The Branch Line Society is running one-way rail tours to and from Derby and Scotland in connection with the Society’s BWC Two three-day rail tour from Friday, 10th to Sunday, 12th March 2024.

The tours are to move the coaching stock to and from Scotland and will be hauled by a GBRf Class 57/3 with Mk 2 First Class coaching stock.

The outward tour, Thunderbirds Are Go! is on Thursday 7th March 2024, departs from Derby at 09.49, and will travel via Chesterfield (pick up), Swinton (pick up), Hemsworth DPL, Hare Park Jn, Turners Lane Jn, Castleford, York (pick up), Darlington Dn South DPL, Darlington (pick up), Newcastle (pick up), Berwick-upon-Tweed Dn Goods, Grantshouse DPL, Drem DPL, Edinburgh (set down), Newbridge DPL, and arriving at Linlithgow at 17.40.

The tour is timed to arrive late afternoon, which gives plenty of opportunity to enjoy Edinburgh, a journey to Newhaven on Edinburgh Trams, or to visit one of many excellent restaurants and bars. For those staying in Bo’ness, the F45 bus provides a connection to the town and bus times can be found at
https://www.travelinescotland.com/.

The return journey from Scotland, International Rescue, is on Monday, 11th March 2024, again with a GBRf Class 57/3 throughout.

The tour departs from Linlithgow at 9.41, and travels via Linlithgow UPL, Gorgie Jn, Edinburgh Suburban Line, Niddrie West Jn, Edinburgh (pick up), Beattock UPL, Carlisle (set down), Hexham (photo stop), Low Fell Jn, Ferryhill Up Slow, Darlington P1 (set down), York (set down), Castleford, Turners Lane Jn, Hare Park Jn, Swinton (set down), Chesterfield (set down), and arrives at Derby at18.55.

Highlights include Linlithgow Up Passenger Loop, Edinburgh Suburban Line, Beattock Up Passenger Loop, Low Fell Curve and Ferryhill Up Slow.

On both tours, meals are not included but a Buffet Car will be available offering a limited range of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light refreshments.
Fares for each tour are £69 or £89 at a guaranteed table for two, with a £34.50 reduction for accompanied under 18s. There is no surcharge for anyone who is not a Branch Line Society member.