Black History 'Steam Train' Tour - 16/08/25

This has just popped up on Facebook and Eventbrite:
(may contain AI-generated content!)

https://www.facebook.com/1000588131...iEuQ9a1szUsD8Ld8PZSsixTFuGebR9CJAVVl/?app=fbl

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-history-steam-train-tour-tickets-1439263438689?

 

A group visit... even better aimed at a demographic not often seen on heritage railways, what is not to like?

 

Yes. If I look beyond the (blooming awful) copy for a day trip to what I take to be the Watercress Line, the idea of a group tour with lecturer seems interesting. I can certainly think of worse things to do for a day out.

 

A great idea but abysmally-executed. Of all the stock images of steam trains available, why this one (notwithstanding the symbolic colours used)?!

I suspect, IF it was actually on a steam train from London to Hampshire as the Facebook entry claims, then it would have used the now-cancelled 'Atlantic Coast Express' on 16 August to Basingstoke, although that stop was supposedly only for pick-up. The link to the booking is absent so it's all yet another mess!

 

If the weather keeps up as it is they might not have any steam haulgage at all as the Watercress Line has issued an update on their website today saying that all services up to Friday will be diesel hauled due to fire risk and the shuttle service between Ropley and Alresford has been cancelled. Is there any rain due before the 16th (Saturday)?

 

The ACE had it have been running would have long gone before 09:45.
RTC do not even do a Weymouth mini trip from Bournemouth anymore on the DCE. Although you might say you are planning to board at Basingstoke, you may change your mind and go to Woking or Waterloo. What happens then if you have two people allocated to the same seats? A stewards and Train Managers absolute nightmare at the start of a day out.

 

Which bit do you think is misleading?

The one thing they’ve managed to get wrong is the timing… they’re cutting it all a bit fine, with the 09.54 Waterloo to Alton service not matching the schedule for a 10am ‘special escort’, and even if they manage to get on it, South Western’s less than scrupulous timekeeping makes a 6 minute transfer to a Watercress service at 11.15 feels tight. Perhaps fortunately there isn’t an 11.15, so the 12noon service is a bit more realistic etc.…

Other than that, sounds like an interesting day out if that’s your thing.

Simon

 

From their own event page

"1950s Steam Train trip from London to Hampshire and back to recognise World War 2, Windrush, Red Tails and Bentley cars"

So clear to me it is sold as steam from London, yet does not even have maybe diesel due to operational reasons. So selling something they are not actually offering.

 

The major thing they have got wrong is that it ISN'T (and never was) a steam trip from London to Hampshire and back! Riding on the Mid-Hants Line after a service train from London (if that is the plan) does not qualify in any way!