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Shakespeare Express 2016 - 17th July > 4th September

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Ben Vintage-Trains, Jun 2, 2016.

  1. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    Sundays from 17th July to 4th September. We are looking forward to our Eighteenth consecutive season of operating the Shakespeare Express.

    We continue to offer the £12.50 deal in Standard Class (pre-booked) from Stratford>Birmingham>Stratford. Alternatively we can offer you Breakfast, Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea depending on the train and time of day.

    There are engineering works on the first weekend of operation resulting in the train using the North Warwick line in both directions. Further works preclude us from operating at all on 14th August, so we are offering a Welsh Marches circular on Saturday 13th August with 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe'.

    2016 locos will be primarily 4965 'Rood Ashton Hall' with 5043 deputising on a couple of Sundays.

    For more details visit www.ShakespeareExpress.com
     
  2. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    That £12.50 fare has to be the bargain of the main line year.
     
  3. Steamage

    Steamage Part of the furniture

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    I can heartily recommend the Sunday lunch from Stratford. I did that with a group of friends last summer and it made a splendid afternoon out.
     
  4. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    I can also recommend a Stratford to Stratford DIY picnic lunch if you choose not to take the on-board food. It really is a deal and a half. And by the way, it is a proper steam trip.
     
  5. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Great to see steam both ways over the North Warwick Line on the opener ! It's a shame both return routes can't be switched every few weeks as I find the NWL a touch more scenic & hillier !
     
  6. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    No times for the return over the NWL, but the timings for the bus replacements on the Chiltern line are on so RTT, so that pretty much confirms the NWL return.
     
  7. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    We have confirmed times to run the normal route, so the return sprints through Solihull & Dorridge.

    It is my understanding the block is Anyho Jctn > Banbury > Leamington as they are working on the signaling and track layout at Banbury.
     
  8. Ben Vintage-Trains

    Ben Vintage-Trains Member

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    We are using 4965 'Rood Ashton Hall' this week for the first Shakespeare. 5043 will do several turns throughout the season.

    I will keep you updated!
     
  9. pete12000

    pete12000 Member

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    I'm looking forward to travelling tomorrow, I'll book again if I know when 5043 is working, many thanks!
     
  10. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Thanks for confirming.
     
  11. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    It seems to of come round quick, £12.50 is a bargain and as you can make a nice afternoon run out of it always easy to convince the other half to go even if sometimes I have to hand her my wallet in Stratford as part of the deal :Resistanceisfutile:
     
    andalfi1 likes this.
  12. The Man

    The Man New Member

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    Confirmed late this afternoon. The Spokeshave Express will run out and back via North Warks tomorrow. Main line blocked for engineering works.
    See you all tomorrow.
     
  13. David likes trains

    David likes trains Member

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    Two pictures of today's 2nd run, both taken at Blunts Green in lovely sunshine. First time I've seen it return up the north warwickshire line.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Kje7812

    Kje7812 Part of the furniture

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    Might do this if I can get a Sunday off. £12.50 from Stratford is a true bargin.
     
  15. AlexGWR1994

    AlexGWR1994 Member

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    My footage of Rood Ashton Hall tackling 1 in 150 climb to Wood End. Hope you enjoy.
     
  16. Sidmouth

    Sidmouth Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Moderator

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    Mick45305 likes this.
  17. Nick Gough

    Nick Gough Well-Known Member

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    Nice to see a GWR loco on the main line again. :)
     
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  18. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    The long wait for something Great Western on the mainline was more than worth the wait, with a fine display on the long climb over the NWL. The Hall class is captured at Moor St, Yardley, Henley In Arden, Wootton Wawen & finally at Danzey Station sounding very well. Be nice to see the Castle return over the NWL on another occasion ! A great start to season !

     
  19. donbenn2000

    donbenn2000 New Member

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    Hi Ben. Do you know the dates when 5043 will be working? Thanks
     
  20. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    The last trip usually sees 5043 take charge.
     

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