Vintage Trains’ excursions programme set for July restart

VINTAGE Trains'(VT) plans to restart main line running with a Stephenson Locomotive Society 70th anniversary special to Swindon, behind Great Western 4-6-0 No. 7029 Clun Castle in March, have been cancelled, to be replaced by a new programme yet to be confirmed.

Spokesman Denis Chick said that the existing programme has been scrapped until the end of June.

“We are in the process of discussing a new programme that will probably not begin until July as restrictions regarding social distancing have a big effect on train loadings and profitability,” he said.

“As we are using visiting engines, we will have to talk again with owners to see if they can be available later in the year.”

Considering that June 21 is expected to see the lifting of restrictions on summer festivals, limits on social gatherings indoors and outdoors and the limits on the number of people allowed at weddings and funerals, it is very likely that the ‘Shakespeare Express', originally scheduled to begin running from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon via Henley-inArden and returning nonstop via Solihull on July 18, will begin the 2021 VT steam programme.

DENIS CHICK During lockdown, Vintage Trains’ Mk.2 TSO No. 5177 has had a major refit, including the renewal of the gangway end pillars, vestibule end panels, toilet floors and lower bodysides. All windows have been removed and resealed, and new glass fibre end doors have been fitted, while new interior panelling and reupholstered seats await refitting. The carriage will then be repainted into chocolate and cream to match the rest of the fleet.

DENIS CHICK The retubing of the boiler of GWR No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is seen underway inside the Tyseley workshops.