Vintage Trains 2023

We plan for our Kings Cross trip with 7029 on 30/9 to have two dates as strike proof resilience. Bookings open next week for 30/9 but with a second date to put in your diary just in case….and no we are not running two trips, just doing our best to ensure there is at least one!

 

Unfortunately I have an encounter with a MN in Devon this weekend. Not very good planning.

 

An overview of the Tyseley Locomotive Works Open Weekend, featuring GWR 4079 'Pendennis Castle' visiting from Didcot.

 

Timings for the Minehead trip on Saturday. With the re-opening of Nuneham Viaduct, it's now going via it's originally-planned route rather than via Worcester.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91370/2023-06-24/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U91371/2023-06-24/detailed

 

Any indication of the path this is using on the WSR would be much appreciated, as I'm going to have a day with the visiting cl.25 on the diesel turn to coincide with the tour and want to make sure I'm well positioned to see the two Manors up a hill as well.

 

@SebWelsh are you able to help?

 

Details of the Kings Cross to Lincoln trip with 7029 have now appeared on the VT Website. No mention of it being diesel-free, so I assume that there will be a diesel on the back.

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/express-train-from-kings-cross-to-lincoln/

 

How else they gonna get the train on the blocks?

 

This has appeared on the tour's webpage.

Depart Bishops Lydeard at 13:10 and arrive at Minehead at 14:26

Depart Minehead at 16:05 and arrive at Bishops Lydeard at 17:14

 

Thanks for sharing that, makes planning Saturday much easier.

 

7029 at the distinctive Harbury Tunnel on 24 06 2023

 

The return trip seen passing Brent Knoll.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/53000053098/in/dateposted-public/

 

It was a long day yesterday but actually I really enjoyed it. The Manors put in a superb turn on the West Somerset making a proper racket and the crew on the Castle worked hard in the difficult conditions that I think we are becoming used to this summer!

Sorry for the failure to make Snow Hill for anyone who wanted there - a person was threatening to jump from a bridge and despite originally being told we could access the station from the Moor Street end we were then told that we couldn't - to be fair a Castle turning up in the middle of such an issue probably would have been most unwelcome anyway - in the event it was gone 0030 before the situation was resolved, apparently.

 

A fantastic sight at Castle Hill but unfortunately caused a few minor lineside fires. [BJ]

 

A short clip of the Whistling Ghost on the WSR with the two Manors.....

 

Some additions to the 2023 Vintage Trains Programme, available to book on the website:

16th August 2023- The Scarborough Belle (Class 20s)

Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby and York.

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/the-scarborough-belle/

30th September 2023- Express Steam Train from Kings Cross to Lincoln

London Kings Cross only.

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/express-train-from-kings-cross-to-lincoln/

5th December 2023- The Merchant Venturer to Bath and Bristol

Solihull, Widney Manor, Warwick Parkway, Banbury and Oxford.

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/the-merchant-venturer/

 

Interesting choice on the 5 Dec trip with a very similar Saphos trip on the same day, albeit going diesel hauled up the Chiltern line to West London and steam back down the GWML rather than steam all the way via Oxford.

Given both call at my home station, will have to make a difficult choice which one I do!

 

16th August 2023- The Scarborough Belle (Class 20s)
Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby and York.
https://vintagetrains.co.uk/the-scarborough-belle/

Part fares available as well on the York to Scarborough section £40

 

I am planning to have a trip on the Shakespeare Express this summer. When I have done it in previous years, I start my journey on the second return trip from Birmingham in the early afternoon and return on the last train from Stratford.

I have looked on the Vintage Trains website and it does not seem to give you the option of joining the train on the afternoon departure from Birmingham? It seems you have to start on the 10am from Birmingham or the 12.52pm from Stratford.

Is it not allowed to start your journey on the second departure from Birmingham?

 

Best off calling the office.