Saphos Trains 2020

Sounds interesting but the carriages will stink of sanitiser all day if they do as they say and regularly wipe down the perspex panels separating each bay; door handles every time someone opens/closes one. Can;t trust passengers to remember to use the sanitisers every tim. Then there's the toilets. They'll surely have to be sanitise every hard surface after each use. Will it be like school - passengers will have to raise their hands to leave the carriage and go to the loo? No queuing 'cos of social distancing. At destinations leave the train in single file 2m apart. Greeters standing 2m away when passengers join, etc etc. Sounds pretty grim to us. Like OTW we'll be giving Charters a miss until risk levels are minimal.

 

I wonder whether the MK1's will get a wider use considering the effects of an air conditioned MK2 ?

 

But maybe window hanging would help manage the risks.

Totally agree with @Sidmouth , there wouldn't be any steam on the main line in Yorkshire at the moment. Walking round two of the reservoirs yesterday, there are going to be water issues before long, which seems amazing given last Oct, Nov and Feb.

 

Bone dry ground up here in Northumberland but Keilder fine

 

Agree Graham plus it’s almost certain that all Saphos trains will have a tail gunner. I will probably also wait until risks are minimal and charter travel returns close to normal which I suspect won’t be until next year. Meantime I have plenty to write about in my Heritage Railway column and will continue to do so for as long they want me to, concentrating on particular locos. Next up is Clan Line.

 

Some major fires have occurred in the South West, but nothing to do with steam trains. Basically careless disposal of portable barbecues have caused them. But it does amplify the risk which could affect railways.

 

We booked last year for the 27th June Bath and Bristol trip, which is now due to run on 12th December. We've gone for a credit note because so much of the trip will now be in darkness. And I'm not convinced there won't be a second wave in the autumn or winter and further lockdowns before we see the end of this.

 

Various announcements from tour promoters released today. Saphos web site has been updated showing the Fellsman on 15th July being their first operation with the way things are currently looking. Rain dance required.

 

Is it going to be enough dampen it down for a few weeks though on the dales?

 

That is indeed the question. It's going in the right direction though... heavy rain for a few hours tonight followed by intermittent light rain for at least the next fortnight. It's raining here in north Cumbria as I speak.

 

You could be in luck then

 

Whilst it sounds good news I guess it must be dependant on the government removing the "only essential journeys" by rail statement.
I also understand from other rail sites that enthusiasts are banned from stations at the moment so not sure if that is still in place how it would work when a tour arrives at somewhere like Carlisle and everyone gets off and wants to hang around to take pictures of the loco, or gets back early to do the same.

 

Yes but what about lineside photters lineside enthusiasts wise as long as they are not on private land without permission in big groups after all there is allowance of a group of 6 people outside in public spaces after easing of lockdown occurred last Monday.

 

Linesiders are beyond the concern really for Saphos (or any tour promoter). So long as they’re looking after their own measures on their own service they’re covered. But where linesiders are concerned it’s really down to the actions of those interested. Having visited the GCR to see 78018 on test runs last weekend I was sceptical given it was publicly announced. However it seems everyone saw sense with those not wanting to risk going out didn’t, and the small number who did venture out made for sufficient social distancing (at least 2m) without any sort of policing or marshalling (away from Quorn). Thankfully we live in an age where those that do venture out can provide the days entertainment to those who don’t easily in forms of varying media.

 

Especially when it’s spammed in most groups on Facebook by everybody’s favourite copy and paste website...

James

 

Great excuse to stick another 4 on the drawbar, and a diesel to break even!!!

 

Quick look on their website and the 15 July is fully booked in 2nd class, so I guess a lot of us old gimmers don't mind being couped up together for hours, especially as the good hand sanitiser should be Ethyl Alcohol based, should make the atmosphere more convivial!

 

I'd guess the Fellsman was all but full before the pandemic started and I'd also bet that come the 15th the train wont be full !