Vintage Trains: Plans for 2018

August 26th is only a bit over two weeks away. I really hope that the Shakespeare Express runs but would have expected to see some advertising by now.

 

....doesn't look too promising...

 

VT is still not listed on the ORR Rail Licencing Register so the final part of the process must still be working it's way through the "system".

 

Anyone have news on this?

 

Our Share Certificates arrived this morning with an accompanying letter confirming the granting of VT's Operating Licence.

 

Got mine as well and had hoped for an estimate of first excursions but had forgotten that there will be need for staff training and testing before we have a public run. However should not be long now.

 

Mine likewise. With the perk of a ride behind twin Castles now delayed until 5043's new certificate, there's an option to change to one of the new perks that are offered to new subscribers, but I think I'll wait for the Castles.

 

To add to the celebrations, a reminder for those who can make the Tyseley at 50 days: 29/30 September
http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/latestevents.aspx

 

BBC West Midlands has just had a nice piece about the launch of Vintage Trains steam services. Will see if I can find a link

Nothing on BBC but this on Vintage trains - BBC interviewing our MD Cath Bellamy for Midlands Today. Watch tonight at 6:30 https://t.co/6XnYZf7pCB

 

Sister Company??

http://vivarail.co.uk/our-sister-company-vintage-trains-ltd-is-now-an-approved-toc/

Getting some national publicity https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ns-set-return-Britains-main-rail-network.html

Isn't Clun Castle looking all grown up

 

Yes that is an excellent picture of the Castle. Usual high quality Daily Mail journalism seems to imply they have become some sort of all stations operator between Birmingham and SOA.

 

Well I guess with Adrian Shooter as 'dad' of both companies they will be sisters.

 

This video has been put on the BBC website featuring 5043 and Ray Churchill:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-birmingham-45564589/steam-trains-to-return-to-the-mainline

Also a report here:https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...ting-company&usg=AOvVaw3yLaTKAvtKgW5kGuPLIZ2Q

 

Judging by all the coverage of this appearing all over the place, and Ray Churchill's photos in most of them, I think that he must have been coaxed out of retirement. The article on the Birmingham Mail specifically mentions him by name and says he'll be driving the engines on the trips. Ever since "retirement" he's restricted himself to the Pannier shuttles at the open days so it will be great to have him at work out on the big railway again.

 

This is all very exciting news...!

 

Yes Ray emailed me a while ago to tell me he has been tempted back. Great news.

 

I had a strong suspicion that he would be involved! Similarly it seems like LSL have coaxed Fred Lewis out of retirement,