Vintage Trains 2026

I think @NathanP is referring to the Dorridge trips next week.

 

Do we know why the 37 was included today? Won't be for train heat as its not ETH fitted.

 

I was on the 2nd trip today and the main reason I'd booked was because it had been suggested on here that it would run unassisted. I was a bit disappointed to learn that the 37 was tagging along but, to be fair, VT had never officially stated there would be no diesel.

However, the only time I felt or heard the 37 powering (and I was in the coach next to it) was when we left Stratford, and it shut off again at Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway. The rest of the time, I don't think it was even taking its own weight, meaning the A3 could still be clearly heard. I was in coach G which was at the Stratford end so on the outward journey there was quite a bit of noise coming from Flying Scotsman but even on the way back, when I was at the rear, that lovely Gresley beat was drifting far enough back that I could occasionally hear it.

All in all, I don't think the diesel presence spoiled the trip one bit so full marks to Vintage Trains for a really enjoyable afternoon.

 

My shot of 60103 blasting up Wilmcote Bank with the 2nd "Valentines Shakespeare Express" excursion this afternoon.

 

Michael Whitehouse himself suggested all Shakespeare's would be unassisted in the opening post of this thread. It's the primary reason I booked for next weekend, its a very expensive trip otherwise- but hey ho, glad it didn't interfere generally.
Mystery why it's there really.

 

According to Traksy the 37 has dropped on the front for the final run back. Hopefully nothing too serious.

 

Not the crowds you normally associate with 60103 or were they elsewhere on the station?

 

Quite a few others positioned themselves down the other end of the station, but still nowhere near as many as I'd expected - I'd say roughly 15-20 people in total. Looking at other footage on YT, it seems more people turned out for the 1st run earlier in the day.

 

Seems like we have an answer for the presence of the 37, hope nothing too serious

 

AWS issue with Scotsman apparently.

looks like it was a good move having the 37 along then, certainly saved a lot of delay having to find another driver and a light engine from Tys to recover the train and passengers from SOA.

 

And that is something that could have flagged as a potential issue on the run down from York, so 37 likely provided as cover on this basis and has proven its worth.
Hopefully a quick fix.

 

Doubtful that the AWS was used on the run down from York as the 37 piloted it, certainly no requirement for it to have been when an inside loco.

 

Would the cab equipment still not be triggered? Beyond by technical knowledge im afraid!
Either way, the 37 was needed tonight and clearly someone's judgement to include in the formation today was spot on. I shall duly wind my neck in and hope that whatever gremlins are present can be ironed out for a solo run next weekend.

 

I don't know much on AWS either but I'm pretty sure that last December when Mayflower and The Duke double headed only Mayflower as the leading loco had its AWS active as the Duke's had failed previously so going off that they wouldn't have need to have Scotsmans on if the 37 was in front.

 

The AWS and TPWS on the trailing locomotive(s) would be isolated as otherwise you would receive a spurious alert and potential application of the brakes as the signal would revert to danger when the first wheel has passed onto the next circuit.

 

A couple of video stills from yesterday.