‘CLUN’ STEAMING MAKES APRIL 14 EVEN BUSIER

As if April 14 wasn’t busy enough with the public launch of Saphos Trains and Tornado’s debut 90mph charter, newly overhauled Clun Castle is to be in steam at Tyseley. Vintage Trains is holding a day with No. 7029, with people on hand to explain its share offer and plans for its own train operator. ‘Clun’ should have been running to Chester on March 31, but 84E’s trips are effectively on hold while Tyseley works to get its planned TOC up and running; former operator West Coast Railways said last year it felt it would be unable to offer the Birmingham outfit trains beyond the end of 2017 (SR474). Entry to the Clun Castle event is free (there’s a suggested donation of £5), but booking must be done in advance. ●● VT chairman Michael Whitehouse explains the thinking behind the TOC on pages 98-99.