The history of British steam ended fifty years ago on Saturday, August 11, 1968. The curtain went down on the history when a special ‘Fifteen Guinea Special’ railtour ran over the Settle and Carlisle line.

The special involved no less than four steam locomotives. Black five No. 45110 worked the first leg from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria. No. 70013 ‘Oliver Cromwell’ took over for the run to Carlisle via the S&C. From there 44871 and 44781 provided the traction back to Manchester, where No. 45110 topped the train for the return to Liverpool.

After this, modernisation began with diesel and electric traction now fuelling Britain’s railway.

To mark the occasion, Pathfinder Tours has arranged to run two trains. The ‘Settle & Carlisle Golden Express’ is the first train. It will run on the 11th August 2018, the very day the Fifteen Guinea Special ran. The second train will run August 15th.

On the 11th August 2018, the railtour will depart Bristol Temple Meads (diesel hauled) and will call at  Bristol Parkway, Cam and Dursley, Cheltenham, Bromsgrove and after tackling the Lickey, Birmingham New Street, Stafford, and Crewe.

Tornado will change over from the diesel haulage part way through the railtour at Preston to tackle the climb to Carlisle.

For timings, fares and more information, see our events page here

• Visit the Pathfinder Tours website
  For more information