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Vintage Trains 2026

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Michael Whitehouse, Dec 18, 2025.

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  1. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    It was Friday and Saturday.
     
    5944, Apr 7, 2026
    #181
  2. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Timings mirror most Saphos trips don't they?
    But take you point about 1 day vs 2, although that might be based on feedback
     
    Gladiator 5076, Apr 7, 2026
    #182
  3. Gladiator 5076

    Gladiator 5076 Resident of Nat Pres

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    From a Vintage email sent to a passenger & posted on wnxx

    "We have been giving some considerable thought to the operation of this train in the current economic climate of rapidly rising costs and available disposable income for would be passengers. As a result, we have decided to simplify the operation of the train, whilst retaining all the benefits and reducing the cost to you! We are confident we can also improve on our original plan, run a little faster and increase the sections when Western Champion will haul the train unassisted. In short, we are altering the train plan to run the trip within a single day, rather than two. The train will now run on Saturday 23rd May."

    May be a late decision, but probably accepts the reality of the financial situation. I see the UKR trip to Loughborough has been cancelled today.

    Hope not too many were foolish enough to book non refundable hotels.
     
    Gladiator 5076, Apr 8, 2026
    #183
  4. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    It's good that D1015 will haul the train unassisted from Padd to Plymouth and return. The sound over the Devon banks will be superb, Dainton, Rattery, Hemerdon. <BJ>
     
    free2grice, Apr 9, 2026
    #184
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  5. 5944

    5944 Resident of Nat Pres

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    47773 failed before departure from Tyseley with today's Cambrian Coast Express. Tour now starting from Birmingham NS instead of Dorridge with 37240. ECS just left Tyseley a couple of minutes early on the revised times.
     
    5944, Apr 17, 2026
    #185
  6. LittleRedTrain

    LittleRedTrain Member

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    The train is supposed to reverse at New St to go via Aston. If it's no longer top and tailed will it run round at New St (fun to path) or take the direct route to Wolverhampton via Smethwick?

    (I'm currently waiting for it at New St so guess I'll find out myself soon enough!)

    EDIT: No reversal at New Street, heading to Thame Bridge Parkway direct
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2026
    LittleRedTrain, Apr 17, 2026
    #186
  7. I. Cooper

    I. Cooper Member

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    Seen approaching Y Drenewydd whilst running on time this morning

    DSC00781_sm.jpg ​
     
    I. Cooper, Apr 17, 2026
    #187
    ragl, Mick45305, acorb and 4 others like this.
  8. I. Cooper

    I. Cooper Member

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    Whilst waiting for the seaside express the competition came trundling through, heading for Crewe:

    DSC00791_sm.jpg ​


    Then an hour or so later the pair of Type 3s returned.
    It seems they picked up a souvenir headboard from one of the seaside shops in Pwllheli, 'cos there wasn't a headboard on the front as it aimed for the coast this morning!

    DSC00799_sm.jpg
    ​
    Just like the good 'ol days of the daily loco hauled 'Coast Express in the 90's, it was then a case of running the loco round before heading off towards Brum
    DSC00804_sm.jpg ​
     
    I. Cooper, Apr 17, 2026
    #188
    acorb, silversteellady, Spike and 4 others like this.
  9. andyjhatton

    andyjhatton New Member

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    Regarding the North Wales Coast Express.
    I noticed that there's also the Branch Line Society's "Welsh Dragon" (RailAdventure operated) HST tour arriving and departing at similar times.
    Could be busy at Llandudno station that day.
     
    andyjhatton, Apr 24, 2026 at 10:34 AM
    #189
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