Saturday 19 August 2023

One week removed from the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and in association with the Deltic Preservation Society and West Coast Railways, UK Railtours are proud to present the return to main line charter operation of Deltic 55009 Alycidon. Following a lengthy period of repair and refurbishment, Alycidon roars back on to the main line in 2023, and is sure to put on a spectacular show!

D9009 Alycidon at speed – photo credit to John Hennis

Named at Doncaster Works on July 21st 1961 before introduction to traffic,  the as-then D9009 maintained the ‘racehorse’ tradition of the LNER by commemorating the winner of the 1949 Ascot Gold Cup. In May 1981, she moved to York after the closure of Finsbury Park and was one of four Deltics prepared to work a series of farewell rail-tours during their final six months of operation. The Deltic Preservation Society purchased her the same year and she has been a sterling main line performer ever since. Sadly in 2019 Alycidon suffered damage to all six traction motors and one of her main generators, and she has been undergoing repairs and maintenance at the Great Central Railway, the Severn Valley Railway, and latterly at the DPS’ workshops at Barrow Hill. She is currently wearing her BR TOPS number 55009.

For this tour we return Alycidon to the home turf of her latter days as a British Rail locomotive as we head for historic York and seaside Scarborough.Late spring means flowers in bloom and hopefully blue skies as we travel north via the East Coast Main Line via Doncaster to York, with our return being via the Great Northern & Great Eastern Joint Line through Gainsborough and past Lincoln Cathedral, then on through the broad Lincolnshire landscapes. We take the little-used Sleaford Avoiding Line and pass the ‘flower capital’ of Spalding.

YORK needs little introduction, a city with so much to see and do. The station is well located with the City Walls to one side and the National Railway Museum to the other, just a few minutes’ almost level walk to York Minster, the quaint shopping streets of The Shambles, the Castle Museum and all the other things that make York the place to be. You’ll have around five hours to explore!

SCARBOROUGH, a further 40 miles away, provides a fun filled seaside experience with a break of around four hours. Despite the advances of modern tourism Scarborough still maintains its links with the past, with Victorian cliff lifts connecting the town centre with the elegant spa and the long sandy beaches. There are two bays, North and South, separated by Scarborough Castle that stands gaunt against the skyline. At the North Bay you will find the more than 90-year-old North Bay Railway, an amazing survival which gives its passengers wonderful views over the North Sea.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – CASTLE HOWARD

Alternatively, you can alight at Malton where coaches will be waiting for the short transfer to Castle Howard, Yorkshire’s finest historic house and estate. Castle Howard has been a hugely popular destination for UK Railtours and we can’t wait to return. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, this is a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Visit and enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring family stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy woodland and lakeside walks, or visit the estate shops which include a busy farm shop and garden centre.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – YORKSHIRE AIR MUSEUM, ELVINGTON

Our first visit to Elvington Airfield last year was well received, and so we return once more to the Yorkshire Air Museum. Set on the site of the former RAF Elvington, a WWII bomber command station, the museum is one of the largest independent museums of aviation in the UK and seeks to ‘honour, educate and inspire’ whilst preserving a collection of over 30,000 artifacts and aircraft.  Aircraft, munitions and exhibits from the conflict will be on display. Coaches will meet the train at York for the 7-mile transfer, where you will have around 4 hours to explore. You will also have an hour or so in York after we return before rejoining the train.

‘THE CENTENARIAN’

Between York and Scarborough this railtour will be re-named ‘The Centenarian’, in honour of former Deltic driver Harry Wilson who celebrates his 100th birthday in May 2023. Mr Wilson and his family will be joining us on the day.

We’re pleased to confirm that 55009 Alycidon has successfully completed her main line test runs and is all set for her return to charter work on The Coronation Deltic!

First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner. Dining is not available from or back to Peterborough. A buffet car is available. 

Supplements for off train options include coach transfers and entry and must be booked in advance.

Class	Price	Availability
Standard Adult	£129	Limited
Standard Junior	£119	Limited
First Class Non Dining	£185	Very Limited
First Class Dining	£289	Limited
First Class Dining Party of Four	£1136	Limited
Castle Howard Off-Train Option Supplement	£30	Good
Yorkshire Air Museum Off-Train Option Supplement	£24	Good

TIMINGS NOW CONFIRMED.

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Kings Cross	07.38	22.29
Potters Bar	08.02	22.08
Stevenage	08.21	21.52
Peterborough	09.32	21.05

 

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