Steam Dreams 2024

I notice they have also pinched Belmond’s description, ‘The Golden Age of Travel’.

 

Garden of England trips now on the website, all rostered for 70000 Britannia

 

60007 to York 02/03/24
Realtime Trains | 3Z07 0536 Southall Loco Services Ltd to London Kings Cross | 02/03/2024
Realtime Trains | 1Z07 0757 London Kings Cross to York | 02/03/2024
Realtime Trains | 5Z07 1328 York to York Yard Nth R.S. | 02/03/2024
Realtime Trains | 5Z08 1554 York Yard Nth R.S. to York | 02/03/2024
Realtime Trains | 1Z08 1640 York to London Kings Cross | 02/03/2024
Realtime Trains | 5Z09 2157 London Kings Cross to Southall Loco Services Ltd | 02/03/2024

 

Black 5 out of Euston at 07.13 then no. 7 out of the Cross at 07.57. Looks like I'll be late home from my night shift that morning!

 

Great shame, I was looking forward to seeing an A4 on the SWML again!

 

I mentioned it in the 71000 thread, but the Steam Dreams Facebook account has shared the news about the agreement to use 71000, so presumably will be another loco to keep an eye for on tours later this year.

 

A new email from SD reads "Prepare for the pinnacle of our star-studded line-up later this summer as we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the unique 71000 Duke of Gloucester."

 

It is also worth noting that a previous email states that the sunset steam express is returning and will be bookable shortly.

 

I might agree with it as "the pinnacle" or to me may be 70000.
I know many will vehemently disagree but to me better than the LNER members of the fleet.

 

Remembering of course that Freddie Harrison, as an ex LNER premier apprentice, stated that 71000 was designed on LNER principles ! Perhaps that's why with BR seniors selected from ex LMS management, BR never quite got the best out of it hence it being left to "amateur" enthusiasts to identify the problems and create the powerhouse that it is today.

 

https://www.belletrains.com/

 

They have already done a number before under Steam Dreams where they have taken larger groups than RTC usually take, and the people listed will be on the trip. They have done 5 nr Emerald Island Explorers - Steam hauled around Ireland, quite a large American contingent came on the last one. LSL have let them send it out to the Steam Dreams contact list, so are not entering this market.

I have travelled abroad with them under Steam Dreams to Ireland and am likely to again if they go to Ireland. They will not do the quantity of trips RTC and Railrail do, but will be very well organised with Aimee involved.
I have also been abroad with RTC and Rail Trail as well.

 

A record shot of the train passing through St Neots.

Only cruising as she was right behind a stopper, but very smartly turned out at least!

 

i went over to York today to see 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauling 'Steam Dreams London to York rail tour' 2nd March 2024
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2024/March-2024/York-2nd-March-2024/i-99mKFLp

Arriving at P5 York
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2024/March-2024/York-2nd-March-2024/i-mxJD4t2

what looks like a stuck drain cock while standing in P5
https://railway-photography.smugmug.com/Days-out/2024/March-2024/York-2nd-March-2024/i-R4NRtGL

Neil

 

Everything but the loco in the sunshine at York. Courtesy of Railcam
Replatformed to where all the tours end up , especially when its raining.

 

Yet another damp, cold winter's day.... LNER A4 No.60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' crossing Digswell Viaduct this morning, heading for York.

 

Back to Lincoln this time for the Steam Dreams LSL York-London KX 16.40 charter with 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley'. The streak made a fine sight and sound through the station running four down after the Saxilby stop.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/