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Welsh Borders Explorer: 29/04/18 (Saphos)

Discussion in 'What's Going On' started by Big Al, Apr 18, 2018.

  1. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    These appear to be the timings for this:

    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52336/2018/04/29/advanced
    http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U52337/2018/04/29/advanced

    It looks like a case of "Don't blink or you will miss it". All over and done with in four hours including twenty minutes at Shrewsbury and half an hour at Telford. That said, a nice Sunday circular with plenty of interest including Gresford. I hope that they run with a shorter train than to Holyhead or it might become a bit of a puff for whatever is up front.

    Actually looking forward to this so I can get a sense of what Saphos has to offer.
     
  2. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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    I agree , Al. I haven't done Gresford for a long while and Saphos need to be sampled.

    I'm going posh class and paying no less than people on their longer tours who have a full English breakfast and three course dinner. I think I have seen mention of a glass of champagne. I am not grumbling because of the intoductory half price offer but I would not pay double to go again.

    I think I noted from the consist of the Holyhead tour that Standard class passengers will be cocooned in aircon Mark 2s (well, you've had some practice recently Al!) whilst we will get refurbed Mark 1s! All very different and interesting.

    Peter on a warm but dull Manchester morning
    http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/
     
  3. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Add the cost of a return ticket from the south coast to Crewe and the whole day is just about bearable...at half price for the steam bit!
     
  4. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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    That's right Al. Smile at the trials!

    P
     
  5. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Has anyone received tickets yet?
     
  6. 1020 Shireman

    1020 Shireman Part of the furniture Friend

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    My friends went on the NWCE and their Standard Class Coach, Coach H, the rear one leaving Crewe with the growling diesel against it, was stifling as the Aircon failed. Happy days. At least it only cost them £45 each.
     
  7. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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    Mine have just landed. Depart Crewe 10 50 return 15 05. I am in dining Coach B Seat 9F.

    Not much to add - just roll on 29th!

    Peter in Manchester
     
  8. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    Mine also arrived this morning. Coach B 16F.
     
  9. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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  10. 26D_M

    26D_M Part of the furniture

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    46100 or 34046 probably most likely.
     
  11. 60017

    60017 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    UK Steam info has it as 46100
     
  12. pjhliners

    pjhliners Member Friend

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    Thanks for this. The sun is shining as I prepare to leave, though it is not expected to last.

    The usual blurb and pictures in a day or two

    Peter, just off to Crewe on a sunny Manchester morning
    http://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com
     
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  13. Big Al

    Big Al Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator

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    Currently on a Virgin up to Crewe if you'll pardon the expression. I had completely forgotten how much extra time they add to services on a Sunday. Euston to Nuneaton non stop. Booked 87 minutes for 97 miles. I reckon that a Duchess could do that. So who says that there are no fast paths for steam on the WCML?
     
  14. Deltic

    Deltic New Member

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    Its 34046 braunton/lord dowding on this I see it on crewe 1 cam on railcam now
     
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  15. MellishR

    MellishR Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    On board!
     
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  16. 60017

    60017 Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    That's a result for Big Al!
     
  17. Jeff Albiston

    Jeff Albiston Member

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    Only just got to the location 2 minutes before it arrived. Tour seen at Balderton level crossing.
     

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  18. jsm8b

    jsm8b Part of the furniture

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    Dull and cold in Shropshire today !
    Working well at Cosford after the Telford stop.
    Home for hot coffee in less than 15 minutes.



    DSC_1238 34052 Cosford 290418.JPG
     
  19. 30567

    30567 Part of the furniture Friend

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    So what is our reporters' verdicts on the Saphos experience?
     
  20. LMarsh1987

    LMarsh1987 Part of the furniture Friend

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    Well, the lineside verdict, which is irrelevant, turned out to be a decent day in the end. Didn't do Gresford as it's treed over, so headed for Chirk Bank summit where she sounded very good and the diesel was idle as we all hoped for, though we await the official reports from on board.
     

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