SRPS Railtours 2025

Note the mixture of ownership (SRPS and LSL) and liveries, including the kitchen car with Statesman branding.

 

Lots of things in this hobby I never quite understand as they don’t necessarily float my boat but I’d never knock anyone for their interest in something I don’t quite get myself.
Matt an unapologetic EE Type One fan who’s put a lot of time, effort and some cash into several ‘Choppers’ to keep them operating just for the massive smile they not only put on my face but that of several of my friends and colleagues too.

 

Thanks, I don't usually turn out for diesel trips but if it's a nice day, close to home and something a bit different - this one qualified on all three counts. The rule can be stretched (a little) for a Deltic or a class 40 and even for Jeremy's blue and white HST. It appears (sounds) like you had a very enjoyable trip and were blessed by just about the nicest day you can expect in early March.

 

Thanks, the diesel fans appear to be even more fanatical about diesels than steam enthusiasts are about steam locos. Many of the earlier diesels in particular do have their own distinctive sound, the class 20s being one of those and do attract their own fan club. I wish them all well but I don't think that I will be joining them on a trip (I'm sure that they are glad to hear that).

 

Try having a chat with some of the senior Hydraulic cranks… crikey, unless you weren’t about before 1977 your opinion doesn’t count for anything (despite you being born 7 years after there demise and helping to get a certain Class 52 back on the mainline as a teenager)

 

Maybe Mk1's are not the be all and end all.
Apparently from posts on wnxx the Crewe Glasgow trip with 37/4's for the 40th Anniversary, today apparently emails issued to pax, cancelled due to lack of bookings.

 

What's wrong with 37's?
Plenty of other tours with those where the diesel guys have been moaning about not being able to hear the loco.

 

Canx was due to lack of bookings so if it is not the stock it must be the locos, or do you have another reason?

 

Interesing post on Facebook, confirming 60007 will be running for SRPS at some point:

"Alternatively sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of our tour page to be the first to hear about our Autumn/Winter programme that features #SteamTrains behind 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley over the world famous #ForthBridge."

https://www.srpsrailtours.co.uk/future-tours

 

https://www.sirnigelgresley.org.uk/mob-news.shtml

SNG website confirms the current SRPS booked work in August. Good to see more to come in Autumn/Winter

 

Tickets for 60007 Fife Circle Tours available: Buy Summer Steam Specials Tickets online - SRPS Railtours

 

Unless I'm being blind, it doesn't actually mention the date anywhere on that page.

(Edit: Website now updated with dates, so disregard comment).

 

It doesn't. 14th and 18th according to the homepage, 10.00 and 18.00 from Edinburgh Waverley. £125 standard class though, for about 5 hours for each trip. I was tempted but when it comes to £325 for two adults and a child, I'm out.

 

A friend I was chatting to (SNG Society member) was interested. I was surprised whilst chatting to him that you have to actually say you want a seat before you can find out the times of the train. More so as it seems there is only one train from south of the border that allows you to get the 10:00 (XC from York at around 06:30, would not trust that to be on time) so you would be looking at at least one nights hotel, or the sleeper from Euston or Watford Junction.

 

It's on the very front page of the SRPS website, and there's now a dedicated page for the tours which wasn't there yesterday.

https://www.srpsrailtours.co.uk/the-capital-highlander-2-2-1

Ignore what the address actually says, it takes you to the correct page! Still very, very expensive for what it is. Even the 60103 tours a few years ago were sub £100.

 

Was trying to explain this on another forum yesterday about the £125 price. The use of a TOC (LSL) with long distance ECS and LE moves, the use of a loco where the TOC will pay a steaming fee (Which I’m sure will be relatively high given length of day/miles) not only for the day, but for the LE moves too. The track access costs for all the moves, the trip, etc. All adds up, although I don’t doubt for a 2nd that the LSL brand has added a few quid too to the price tag.

 

All of which may be true, but value is about the price to the consumer, not the cost to run - see discussions about NYMR for examples.