Vintage Trains - 2021

Subject to the usual caveats (FTR etc), 7029 will be making its return to the mainline this Sunday on the Shakespeare Express.

 

Exactly! My gosh when you think back VT have had a horrific run of luck since formation.

Somewhere between pathing issues, global pandemic, entire loss of scheduled tours for (two?) years - this year has seen further tour cancelations due to the changing guidelines, and they have now been faced with Locomotive issues/failures in both the Steam and Diesel fleet - it has been one hurdle after another, and as a difficult start that you would of dreamt possible.

I'm confident though that they are on the right track (no pun intended) - and certainly the news that Clun Castle should (fingers crossed anyway - the Facebook announcement reads as though it is guaranteed...) be heading this coming weekends tour is great news for all concerned.

Congratulations to all at VT - just need to keep pushing ahead and I'm sure it will all come good in the end.

 

It hasn’t quite been the comeback VT have wanted, however we understand the frustration and appreciate everyone’s patience.

We wish to be as open as possible however with Clun’s failure it’s been an “it’ll be ready when it’s ready” scenario. Not wanting to promise anything, fall short and not deliver, we felt it was best to advertise what was running, when we knew what we could offer. The team have been working hard over the summer but finally we have a Castle ready to run!

With regards to 5043, the intention was to have a quick overhaul. However a pandemic, furloughed staff and focus being diverted to the maintenance of the carriage fleet and various contract work has slowed progress. The boiler was more or less ready to be lowered into the frames, but the superheater header has been donated to allow 7029 to steam quicker, and therefore has set 5043 back into early next year instead of this year.

At this stage discussions are positively taking place as to the use of another steam loco so we can form a steam pool for this year and into next year too. At least for now we have a working steam loco for the rest of the season and into the Autumn program.

Mainline steam is no easy operation, but there is an enthusiastic and dedicated team at Tyseley keen to see this happen. Your support is appreciated!

 

Pressure is rising. FTR tomorrow…

Courtesy of a very proud Michael Whitehouse

 

7029 has passed its FTR exam.

 

Clun Castle upfront with load 9 on the hook. We have room for walk ons today - be sure to join us!

 

Thanks for the updates. We hot footed it over to Stratford and enjoyed a super run to Birmingham and back behind 7029. Quite an emotional day. Thank you to ALL at VT for putting this together.

 

7029 accelerating past Bearley on the return leg this afternoon.

 

Great to see Clun back where she belongs.

 

Footage from yesterday’s Shakespeare’s. Locations at Widney Manor, Shirley and a fantastic runpast at Dorridge covered.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Just like to ask on the new ticketing method on vintage trains on the Shakespeare's for the last 1 on sunday 5 sept do you get your seat number and coach letter selected when you turn up to board on the day with your booking confirmation shown to the stewards?

 

Dining passengers are assigned a seat, standard class aren’t. Bookings are being accepted up to 75% capacity and this is reflected in stewarding where seating is guided to reflect social distancing.

 

Ahead of tomorrow’s Shakespeare Express we’re excited to announce updates on the SLS special. 7029 will now take centre stage on the first of our Autumn rail tour program as we head to Swindon via the Golden Valley.
Single seats are also being offered making for greater booking flexibility!

https://vintagetrains.co.uk/sls-special-2/

 

Something looks a bit wrong with the pricing though. It's trying to charge me £396 for an individual ticket in Tourist Class.

 

On a lighter note. Clun approaching Widney Manor on the second return to Snow Hill.

 

Shattering the peace of a Sunday afternoon at Dorridge.