Vintage Trains 2026

It was Friday and Saturday.

 

Timings mirror most Saphos trips don't they?
But take you point about 1 day vs 2, although that might be based on feedback

 

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.

 

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>

 

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.

 

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

 

Seen approaching Y Drenewydd whilst running on time this morning

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

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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!

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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

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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.

 

5043 and 37240 for today's Derby Shakespeare Express

 

Might make it more attractive to some, and in all fairness, it's no worse than some of LSL's outings!

 

Been on the Derby Shakespeare express today from Derby to Stratford upon Avon, an enjoyable day despite being quite hot and dry here is my pic of 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at S.U.A. railway station waiting to depart with the 13:35 Stratford upon Avon to Birmingham Snow Hill Shakespeare pullman tour.
Davo 56F

 

5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' charges past Edstone Farm Crossing with today's "Shakespeare Express" excursion.

 

The 37 was giving a mighty shove through Stratford Parkway

 

Stratford Parkway was my initial intended location, funnily enough.

I understand the risk of lineside fires is generally heightened at the moment so is likely to be a contributor. The SVR seemed to be having fire troubles yesterday afternoon, with my return trip with 4930 being halted between Highley & Arley for the crew to extinguish a small blaze at track level.

 

The Derby Shakespeare Express by Matt Spencer, on Flickr

Passing Friends by Matt Spencer, on Flickr