Rare chance to see steam locomotive along the North Wales mainline this weekend
Rail enthusiasts in Cheshire will have a chance to see LMS Stanier Class 5 No. 44871 pass through Chester on Sunday as part of The North Wales Coast Express.
By Chester Standard
Rail enthusiasts in Cheshire will have a rare chance to see a steam locomotive pass through Chester this weekend.
The North Wales Coast Express is due to run on Sunday 12 July, travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Holyhead and back.
The special steam-hauled charter train is being run by The Railway Touring Company.
It is expected to be hauled by LMS Stanier Class 5 No. 44871, a historic steam locomotive popular with railway enthusiasts.
The train will leave Liverpool Lime Street on Sunday morning before picking up passengers at Broad Green, Warrington Bank Quay and Chester.
According to published timings, it is due to arrive at Chester at 11.38am on the outward journey.
It will then continue into Wales, passing along the North Wales Coast Line towards Llandudno Junction, Bangor and Holyhead.
The return working is due back through Chester at 8.52pm before continuing to Warrington Bank Quay, Broad Green and Liverpool Lime Street.
The journey gives passengers the chance to travel by steam along one of the most scenic railway routes in the region.
After leaving Chester, the train crosses the River Dee into Wales before heading along the coast through well-known seaside locations including Prestatyn, Rhyl and Colwyn Bay.
Passengers can choose to visit Llandudno, Bangor or Holyhead, depending on their ticket and destination.
The Railway Touring Company describes the trip as a summer steam train along the North Wales Coast railway line for passengers from Merseyside and Cheshire.
For people not travelling on board, the Chester stop is likely to be the main local opportunity to see the locomotive.
Anyone planning to watch the train should do so safely from public areas and avoid trespassing on the railway.
Railway lines, platforms, bridges and trackside areas can be dangerous, and enthusiasts are urged to follow station staff instructions.
The appearance of a steam locomotive on the main line remains a special occasion because most passenger services are now operated by modern diesel or electric trains.
Heritage rail tours allow restored locomotives to return to the national network for selected trips, giving the public a chance to see and hear steam power in action.
Standard class fares for the trip are listed from £120 for adults and £90 for juniors, with first class and dining options also available.
Premier dining is not available from Chester.
The event is expected to attract interest from railway fans across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.
For Chester, the visit adds another moment of railway heritage to a station that has long played an important role in cross-border travel between England and Wales.