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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Hopefully if all sells well it will run with the full 12 coaches.

 

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

 

Countryfile forecast said parts of South and East have had less than 1mm of rain this month (following a dry March too). Different story in north and west, but most of that rain fell in first 10 days of April. Maybe some patchy rain tonight and then its the Bank Holiday weekend!!

 

Our rugby pitches are unplayable. It's been so dry.

 

Problem is just because it's forecast doesn't mean you're going to get it. The forecast for the SVR SSG was mixed but it didn't actually do much really.
Also rain can be very localised. A mile down the line might miss rain or receive significantly more.

 

Thinking about it the first 2 meets scheduled for Worcester Racecourse have been moved to Hereford due to the state of the course and the sprinklers are now on here (Worcester).

 

Times up for the Minehead trip on the 30th.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/se...-30/0000-2359?stp=S&show=all&order=wtt&toc=TY

In theory this is an itinerary that can be run unassisted (no need to turn the train) but have seen no mention that it will be or any paths for a shadowing loco.
I'm looking forward to it regardless, been a while since I last visited the WSR and that time it was a diesel substitute due to fire risk.

 

New tour with Tornado - "The Great Northern" on Saturday 26th September. Includes S&C, Tyne Valley and ECML.

 

I wonder if @Michael Whitehouse could tell us-- does that mean with diesel or without from Birmingham to Darlington ? The old Hadrian trip, very attractive.