‘Shakespeare Express’ start delayed as customers await lockdown lifting
THE extension of the Government's remaining lockdown restrictions until July 19 has led to Vintage Trains postponing the start of its summer ‘Shakespeare Express' trains from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon.
This year's series was, scheduled to start on July 17, as reported in issue 280, four Saturday trains for the first time, with Murder on the Shakespeare Express onboard evening events on selected days and afternoon Mad Hatters Tea Parties for youngsters.
However, ticket sales for the July ‘Shakespeares'proved to be slow. The series largely caters for families and a VT spokesman said many potential customers appear to have held off until so-called ‘Freedom Day' – postponed from June 21 – was finally approved by Whitehall.
This year's 'Shakespeare Express'will now run on Sundays August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 – and without any entertainment on board.
Anniversary specials
While VT has been allocated the ‘Shakepeare Express' paths, there remains the option of adding further trains if the situation improves.
Also cancelled is the August 18 diesel-hauled‘Weston Venturer'trip from
Birmingham to Weston-super-Mare. Network Rail's current major remodelling of Bristol South Junction would have involved a detour lasting 90 minutes, reducing the time passengers would have had to spend at the seaside.
However, both anniversary trains have proved to be a must for enthusiasts. The 70th anniversary of the Stephenson Locomotive Society specials from Birmingham on September 25, due to be headed by GWR Castle 4-6-0 No. 5043
Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, is virtually sold out, as is the October 20 Return To Steam 50th anniversary special, recalling BR's lifting of its steam ban on October 2, 1971. VT is also holding talks with Network Rail and Chiltern Railways, the operator of Birmingham Moor Street station, about the possibility of running the‘Polar Express'between there and Tyseley this Christmas, but no final decision has yet been reached.
TV star Pullman
Railtours have a great appeal to single travellers but with social distancing restrictions in place, tour operators have needed to restrict sales to multiple ‘bubble' ticket holders only. Anticipating changes to the social distancing rules, VT has established a waiting list for single travellers, who are invited to telephone 0121 708 4960 or email bookings@ VintageTrains.co.uk to reserve a seat.
VT's Class 47 No. 47773 The Queen Mother has returned to Tyseley from the
Severn Valley Railway, where it ran as a special guest at the recent Spring Diesel Bash. Its visit to the SVR included time at Kidderminster diesel depot, where it has undergone body repairs and a full repaint to its original two-tone green livery with small yellow warning panel.
Pullman car Eagle is currently undergoing a bogies-out wheel change and brake overhaul before it joins the VT operational carriage fleet for the first time. Following its extensive restoration in 2018, featured in the Channel 4 TV series Great Rail Restorations with Peter Snow,
Eagle has undergone further mechanical work and is almost ready to serve its first dining passengers. Repaints are also underway on other members of the fleet.
Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’s boiler is now complete following a retube and firebox repairs, and it may return to steam in midAugust. WR 4-6-0 No. 7029 Clun Castle’s boiler had been steam tested by the end of June, and it was being prepared for its proving runs in July.