15th December 1990 (Cumbrian Mountain Express)

Date Saturday, 15th December 1990

Locomotives 46201 (Princess Elizabeth), 71000 (Duke of Gloucester)

Ran as 6201 71000

Direction North and south

Load 9

Diesel Ethel

Tour name Cumbrian Mountain Express

Headboard Cumbrian Mountain Express

Tour promoter Flying Scotsman Services

Operating company British Railways

Route

London Kings Cross
Skipton (S&C steam on)
Hellifield
Carlisle
Hellifield
Skipton (S&C steam off)
London Kings Cross

Notes

6201 northbound. 71000 southbound.

Resulting from BR ceasing maintaining carriage steam heating, railtours during the winter months at this period suffered the imposition of an ETHEL ( Electric Train Heating Ex Locomotive ) until alternatives were put in place. The former Class 25 diesels were unpopular with railtour promoters as their weight accounted for the loss of one revenue earning coach and it was equally difficult to find photographers with a good word for them either as they were always marshalled behind the tender. That said, 6201 still looked a fine sight with this CME on a cold December day.

SHOTLOCK HILL 15TH DECEMBER 1990
by Lord Stamp.

Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the grip of winter, with 6201 and the CME seen previously. The InterCity livery carried by the ETHELs was far from complimentary behind steam locos.

HORTON IN RIBBLESDALE 15TH DECEMBER 1990
by Lord Stamp.