Saphos Trains 2018

As it happens, they DID take payment the same day (according to my CC account), so it seems they have their act together.

 

I suppose the pleasing thing to read into this chaotic payments system is that Saphos are obviously not worried about cash flow, organising tours and then seemingly rather lackadaisical about when they get the cash - hopefully bodes well for their financial standing long term.

 

Yes, I've finally been asked to cough up the dough by Friday.

 

Okay I'm new to this thread so excuse my ignorance, but what happens in the interim between you 'booking' (on the phone I assume?) and the payment being taken, IF the tour goes tits up and you want to claim via your CC company? I assume as they haven't taken the payment then there isn't a problem?

Also do they only take phone bookings? Personally I hardly ever book anything by phone any more these days. Much prefer the internet with printed out records, traceability etc.

 

Had email re Dec tour-phone and pay by Friday or we will cancel your booking.
First correspondence since booking -nice way of contacting and requesting payment....

 

I understand that to modernise the booking system bookings via carrier pigeon and/or vellum scroll may be considered......

 

At least that would be "heritage" (always assuming the pigeons were in the correct livery).

 

Semaphores and flags should also be considered.

 

Booked online for the two tours I've booked. Both times received a confirmation email my seats were reserved, and they'd be in touch for payment.

This has now happened, and I received a Postal confirmation that they have processed by payment as well as noticing it on my account. Now just wait for delivery of said tickets (7x days before said tour).

 

Timings for first trip on 14 April to Holyhead now available:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52288/2018/04/14/advanced

and:

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52290/2018/04/14/advanced

 

Interesting timings. 2 hours 34 running time for the 105m 52c journey within 20 min water stop and 2 pickups/set downs. And timed for 60mph...

 

Roughly five hours on the train. How do you occupy more than three hours in Holyhead, other than finding a pub?

 

Walk to the Country Park to the west of Holyhead if the weather is fine, like I did on the Cath Ex in 2013.

 

According to the latest Steam Railway the English Rivera Express' trips will be steam hauled throughout, so the steam mileage is now 221 miles rather than 131. They have spoken to Peter Watkinson of Saphos and quote him on a number of ocassions in the article.

 

Damn it. Had hoped for two tone green class 47 haulage.

 

Eh? You’d prefer to travel behind a box?!


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I am hoping that comment is related to today's date!

 

No but it was diesel to TAUNTON when I booked.

 

It's nothing special!