Luxury Lincoln train runs out of steam

THIS summer’s heatwave means that a trip aboard Britain’s poshest train from Lincoln tomorrow (Saturday, Aug 15) has run out of steam.

The 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle should have been hauled over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line by an historic loco called Tangmere.

But Network Rail have banned steam operations because of the great risk of wildfires after the abnormally dry weather.

Instead, the gleaming umber-and-cream carriages train, once part of the iconic Orient Express set-up, will be pulled by a heritage diesel engine.

A Northern Belle spokesman said: “It is a pity we can’t use steam but this will still be a fantastic day out.

“Because we aren’t just taking our passengers on a trip to Carlisle and over the wonderful 24-arch Ribblehead Viaduct.

“We will also be transporting them back to the golden days of rail travel when nothing was too good for the pampered passenger.”

 A red carpet will be laid across the platforms at Lincoln and Gainsborough stations as the train pulls in.

Then passengers will be handed their first glass of champagne as liveried stewards show them to their seats. 

A three-course brunch will be served during the journey to Carlisle, where the train stops just long enough to explore the border city.

Later, passengers will tuck into a slap-up six-course dinner with wine and port on the way home in the evening.

Musicians will stroll through the carriages while an onboard conjuror adds an extra touch of magic.

The train was voted the fifth greatest in the world by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine last year, and actor Bill Nighy once described it as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”. 

For more details about the Northern Belle, see www.northernbelle.co.uk