Cumbria hosts rare locomotives as part of heritage rail tours

The A4 Pacific Class steam locomotive, Sir Nigel Gresley, pulled into platform three at Carlisle station this week on an excursion from Blackpool.

The A4 Sir Nigel Gresley pulling into the station (Image: Paul Grindley) Keen train spotters were out in force trying to catch a glimpse of the iconic locomotive passing through the county.

The engine, in its blue livery, was built in Doncaster in 1937 and is named after the locomotive designer of the same name, who designed many of the steam locomotives of that era, including the Flying Scotsman.

In June 1956, the locomotive hauled the Royal Train from King's Cross to York with Queen Elizabeth II on board.

The steam powered locomotive was amongst the fastest trains in the country when it was new and was recorded travelling at 112 miles per hour, which was a post war record on the mainline.

This week also saw the return of the Midland Pullman in its iconic blue livery.

Britain’s first luxury high speed diesel-electric train travelled in style down the Cumbrian coast with eagle eyed photographer, Phil Waldron, managing to capture several shots of the locomotive as it travelled past Whitehaven.

Midland Pullman travelling down the Cumbrian coast (Image: Phil Waldron) Billed as an ‘experience’, the tour boasted ‘elegantly refurbished carriages’, a ‘welcoming and professional’ team, as well as stunning views and onboard dining provided by an executive chef.

The train has been refurbished and restored after running between Manchester Central and London St Pancras in the early 1960’s.

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It last made the journey in 1966 when the line became electric, and trains became much faster.

The Midland Pullman has been running luxury train journeys around the UK for many years.

Cumbria has welcomed many iconic locomotives over the past few years including the Flying Scotsman.