Manchester Rail Travel Society
History
A group of enthusiasts formed the Manchester Rail Travel Society (MRTS) in 1966 with the intention of acquiring a 'Jinty', the LMS standard shunting tank locomotive. To raise funds, the MRTS promoted a number of 'end of steam' rail tours, and also co-promoted four rail tours in conjunction with the emergent Severn Valley Railway Society.[1] Two of the joint rail tours in 1968 were hauled by LMS Stanier 8F 48773, then still a BR-owned locomotive.[2]
As a result of this relationship, 47383 became the 5th locomotive to join the SVR, arriving by road from Blackwell A Winning Colliery in May 1968 some two years before the official opening.[1]
List of rail tours organised by the MRTS
The following rail tours were organised by the MRTS. Links are included to tour details on Six Bells Junction.
| Date | Tour name | Route (steam only) | Notes | Web | SVR News |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Nov 1967 | Lancs & Yorks Rambler / Mancunian | Round tour from Leeds | 60019 Bittern | SBJ | |
| 27 Apr 1968 | North West Tour | Stockport - Liverpool | 6 steam locos used. | SBJ | |
| 28 Jul 1968 | Farewell to B.R. Steam | Round tour from Manchester Vic. | 6 steam locos used. 48773 worked Rose Grove to Manchester via Copy Pit |
SBJ |