LOCAL trainspotters were given a rare treat when the Venice Orient Express travelled through Warrington, running from London Victoria to Runcorn in conjunction with the Grand National.
The famous train visited Warrington Arpley via Ditton junction and then used the freight-only line passed Fiddlers Ferry through Sankey to Latchford, then into Arpley sidings for servicing.
It travelled over the Bank Quay low-level railway bridge which enthusiasts described as “mega rare.”
Local rail enthusiast Patrick Mullee from Stockton Heath, who used to work on the Flying Scotsman said: “It’s possibly the first time ever the Orient Express went to Latchford pulled by one of the Royal train engines Royal Messenger.”
Patrick, who is also involved with the High Legh miniature railway, was one of a number of local trainspotters excited to see the famous train pass through Warrington.
It later left Arpley at 18-00 for Liverpool Lime Street before heading back to London Victoria.
The train is pictured traveling past the newly revamped Marshall Gardens via the Bank Quay low-level bridge, heading to Latchford, prior to servicing at Arpley sidings.
The train passing over the low level bridge – Picture Jon Vietch
Picture Jon Vietch
Picture Terry Eyres
Picture Terry Eyres
