‘Scotsman’ contract renewal
Vintage Trains needs to raise first £800k in order to run its inaugural ‘solo’ tours in 2018.
Vintage Trains has launched a £3 million share offer to raise funds for its own train operating company. Shares in the Vintage Trains Community Benefit Society, priced at £1 each, went on sale on December 1, with the intention of initially raising enough working capital – £800,000 – for the first three years of the mooted TOC. Once formed, this will enable VT to run its own main line railtours, including the popular ‘Shakespeare Express’ services, without having to rely on third party operators (SR474). Tyseley aims to run the ‘Shakespeare Express’ under its own auspices from July, and run 82 charter trains annually from 2020. VT needs to raise at least £800,000 by the time the share offer closes on May 31 2018 but, says VT spokesman Ben Mason: “We are asking for a total of £3 million by the end of May 2018. “This sum will enable us to accomplish many necessary things, including upgrading the carriages, creating a new on-board café and shop, improving access for all and fitting toilet retention tanks throughout the VT fleet. “We will also construct a new Kitchen Car so we can improve dining offerings on the train.” Founders Club members will be offered exclusive seats on five special trains throughout the first three years, featuring double-headed, double-chimney ‘Castles’ Clun Castle and Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. Mr Mason says: “The first will be in autumn 2018, with additional trains in 2019 and 2020. This will be the only opportunity to experience travel behind this pairing of iconic locomotives; tickets on these trains will not be made available to the public.” For more information, visit www.vintagetrains.co.uk/offerinfo, or order a share prospectus via shareoffer@vintagetrains.co.uk or 01217 084969.