Class 33 action on the Settle & Carlisle Railway, 18/06/08. (re-edit)

Kingfisher Railtours' Class 33 hauled 'Settle - Carlisle Tourist Train Experience' charter from Skipton to Carlisle. Originally planned to be a series of tours over the Summer this train in fact turned out to be a one off due to low bookings - no doubt a result of the impending credit crunch. The train was advertised as being class 33 hauled both ways over the S&C but due to vandalism at West Coast Railways' Carnforth depot only 33 207 was available. So fellow Sulzer veteran 47 851 was on hand to assist with shunting. During the 1Z26 10:38 Skipton to Carlisle trip we see Hellifield, Settle, Ribblehead Viaduct, Blea Moor signal box, Appleby and finally Carlisle. As the tour was advertised as being class 33 hauled both ways over the S&C, the stock was turned to allow the 'Slim Jim' to work the 1Z27 15:35 return to Skipton. Top marks to Kingfisher Railtours for this one! To finish we see 47 851 thrashing out of Skipton with the 5Z27 18:11 empties to Carnforth. All in all a superb day out with a superb performance from 33 207 on a fairly heavy load (and in wet conditions) plus the staff on board were nice and friendly. What a shame more of these tours didn't run.