With the recent announcement of plans to run Skipton to Carlisle trains over the Summer, we thought we would have a chat with Rail Charter Services Director, Adrian Quine, to find out more.

New rolling stock and an expanded route will feature for 2021, with a 2+5 HST operating trains from Skipton to Carlisle.

Adrian says that the Power cars are Ex-East Midlands Trains Class 43s No. 43058 and 43059.

A new livery has also been announced, with the work to add the new livery to both the Mark 3s and 43058/059 taking place at Eastleigh Works.

We have seen lots of comments over social media regarding “will the power cars have yellow or coloured ends”, and Adrian has said that whilst the sides will be green, the fronts will feature yellow ends like with East Midlands Trains, LNER, Great Western Railway, unlike last years Midland Pullman HST.

The Mark 3s are Ex-Great Western Railway (3 x TFs, 1 x TGF, 1 x TRFK), and we may see the new look HST in May, according to Adrian.

Operated by Locomotive Services TOC Ltd, like in 2020, the trains will run every day except Friday, when the HST will head back to Crewe for servicing and sanitising.

Saturday and Sunday, will also see The Staycation Express run between Skipton, Settle, Appleby and Carlisle, unlike last year that saw the 47s/37s head back to Crewe for service on Sunday.

Finally, Adrian has said that, unlike last year, no backup locos will be stabled at Appleby, with just the HST stored in the sidings.

Fares are still being finalised, and these will be available soon, booking will be available through the Rail Charter Services website.

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