VT Cathedrals Express to Newcastle - 12/06/26

Last time I did it, if you click on the link on the email it should take you to the ticket. If the coach allocations have been confirmed, you should been able to see it there.

 

I have never travelled with TY so not fully conversant with the current offering but many of those suggestions would require investment, & maybe modifications to stock to allow them to happen. Providing hot food out of a buffet rather than a kitchen car was beyond most in BR days. What do you use a microwave?
And as a former steward elsewhere an absolute nightmare to us and to the people manning the trolley.
Personally I hate any sort of trolley in the aisle type offering, i.e. at seat service. To make it worthwhile it needs to be conducted a lot in a tour. It is a pain if you want to get to a toilet (or the buffet) and personally I would view it as a service downgrade. It is bad enough on an aircraft, and one of the reasons raid the larder was such a success in BA Club World. which less face it was a self service buffet of sorts.
Would love to know the view of the Cabot Square mob on a play area in a half brake, who supervises, do you need someone with medical training? would all stewards need to have DBS checks as well?

Nothing wrong with kicking off a discussion though.

 

Ticket email just come through. On the buffet subject I used to travel many thousands of miles with Marcus Robertson's Steam Dreams down south. The system was changed from buffet to a complimentary at seat service and we were charged an extra £10 . For us passengers it was not good. Coffee was delivered when we didn't want it and wasn't available when we did. That system is the same that doesn't work on GWR on the North Cotswolds Line where having boarded at Pershore we are offered refreshments from the trolley just as we approach our destination an hour later or not at all especially if it's a nine coach train. Occasionally we are lucky but it is just that, luck. And don't start me on trying to get back from the loo when the trolley's in the aisle. One day maybe the loo will be at seat as well.

 

We left BHM right time and 5043 is making plenty of noise as we approach Tamworth. All fingers crossed for NCL today.

 

An impressive start away through the weeds at Burton.

 

Same location 62 years earlier !!

 

Through Sherburn-in-Elmet, a minute or so down, 37240 on the back just ticking over.

 

Monk Fryston:

 

Approaching Ulleskelf

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55330770590/in/photostream/

and approaching Tollerton after the stop in York

https://www.flickr.com/photos/90397953@N02/55330344656/in/photostream/

 

Not my best pic as it came out a little bit fuzzy but here's my shot of 5043 passing through Croft Spa earlier today

 

Shows how much lineside growth since the last time i was at Ouston Junction.
Did what i could, heard her long before she came under the bridge at Birtley.
37 on rear was roaring!!

Edit: On reflection last night, i have a new found appreciation of GWR engines!!

 

Ackworth on the return:



https://richardstevens.smugmug.com/

 

My wife and I had an excellent day yesterday. A great run with 5043 including some good sustained lengths of high speed running.
There was a little bit of 37 shoveage happening to get us up to speed, but when 5043 was working we could still hear it clearly even 3 coaches from the rear.
Timekeeping was never more than a few minutes out, delays usually caused by CrossCountry (as always).

This was our first trip in Dining since the change of caterers, and I have to say, it was a real step up from previous trips.
Food and service were excellent, staff were attentive and organised. We were offered tea and coffee as soon as we sat down and were kept well supplied for the entire journey.
It was nice to see the catering staff knew a few of the regulars by name, I always take that as a good sign!
My wife has declared that we'll definitely do dining again, so I think we can call it a win.

Just a couple of record shots, but it was nice that both the York and Pontefract stops on the outbound gave passengers plenty of time to go look at and photograph of the loco.



Time to book my tickets for the Great Northern in September!

 

Just a thought. Was this the first steam hauled train with passengers to stop at the new platform at Darlington, not withstanding 60163 and support coach? I might mention it to the Branch Line Society.

 

It was certainly announced onboard as such.

We had some debate onboard whether it counts as an actual station 'call', given that passengers couldn't alight. However, at least some VT staff did so.

 

Our PA didn’t work to any great extent in first coach behind the support but I get the debate about pax not being allowed off. I’ll see what the BLS say. What a cracking day though, the best bit for me was charging through Durham.

 

One of my photos from Friday's trip to Newcastle with Vintage Trains 'The Cathedrals Express' hauled by 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with 37240 as tail gunner.
At York for a scheduled 35 minute wait



Others can be viewed at:
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2026/June-2026/Cathedrals-Express

Neil

 

My pic of 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Pontefract Baghill on the outward leg of the Cathedrals Express to Newcastle. Me and my friend Colin boarded the tour at Tamworth. It was an enjoyable day out.

Davo 56F