Vintage Trains 2025

Looking mighty as always.

 

5043 at Milford Tunnel today




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No times yet and rumours that Tornado will be a no-show, definitely keeping my powder dry when it comes to booking this one, at least until we get official confirmation either way from VT.
Anyone booked on it heard anything yet, or anyone on the train yesterday receive more concrete info than the platform end gossip?

 

That would be a shame as we only booked it to travel behind 60163. Nope, heard nothing from VT but they are the least communicative of organisations.

 

I feel that is a wee bit unfair to VT - Michael Whitehouse is a regular contributor to this forum, and I’m sure that as soon as there is definite news regarding the 10th December, he will be along to update us.

Nick M.

 

But it is not unreasonable for those that have actually paid to travel expect to be told, rather than have to wait to find out on an internet forum.

 

That is a fair comment. I am certain that VT are doing their damndest to ensure the tour operates as advertised, and if anyone can, they are the one.

 

Admirers of Tyseley’s GWR locomotives may be interested in a recently published book authored by Bob Meanley, former head of Tyseley Locomotive Works.

Wiltshire Wisdom - The Genius of Swindon in the Steam Age, published by The Transport Treasury, can only be described as a magnum opus, far surpassing any previous work on the subject.

Having bought a copy, I can report that it is worth every penny of the £75 cover price and will surely be regarded as the definitive work on the subject. I speak as someone with no connection to the author or publisher, other than as a very satisfied reader.

Nick M.

More details here:

Wiltshire Wisdom Swindon Works Bob Meanley TT Publishing

 

Quite, are we expecting operators to comment on rumour and speculation? If there is nothing to announce then they won't announce it! In the meantime if there is an issue I am sure they are currently working hard to try and resolve it.
The best announcement in this case will be no announcement at all, because the tour is running as advertised.

 

A lively run on the Bham to Derby mainline and vice versa and a few sedate shots near the journeys end.

 

I think that is my favourite image on here this year.

 

VT's customer's booked on yesterday's trip are currently being contacted with options for next week's run with Tornado, or alternatively in 2026.

But let's not let the professional and considered approach of VT get in the way of speculation and rumour..... I really can't fault their approach in the circumstances.

 

Another excellent night shot, very impressive !!!

 

Thank you so much for those very kind words. So pleased you enjoyed it. The Castle made a fabulous sight even though the small viewfinder.

 

Thank you for the much appreciated feedback. So pleased you enjoyed it. We are very lucky today to have such wonderful cameras and great glass to try this type of shots.

 

Tornado is booked to haul the White Rose to York next Wednesday 10th and we see no reason why it should not do so, otherwise we would have contacted passengers who have booked. The option to bring it down on the train last Wednesday would have saved some movement cost, but that was scuppered when the train timings arrived exceeding 12 hours for the day (they generally don't do York) and so we did not have enough drivers in the end for that

 

Thanks Michael for the confirmation. Booking now made with one of your helpful staff.
Just keeping fingers crossed the timings don't slip too much from the provisional ones...

 

Michael Whitehouse is quoted in todays Trackside mag. that double-headed Castles to Plymouth will happen again next September and indeed be an annual event. It does not say, but I am assuming, that going unassisted will be the plan. Slotting in paths for a "shadow" diesel seems to have worked well on the last couple of trips.
It's really encouraging that VT feel confident to do the occasional trip aimed at the (I know, small) "pure steam" brigade. Hats off to them.

 

Pleased to hear this, the double-headed Castle run to Plymouth last year was fantastic.

 

This on RTT for Darlington

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:U72721/2025-12-09/detailed