UK RAIL TOUR - THE COTSWOLD LION - Saturday 16th October 2021 [Peterborough - Worcester]

THE COTSWOLD LION
 - Saturday 16th October 2021

This tour to the Cotswolds and the medieval City of Worcester, featuring off train options to visit the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway or the Elgar Birthplace Museum is now scheduled to run on Saturday 16 October 2021.

The rolling Cotswold hills, thatched medieval villages and churches built of distinctive local yellow limestone make for an unforgettable scenic backdrop from the train window. This tour includes both lines that pass through this delightful part of the country, travelling outward via Oxford and the bucolic Cotswold Line and returning home by way of the ‘Golden Valley’, the name for the line through Stroud and Kemble, coined by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, while on a train along this picturesque route in 1909. One option is to travel along the third Cotswold rail route also, the preserved Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, now running from Cheltenham to Broadway.

At our destination, Worcester, the River Severn flanks the city centre. The fine cathedral dates from the 12th century; much of it is Norman, and the foundations are older still. King John, of evil repute, lies buried in the crypt. Worcester is famed for its porcelain. The Museum of Royal Worcester, standing on the former factory site, contains the finest collection of Worcester Porcelain in the world and has recently undergone a £1.7 million refurbishment.

The city boasts a notable collection of medieval and Tudor buildings centred upon Cornmarket, Friar Street and New Street. Here you will also find a great range of shops, cafes and historic inns, and Saturday is market day too. The walk from Worcester Shrub Hill Station to the city takes about twelve minutes and you have over four hours in which to explore.

There is a wide range of joining stations, stretching all the way from Peterborough into the capital. Our train runs via the North London Line, then via the Great Western main line. We pass by the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford before continuing through the peaceful Cotswolds, through Charlbury and Evesham to reach Worcester Shrub Hill late morning.

After our sightseeing break our return route is via Cheltenham. We glimpse Gloucester Cathedral then divert south-east through the idyllic Golden Valley, rejoining our outward route at Didcot.

THE GLOUCESTER WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY: On this option you leave our train at Evesham for the nine-mile transfer to Toddington, headquarters of the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. This is a fourteen mile standard gauge preserved steam railway running from Broadway through the Cotswold Hills via Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse. A ‘rover’ ticket is included in this option and with three trains in the operating circuit there will be lots of scope for designing your afternoon itinerary. Broadway station is just a ten minute level walk from the picture-postcard village of Broadway. At the end of the afternoon, the bus transfer is from Cheltenham Racecourse station to the main line station at Cheltenham Spa. This option includes bus transfer from Evesham to Toddington and from Cheltenham Racecourse to Cheltenham Spa, plus freedom of all Gloucester Warwickshire Railway train services during the afternoon.

ELGAR BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM: We are offering an optional visit to Elgar’s birthplace museum, just three miles from Worcester. The collections include manuscripts, scores, programmes and other items connected with Elgar’s music; family photographs; items from his travels and with his hobbies including golf and cycling; personal possessions; awards and honours, and film of his later years. It is a touching testimony to England’s finest composer. The supplement includes coach transfer from Worcester Shrub Hill. A reduced price is available for National Trust members.

Approximate trains times

THE MIDLAND PULLMAN -- Inaugural Working -- SATURDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2020 [Postponed till 12 December now]

Locomotive Services Ltd (LSL), under their Statesman Rail trading name, will be running a brand new railtour on Saturday the 14th November 2020, featuring their Class 43 (High-Speed Train (HST). Statesman Rail is recreating a lost high-speed luxury train first launched in the 1960s, running between London St Pancras and Manchester Piccadilly. Hauling passengers on this fantastic tour will be LSL’s Class 43 HST set carrying the Nanking blue livery.

Departing From
LONDON ST PANCRAS - ST ALBANS - LUTON - BEDFORD

* Due to the recent Government announcement that a short lockdown is about to be enforced from 5th November 2020,  this service has unfortunately been postponed by the Tour Operator until 12th December 2020 *

The Midland Pullman was Britain’s first luxury high speed diesel-electric train running in the early 1960’s between Manchester Central and London St Pancras, offering the best possible at seat deluxe service and is remembered for the trains striking Nanking blue livery, white jacketed stewards, and impeccable customer service – To celebrate the 60th anniversary of this iconic train we are honoured to present our own refurbished high speed train as a faithful revival.

This inaugural train will offer a circular tour running between London St Pancras and Crewe following as closely as possible the original route to Leicester and along the Midland Main Line and the Erewash Valley. At Chesterfield we join the Hope Valley through the stunningly beautiful Derbyshire Peak District National Park offering amazing views of Mam Tor and Kinder Scout.

 

We continue through Stockport and rural Cheshire to Crewe and then travel across the Midlands via the Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth and Nuneaton to Leicester where we join the seldom used line through Rutland passing Melton Mowbray, Oakham, Corby and Kettering.

Blue Pullman, A brief history.

In July 1960 the Midland Pullman was relaunched as a luxury all-first-class service using two new Blue Pullman six-car diesel-electric units. The Blue Pullmans were luxury trains used from 1960 to 1973 by British Rail. They were the first Pullman diesel-electric multiple units, incorporating several novel features.

Named after their original Nanking blue livery, the trains were conceived under the 1955 Modernisation Plan to create luxury diesel express trains aimed at competing with the motor car and the emerging domestic air travel market. Although not entirely successful – they were seen as underpowered, and ultimately not economically viable – they demonstrated the possibility of fixed-formation multiple-unit inter-city train services, that a decade later was developed as the InterCity 125, which resembled them in having an integral power car at each end of the train.

The sets were an advanced and luxurious design, befitting a Pullman train, although they did suffer some criticism particularly over a persistent ride quality problem. Over time it became costly to maintain such a small fleet of trains. By 1972, with the development of first-class accommodation in Mark 2 coaching stock, the surcharge for Blue Pullmans seemed uneconomical and unreliable to passengers and BR managers, and in 1973 the trains were withdrawn. None of them were preserved .

TORBAY RIVIERA STATESMAN - SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2020

TORBAY RIVIERA STATESMAN
SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2020
Diesel Hauled, Class 47s including D1935 "Roger Hosking"
Departures from the following Cornish locations;

PENZANCE + ST ERTH + REDRUTH + TRURO + ST AUSTELL
This tour is the first to recreate one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel - ‘The Torbay Riviera Statesman’ features a luxury train service from stations in Cornwall. Travelling over Brunel’s iconic Royal Albert Bridge, through Devon and onto the preserved Paignton to Dartmouth Railway with time available to discover the many charms of the ‘Torbay Riviera’ with an afternoon break in picturesque Dartmouth.

Shall be travelling through Plymouth and over the steeply graded Devon Banks offering imposing views of Dartmoor and through Totnes to Newton Abbot, where the train reverses and takes the scenic coastal line through Torquay with views across to Brixham and the Jurassic coast. At Paignton we join the preserved heritage line and travel through the woodland estate once owned by Agatha Christie then alongside the beautiful River Dart and into the riverside terminus at Kingswear, where it is a short crossing on the ferry (price included) to the historic and romantic port of Dartmouth for a three hour afternoon break.

There are antique shops, art galleries and cafes to explore – perhaps take a leisurely cruise onboard the last remaining coal fired paddle steamer ‘Kingswear Castle’ or steam hauled journey on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. Following time to enjoy the beauty, splendour and tranquillity of this picturesque town our train returns in the late afternoon along the famous sea wall at Dawlish as the sea keeps company with the train past Powderham Castle and Cockwood Harbour with numerous pretty boats in the beautiful Exe Estuary and views over to Exmouth.

Confirmed Travel Timings;

STEAM RAILTOURS - THE ROYAL DUCHY [Bristol Temple Meads - Plymouth - Par]

The Royal Duchy Railtour

Sunday 30th August 2020

These ever-popular summer day trips by steam train run from Bristol Temple Meads, out via Yatton, Taunton then into Devon and finally reaching Cornwall. The route includes travelling along the internationally famous sea wall at Dawlish, crossing Brunel’s famous Saltash Bridge into Cornwall, and some of the most varied and exciting scenery in the country. Passengers can choose to spend time in Plymouth or travel on to Par, where buses are provided for visits to Fowey or Charlestown. This train departs Bristol Temple Meads steam hauled by heritage steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland at around 08:45 and stops to pick up further passengers at Yatton and Taunton. Almost immediately on departure from Taunton, our steam locomotive will be working hard as it tackles the climb to Whiteball Summit. There is a further stop at Exeter St. David’s station for our locomotive to take on water and for more passengers to join the train. Departing Exeter and follow the Exe Estuary to the seaside. We then travel along the famous sea wall between Dawlish and Teignmouth, an experience not to be missed.

After Newton Abbot, our steam locomotive will demonstrate her real strength as she powers up some of the steepest main line gradients in the country. First there is the difficult climb to the summit at Dainton Tunnel, followed by a dramatic drop down to Totnes, then an equally difficult climb up Rattery Bank before descending to Plymouth. Passengers have the option to alight at Plymouth or remain on the train to Par. There will be over five hours free time to explore the historic maritime city of Plymouth which includes the Hoe, the ancient Barbican and seafront areas, and the National Marine Aquarium. As we leave Plymouth, under diesel hauled power, and cross the river Tamar on Brunel’s masterpiece, the Royal Albert Bridge, to enter Cornwall. Our train continues through the magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there will be a break of more than three hours. Buses will take passengers from Par, at no extra charge, to visit either the picturesque seaside town of Fowey or the harbour village of Charlestown. The latter is a working port and home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. We shall leave Par steam hauled by Duchess of Sutherland at around 17:45 and stop at Plymouth to pick up those passengers who chose to alight there.  The train then returns to Bristol, stopping to set down passengers at Exeter, Taunton and Yatton en route.

LMS Princess Coronation Class No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland
Preservation History
Following withdrawal from regular service, 46233 was acquired by Butlins Heads-of-Ayr holiday camp, Scotland, in October 1964. It was later purchased by Bressingham Steam Museum. Then in 1996, 6233 was acquired by the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust (PRCLT) with the intention of returning her to main line running and in 2001, No. 6233 returned to the national network after an overhaul assisted by the heritage lottery fund and match funded by the PRCLT.

On 6 March 2010, 6233 was rolled out in LMS lined black livery, which was retained during 2010, before a major overhaul, taking 6233 out of service for the 2011 season. Two years later now renumbered 46233 was rolled out in "authentic (Brunswick) green" livery, as used by British Railways during the early 1950s, at the Midland Railway - Butterley following a major overhaul. Most recently she has regained her original number "6233" and LMS "Crimson Lake" livery to mark its 80th birthday.

ENGLISH RIVIERA EXPRESS STEAM RAIL TOUR - SUNDAY 26th JULY 2020

Recreate one of the great steam hauled holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a journey around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the pretty ‘English Riviera’ resorts of Paignton or Dartmouth. The train departs from Bristol Temple Meads station hauled by one of the countries famous steam locomotives Royal Scot for the journey across the lush Somerset levels, then through the remote Blackdown hills and down the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading along the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and along the famous sea wall line we race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train.

At Paignton the train will join the steeply graded heritage line and travel through the woodland estate once owned by Agatha Christie, then alongside the beautiful River Dart with views of HMS Britannia – not a ship but the college that has trained generations of naval officers. We soon arrive into the riverside terminus at Kingswear, where it is a short crossing on the ferry (price included) to the historic and romantic port of Dartmouth. Here there are antique shops, galleries and cafes to explore which we hope will be open and very welcome for the custom then why not take a leisurely cruise on the River Dart or explore Dartmouth Castle before perhaps indulging in a delicious Devon cream tea. There should be around four hours at leisure before we return in the late afternoon.

Timings from Bristol

No 46100 'Royal Scot'
The train is steam hauled throughout by one of our immaculately restored locomotives; LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 ‘Royal Scot’ is booked for this tour. 


History / Preservation Notes
The original 6100 was the first of its class, built in 1927 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow. It was named Royal Scot after the Royal Scots.  In 1933, 6152 The King's Dragoon Guardsman and 6100 swapped identities permanently. 6152 had been built at Derby Works in 1930. The new Royal Scot was sent to the Century of Progress Exposition of 1933 and toured Canada and the United States with a train of typical LMS carriages.  46100 was bought by Billy Butlin of Butlins holiday camps after withdrawal and after cosmetic restoration into LMS crimson lake at Crewe Works, although this was the original livery received, the locomotive did not carry it after being rebuilt (only one rebuilt Royal Scot ever carried LMS crimson lake livery and that was 6170 British Legion). It was then towed from Crewe Works to Nottingham by Black 5 No. 45038 and then from Nottingham to Boston by B1 No. 61177 on 12 June 1963.  Royal Scot arrived at Butlins on 18 July 1963 piped in by pipers from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Scots. This made 6100 one of two preserved rebuilt Royal Scots, the other being 6115 Scots Guardsman. It was set on a plinth at Skegness and was to remain there till the 1970s. On 16 March 1971 6100 departed from Skegness for the Bressingham Steam Museum and was returned to steam in 1972. It ran until 1978 when it once more became a static exhibit, it was eventually sold from Butlins to Bressingham in May 1989.

CHRISTMAS WHITE ROSE -- SATURDAY 14th DECEMBER 2019

London Kings Cross - York 
A Christmas rail-tour along the East Coast Main Line to York, the former operating lines of the famous LNER Express Passenger Pacifics in the heyday of steam hauled expresses to and from London. Making our way northwards steam hauled from London King’s Cross as far as York by A1 class steam locomotive No.60163 Tornado. There will be convenient pickup calls at Stevenage and Peterborough, before heading up the famous Stoke Bank, the scene where in 1938 Mallard achieved the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph.

We will follow the ECML through Grantham, Newark and Retford before we reach Doncaster, famous in railway history as the location of the LNER’s works where such iconic locomotives as Mallard and Flying Scotsman were built. Continuing northwards from Doncaster, Tornado will be able to show its strength by achieving maximum speed as we race along towards York, our destination for the afternoon.

York is world famous as a tourist destination with its many sights, including the Minster, Castle, Yorvic centre and the quaint medieval alleyways and riverside walks. Railway enthusiasts are not forgotten, as York is the location of the National Railway Museum, reflecting the history of railways in this country. The York Christmas Market will also be in full swing adding a pre festive atmosphere to the city with its many market stalls and food outlets.

Look out for Father Christmas and his Elves who will be visiting the train during the day and handing out presents to all children on board. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served to the first and standard class passengers on board.

Train Timings

Updated approximate timings shown

Station	Outward	Return
London King’s Cross	07:23	22:10
Stevenage	08:12	21:24
Peterborough	09:36	19:30
York	12:26	16:35