Blackpool Steam Day Out 14 March 2019 by Visit Blackpool Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company has introduced two special steam days visiting Blackpool for 2019 ‘The Pennine Blackpool Express’ will head for the Fylde Coast resort of Blackpool on Saturday 13 April, and Saturday 21 September, powered by electric loco from London Euston, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Nuneaton, Crewe and Preston and, via connections, from Watford Junction and Northampton. At Blackpool North Station the train will be joined by a historic steam locomotive for the return journey, which will include the scenic Ribble Valley Line, later in the afternoon. Likely historic locos are Jubilee class No. 45690 Leander or No. 45699 Galatea, 8F 48151, No. 35018 British India Line or possibly Princess Royal class No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth depending on the completion of its current overhaul. “This will be the first time we have organised special trains stopping at Blackpool,” said The Railway Touring Company’s MD Kelly Osborne. “Blackpool is an iconic British seaside destination, with so much to see and do, that we are confident these trips will prove popular and hope to make them regular events in our steam calendar.” Each train will have the capacity for around 400 passengers and offer a choice of Standard, with a reserved seat on board the train’s vintage carriages, or First Class, which includes refreshments. For those looking for an extra special treat there is a dining option with a full English breakfast, a light lunch and a four course dinner, all silver served at white linen-covered tables in Pullman-style coaches. A stop of nearly three hours in Blackpool will provide the opportunity to explore the resort’s attractions, including the Blackpool Tower, Winter Gardens, three piers and Madame Tussaud’s, or take a tram ride along the seafront. “British Rail operated its final mainline steam passenger service in 1968,” added The Railway Touring Company’s Kelly Osborne. “Fifty years on people are still in love with steam and these excursions with steam from Blackpool provide a chance to re-live the excitement of steam travel as well as experience the fun of this famous seaside town.” The Railway Touring Company, which marked 21 years in business last year, organises steam days out around the country with more than 50 steam dates scheduled for 2019 along with heritage rail-based holidays in the UK, Europe and worldwide. For details visit www.railwaytouring.net or call The Railway Touring Company on 01553 661500.