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Saphos Trains 2018

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by gwr4090, Dec 19, 2017.

  1. gwr4090

    gwr4090 Part of the furniture

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    The approved Saphos Trains programme of 12 charters for 2018 to be operated by the new Locomotive Services (TOC) Ltd is now showing at http://www.uksteam.info
     
  2. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Including a TBEL .....?
     
  3. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Link below to official website although tours not yet live:

    saphostrains.com/
     
  4. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Looking at it, their version seem to be weekends where there is not a TBEL planned, I assume that this is just filling a gap in the season?

    Surprising for a company/group that is very good at keeping its websites updated this information and booking capacity is not available to date although possibly a splash launch after new year?
     
  5. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    If you look at Statesman Rail you will see that this is simply the management of the release of information by the official sites. UKSteam is an unofficial (although very reliable) site.
    http://statesmanrail.com/saphos-trains.html
     
  6. GWR4707

    GWR4707 Nat Pres stalwart

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    Another question (which I suspect you won't be able to answer) any ideas why they have felt the need to set up yet another company when they already have the Statesman company and brand within the group.
     
  7. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I don't know the answer except to say that by keeping the Statesman brand separate, the trains/stock that run under that name can be kept as a separate enterprise. (There are plenty of examples nationally. Wall's and Ben & Jerry both sell ice cream but are both part of the same company - Unilever)
     
  8. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    Seems that way, slightly more adventurous than the initial TOC plans announced using routes to/from Crewe though.
    I notice there is a venture into the Lancashire heartland too. Hope to see 34046 back up here, that would be some sight and sound over Copy Pit.
     
  9. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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    It will be most interesting to see how these tours sell,particularly in view of a recent announcement from PMR Railtours that they are not operating any further tours and that 46233 will be based almost entirely in the South in future as "there is no money in the North".
     
  10. alastair

    alastair Well-Known Member

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  11. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    As has been mentioned elsewhere, RTC seems to have contracted almost exclusively with Carnforh based loco owners for its northern jobs. Hence no work for 46233 equals no money. It will be interesting to see what loads are put behind the 5Xs in the fells and Wilpshire.
     
  12. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Where have PMR announced that? http://www.prclt.co.uk/pmr-tours.html says "there will not be any tours in 2017 by PMR Tours" but "We are confident that PMR Tours will be running tours in 2018".
     
  13. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    I read it recently. I think it was in this months Heritage Railway. The same statement included the mention of 6233 being based almost entirely in the south of England.

    From the RTC web site, I can see there is one CME from Crewe with 6233 down to do it.
     
  14. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    The CMEs listed on UK Steam so far all seem to have 45690 or 99 against them as I could see. If I remember correctly it has been said that RTC arranges hire directly with owners then informs the TOC which then undertakes all the necessary admin etc functions. Perhaps 6233 is not within budget hire cost wise?
    Presumably the TOC then informs RTC what load will be permissible for the chosen motive power and seats offered accordingly?
     
  15. iancawthorne

    iancawthorne Well-Known Member

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    21st July:
    http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/the-cumbrian-mountain-express-2

    it's the only one I can see starting from Crewe. All the other CME's start from London, which are listed for a 5X.
     
  16. Bulleid Pacific

    Bulleid Pacific Part of the furniture

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    Not a bad set of itineraries to start off with. That particular Copy Pit itinerary is something I've been thinking about since the curve opened.

    Seeing that Standard Class is probably on offer, when the lineside gossip suggested only First Class and above, then it's all looking rather positive. Now to speculate which of the three available locomotives will do Copy Pit!
     
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  17. gwr4090

    gwr4090 Part of the furniture

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    Statesman trains are being operated by West Coast Railway Co, Saphos Trains by Locomotive Services (TOC)
     
  18. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    I hope they've completed the generator, otherwise they'll need an oil can to power their mk2 set.
     
  19. Will RL

    Will RL Member

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    Pete Thornhill likes this.
  20. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes the opening prices certainly appear tempting.
     

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