Saphos 2025

It isn't on the tour list for 60007 and 70000 went back to Southall so I'd assume 60532.

 

Just received an email from Saphos, the Edinburgh Summer Explorer on 18 June has been cancelled. "This decision has been made due to operational network issues that will now prevent the tour from being able to operate." Full refunds or transfer to another tour.

 

It's a shame for them, as it's a brand new tour for this year and, through no fault of their own, it isn't getting off to the best of starts is it? The inaugural one on Wednesday had to be diesel due to the steam ban and now the second one has had to be cancelled for network issues.

 

Oswald’s birthday present just went up in flames - not literally I hasten to add, we’ve had enough of steam locos and fires for one year.

 

I don't know what this was about but possibly one of the Hoskin clan getting married. Whatever it was Britannia broke new ground yesterday with a private charter from Victoria to the Bluebell seen here crossing Riddlesdown Viaduct. On Sunday its working another jolly round the Dover circuit from Edenbridge but the opposite way round to the normal.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41241/2025-05-25/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41242/2025-05-25/detailed

 

A totally brilliant shot John. How on earth did you get level with the track there please?

Surely the working is connected with the Golden Arrow working at the Bluebell today?

Bryan

 

Thanks Bryan, There is a steep footpath up to a foot crossing over the railway, this was taken over the fence just before the crossing. Google Earth is good at identifying places like this.

 

Do not know about today, but these are the return workings tomorrow Bryan

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41240/2025-05-25/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41241/2025-05-25/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U41242/2025-05-25/detailed

 

Good to see that the English Riviera Express today has just a diesel at the rear of the train. <BJ>

 

34046 Braunton at Bradford-on-Tone with the English Riviera Express en route to Kingswear.

 

East Grinstead to Redhill will of course be diesel leading. The loco and stock stayed at the Bluebell so if it’s working it will be down there

 

East Grinstead to South Croydon according to RTT

 

Wrong again John

Wink, wink

 

I assumed they would reverse at Redhill but I suppose our threadbare railway network doesn't allow that

 

Only a phone snap, but today's English Riviera Express at Tiverton Parkway

 

Braunton at Ashley Down Station, Bristol en route to Shrewsbury with the Welsh Marches Express. It was making a lot of noise!

 

A couple from the return trip of the Welsh Marches.
Approaching All Stretton, seen from Plush Hill with a backdrop of the 1237 ft 'The lawley', and than after the stop at Craven Arms passing a pair of Woofferton's lower quadrants.

 

Appears to have taken up residence at BTM platform 6. Apparently been there an hour.

 

This service was cancelled between Bristol Temple Meads and Paignton due to a problem with a steam locomotive (ME).

 

My photos of today approaching Stokesay ( just 'Braunton') and approaching the site of Berrington and Eye station, north of Leominster ( 'Braunton' and 'Crewe Diesel Depot' at the rear.