West Coast Mk1s return! | 46115 'Scots Guardsman' - The Esk Valley - 09/10/26

Following much online rumour and discussion, West Coast Railway's first CDL-fitted set of Mk1 coaches finally break cover, following nearly a three year absence from the mainline due to legal challenges between WCRC and the ORR.

Their appearance on Railway Touring Company's 'The Esk Valley' tour from Carnforth to Whitby also sees the return of LMS Rebuilt Royal Scot Class 46115 'Scots Guardsman' to mainline passenger duties, shortly following the locos appearance at the Severn Valley Steam Gala back in September.

We catch the tour in the North East, on its run along the Esk Valley at Danby and Ruswarp, before chasing the tour on the return leg, first departing Middlesbrough, before reaching the "Edinburgh: 200 Miles" marker just north of York near Overton.

Until now, WCRC's only CDL fitted coaches have limited their operational loco fleet to those fitted with air brakes, notably Bulleid Light Pacifics 34028 'Eddystone' and 34067 'Tangmere', in addition to Ian Riley Black Fives 44871, 45212 and 45407. This rake of vacuum braked CDL fitted Mk1s opens up once more the possibility of seeing other members of the Carnforth Pool on the mainline, including Black Five 44932, Jubilee Class 45699 'Galatea' and recently returned to traffic 8F 48151.

LINKS
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VIDEO CONTENTS
0:00 - 46115 - Danby
1:30 - 46115 - Ruswarp
2:54 - 47802 - Whitby
4:47 - 46115 - North Road, Middlesbrough
6:27 - 46115 - Overton Road

Filmed on 9th October 2026.