Crewe-basedSaphosTrainsis hoping it can makeits first stepsinto a new post-lockdown normality on July 15with the running of a 'Fellsman'railtour from Creweto Carlisle.
THEtour isdueto depart Creweat 07.35,picking up at Warrington BankQuay, Wigan North Western,Leyland, Blackburn,Clitheroeand Hellifield,beforetaking the former Midland Railwayroute to Carlisle.
A water stop will be madeat Appleby,where passengerscan opt to leavethe train for a tour of the LakeDistrict by vintage bus and cruiseon Ullswater, with arrivalexpectedaround 13.10.The return leg will leave Carlisleat 15.45,arriving backat Creweat 21.30.
Saphosis reducingthe total number of passengersby around40%,with seatsbeing limited to around 180,to comply with Governmentand Officeof Railand Road(ORR) guidanceconcerningsocial distancing.
Additionally, clear Perspex screenshavebeenfitted between eachseating bay,and a maximum of four passengers will beallocated,with reserved seatsacrosseach bay of six. Throughout the journey Saphosstewardswill undertakean enhancedlevel of housekeeping,cleaningthe tables,shelves,handlesand doors at regular intervals,and thoroughly cleaningthe ontrain toilets.
Handsanitiserwill alsobe availablefor useby passengers at eachentrancedoorway.
The train will be hauled by one of the LocomotiveServices Ltd pool - No.46100Royal Scot,No.70000Britanniaor
The'WestCountry'was steamedat Creweon May26 as part of its annual boiler exam, and was expectedto undertake a main line test run prior to the July 15tour. SaphosTrainshasrescheduled a numberof its bookedearly summerexcursionsfor later in the seasonasit attempts to forge a programmefor the remainderof the year. Plannedtours include:
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(postponedfrom June24)
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(postponedfrom May27)
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July 11) ■
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