Steam Dreams 2025

Thanks for info Neil

 

Interesting, thanks for info.
In answer to your last question (why not continue to Exeter), that would almost certainly be due to Bristol being a major XC crew depot - all XC trains seem to have a complete or partial crew change at Temple Meads. So, as all too often, operational convenience takes priority. In the same way, Avanti W Coast are notorious for cancelling everything north of Preston (where all trains change crews) when there is serious disruption north of Carlisle.

 

This may well have been asked already but I couldn't see it in this thread, so apologies for any repeat. For this year's Steam Dreams 'Santa Circulars', in which direction will steam be hauling? Their web site just talks of a steam-hauled train, without mentioning that half is diesel-hauled! (unless this year is different from previous ones). Many thanks.

 

I see it being the same as last year where it's diesel out of Victoria and steam back in, as with these Santas and the Polar Expresses, the steam loco is part of the attraction, so it makes sense to have it be the first thing people see before they board the train.

I don't think the type of people boarding these trains are really that fussed that it's not a completely steam hauled trip, as long as they see one on their train they'll be happy! Plus having people pose by the loco at the buffers for pictures is a lot safer than at the far end where the platform is narrow.