46233 Duchess of Sutherland & 7029 Clun Castle storm the ECML | The Christmas White Roses - 18.12.21

Exactly a week before Christmas, was Railway Touring Company and Vintage Trains last trips of 2021, seeing two steam trips head to York, with RTC having 46233 from Kings Cross via Lincoln, and VT using 7029 Clun Castle from Tyseley via Derby.
We being with The Duchess, who is firstly seen powering through Finsbury Park (captured from the disued platform with permission from station staff) followed by Hitchin. The engine had the added detail of an authentic Royal Scot headboard, which despite being very off route, was a brilliant addition!
From here we were hoping to get a shot of 7029's outward trip but with her early running this was not possible. However another railtour, titled 'A Beverley Christmas Carol' with UKRailTours, was due to pass an hour before 46233. The trip had travelled from Kings Cross to just outside Doncaster with a Class 90, before being top and tailed with Class 50s to Beverley. Unfortunately they passed through a different platform and caught everyone off guard, however I kept the shot in as the performance from the pair was very impressive.
Back to the Duchess now and once again her performance was a sight to behold, with the regulator opened just as she came into view, and a long whistle salute to Doncaster works. By far one of the best performances I've seen from 46233 which even the station staff commented on!
We returned to Doncaster in the evening for Clun Castle. By now the north had been covered in rather thick fog which certainly added to the atmosphere. With 7029 passing over all lines to head back towards Mexborough, we knew there wouldn't be much speed, but hoped the regulator would be open. Apart from shutting off for a brief period, we certainly got that! With her own whistle salute to the works, 7029 powers her train through the station and heads her train home. The Class 67 that can be heard idling in the background was awaiting the return of the Class 50s to reattach the Class 90.
As 46233 had gone to Butterley after arriving at York, her trip was diesel hauled on the return, so it was also a return home for us on what had been a rewarding day out on the ECML.
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[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Thomas, as always, an excellently produced video.

[@themodster]

As always Malcolm, thanks for your kind words. Thomas

[@HenrysAdventures]

Another brilliant video!

[@themodster]

Thanks Henry. Thomas

[@callumthornelow2936]

Excellent footage Thomas. Let's hope for an excellent 2022 season.

[@themodster]

Cheers Callum. This was certainly one of the best outings for 'the lady in red', and it'll be nice to see her again with RTC next year. Thomas

[@BritishTrainspotting]

Not a steam enthusiast but 7029 is a bit different for me. Amazing capture! Clun Castle is just a beauty.

[@themodster]

I do wish Clun Castle was down south more as she's one engine I do love to see. Thomas

[@locomotive6727]

Hi Thomas,Great filming ,Seasons Greeting's Have a nice xmas....Dave 🚂🚂

[@themodster]

Thank you Dave, best wishes to you as well. Thomas

[@locomotive6727]

@@themodster Cheers Thomas 🇬🇧🚂🚂😷

[@North_Wales_Trains]

Lovely videos Thomas! I was out on the wcml waiting for 46100 But she broke down😞

[@themodster]

Thank you. I heard about Royal Scots issues. Apparently was loosing water fast and they had to drop the fire quickly. Thomas

[@North_Wales_Trains]

@@themodster that's will be why then, thanks for telling me!

[@Spamcan81]

Nice. Did you chase by train?

[@themodster]

Thanks. Yes I did it all by train. Cheers, Thomas