The Duke has been light-engine tested successfully. He was scheduled to perform some loaded test runs in mid-August when Network Rail put an embargo on mainline steam due to the risk of lineside fires.
With nothing to do the opportunity was taken to place The Duke in the Paint Shop for a professional top coat finish. This involved several undercoats, 3 top coats and 2 coats of varnish before the lining out was done by hand. And doesn’t he look well in his shinny new coat?
A loaded test run on Tuesday, 7 October established The Duke’s loaded capabilities before the Trust Members run.
‘The Impossible Dream Express’ – the Trust member’s charter and one of The Duke’s loaded test runs took place on Wednesday, 8 October 2025 leaving Crewe at 12:30 hours. A report is available here and under ‘Running Reports’ on our home page. The Duke’s top speed was 75 mph and he ran at 70 mph for most of the time on the West Coast mainline from Stafford to Crewe.
The Members charter was followed by a further loaded test run on Thursday, 9th October repeating the Telford Circuit and then on Friday 10th up to Carlisle hauling “LSL Chairman’s Train”. Unfortunately, a technical issue arose at Lancaster and the train was cancelled at Carnforth. West Coast Railways made their workshop available to our Service Crew. They worked long into the night to free a ceased valve. Our video below shows The Duke facing south awaiting the road at Preston Station on Saturday 11th October returning to Crewe courtesy of Phillip Goodier.
Our Train Operating Company have arranged for The Duke to haul some Christmas specials in December.
To see where The Duke will be running please visit our Where & When page.