An unusual rail tour titled the “Ips Witch” has been organised by the Branch Line Society from Ipswich to East Midlands Parkway to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, as part of this year’s fund-raising efforts by GB Railfreight.

The tour is being run on Sunday, 30th July, and will feature the unusual sight of a double-headed pair of Class 50s, thanks to the Class 50 Alliance.

All accommodation will be in First Class Mk.2 coaches, with guests able to guarantee a table for two.

Highlights include Colchester Up Goods, Marks Tey UPL, Chelmsford DPL, Manor Park Up Avoiding, Up Channelsea Loop, and Peterborough Construction Arrival / Departures.

The train will have a Buffet Car serving a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light refreshments.

During the journey, a charity raffle will be held, with all proceeds being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

The tour’s provisional route and timings is:

Ipswich P4 (PU 11.15) – Colchester P1 (PU 11.35) – Colchester Up Goods – Marks Tey UPL – Chelmsford DPL – Manor Park Up Avoiding – Stratford P10A (PU 12.45) – Up Channelsea Loop – Up & Dn Canonbury – Finsbury Park – Down Slow 2 – Dn Fast – Welwyn Garden City – Stevenage – Huntingdon – Dn Slow – Peterborough P5 (SD 16.00) – Construction Arrival / Departures – New England North – Helpston Jn – Manton Jn – Melton Mowbray – Syston North Jn – East Midlands Parkway P1 (SD 17.00)

Anyone intending to travel on the tour should note that this is a one-way excursion.

Fares for the tour are First Class, non-dining, with a guaranteed table for two £90 or £65 with the guarantee of a table for two. There is a £32.50 for accompanied under-18s, and no surcharge for not being a member of the Branch Line Society.