Vintage Trains 2025

Another dull day sees 5043 on the Derby to Stratford leg of todays Shakespeare Express near Barton under Needwood .

 

With Clun out and the Earl being managed for tyre wear, I wonder how Vintage will organise next year's programme. Does it imply Tornado will play quite a big role?

 

Will they be able to get some use of 71000, I assume there is a pretty good relationship there as they overhauled her at Tyseley?

Plus what is the state of play with the Hall?

 

OK thanks, that's good, so maybe Tornado will be fulfilling the role Bahamas played this year.

 

I think was rather than is fits there. I get the impression that bridge has been well and truly burnt with the unexpected LSL deal.

 

Last Sunday’s Shakespeare Express at Hatton.

 

We will be running trains with 7029 and 5043

 

No
The Hall is ready for a boiler lift but awaits time and funds. Monies previously allocated to the Hall's retune were used to fit CDL. Donations welcome

 

Times now in RTT for Blackpool Illuminations special on 15th Nov

1Z40 1037 Birmingham New Street to Blackpool North
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U69191/2025-11-15/detailed

1Z42 2014 Blackpool North to Birmingham New Street
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U69194/2025-11-15/detailed

 

An impressive turnaround for Clun as it's out today on the Shakespeare.

 

Here's my footage of 7029 Clun Castle sounding incredible on the Final Shakespeare Express of 2025 on Remembrance Sunday. I filmed her at Salwarpe Foot Crossing, Lapworth and Danzey Stations. I hope you enjoy it.

 

7029's appearance on today's Shakespeare Express was unexpected having understood the End of WR Steam special was the loco's last trip prior to overhaul, however not unwelcome.
(a personal note here; - it's now some 58 years since I first saw 7029 in the loco sidings outside Leeds City station in the summer of 1967 while en route to Hull, by train - a Trans Pennine DMU, to visit my dad's parents. That 7029 can still be seen on the main line after all these years is a credit to all at Vintage Trains).
With a somewhat 'busy' front end (BR and GWR numbers, headboard and appropriately for the day the poppy wreath) the shots are at Hartlebury station and Wood End.

 

Something from today’s Shakespeare with 7029




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Leaving Worcester on the outward run this morning, Fernhill Heath.

 

An unexpected surprise for the final Shakespeare and what a great show from Clun.

 

Whoever started the rumour that the Farewell to Steam tour was 7029’s last before overhaul is severely mistaken. 7029’ next overhaul is not due for three years, all being well. At seven years in traffic, main line boiler regulations require a retube (small tubes and an examination of flue tubes). This will be carried out during winter maintenance so 7029 can play a major part in continuing to create history in 2026. We have some interesting adventures in the planning stages

 

There does seem to have been some getting hold of the wrong end of a stick, as you had already told us that 7029 was due for a re-tube but not yet a full overhaul and will be in action action in 2026. But there may have been an expectation that the Farewell to Steam tour would be its last in this season.