Saphos Trains 2018

Take it easy. It's hardly the Belmond Pullman is it where yes, I would expect folk to turn out in top gear. These steam tours are hybrid with a mix of all types. One's attire should be down to the individual whether in first class dining or standard. A good person is a good person!

 

It would be a difficult situation for the stewards or TM I would agree but if someone has published a dress code then it is only reasonable to abide by it. I do not believe the term smart casual means jacket and tie, it would in my opinion however not mean a tee shirt, blue jeans or shorts.
The Swanage Railway has a similar dress code for its Dining Service and I see the SVR refuses Stag and Hen party bookings. All quite reasonable I feel for the benefit of the rest of the diners who are paying a lot for the experience.

 

The OP on this topic said he was going in First not Premier Dining. I'd say in First casual shirt, chinos, trainers or comfortable shoes was the middle of the road. A lot of people want a walk when they get to the destination, depending on the weather.

 

Got to look on point gents

 

I agree with this, If I were on the Belmond or Belle that is. I certainily wouldn't be wearing shorts in the height of winter.

 

Judging by others I've seen in FC on the two Saphos trips I have done so far, you won't look out of place in a shirt and black jeans.

 

Thank you very much for the responses.

Decided it would be too hot for a buttoned shirt so managed to borrow a dark blue polo shirt with a small Silverlink Trains logo, train related at least!

I don't *think* I need Braunton, certainly havent done it on the mainline, think I did it at the WSR about 10 years ago on a steam gala. At least tomorrow will confirm that I have done it!

Bonus for me is I've not done the Paignton connection nor have I done the line to Kingswear! (I know, I'm probably one of a few enthusiasts on the SW that hasn't done it)

Would be nice to have a GWR loco on the tour, would love to be hauled by a Manor, King or Hall on the mainline but at the bargain introductory prices I certainly can't grumble!

 

About 10 mins late at Bath.

 

No times on RTT

 

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54973/2018/06/24/advanced LS appears to have disappeared from the operator drop down list but can still be found if you search for STP at a known location (BRI)

 

Yeah ta, was looking under freight

 

Just joined at Taunton. Had a quick chat with the driver who implied the ‘47’ was working a bit every now and again on notch 1/2 to Taunton due to the fire risk. He was hopeful it shouldn’t shove too much down to Kingswear but we’ll see.

I’m in First; I was assuming I would be in a Mk1 with opening windows but instead I’m in a sealed Mk2. FFS!

Stock is looking glorious though and the staff are all well-presented.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

This is 2018, Its a train, you are on it for hours on end, you are going to the seaside so you wear what is comfortable. As for paying a lot of money for a premier dining experience, yes its a lot of money, but the train, its fittings, and the dining experience is far from premier.

 

Its not widespread condemnation, merely - when taken in context - putting things in perspective.

 

Heard nothing but good reports from people who've travelled about both stock and staff, the only downside seems to be the late version Mk2s.

Anyway - the wanderer's return to Crewe

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55023/2018/07/02/advanced

 

The year, being on a train and the time being on it are irrelevant and I’ve never noticed anyone with a bucket and spade. I am merely saying that wearing shorts in premier dining does nothing to help the ambience of the setting and the feeling of luxury travel (yes I agree that sometimes the setting isn’t all that it should be) being paid at a luxury price. It’s often the people present and the staff who make it what it is. Just my opinion and I accept others will have a different view

 

Not the most obvious route from Bristol to Crewe. Is it really easier for NR to find a path via Swindon than via Cheltenham?

 

Not sure how you have come to that conclusion as you could not be further from the truth. It is self evident to all that the external appearance of the train is immaculate and I can assure you that the posh nosh coach interiors are also immaculate. The seating is the best I have experienced, no sitting on springs there, firm and comfortable for the largest of backsides. The Sunday lunch itself was superb and the bottle of plonk was included in the price. I liked the fact that no bulky lamp and lampshade was on the table to impede the view although curtains were not evident, perhaps they are work in progress.

The atmosphere was relaxed and I was not frogmarched away from an open droplight as we climbed Gresford bank. And a Scot on the fast from Stafford to Crewe was a great way to end an excellent trip.

 

I have dined on trains far more upmarket than a Saphos tour wearing shorts.