Saphos 2024

Re-edited version to follow

 

60007 at Selside

 

Recovering from a signal check nr Teignmouth on todays English Riviera Express

 

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley at Bradford on Tone with the English Riviera Express to Kingswear

 

Here's my footage of Sir Nigel Gresley on her return to Devon with The English Riviera Express with an added bonus of the Red Arrows. I filmed her at Whiteball Bank, Teign Estuary (plus the Red Arrows) and Noss Marina near Kingswear. I hope you enjoy it.

 

A great video. Well thought out and the addition of the Red Arrows was certinly a bonus. Thank you.

 

60007 on yesterdays English Riviera Express, seen at Holcombe and Cockwood Harbour

 

Not sure if there is a Midland Pullman page but thought it would suit on here

Today was my 2023 Christmas present from my better half, a trip on the Midland Pullman from York to Paignton. 0520 away from York, 0015 back in! A long day on paper, but what an absolutely wonderful one. No real note of timings, more just a measure of what it’s like onboard the Pullman, and indeed any LSL job.

Right time away from York, and no sooner had we crossed Colton Jn, some early morning tea/coffee was served. Shortly after Doncaster a refreshing glass of Bucks Fizz and then on departing Retford the first of 3 courses for Breakfast, Melon/Youghurt and Granola. Peterborough came and went, followed by a Full English, alongside some pastries. After nearly making Kings Cross, we took the junction at Copenhagen, swung through London and out onto the GW mainline. Any time we lost we swiftly made back, and half way down the Berks and Hants some late morning snacks from the bakery basket were offered. The outward run had little else to say, other than an 8E arrival to Paignton.

LSL provided a generous 3 hours in Paignton, which meant it was easily possible to catch the PDSR steam service to Kingswear, enjoy a hop over to Dartmouth, have a light bite for lunch, ferry back, the second PDSR steam loco back to Paignton, and still have 25 mins before departure! This also gave us plenty of fresh air, a leg stretch and a chance to grab my 5th Manor for haulage (Red pen for a GW man!).

1525 and the Pullman arrived back into Paignton. Giving plenty of time to board, nothing was rushed and a head count done. Those off at Paignton were all back on and at 1537 off we went, 1E to start us off! Our pre-ordered drinks were waiting for us, and a welcome glass of Bubbly was produced. Some canapés came round, followed by the starter around an hour in to the return. This gave us plenty of chance to settle and didn’t feel as if it was all being rushed. Our main came around 2 hours after leaving Paignton, perfectly timed for an evening meal. We learnt at this stage that they serve in order of who gets off when, so those off at Hitchin get served first, and for us from York we hold to last. Cheese came next, (Yes before dessert as is the LSL way), served about 3hrs 45 in to the return leg, giving plenty of chance for the main to settle. Around 4 3/4 hours from boarding, we were served our desert, which we with all the rest of the food was the very best standard. The rest of the way home we were well looked after with constant drinks, good comversation with our stewards and so on. And the bonus, about 15 minutes early back in to York! It would have been more like 30 early but some absolutely s**t regulation from Network Railmat Doncaster cost us a good 18 mins! Quite possibly the worst regulation I’ve seen for some time.

Some would say that 19 hours is a long old day. Indeed it is. But it felt worth every penny and not a moment was wasted. From minute one, to the very last, we had the most welcoming reception, and an amazing exprience. For something that I’ve heard described as “Just a HST”, it’s a whole lot more!

My 5th LSL exprience (3 Saphos, 1 Statesman, 1 Pullman), and as always LSL produced their very best. 10/10 for the staff, 10/10 for the service, 10/10 for the food and 10/10 for the whole day. If anyone is thinking of doing the Midland Pullman, my advice is crack on and do it, it’s worth every penny

Very much looking forward to the English Riviera Express in August.

 

Thank you for that report. I already have a Midland Pullman trip booked later in the year. Cheese before dessert? Yes, that suits me too.

 

You won’t regret it. It’s absolutely fantastic.

 

Looks like a decent run with 60007 to Plymouth this morning. However, the ECS is currently still at Laira, 45 late and counting, and 60007 will be staying on the rear according a post on the SNG Facebook page.

 

Does anyone happen to know what's going on with 60007 at Plymouth? It should have left 40 mins ago but appears to have sat on the triangle at Laira for a long time. Thanks

 

now on the move 63 late

 

Just left 63 down. 47810 leading, 60007 on the rear.

 

Newton Abbot was a water stop. Doesn't look like the stop at Totnes was taken.

And yes, 60007 was tender first on the rear. No constraints being dragged tender first - it's run back at 75mph max and made up 50 minutes, though a big chunk of that was missing out the Exeter water stop.

 

This message had been posted earlier by Locomotive Services Group. [BJ]

"Photographers beware, due to circumstances beyond our control, 60007 will be at the rear of the return journey".

 

Im not exactly sure you can put much blame on LSL for a points failure. I mean I’m sure from their point of view the steam side ran well today when it was able to

 

Rattery Bank this morning.