Saturday September 23rd saw 55022, which is owned by Beaver Sports, work its first main line tour since completion of its bodywork overhaul at the DPS depot, from where it departed at the end of August for its new home at the ELR. The tour took the loco on a trip over over 400 miles from Linlithgow to Inverness and back.

The photo (right) shows 'Royal Scots Grey' at Inverness prior to departure back to Linlithgow via Aberdeen. (David Russell)

The first Deltic hauled railtour of 2006, using D9009 “Alycidon” and FM Rail’s ‘Green Train’ (Mk II and Mk IIa stock with opening windows).

• DELTIC HAULED THROUGHOUT
• Derby (pick up), Chesterfield (pick up ), Sheffield (pick up), Church Fenton, York (Pick Up), Scarborough (Short break/Reverse), Hull West Parade Junc, Anlaby Road Junc, Selby, York (set down), Church Fenton, Sheffield (set down), Chesterfield (set down), Derby (set down).

Further details will follow shortly and a booking form will be sent to all members and participants of the December 28th 2005 railtour.

Please note the railtour booking line will not be open for bookings/ information until the booking forms have been despatched.

FM Rail encountered a number of problems with three of the vehicles that operated the DPS charter on the 28th December 2005. This, combined with the opening of windows and droplights by photographers and sound recordists, meant that the ambient temperature abourd the train fell to a level where several passengers felt uncomfortable.

FM Rail would like to apologise to any of those DPS members, their friends and families who were aboard the train and whose enjoyment of this very successful charter was marred by the onboard temperature.

FM Rail would like to assure the DPS that the three vehicles of the Green train at fault are being attended to as a priority. We are also keen to work with the management of the DPS to improve future railtours. In particular we are examining how we can help those keen to capture sound and video to do so in a manner that doesn’t reduce the overall travelling comfort of passengers aboard the train, particularly on very cold days.

Rupert Brennan Brown – for FM Rail

Please note that the date for the second DPS railtour of 2006 has been brought forward by one week and will now take place on:
Saturday September 2nd

Dates for the other tours remain as previously published.

The committee is aware that there were some issues relating to individual coaches on the tour on 28th December.
These in the first instance will be addressed by the DPS with our stock provider (modified to prevent any confusion)
Our operations on the day will also be reviewed for future tours.
We have also received many positive comments about the tour and hopefully have the basis of a workable railtour format for 2006.

The DPS has been advised by FM Rail of a change to the timings for the "Fusilier Farewell" railtour on December 28th, the main difference being that the train now arrives back at Derby around 30 minutes later than originally advised. Pick up times remain the same, except York which is a few minutes later.

The ECS for the charter on 28 December 2005 will be leaving Barrow Hill the previous day (Tuesday) to enable the train crew to stay within their maximum hours of duty on Wednesday.

The PROVISIONAL time for departure from Barrow Hill is 1500 although this can change like the weather does.

The stock will berth behind Derby station overnight.

Night shot at Derby, oh, suits you Sir....

The DPS would like to announce a programme of Railtours for 2006.

The following dates have now been agreed:

29th April
9th September
25th November
&
2nd January 2007

Watch this space for further details later this month....

The times for the Fusilier Farewell railtour on 28 December 2005 have been received from FM Rail. The pertinent points are:

Derby 0922
Chesterfield 0947 - 0949
Sheffield 1012 - 1027
York 1124 - 1147

(then via Hebden Bridge, Copy Pit, Blackburn, Farington Junc, Manchester Victoria, Diggle)

York 1632 - 1702
Sheffield 1817 - 1835
Chesterfield 1852 - 1854
Derby 1917

The title says it all.

In record breaking time the DPS tour 'Fusilier Farewell' has sold out. All seats are gone, there are no more available, no hold backs and no 'pay on the day'. No extra coaches can be added.

My most sincere thanks to all of you who have shown faith in us and put your money where your mouth is - enjoy your day!

Special thanks also to Andy Brown who has taken all the bookings.

Details on the tour will be publicised fully here so please, for now, don't badger Andy for details he doesn't yet have.

Queries on the tour may be sent to railtoursATthedps.co.uk, or watch this space.