West Coast takes on ‘Torbay’ and Tornado main line work

West Coast Railway Company (WRCR) has won more high-profile work after DB Cargo decided to reduce its main line steam activities. 

WCRC will operate this year’s ‘Torbay Express’ for Pathfinder Tours and Riviera Trains and, for the first time, will run several trains hauled by ‘A1’ No. 60163 Tornado after agreeing to act as Train Operating Company (TOC) for the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s programme of ‘Aberdonian’ trains. 

Both Riviera Trains and the A1SLT will continue to work with DB Cargo, but the decision marks the end of both organisations’ exclusive arrangements with DBC. Difficulties in guaranteeing traincrew for steam charters is thought to be behind DBC’s decision.