Pathfinder Tours hit yet again by DB Cargo crew shortage

LAST issue we reported that Pathfinder Tours had three trips cancelled due to a lack of train crews – and the tour operator has been hit yet again.

Train operating company DB Cargo has advised Pathfinder that it is unable to operate the December 11 ‘Chester Cracker.'

The Stroud-based tour promoter has been left with just two trains, the ‘Northern Star', booked to visit York,

Durham and Newcastle on December 20, and the ‘White Rose', bound for York from Salisbury with an optional passenger set-down at Harrogate, on December 4.

Reports from Pathfinder's office indicate that some of those with tickets for the Chester trip have rebooked on one of the two remaining trains, which were filling quite well.

Undaunted, Pathfinder has just issued details of two new trips.

Firstly, the ‘Pennine Wayfarer', an excursion through the Pennines to Manchester and Bolton, allowing a two-hour break at Manchester Victoria followed by a tour of the area powered by a pair of Class 37 diesels, is scheduled for January 22. Joining stations are Bristol Parkway, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham, Worcester Parkway, Bromsgrove, New Street, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby and Chesterfield. On February 5, the ‘Cwmbargoed Collier' starts from

Banbury and heads for South Wales via stops at Leamington, Dorridge, Birmingham Snow Hill, Cheltenham and Newport, visiting freight-only lines around Bridgend, Margam, Cardiff, Barry, the Rhymney Valley and Ystrad Mynach.

Looking further ahead, Pathfinder has also posted details of its annual visit to Scotland with the ‘Easter Highlander,' a four-day luxury rail cruise around the highlands and lowlands.

ROBIN COOMBES On October 23, the first ever Vintage Trains Community Benefit Society convention for members was held at Tyseley Locomotive Works. The event provided an opportunity for shareholders to meet CBS trustees, together with Vintage Trains staff and volunteers, to learn about future development plans. LMS Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 5593 Kolhapur is pictured alongside Princess Coronation Pacific No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland in steam. Driver Ray Churchill is seen lubricating the motion of No. 6233.

SAM YEELES LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 44871 meets the sea as it crosses Loch Nan Uamh viaduct on the West Highland Extension in the afternoon sun on October 25.