Cab Ride no 25/26 – Carlisle to Newcastle & Return (2xdvds)

This dvd, Cab Ride No.25/26, consists of two journeys, one each way over the Newcastle & Carlisle Railway on 31st August 1989.

From Carlisle to Newcastle the train was the ‘Tyne Trader’ (07.05 from Girvan) leaving Carlisle at 09.25 aboard Sprinter 156456.

The return journey was made from Newcastle, aboard Class 143 “Pacer” Unit No. 143634 via the high level bridge, The King Edward Bridge and Gateshead. The route is across the Border Country along which Hadrian’s Wall formed the physical border in Roman times.

For the first part of the route the valley of the River Tyne is followed, but beyond Haltwhistle (formerly the junction for the Alston branch) the line climbs severely.

Much of the route still sports semaphore signalling and “old fashioned” level crossing gates. The route is a mixture of gradients and the signalling mostly semaphore. Original crossing gates and signal boxes can also still be seen.

Our thanks go to BR (LMR) Public Affairs for arranging this cab ride. Thanks too to Carlisle Inspector Jim McClelland and Driver Harold Stubbs and Newcastle Driver John McKeough.