Saphos Trains 2026

WCRC often run empty stock that way from and back to Carforth, but it seems to be rare for steam with passengers.

 

Timings for the first English Rivera Express (2nd May) are alredy available:

Outward
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U81533/2026-05-02/detailed

Return
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U81536/2026-05-02/detailed

 

Is there a loco change at Norton F?

 

Taunton on the outward, NF on the return.

 

Just checked the website - almost full, no traction specified, price for 4 ….. (without the champers or flowers …. £1860. Think we’ll pass.

 

Does anyone know what loco will be on the Golden Arrow trip next week?

 

Can confirm Braunton is rostered for tomorrow's GA, however NR have imposed a Red fire risk.

 

I assume that's Diesel behind Braunton in addition to one on the back of the train?

 

Unlikely because there's one on the back anyway and they also usually have a support coach with the steam locomotive when it attaches to the stock, so would be a faff to do that while slotting the diesel in behind. But, never say never.

 

Some of us are old enough to remember the SLOA CME days when it was steam Carlisle Hellifield and the a different steam loco Hellifield-Carnforth along the LNW.

 

I did think we'd see the return of amber for this weekend but going straight to red, I did not expect.

 

Happy days.

 

That’s a shame. Will save me a trek down to Kent though.

 

Not in the slightest bit surprised. The brisk wind this week and no rain forecast is drying everything out quite rapidly. There isn't a huge amount of fresh growth yet either.

 

No appreciable rain for weeks now. After the very wet start to the year it's turned completely the opposite. I believe parts of East Anglia have had less than 8mm of rain in the last month.