West Coast Thunderbird Retrieves Demic Pendolino at Carlisle 11 June 2026

Thursday 11th June at Carlisle and a Pendolio has been declared a failure - issues with it braking and safety systems. We watch as a Thunderbird arrives from West Coast Railways and the attempts to couple up to the northern end of the Pendolino. There was an issue with the Delmer coupling on that end of the pendolino and a successful coupling proved not possible. Instead the Class 57 coupled up - first time, successfully at the southern end. Instead of going to Polmadie, the Pendolino was taken to Preston before being moved to Longsight depot the following morning.

Thanks to the Avanti, Alstom and West Coast staff who didn't object to my filming (or the recordings taken by friends). All respect to them for carrying out the work in good spirits with respect for each others roles and responsibilities.




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