86 Les Ross 1960's BR Electric Blue Les Ross Operational Willesden

See also

References

  1. ↑ Companies House extract company no 3066109 West Coast Railway Company Limited
  2. ↑ Butt 1995, p. 115
  3. 1 2 3 "Obituary - Dr Peter Beet". The Guardian. 7 December 2005. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  4. ↑ "Steamtown miniature railway". Mike Hanson. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  5. ↑ "Steamtown Museum, carnforth". BBC Domesday. 6 February 2012.
  6. ↑ "Steamtown early 1970s". Mike Hanson. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  7. ↑ "West Coast Railway Co becomes a TOC" The Railway Magazine issue 1168 August 1998 page 12
  8. 1 2 3 4 STATEMENT - West Coast Railways suspension notice, Network Rail, 2 April 2015
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rail Accident Investigation Branch (27 March 2015), "Dangerous occurrence at Wootton Bassett junction, Wiltshire", www.gov.uk
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 http://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2015/04/02/west-coast-railways-operating-licence-suspended
  11. 1 2 Johns, Cedric (8 April 2015). "SPAD stops Tangmere at Wootton Bassett". Heritage Railway. Horncastle: Mortons Media Ltd (201): 59. ISSN 1466-3562.
  12. ↑ http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/download/Important.pdf
  13. ↑ STATEMENT – Network Rail revoke West Coast Railways suspension notice, Network Rail, 8 May 2015
  14. ↑ http://railwayherald.com/uknews/network_rail_lifts_wcr_ban
  15. ↑ http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/statement-network-rail-revoke-west-coast-railways-suspension-notice
  16. ↑ "ORR prosecutes West Coast Railway Company and train driver over signal incident". Office for Road and Rail. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  17. ↑ "West Coast steam train 'near miss' firm fined £200k". BBC News Online. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  18. ↑ Browne, Stephanie. "WCR fined £200k for safety failings". Rail. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  19. ↑ "ORR issued prohibition notice on WCR". Railway Herald. 24 November 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  20. ↑ "Revocation of safety certificate" (PDF). Office of Rail and Road. 17 February 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  21. ↑ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35597920
  22. ↑ "West Coast Railway Company prohibition lifted". Rail. Bauer Consumer Media Ltd. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
  23. ↑ "West Coast to start York - Scarborough summer trips" The Railway Magazine issue 1212 April 2002 page 70
  24. ↑ "GBRf takes over Royal Scotsman train contract" Rail Magazine issue 799 27 April 2016 page 19
  25. ↑ "West Coast Railways takes over at Southall" The Railway Magazine issue 1290 October 2008 page 11
  26. ↑ "Porterbrook to sell 57601 to West Coast" Rail Magazine issue 462 28 May 2003 page 13
  27. ↑ "Locomotive Exchange: Four 33s for two 37s" The Railway Magazine issue 1255 November 2005 page 65
  28. ↑ "West Coast buys Advenza locos" The Railway Magazine issue 1320 April 2011 page 80
  29. ↑ "Second Advenza 57 at Carnforth" The Railway Magazine issue 1322 June 2011 page 79
  30. ↑ "Remaining Class 57/3s snapped up by DRS and West Coast Co" The Railway Magazine issue 1343 March 2013 page 80

Sources

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Coordinates: 54°07′52″N 2°46′22″W / 54.1311°N 2.7727°W / 54.1311; -2.7727

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