Saphos Trains 2020

Yes I guess another example of something that was not an issue (maybe inconvenient if everyone had to wander through dining to get off) that now becomes more of an issue that as you say needs some pre-planning. And a fall back plan for when due to issues on the day the train ends up "the wrong way round", for example issues on the GWML (not unusual) meaning the stock can not get out of Southall on time as planned and be turned (if needed) en route to the departure point.

 

And what happens if something crops up that isn't planned?
For example a few times in my youth I've been diverted into New Street via the loop at Soho Junction for various reasons, and then approached New Street from the south before heading back in the same direction much to the confusion of some on board.
But the whole train is now the 'wrong way round'

 

Of more concern is declared Government opinion that face coverings on public transport applies to main line charter trains (and heritage railways). Steam Railway has detailed reports that raise serious concerns.

A pedant might conclude that current rules require a face mask as compulsory on trains in England, where restaurants can operate, but the face mask is just advisory in Wales but no food allowed. Upshot is uneaten breakfast is whisked away just as one is allowed to remove the facemask. Doh!

 

Should all be resolved on July 9th hopefully when our beloved First Minister announces the opening dates and arrangements for Pubs and Restaurants. They do have a penchant for giving notice 21 days in advance so opening date could be the 30th, but we're hoping earlier. We should be let off the leash from the 5 miles max. journeys to unlimited on 6th July, subject to there not being any upturn in cases of Covid, so we could legally drive over to Bristol. On the facemask thing, although it's technically only advisory, there's a sign on Abergavenny Station saying face masks must be worn past this point - the point being before setting foot on the platform. Only one bloke waiting for the Manchester and typically he obviously couldn't read!!!

 

I am just wondering about saphos online booking for the fellsman will the tickets and comformation of booking still come via post as paper tickets or sent as a E ticket 7 days prior to departure due to the covid 19?

 

The reason i asked that question is if other visitor attractions such as museums theme parks theatres etc some railway toc like east mids railways cross country and LNER are advising visitors passengers to book in advance online for the time been to save mailhandling sites the stress of sending tickets via post or the man at the ticket booth exhanging money and tickets to stop the spread of covid 19 and is still here and railway toc asking workers passengers to travel and book online for essential journeys.

 

Tickets sent in the post the usual method from saphos, its just sometimes with R.T.C. sometimes been issued E tickets vintage they always post out their tickets and confirmation is sent by email if booked online and dont do E tickets as far as im aware.

 

See the Fellsman is now showing only limited availability in dining, but unusually tables for 2 are still available; same in First. We gave dining a thought, but steam lag or not, it ain't worth an extra £140 each.

 

For obvious reasons, it would be a risky booking.

 

This is what i was told as well so saphos when booking for the fellsman on 15 july they wouldent accept my booking as a single without taking someone onboard and the phone operator also said they had full bookings anyhow so i got a refund, and just booked with W.C.R.C. dalesman on 14 july to join at preston return bit like a C.M.E. cant stand it anyhow when saphos use their C 47 tailgunner and not the generator car.
Davo 56F

 

The dynamic has changed since it became possible to book a private table for two without paying a £50 supplement. That's why guaranteed tables for two remain available. I suspect those bookings for two that are allocated their own table of four will be expected to sit side by side rather than occupy the two window seats. That however might result in conflict with social distancing rules if the table for two in the same bay is occupied.

 

Looks very much like tables for 4 won't have anyone from another household on them. Won't be that many passengers per carriage at that rate. Has to be though. In First Dining there's no way you can apply 2m social distancing or even 1m+ when folk are leaning towards the tables to eat. Bit surprised they've got permission to run like that. Worse in standard. There might be 2m between the two perspex screens but seat cushioning pushes you forward so there's no way passengers sitting opposite on a table would be permissible unless they are from the same household. Strange times. Will be interested to see reports here on the day.

 

Any word on requirement of Facemasks? Going to be a bit awkward in dining with such you'd of thought...