Saphos Trains 2020

70000 according to Railway Herald/Saphos Trains:
http://www.railwayherald.co.uk/railtours

 

Times now up for the second Lakelander (on 29th Aug)

Dorridge-Crewe (Diesel)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01525/2020-08-29/detailed

Crewe-Carlisle via Shap (Steam)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01527/2020-08-29/detailed

Carlisle-Crewe via Cumbrian Coast (Steam)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01529/2020-08-29/detailed

Crewe-Dorridge (Diesel)
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01531/2020-08-29/detailed

The Mrs & I will be on this one in dining from Solihull, our post-lockdown treat to make up for lack of steam over the last few months.
With an 0600 departure and 00:00 arrival, it'll be a long ol' day, but good value for money in terms of mileage, and we're looking forward to our first taste of the Sophos dining offer. Let's just hope they keep us well caffeinated!

Daniel

 

Thanks very much

 

My footage of Royal Scot and Britannia tackling the South Devon Banks during Wednesday's sweltering heatwave. I filmed them both at Keynsham, Nynehead, Tigley, Hemerdon and Cogload Junction. Enjoy.

 

Perhaps that's why we were being given tea, coffee and biscuits for a standard class fare on Wednesday?!?

Joking aside, having seen the use of FO carriages, screens and suitable seating plans it really does negate the need for a mask once sat down. I come from a position where I fully support the use of face coverings in public situations and wish the Welsh Government would take a stronger stance in shops, having got most other things right the last few months.

Masks are of course required if you need to use toilets or when boarding / disembarking, which makes sense.

I think Saphos have got this right and fair play for pushing their case.

 

Some recent pics of the Saphos specials lovely to see steam around Bristol again

 

Is there a reason why I can't book solo for First or Premier Class?

 

Bet they hated me booking 3 really It's the same as 1 on a table of 2 and then 2 on a table of 4.

 

If you email Saphos and tell them the trip you're interested in they'll add you to the waiting list. If it gets to 7 days before the trip and there are still empty tables left then they'll contact you and ask if you want to buy a ticket. If you do then you'll have the table to yourself.

 

I've opted for the Dalesman instead - I'm travelling on the Waverley on the 6th September so it'll be a hop across the Pennines to Chester.

 

Ideally they want 4-6 of the 6 seats filled. That's why they aren't selling single traveller tickets. I booked 3, so we had a table of 4 and the 2 others remained empty. Meaning 50% taken.

 

In the present climate I would imagine that Saphos would be quite pleased if the train ran with 50% capacity. <BJ>

 

Latest Fellsman at Wilpshire and near Horton .

 

Hmmm.. Royal Scot maybe?

 

I been told its Royal Scot

 

Given 70000's recent problems I'd expect 46100 too.

 

Following an unholy amount of technical issues, I've finally managed to get this video out. Included is footage of the 2nd 'English Riviera Express, 'The Welsh Borders Express' and 'The Devonian Express', as well some bonus material of 75014 'Braveheart' at work on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. Enjoy!

 

Absolutely super vid'. Thank you very much!