Tomorrow (Sunday 4th September 2022) will see the ‘Ribble Ranger’ tour pass through St. Anne’s town station on its way to Blackpool South, before returning once again as it progresses to Preston.

The loco-hauled rail tour of Northwest England is expected to be proceeding through St Anne’s at roughly 8:15 am and then once again just after 8:30 am.

The tour is part of the Branch Line Society’s two day ‘Tower Tractors’ event. Only Standard Class tickets are still available for £199 – more details can be found via the Branch Line website.

Through the course of the weekend, the tour will visit a number of branches that rarely see a loco hauled passenger train. The highlights include Blackpool South loco hauled, Blackburn King Street loop, Colne branch loco hauled, Blackburn Up & Dn Goods, Clitheroe to Hellifield (part of ‘DalesRail’), Hellifield DGL, KWVR Network Rail connection and Neville Hill TMD.

This charter, operated by West Coast Railways, will feature WCR Class 37s operating top ‘n tail throughout. A Buffet Car will serve a wide range of hot and cold drinks, hot food, snacks and light refreshments. A number of hand-pulled real ales and ciders will be available. An afternoon leg stretch break / photo stop will be provided at Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. There will be a return trip from Keighley to Oxenhope, expected to feature Class 37 37075. There is also the possibility of a bonus traction at Neville Hill, subject to agreement and availability.