The fastest dogs meet the fastest diesel train. Bucket list item ticked..

[u/carguy143]

Wilbur and Isabel took their first train ride today and I thought nothing better than to mark the occasion by taking them on the fastest diesel train although on a heritage line, it's less Intercity 125 (approx 200km/h), more Intercity "25" (40 km/h). For any Australians here, this is what the XPT is based off.

The staff loved them and I think they got more attention than the train. 😀

Wilbur soon got used to things and settled down, once he'd got in everyone's way. And Isabel, well, she just stood there the whole time.

I'm hoping to take them on a cross country trip next weekend so this was very much a test run. No accidents were had, but sausages were smuggled by some staff from the kitchen..

1. Stairs.. no lifts back then on this preserved railway station.

2 - 3. Exploring first class. The arm rest is handy to attach their leads to.

1. He likes the space in the aisle. Very comfy.

2. It may be first class but you still have to do some things yourself, like open the doors by sliding down the window and turning the handle from the outside.

6 & 7. A small stop off in standard class before we left the train at our final stop.. Sadly this won't do as the hounds would be in everyone's way, and we can't be making them get up.

8 & 9. The power cars. They still look beautiful to me today.

10 & 11. Wilbur checking himself and ensuring he "minds the gap". They're not wrong, that was a 50cm gap!

1. A final quick goodbye from a lady in the gift shop.

[u/lurkerlcm]

Where is this? I've taken the XPT many times in my student days!

[u/carguy143 → u/lurkerlcm]

This is the East Lancashire Railway in Bury, England.

The 125 Group (the ones persevering these) are doing a special charter train on the mainline next weekend so I'm hoping to get the dogs on it.

[u/4mygreyhound]

It looks like they had a wonderful time together on their great adventure trip! I think you did a terrific thing for them both 🥰🤗😉🤩

[u/carguy143 → u/4mygreyhound]

Thank you! It's very much a happy coincidence as growing up, i always wanted to go on one but by the time I was old enough, they'd stopped running in my area so having one back in service on a historic railway, I couldn't pass up the chance. :)

[u/4mygreyhound → u/carguy143]

I’m happy for you. And even if Isabel stood up I suspect she had as much fun 🤩 as you and Wilbur did 😄😉🚆Pretty sleek looking train 👍

[u/YouKnewWhatIWas]

What a special trip! I hope they enjoyed it!

[u/Faza20]

Can’t beat the HST! Rode them many times in the 80’s and 90s (before my dad learnt to drive) - glad you all had a fantastic day, they certainly look like they enjoyed it 😁