A number of years ago, folks in the UK were fighting closure of the Settle & Carilsle line, due mainly to the questionable status of the huge stone Ribblehead Viaduct. From this photo, I'm guessing it did get repaired. Who operates it now that BR is privatized?

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?march03/03-05-03/22xxxx_2_Ribblehead_S+C_9-2-03_3022.jpg
ryarger@rypn.org

Yes it did get repaired, and the line was shut down while repairs were made. They caused quite a stir when a steam locomotive was used on a work train before it reopened, a good indicator of commitment. Judging from your picture, Virgin might be one of the companies that operates passenger trains on the line. This makes sense considering Virigin serves Eustion, the former LMS London terminal.

Joshua

joshua@joshuakblay.com

Distant view for size comparison.

http://abpr2.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?march03/03-05-03/Ribblehead_Viaduct_09-1986.jpg
ryarger@rypn.org

> A number of years ago, folks in the UK were
> fighting closure of the Settle &
> Carilsle line, due mainly to the
> questionable status of the huge stone
> Ribblehead Viaduct. From this photo, I'm
> guessing it did get repaired. Who operates
> it now that BR is privatized?

Arriva operates the Carlisle-Leeds service that calls at the stations along the line. But it's not unusual to see trains of other providers on the line, especially on weekends when major work is being done on the West Coast Main Line north of Preston. There is also some freight on the line.

As to the reference to Euston - ???? The original route was Midland Railway, which operated from St. Pancras through Leeds to Carlisle. The direct route was severed in the 1960s with the closure of the Midland route as a through line. Settle-Carlisle route trains did not call at Euston.

JAC