Saphos Trains 2020

Well said! This is one of the most sensible posts on this thread! I did write a more thorough reply to this and to some of the other posts I've seen here, but I think it's best to bite my lip...

 

Thank you for your advice. In line with continuing Government advice for my local area I am continuing to shield; this does not mean that I have to "stay at home" I am allowed outside to take exercise providing that I observe strict (2 metre) social distancing. I have been shielding for over five months, as have the others in my household. We are not wimps afraid of the outside world but understand that should I contract Coronavirus I am likely to become very ill (and possibly die) but would also likely expose medical staff unnecessarily. We feel that we are acting responsibly and there is nothing more that we can do to limit the spread of the virus.

To see arguments put forward that Saphos are not public transport are disappointing. It would perhaps be more difficult to argue that they were not an "indoor leisure attraction" and so require the wearing of face coverings. But maybe their trains are mobile diners? Perhaps businesses and individuals could consider the reasons behind specific regulations and advice and go the extra mile rather than seeking to find a way to avoid what they consider to be unpalatable. I would gladly wear a face covering if I could ride safely on a steam train - sadly I can't. I too have bitten my lip/tongue . . . and very painful it is.

 

Our dining experience on the Pembroke Coast Express felt very much safer than some of our more recent pub and restaurant visits. We considered ourselves to be in a well managed restaurant environment rather than on a public transport journey. Sure, we did our own virtual risk assessment before booking, based on the detailed information provided by Saphos. The actual experience matched or exceeded our expectations.

We wouldn't have booked without being certain of seats in a Mk1 with opening window vent. The idea of air con stock doesn't appeal.

 

That can be so because both posters have presented clearly reasoned arguments without resorting to name calling or insults aimed at those who don't agree with them. The same can't be said for what's appeared on others forms of social media since the start of the Covid crisis. I've made my views known on this particular subject but totally respect that others may view it differently.

 

Harking back to my question a while back - does anyone have an thoughts on whether the 10 September 'Sussex Belle' will run? Thanks.

 

Yes - that's the crux of it.

 

It was reported on another site that a route learner ran over the Marsh Link with a LE DB 66 3 days ago to facilitate crew knowledge for this charter, so it seems likely it will run.

 

Thanks for that. The 'Saphos' web site shows it as going ahead, too. This will break the steam 'drought' in the south-east since C19 began!

 

It's defo safer to go for a ride on a Saphos train than visit your local pub or restaurant.

 

Very likely, but I'm afraid some of us have no inclination to do either for the time being.

 

I feel that some of my recent posts may have marked me down as anti-Saphos; nothing can be further from the truth. I have travelled with them on several occasions and had another four trips booked for this year. The overall quality of their package is excellent; the carriages are restored to the highest standard, their staff are friendly, attentive and professional and it is always a pleasure to chat with the footplate and support crew. LSL provide some locos that other operators are unable to offer (and the pool is likely to expand with some big engines becoming available). Like many enthusiasts I would prefer standard class to be in carriages with opening windows – but this is not a game stopper (for me). I would also prefer that the tail gunner was not present but I fully understand the reasoning behind its presence and from personal and video evidence, where possible, it provides NO assistance.

The only issue I have with Saphos is face coverings (or lack of them). If it only affected passengers – your choice, your risk, but it is anyone who they may subsequently come into contact with – your choice, but their risk. Some posts have cited “Track and Trace” as one of the validations underpinning the policy but surely that is only “shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.” Legendary though Dildo Harding may be when mounted she and her posse have a poor record of rounding up the strays. In the early stages of the ongoing outbreak in Blackburn National Track and Trace managed to get in touch with only 50% of contacts, when switched to a local (and newly created) unit the success rate rose to over 90%. There are many differences from the TUI flight from Zante but it would perhaps be even more problematic to defend an outbreak linked to a train trip. Message ends (for good).

 

I had to go to the hospital in Blackburn last week, I was low on fuel, so called at the station near the hospital that's a Spar, Greggs and Starbucks. I couldn't believe how many people were without masks!! More than with, my protests were met with derision!!
No wonder it's the CV centre of the country!!

 

Times of Saturday's Welsh Marches Express, Liverpool to Cardiff, are up on RTT:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01545/2020-09-05/detailed
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K01550/2020-09-05/detailed

 

Any idea which loco(s) are down to haul this on Saturday ?

 

I asked Saphos yesterday morning but they were unable to advise which loco yet.

 

As a warning to photographers, the mk.2 coaching stock will arrive at Crewe tonight behind 46100. I would expect the same coaching consist for the WME to Cardiff on Saturday.

The train is due to turn at Maindee, Newport on the outward leg, then diesel hauled to Cardiff. The mk.2s are likely to be behind the steam loco throughout the day. <BJ>

 

Thanks for the heads up; they frequently seem to turn at Newport on the outward leg now which is a shame but it's better than no steam at all I guess. I have yet to see 46100 running though and so even if suffering the ignominy of being dragged backwards on the outward leg I'm really hoping to see it (if it is indeed hauling this train).

 

I notice the trip is timed at 60mph. Might we see 45231? We never get a Scot or Jubilee on the Marches or on the Heart of Wales line!