Update: You can read DB Cargo’s response to the news by clicking here.

The Royal Family has announced that they plan to withdraw the Royal Train from 2027, when the contract expires.

Decommisioning of the train will commence during the year, and the decision has been made due to the cost of storage and maintenance versus the level of use it gets.

According to the Royal Family’s accounts, rail travel costs around £600,000 a year (including operating lease payments).

The Royal Train would also need a significant level of investment to keep it operational beyond 2027.

With this in mind, the Royal Family have deemed its two new helicopters as a reliable alternative.

The train is currently operated by DB Cargo UK, utilising its two Class 67 locomotives in their special Royal livery.

Update: You can read DB Cargo’s response to the news by clicking here.

However, there have been times when other locomotives have hauled the Royal Train, including the recent trip with 60103 Flying Scotsman.