Saphos 2025

I assume it's just a mistake, probably a copy paste from other charter descriptions and will probably take the same route as the RTC tours. Sadly I'll be missing out on seeing Eddystone the following day, although it comes off at Salisbury on the return anyway.

 

Approaching Hungerford​

 

Popped out yesterday teatime to see the Duke return from Bath, took a brief video as it stormed through Chippenham..1st time I've seen 71000 at full tilt and what a sight. Very different from me seeing it as a small lad in Barry 50 years ago.

Well-done LSL and NR signallers.

 

71000 seen by the canal near Crofton yesterday.

 

Not so nice weather for today’s outing, captured at Ufton Nervet

 

A Horse and a DoG. Today.

 

Pleased to have seen the Duke at long last! Footage from today's run at Ufton Lane, Crofton, Chippenham and Cholsey, with the video beginning with a clip two days ago of the Duke leaving Hanwell loop:

 

By a fluke my wife and I saw this train on 18th Nov about to depart as we crossed the station for the bus after being at a meeting in the NRM. Unable to access the RTT page as 18th Nov is now out of the logged period. I am now about to use her photo in the SLS Journal to fill the last blank page. Do these southbound trains still reverse so steam leads/diesel trails at somewhere like Gascoigne Wood?

 

LSL operated trains have turned in the Milford/Gascoigne Wood area this season so far while WC and VT have used the York turntable.

Peter

 

Filmed on Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd and Thursday 4th, 71000 embarks on its new career with Locomotive Services and Saphos Trains on its trips to Bath

 

Thank you for the confirmation.

 

Be aware that due to the 30 min late arrival of the inbound charter this afternoon, the return journey has been retimed. <BJ>

5Z33 Bristol East Depot to Bath Spa Realtime Trains | 5Z53 1717 Bristol East Depot to Bath Spa | 06/12/2025

1Z33 Bath Spa to Ely Realtime Trains | 1Z33 1753 Bath Spa to Ely | 06/12/2025

 

Here's my footage of 71000 Duke of Gloucester hauling all 3 tours to Bath in one week. I filmed at Crofton, Hungerford, Twerton Tunnel, Saltford, Keynsham and Chippenham on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I hope you enjoy it.

 

71000 racing through Keynsham at speed this evening, hauling 12 coaches. Rear gunner hanging on for dear life

What a machine the Duke is proving to be - it runs like a sewing machine. [BJ]

 

71000 Duke Of Gloucester is seen working the Bath trips on all 3 days (2nd, 4th and 6th December) down the Western and Berks and Hants, enjoy

 

Heading south on Saturday for a Christmas meet up with family gave us an opportunity to split our journey catch both the railtours running on the GWML that day. 'Duke of Gloucester' is seen powering along through Langley Saturday morning...

 

Three photos of 71000 powering through Langley on Saturday morning…
https://flic.kr/p/2rKwcwK

 

Times are out for Friday's trip from Three Bridges.

Outward: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U70475/2025-12-12/detailed

Return: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U70476/2025-12-12/detailed

For some reason on there it's pathed as 75mph Diesel hauled from Chichester to Bath on the Outward journey and 60mph Diesel hauled from Preston Park on the return.

 

But will it be 71000, DL or cancelled due to failure of the Duke?