NORTH-WEST FREIGHT LINES AND LOCATIONS – WITH CLASS 60 POWER!

THE MARSH MAGICIAN 

This is a railtour that aims to provide some ‘new track’ to everyone, even at locations that have been visited before.

Pride of place goes to the terminal at Knowsley on Merseyside (with grateful thanks to SUEZ and The Potter Group), where it is intended that the train will run the full length of the branch to the buffer stops. New track is also expected to feature at Liverpool Docks (with grateful thanks to Peel Ports), where double-track has been installed on some sections since the last tour visited.

Add in a visit to the Waterloo Sidings at Edge Hill (and possibly other tracks there), plus goods loops, through goods lines, chords and links and other bits of ‘red track’, and there should be some ‘scratch’ track for everyone. 

We have listened to your requests to offer a classic freight branch tour without Class 66 haulage! So it is also intended that this train will be hauled throughout by Class 60 power, with trunking by a DB machine, assisted by a GBRf locomotive from Crewe to Edge Hill. 

And the train name? A tribute to Graham Marsh, whose ‘magic’ has enabled Pathfinder Railtours and others to visit many industrial and commercial rail locations in the North-west, and who is soon to retire. 

REQUESTED ROUTE (subject to confirmation): As the pick-up points to Crewe, then Chester Down Through – Down Chester Goods Loop – Hooton Long Sidings (Rev) – Ellesmere Port UDGL – Helsby – Warrington Bank Quay Down Slow – Earlestown – Lowton Jn – Bamfurlong Jn – Down Goods – Wigan South Jn – Wigan Wallgate – Rainford – Dale Lane Headshunt (Rev) – Knowsley Freight Terminal (Rev)– Dale Lane Headshunt (Rev) – Rainford – Wigan Wallgate – Springs Branch Jn – St Helens Central – Huyton – Olive Mount Jn – Edge Lane Jn – Regent Road L.C. – Liverpool Docks (Rev) – Bootle Branch Jn – Waterloo Sidings (Rev) – Bootle Branch Jn – Huyton – Earlestown – Winwick Jn – Dallam RMT – Warrington Bank Quay Up Goods – Crewe, and as the set-down points back to Bristol. 

ON BOARD FEATURES INCLUDE:
– Reserved seats aligned with the carriage windows
– A printed excursion and journey guide for everyone
– A travelling licensed buffet with refreshments, including alcoholic and soft drinks 
– A Gricers Grill hot food menu
– Cheerful, friendly and helpful Pathfinder Stewards!