Tyseley’s 2021 tours prove popular
VINTAGE Trains (VT) says its railtour programme is proving a big success with tickets selling well. The mix of ‘staycation’ diesel-hauled seaside trains and mainline expresses running behind steam provides an appealing programme for enthusiast and family audiences looking to escape with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. A waiting list is now available for single-seat bookings anticipating an early removal of social distancing rules. The Seaside Express series family tickets are already sold out on the Skegness, Llandudno and Scarborough trains. Pullman and Club ‘bubbles’ of four have availability. Both anniversary trains in the steam series have proved to be a must for enthusiasts. Pullman class is sold out on the ‘Return to Steam 50th Anniversary’ special with some space still available on the ‘SLS Special’. Pullman class is also virtually sold out on ‘The White Rose’ on December 18. VT says the message is clear – book soon to avoid disappointment.
Bookings
While railtours have a great appeal to single travellers, with social distancing restrictions in place, VT says 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 – please telephone 0121 708 4960 or email bookings@VintageTrains.co.uk to reserve your seat. Meanwhile, VT’s regular Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon ‘Shakespeare Express’ operation, which was due to start on July 17, is now booked to run over the five Sundays in August – 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th. VT’s faithful Class 47 No. 47773 has returned to Tyseley from the Severn Valley Railway where it ran as a special guest at the 2021 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 twotone green livery with small yellow warning panel.