Vintage Trains - First trips with Clun Castle

http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/the-shakespeare-express.aspx

 

I seem to recall that VT's Shakespeare Express paths are now in the national timetable, so I expect these WCR trips are "as well as" not "instead of". It may make Stratford station a little congested on a Sunday, though.

 

Burton is where the Riviera Trains Mk2 coaching stock is based. I've not read the HR article yet but perhaps WC plan to hire that stock for these trips?

 

When I went out to film Rood Ashton’s test run I chatted to a member of the support crew and, apparently, VT want to run Shakespeares four times a week during the holiday season. Capacity issues on the Hatton to B’ham route would mean using the North Warwickshire Line in both directions.

 

Not really, I know quite a few folks who have done the same sort of thing, it's not something to invest in monetary terms, but it's something to invest in so that maybe in 20 years or so's time that generation gets to enjoy the same sort of things myself and my family and friends have been lucky enough to enjoy in the past.

 

Iv been saying for ages that they need to run on Saturday's too as not everyone can get down on a Sunday, even for me it's a struggle on public transport as Sunday services are so bad. Hope that at some point we get a Bromsgrove banker train where one of Tyseley's pannier tanks bank either 4965, 5043 or 7029 up Bromsgrove.

 

The electrification of the Lickey, and the subsequent increase in the number of trains, means that finding a path up the bank for a steam worked special could be difficult, if not impossible.

 

Better get it done ASAP before it becomes impossible then as how often do you see steam specials go up the Lickey incline.

 

Too late. The electrification was completed last year and a new timetable introduced.

 

I see steaminfo have pinned 9/3 for Clun to Oxford ? Should still sell quick given it's only a few weeks away, once their booking site goes live.

 

Times out for 28th

Outward
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10922/2019/02/28/advanced

Return
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U10923/2019/02/28/advanced

 

It must have the 47 on the back as the return times show that the entire train is being turned on the triangle at Worcester, with all the passengers still on board.

 

Have there been any bookings advertised for the Shakespeare expresses to S.T.A. yet?

 

Had an email from VT suggesting that the first two tours have now been opened up to the public too.

 

Yeh lads get your tickets while they are hot, they are taking bookings now, I've just reserved my seat on the tour on the 7th March, not seen anything though asking for confirmation about being a shareholder with Vintage trains.

 

I got an email offering me the chance to book on 28th Feb and 7th March, the reason given that I've booked tickets with VT before.

 

Making use of the terminus platforms at Moor Street so I assume Clun and the train will need to be reversed out to then head in the right direction.

 

90.00 standard is steep for such short mileage. I'd pay it, if it meant pure steam, but given Clun's in it's early days it's understandable, unlike the price.