After all the planning, hours of midnight oil burning and the odd heart flutter, the long awaited arrival of 'Flying Scotsman' is only a few hours away.
With 2 steam locomotives and the diesel multiple unit operating all day over the weekend plus 3 locomotives in steam from Monday right through to the following Sunday, these are exciting times indeed. 60103 arrives on Wednesday 29th March and the first excursion from Oxenhope for many years takes place on Friday, when Flying Scotsman leaves Oxenhope at 08.30 for Carlisle.
Locomotive allocation 1st - 9th April
1st & 2nd April
Steam: WD 2-8-0 90733 & BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 75078
Diesel: Class 101 diesel multiple unit on Keighley - Ingrow Shuttle
3rd - 7th April
Steam: BR (LNER ) A3 4-6-2 60103 Flying Scotsman (Oxenhope end) plus WD 2-8-0 90733 (Keighley end) and MR 4F 0-6-0 43924 on the 'relief' set
9th & 10th April
Steam: BR (LNER ) A3 4-6-2 60103 Flying Scotsman (Oxenhope end) plus WD 2-8-0 90733 (Keighley end) and BR Standard Class 4MT 4-6-0 75078 on the 'relief' set
Steam Line-Up 1st - 9th April
3rd - 9th April
Diesel: There are no diesel services during this time
Passenger Train Banking
Under normal operating conditions the banking of passenger trains by a steam locomotive is not permitted. In the past when passenger services have been top and tailed by a steam engine the "banking" engine is towed and gives no assistance. As most will know, Flying Scotsman is not an ideal engine for a twisting 5 mile branchline with severe gradients on tight curves and tight turnouts.
Some have asked questions about the easing of the branch axle loading to allow 'Scotsman' to operate on the line. 60103 exceeds the permitted axle load for the KWVR and is not permitted to pass over a curve of less than 6 chains radius. Its operation has been authorised subject to a number of special restrictions, in particular, 60103 will be limited to 20 mph and must not slip when passing over 4 of our bridges as slipping may damage the bridges in question.
To minimise the risk of slipping the train, which will consist of 8 coaches (including 2 Pullman coaches), will be banked in the rear by our own locomotive and should result in some spectacular departures from Keighley.
Banking trial 4th February, 90733 gives rear assistance non-stop through Ingrow.
Lineside Photography
On the 31st March for the departure of the railtour and for the normal steam hauled services on the 1st & 2nd April, photographers wishing to photograph from the lineside must carry a valid KWVR Photo Permit AND their KWVR membership card.
During 60103's week of operation on the branch, 3rd - 9th April only those carrying their Annual Photo Permit, Flying Scotsman letter of authorisation AND wearing the special Flying Scotsman Hi-Viz vest will be allowed trackside.
Normal access restrictions as detailed in the Photographer's Personal Safety Handbook will apply but there will be strict policing of the lineside during the period 31st March - 9th April and anyone NOT carrying ALL the necessary documentation will be evicted from the Railway's land.
In addition we ask in particular that all permit-holders and members of the public respect our land boundaries and do not trespass on any private land. If you do have permission from land owners to take photographs from their land, then we would recommend having written authority from them with you to avoid being challenged during the event.
We ask that you assist us during the event by alerting a member of Railway staff or, once you are in a position of safety, by calling the office on 01535 645214 if you see anyone not wearing the special clothing and/or trespassing on private land.
Banking trial 4th February, 90733 gives rear assistance non-stop through Ingrow.
