The Branch Line Society has announced another Alstom Depot Dash following a successful similar charter last autumn.

The train set to run on Saturday, 4th April 2026 (Easter Saturday) will see the society once again partner up with Alstom, GB Railfreight and Eastern Rail Services to visit three Alstom depots around the western part of central England.

Starting at Edge Hill station, one of the oldest stations on the original Liverpool & Manchester Railway, opened in 1830. Passengers will board the train hauled by a Class 66 diesel for the run through the tunnels to Liverpool Lime Street, where the train will reverse. The Class 57 on the rear will take the train to Earlestown to pick up more passengers before continuing onto Longsight Depot.

There have been facilities on this site, which has seen continued railway use for over 175 years, though today the site largely looks after Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino trains. The charter train is to be hauled into the site by a pair of diesel shunters, either class 08 or 09.

Following the visit to Alstom’s Manchester depot, the train will head for Wolverhampton behind the class 57, covering some lines not normally used by passenger trains. Oxley Traction and Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot (TRSMD) is primarily used to maintain more Avanti West Coast trains, which include the new Evero 805 and 807 class units. Oxley is another area that has seen continued railway use since the late 1800s. On arrival at the depot, the resident 08 diesel shunter will drag the train into the shunting neck from Oxley No. 6 Road.

Following two depot visits in one morning, the train will head for Edge Hill to visit the final Alstom depot of the day, but not before a run south to Bescot yard, where a Class 66 diesel change will take place, before heading on down to Bletchley, covering the Rugby up goods loop and Bletchley Relief No. 2 road where the train will reverse.

From here, the train heads north behind the Class 57. On arrival at Edge Hill, the train will run through the heart of the depot, which also maintains Avanti Pendolinos.

It will then be onward to Liverpool Lime Street to set down passengers before returning to Edge Hill station.

This charter is reserved for Branch Line Society Members only. On board the train, a buffet car will be available providing light refreshments. An on-board raffle will also take place during the journey, with all proceeds going towards Alstom’s chosen charities.

Additional information on the tour can be found on the Branch Line Society website. Times for the charter will be made available nearer the departure date.