Jonathan's Gen
Railtours, Preserved Railway Events, Ferries and Service Trains Gen List

The Pendle Dalesman Manchester to Carlisle Wednesday 26 February 2020 From Manchester Victoria, Bolton, Clitheroe, Hellifield Steam from Hellifield - to Carlisle via the Settle to Carlisle Line Join us for a nostalgic day to remember, travelling behind our splendid vintage steam engine along England's most famous railway. From our earlier pick up points we travel north behind a vintage diesel engine to Hellifield where one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. The Settle-Carlisle Railway on which we will travel needs no introduction; this breath-taking journey will take you over 20 Viaducts, through 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas. The climb over Blea Moor and the crossing of the world renowned Ribblehead Viaduct are arguably the highlights of England?s most scenic Railway. CARLISLE: We anticipate an afternoon arrival time offering a couple of hours or so break. This great border city dominates the borderlands between England and Scotland, sitting within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and Scottish Southern Uplands. In Carlisle you'll find yourself at the centre of a stirring past and a vibrant present. Many of the city's eateries and licensed premises are just a few minutes' walk from the station entrance and if you visit www.historic-carlisle.org.uk you will find information to help you plan ahead. And for those who would prefer to use their short break to wander around in the beautiful and historic heart of the city you may choose to visit the Castle, cathedral or indeed the Tullie House Museum. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, we head south across some of the finest countryside Great Britain has to offer, where we head to your home stations via the famous Settle to Carlisle line in the comfort of our beautifully restored MkI or MkII Carriages. West Coast Railways

The Roebuck, 72 Hampton Rd, Hampton Hill, TW12 1JN ? 1996 - 27 February 2020 FULWELL (FLW) Time for our annual visit to The Roebuck, Hampton Hill, which remains in the experienced hands of Terry and his team. Mild has been requested for our visit as one of the guest beers which accompany the three regulars. Food is not available in the evenings. The pub is a six minute walk from Fulwell station, or you may catch an R68 bus from Richmond/Twickenham for faster trains.

Wind Up North #164 Templar Hotel, 2 Temple Street, Leeds LS2 7NU

The Cotton Mill Express Saturday 29th February 2020 Join us on this interesting and varied tour around the cotton mill towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire. There will be rugged scenery in abundance as we traverse the Pennines, and also some very steep gradients to climb, providing a good workout for our steam locomotive. The Cotton Mill Express picks up in Lancaster, Preston and Wigan before we reach Manchester Victoria, known as Cottonopolis at the heart of the cotton industry. We make our way eastwards, via the steep climb of Miles Platting Bank, towards Stalybridge and take the old London & North Western Trans Pennine line over the Pennines via Standedge Tunnel to Huddersfield. With steep gradients aplenty, and wide Pennine valleys to enhance the ruggedness, our steam locomotive will be working hard all the way. After passing through Huddersfield, we will take the Bradley Wood Curve towards Brighouse, where we will pause for water. We now head westwards through the Calder Valley, with its steep sides all the way to Hall Royd Junction, where we leave the Manchester line and commence the steep climb to Copy Pit Summit. Once over the summit, there are then a long string of mill towns that follow our route through to Burnley and Accrington before we reach Blackburn. Leaving Blackburn, we run via Bamber Bridge and Chorley to Bolton and then onwards to Manchester Victoria once again. We continue to make another climb up Miles Platting Bank and head for Huddersfield once again for our second circuit of the Pennines to Brighouse. After taking water at Brighouse, we continue along the Calder Valley again but take the Manchester line at Todmorden and run via Rochdale to Manchester Victoria, where we call to set down passengers. Our final leg of the journey will retrace our outward steps back to Lancaster via Wigan and Preston, to conclude what promises to be an unusual tour of the Pennines and its former cotton mill towns. Railway Touring Company

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 29th February 2020 The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive; either 35018 'British India Line?, 45699 'Galatea'or 45690 'Leander'. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient 'Border' city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Railway Touring Company

St David's Day 1st March 2020 On the 1st March come and celebrate St David's Day with a free ride on the Bala Lake Railway to all residents of North Wales - just bring proof of address. And if you don't live in North Wales you can still travel at less than half price (Adults ?5, Children ?2)

Spring Steam Gala Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Spring Steam Gala Dates for this event 6thMarch2020, 7thMarch2020, 8th March2020 . Springtime Steam Welcome to the East Lancashire Railway's first steam event of the new-year. Our home fleet locomotives will be running alongside special guest engines all weekend. East Lancashire Railway

The Hacienda Saturday 07 March 2020 A class 66 trip focusing on non-passeneger lines. Joining Stations: Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Cheltenham Spa, Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street & Stafford Event Details With a nod to the cult 1980/1990s Manchester Night Club 'The Hacienda' we are pleased to announce Ian Loveday's latest railtour project, which will visit a good selection of rail terminals and freight lines, especially in and around Manchester. This excursion initially heads south to north, DB Cargo class 66 hauled, via the pick up stations below and, once north of Stafford we almost immediately roam from the passenger network and head into the depths of Crewe Yard, where there will be loco spotting opportunities aplenty. Whilst in the Crewe area we will pick up a Freightliner class 66 , providing a very rare haulage opportunity. With our train of mark I carriages then in top'n'tail mode we continue to weave between the passenger and freight networks as we visit a number of terminals that serve the waste and aggregate industries. We expect that some tracks we travel over on this trip will not have seen a passenger train before, or indeed, may never do so again! After what we hope will have been a fantastic day's railtouring it will be time to think about heading homewards, but not before squeezing in a few more unusual routings along the way. Subject to operational circumstances on the day, the requested route in detail is: As per Pick-Up stations to Stafford then: Crewe Down Independent Lines - Gresty Lane Curve - Gresty Green Siding (Reverse) - Down Manchester Independent Line - Wilmslow - Stockport Down Goods - Longsight Down Goods - Mayfield Goods Loop - Manchester Piccadilly - Salford Crescent - Pendleton Waste Terminal - Bolton area (Reverse) - Salford Crescent - Manchester Victoria - Brewery Junction - Dean Lane Waste Terminal (Reverse) - Brewery Junction - Collyhurst Depot (Reverse) - Thorpes Bridge Junction (Reverse) - Manchester Victoria - Salford Hope Street Terminal (Reverse) - Manchester Victoria - Philips Park West Junction - Ashburys - Guide Bridge Up & Down Passenger Loop (Reverse) - Avenue Sidings (Reverse) - Guide Bridge - Heaton Norris Up Goods Loop - Stockport - Wilmslow - Up Manchester Independent Line - Salop Goods Junction - Crewe Up Independent - Basford Hall Junction - Stafford - As per Set-Down Stations. A number of other Goods Loops may also feature. We are indebted to Suez, GB Railfreight, Cemex and Freightliner for their kind support of this special charter train. Pathfinder Tours

Swindon 70 Join the NVR as we celebrate the last Pannier leaving Swindon works 70 years ago this year 7th & 8th March GWR Pannier No 6779 was the last Pannier Class to be built and leave Swindon works. These locomotives were then replaced by the Class 14 Diesel locomotives also built at Swindon works Travel behind Pannier 4612 (with thanks to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway) Second Pannier to be confirmed Class 14 No 9520 and 9529 Two rakes of M1 coaches Freight train in operation One of the visiting Panniers will be re numbered to Pannier 6779 with full re numbering and shed plate Nene Valley Railway

The Fenny Crompton Saturday 7th March 2020 An easy day out positioning move railtour operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), hauled by a WCR Class 33. A Class 47 will also be provided on the rear for train heating. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales. We are raising funds for Help for Heroes, the leading charity for the Armed Forces Community. An early afternoon arrival in to Paddington will allow plenty of time to enjoy a Saturday evening in London before the main event on Sunday. Rare track highlights include Fenny Compton Dn loop in the Up direction and Bescot Up & Dn Through Siding (No 1 road requested). Provisional validated timings and route submitted to NR: Lancaster P4 (07.10 PU) - Preston P6 (07.39 PU) - Crewe P5 (08.43 PU) - Alsager Up & Dn Goods Loop - Hednesford - Walsall Up Fast - Bescot Up & Dn Through Siding No 1 - Birmingham International - Coventry P4 (11.43 PU) - Kenilworth - Leamington Up Main - Fenny Compton Dn Goods Loop - Banbury Up Loop - Bicester North P2 (13.31 PU) - Princes Risborough Up Main - West Ruislip Up Loop - Castle Bar Park - West Ealing - London Paddington P9 (15.22 SD). Branch Line Society

Katie & Sian Weekends Join the beautiful ex-Fairbourne sister locomotives, Katie & Sian, as they work together exclusively on these special weekends in 2020. The locomotives will be hauling the scheduled passenger services on the following weekends: 7-8 March 2020 13-14 June 2020 15-16 August 2020 Standard ticket fares apply and tickets can be purchased on the day. Tickets need not be purchased in advance but, if you would prefer to do so, they may be purchased up to midnight the day before travel from here. Please note these services are subject to last minute changes relating to locomotive and driver availability. Kirklees Light Railway

Great Central Railwayana Live Auction at Stoneleigh Park: Saturday, 7 March 2020

Diesel Gala Somerset Sulzer! The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has arranged the hire of class 26 diesel locomotive D5343 from the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. The locomotive will be arriving at Midsomer Norton in March 2020 in readiness for our diesel gala which will be taking place over the weekend of the 7th and 8th March. The locomotive will be on a two month hire to the railway. This will be the first occasion that a class 26 has ever run on the Somerset and Dorset railway and will be a great attraction to the line. The railway is planning a number of events with the locomotive including driver experience and other special events - please check the website for further news over the coming weeks.

Railways Remembered and Aviation Archive 14:30 and 19:30, The Town Hall, Broad Street, Chipping Sodbury BS37 6AD

Spring Steam Gala Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Spring Steam Gala Dates for this event 6thMarch2020, 7thMarch2020, 8th March2020 . Springtime Steam Welcome to the East Lancashire Railway's first steam event of the new-year. Our home fleet locomotives will be running alongside special guest engines all weekend. East Lancashire Railway

The Yorkshireman Saturday 7th March 2020 The city of York is world famous for its variety of visitor attractions and home to the National Railway Museum. We travel north via the Midland Main Line stopping at stations to pick up further passengers. Our train will be hauled between London and York by A4 Pacific steam locomotive No. 60009 Union of South Africa. Our train leaves London Victoria at around 06:25 hauled by Union of South Africa and travels around West London through Acton Wells and and Neasden South Junction. At Dudding Hill Junction we take the Brent curve and join the Midland Main Line (MML) near Cricklewood. We head north and stop at St. Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering, to pick up further passengers. We leave the MML after Kettering and take the former Midland Railway Nottingham direct line. We pass through Corby Station, opened in 2009 to replace the original which was closed in 1966. We climb to the famous Harringworth Viaduct, the longest masonry viaduct in Britain. From the end of the viaduct there is a long, stiff climb up to Wing Tunnel and then it is downhill to Manton Junction, and through Rutland's county town of Oakham. We stop to pick up passengers at Melton Mowbray before we continue to Syston Junction and take the sharp right curve to join the MML from Leicester. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. Our final boarding point for passengers is at Alfreton. After Chesterfield we take the 'old road' to Rotherham and continue through Conisbrough to Doncaster. Here we join the East Coast Main Line and can expect a fast run to York, where we arrive in the early afternoon. York is well known for its Minster, Castle and city walls. The Snickelways, famous medieval alleys and narrow streets, and The Shambles, are well worth exploring. The National Railway Museum, the many shops and museums, ensure that there is something on offer for everybody. Our train leaves York at around 17:15 and returns to London Victoria diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Railway Touring Company

THE WHITE ROSE SATURDAY 7 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Shrewsbury (07.00/22.40) Whitchurch (07.20/22.20) Crewe (08.10/21.30) Hartford (08.35/21.10) Warrington Bank Quay (09.05/20.50) Newton le Willows (09.25/20.35) Manchester Victoria (09.55/20.00) All timings shown are approximate and may be subject to change - Tickets and confirmed timings will be forwarded by post 7 days prior to departure Enjoy a fabulous day tour travelling through the impressive Pennines over two very different routes with the outward journey taking the spectacular Vale of Edale through the Peak District National Park with stunning views of Mam Tor and Kinder Scout and through Sheffield to historic York for a sightseeing afternoon break. We return through Wakefield and true Pennine scenery with the rugged and steep sided Calder Valley towering over the train with its stone architecture clinging to the hillside and the restored Rochdale Canal keeping company with the line. Continuing through Todmorden and Rochdale we head homeward toward Manchester. Our train leaves Manchester Victoria with the taxing climb up Miles Platting bank and threads its way through the suburbs to join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and into the beautiful Vale of Edale. This route is spectacularly scenic and encompasses several long tunnels, including passing through the 3?-mile long Totley Tunnel, opened in 1892, before arrival at Sheffield. On departure we head northwards through Meadowhall, adjacent to the famous Shopping Centre, and onwards, avoiding Rotherham towards Swinton and Pontefract. We make our way through Church Fenton and follow the East Coast Main Line towards York. Nowhere in northern England says 'medieval' quite like York, a city of extraordinary cultural and historical wealth that has lost little of its pre-industrial lustre. A magnificent circuit of 13th-century walls encloses a medieval spider's web of narrow streets. At its heart lies the immense, awe-inspiring York Minster, one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world. York's long history and rich heritage is woven into virtually every brick and beam, and the modern, tourist-oriented city - with its myriad museums including the Jorvik Centre and superb National Railway Museum, restaurants, cafes including Bettys Tearoom which is a must for a divine afternoon tea. Our return in the late afternoon journeys west through Wakefield and the true Pennine scenery of the Calder Valley as we pass the preserved Lancashire & Yorkshire railway station at Hebden Bridge thence through Todmorden and Rochdale. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' Saphos Trains

Swindon 70 Join the NVR as we celebrate the last Pannier leaving Swindon works 70 years ago this year 7th & 8th March GWR Pannier No 6779 was the last Pannier Class to be built and leave Swindon works. These locomotives were then replaced by the Class 14 Diesel locomotives also built at Swindon works Travel behind Pannier 4612 (with thanks to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway) Second Pannier to be confirmed Class 14 No 9520 and 9529 Two rakes of M1 coaches Freight train in operation One of the visiting Panniers will be re numbered to Pannier 6779 with full re numbering and shed plate Nene Valley Railway

The Devonian Crompton Sunday 8th March 2020 Operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), this charter will feature a pair of Class 33s at the sharp end, hauled by 71A Locomotive Group's 33012 and a WCR Class 33. Our London departure is from Victoria and return is to Waterloo, as we set out to cover classic Class 33 routes. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales. We are raising funds for Help for Heroes, the leading charity for the Armed Forces Community. Our unusual destination is Coleford Junction on the line to Okehampton, but with a few twists and turns along the way for good measure! There is an optional ninety-minute break in Exeter for those that would prefer a leg stretch, rather than the trip to Coleford Junction and return. Photo stops are provided along the way. Provisional validated timings and route submitted to NR: London Victoria P2 (09.31 PU) - Clapham Junction - Balham - Wimbledon - Weybridge - Woking P4 (10.36 PU) - Basingstoke P2 (11.19 PU) - Andover - Salisbury P3 (11.56 PU) - Tisbury Loop - Gillingham P1 - Yeovil Junction P3 (photo stop / rev) - Yeovil Pen Mill (rev) - Yeovil Junction P2 - Chard Loop - Axminster P1 - Honiton P1 (photo stop) - Exeter St Davids P3 (15.32 SD) - Crediton - Coleford Jn (rev) - Exeter St Davids P3 (17.11 PU / rev) - Exeter Riverside Yard - Taunton - Weston-super-Mare - Bristol Temple Meads P5 (18.58 SD) - Bath Spa - Westbury - Salisbury P2 (20.24 SD) - Andover - Basingstoke P3 (21.08 SD) - Woking P1 (21.40 SD) - Weybridge - Wimbledon - Clapham Junction - London Waterloo P19 (22.38). Branch Line Society

Katie & Sian Weekends Join the beautiful ex-Fairbourne sister locomotives, Katie & Sian, as they work together exclusively on these special weekends in 2020. The locomotives will be hauling the scheduled passenger services on the following weekends: 7-8 March 2020 13-14 June 2020 15-16 August 2020 Standard ticket fares apply and tickets can be purchased on the day. Tickets need not be purchased in advance but, if you would prefer to do so, they may be purchased up to midnight the day before travel from here. Please note these services are subject to last minute changes relating to locomotive and driver availability. Kirklees Light Railway

Diesel Gala Somerset Sulzer! The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has arranged the hire of class 26 diesel locomotive D5343 from the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. The locomotive will be arriving at Midsomer Norton in March 2020 in readiness for our diesel gala which will be taking place over the weekend of the 7th and 8th March. The locomotive will be on a two month hire to the railway. This will be the first occasion that a class 26 has ever run on the Somerset and Dorset railway and will be a great attraction to the line. The railway is planning a number of events with the locomotive including driver experience and other special events - please check the website for further news over the coming weeks.

Spring Steam Gala Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Spring Steam Gala Dates for this event 6thMarch2020, 7thMarch2020, 8th March2020 . Springtime Steam Welcome to the East Lancashire Railway's first steam event of the new-year. Our home fleet locomotives will be running alongside special guest engines all weekend. East Lancashire Railway

The Park Royal Parkinson - Monday 9th March 2020 A re-positioning move railtour operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), hauled by a WCR Class 33. A Class 47 will also be provided for train heating and reversals. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales. We are raising funds for Help for Heroes, the leading charity for the Armed Forces Community. An early afternoon departure from Paddington will allow plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely morning in London before the journey home. Rare track highlights include Royal Oak Siding, Old Oak Common Reception Line, Coventry Carriage Sidings, Coventry North Yard and Sideway Loop. Provisional validated timings and route submitted to NR: London Paddington P1 (12.28 PU) - Royal Oak Siding - Old Oak Common Reception Line - Greenford South Jn - Park Royal (rev) - Greenford West Jn - Bicester North P1 (14.49 SD) - Banbury - Leamington Dn Main - Coventry P4 (rev) - Coventry Carriage Sidings (rev) - Coventry P4 (16.34 SD) - Coventry North Yard - Nuneaton - Stafford P3 (18.01 SD) - Stone - Sideway Loop - Stoke-on-Trent - Crewe P1 (19.34 SD) - Warrington Bank Quay P4 (20.08 SD) - Preston P3 (21.13 SD) - Lancaster P3 (21.40 SD). Branch Line Society

Railways Remembered 19:30, The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR

Cheltenham Festival Ladies Day - Wednesday 11th March EARLY BIRD FARES AVAILABLE A unique way to travel to a world famous event - and it's not just for ladies! Board at Stratford Upon Avon, Dorridge, Solihull or Birmingham New Street and travel in vintage style aboard our heritage coaches, hauled by a magnificent steam locomotive. A local bus shuttle service runs frequently between Cheltenham station and Cheltenham Racecourse during festival week. For a really special day out, consider booking your own private coach. Contact us for more details. Vintage Trains

The Salopian Express Barrow to Shrewsbury Wednesday 11 March 2020 From Barrow, Ulverston, Grange over Sands, Carnforth, Lancaster and Preston. Steam from Carnforth Join us for a nostalgic day out and enjoy the thrill of travelling behind a vintage steam engine to Shrewsbury. Departing from Barrow in Furness we travel around Morecambe Bay with diesel in charge through to Carnforth, where our steam engine awaits. Our diesel is detached and our steam locomotive reverses on to the coaching stock, ready to take charge for the journey south. We can enjoy the smells and sounds of days gone by as our locomotive works hard with its heavy load en route to the historic town of Shrewsbury, where we break our journey. Standing in a loop of the River Severn Shrewsbury is an attractive destination with its cobbled streets, half timbered buildings and pedestrianised centre, all making for a pleasant break. After our visit we rejoin our steam hauled train for the return trip to Carnforth, where our diesel now rejoins the train and takes over for the return run to Barrow. West Coast Railways

More Traveller's Tales from (nearly) Seventy years ago'by Michael Davies Thursday 12 March 2020 One of the London Area's favourite raconteurs, Michael will continue the story of his unrepeatable journeys by rail, while describing an Ireland almost forgotten. Since his first visit in 1951, he has visited Ireland 136 times. His remarkable early visits are still fresh in the memory - when he travelled from Tooban Junction in the north to Baltimore in the south, from Howth in the east to Dingle in the west. Covering rail-less areas relied on the generosity of the (then) very occasional motorist while some of the hotels he used were stories in themselves. Meetings are from 19.00 - 21.45 in Central London in the Function Room, Calthorpe Arms, 252 Gray's Inn Road, LONDON WC1X 8JR The room is accessible by stairs only and a selection of Irish transport books is usually on sale. Entry is ?3 members, ?5 non-members. The non-member entry fee is refunded if you join the Society on the night. Irish Railway Record Society

London & The Surrey Hills to Bath Thursday 12th March 2020 From: Clapham Junction , Redhill , Dorking Deepdene , Shalford , Guildford The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Little North Western Grid Friday 13th March 2020 Operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), this charter will feature a Colas Class 56 at the sharp end, and a WCR ETH Class 47 for our reversals, and to provide the therms. Our departure is from Carnforth and is a one-way journey to Doncaster, ahead of our main event on Saturday 14th March. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales. We are once again raising funds for Martin House Hospice. With huge thanks to Colas Rail for all their assistance, we will be working together to secure one of the more sought-after Class 56s from their pool. A surprise may feature at Rylstone! Provisional validated timings and route submitted to Network Rail: Carnforth P2 (09.05 PU) - Hellifield Up Goods - Skipton P4 (10.38 PU / RM) - Dn Shipley Slow (RM) - Rylstone Tarmac (No 1 bunker road requested / RM) - Skipton (RM) - Engine Shed Jn - Altofts Jn - Calder Bridge Jn - Pontefract Monkhill - Knottingley South Jn - Shaftholme Jn - Doncaster (15.30 SD) Branch Line Society

TRANSPORT COLLECTORS' MARKET Saturday 14 March 2020 11.00 - 15.00 at Chiswick Town Hall (west London) The London Area of the IRRS runs this popular event, now in its 41st season, to be held in Chiswick Town Hall (west London) from 11.00 - 15.00 on Saturday 14th March 2020. The Hall is accessible by London Underground (Chiswick Park or Gunnersbury), London Overground (Gunnersbury), South Western Railway (Chiswick or Kew Bridge) or bus. 30 sales stands selling a huge range of transport items: books, magazines, maps, photos, Irish railway drawings, DVDs, timetables, postcards, models, specialist publications and lots more. Irish Railway Record Society

SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR SATURDAY 14 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Crewe (10.20/16.50) Hartford (10.35/16.35) Warrington Bank Quay (10.50/16.20) Wigan North Western (11.00/16.10) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and just south of Carlisle, we take the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains. Statesman Rail

Multiple Memories Railcar Gala Sat 14th & Sun 15th March Travel back to yesteryear at our Railcar Gala and celebrate the unsung heroes of British Railways. Our large collection of railcars will feature, running to a special timetable. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

The Power of Aire Saturday 14th March 2020 Operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), this charter will feature a much sought-after Colas Class 70 with a WCR ETH Class 47 inside, supported by a Colas Class 56 for our reversals. The rare track highlights include Selby Curve, Ferrybridge Wagon Repair Depot, Drax Power Station, Gascoigne Wood Sidings, Doncaster Carriage Sidings and Sudforth Lane Sidings. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales, whilst first class passengers will benefit from complimentary refreshments. We are once again raising funds for Martin House Hospice. Huge thanks to Colas Rail, Davis Wagon Services and Drax Power for all their assistance with this project. Provisional validated timings and route submitted to Network Rail: Doncaster P8 (09.34 PU) - Holgate No 1 Road - York P11 (10.30 PU/ RM) - Holgate No 2 Road - Sherburn Jn - Hagg Lane (RM) - Run Round line (RM) - Hambleton West - Hambleton South - Doncaster P1 (PU 11.32) - Carriage Siding No 2 (RM) - Doncaster - Shaftholme Jn - Haywood Jn - Knottingley South Jn - Ferrybridge North Jn - Ferrybridge Wagon Repair Depot (W H Davies) (RM) - Pontefract East Jn - Pontefract West Jn - Prince of Wales Signal Box (RM) - Pontefract West Jn - Pontefract East Jn - DB Cargo Knottingley TMD - Sudforth Lane No 3 - Drax Power Station Reception 3 - B Road - Sudforth Lane No 1 - Knottingley East Jn - Knottingley South Jn - Shaftholme Jn - Doncaster Two Way Goods (RM) - Hare Park Jn - Oakenshaw UGL - Turners Lane Jn - Castleford - Milford Jn - Milford West No 12 Road - Gascoigne Wood Sidings (RM) - Sherburn Jn - Church Fenton P3 - Holgate No 3 Road - York P10 (19.41 SD/RM) - Hambleton East - Selby Canal Jn - Doncaster P1 (20.35 SD) Branch Line Society

Half Price Weekend 14th and 15th March 2020 We celebrate the start of our steam trains running with our popular Half Price Weekend. South Devon Railway

Spring Steam Gala Two full days of intensive steam engine action? Showcasing our home fleet of steam locomotives PLUS a special guest GWR 5526 2-6-2T Small Prairie, visiting from the South Devon Railway, all running to an intensive timetable. There hasn't been a Small Prairie in East Anglia for a long time and this loco is only with us for a limited time so don't miss out on getting up really close to our special guest. East Anglian Railway Museum

The Cumbrian Coast Express Saturday 14th March 2020 With these trains we expect to recreate the early days of steam rail tours in the 1980s when travelling over the Cumbrian Fells was the icing on the cake in the main line steam calendar. We have a high-speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carlisle, hauled by a blue Class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a steam tour from Carlisle back to Carnforth via the Cumbria Coast. We return from Carnforth to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:00 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter cafe and commence the climb up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, before the ascent to Shap. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle steam hauled and our return steam hauled journey to Carnforth takes the scenic coastal route around the Cumbrian Coast. After Maryport, we run along the shoreline through to the industrialised district of Workington, once a centre for the production of iron and steel. There are spectacular cliff edge views as we journey southwards from Workington through to Whitehaven, with the Isle of Man visible on a clear day across the Irish Sea. We run very close to the shoreline for several miles prior to St Bees, famous for its priory and school. We pass Sellafield, where the British Nuclear Fuels plant dominates the landscape. At Ravenglass, we meet up with the narrow gauge Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway which is normally steam operated. At Millom, we head inland and follow the sweeping estuary through Foxfield and Kirkby in Furness. We will avoid Barrow in Furness by taking the 'Park' cut off line to Dalton in Furness. After Ulverston, we cross Leven Viaduct and curve along the edge of the bay through to Grange-over-Sands. There are more views across Morecambe Bay as we cross the lengthy Kent Viaduct at Arnside and approach Carnforth. Here, we shall say farewell to our gallant steam locomotive and our blue Class 86 electric locomotive will take over for a fast run to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Railway Touring Company

Winter Gold 2020 Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours

Multiple Memories Railcar Gala Sat 14th & Sun 15th March Travel back to yesteryear at our Railcar Gala and celebrate the unsung heroes of British Railways. Our large collection of railcars will feature, running to a special timetable. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

The Eric and Ernie Sunday 15th March 2020 Operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), this charter will feature a Colas Class 56 and a WCR ETH Class 47 for our reversals. Our departure is from Doncaster and is a one-way journey back to Carnforth, via Copy Pit and Morecambe. The rare track highlights include Selby Curve and Whitehall Road Engineers Sidings. A buffet car service of drinks and refreshments will be available, including a selection of hand pulled real ales. We are once again raising funds for Martin House Hospice. Huge thanks to Colas Rail for all their assistance with this project. Provisional validated timings and route submitted to Network Rail: Doncaster P8 (09.59 PU) - Selby Canal Jn - Selby West Jn - Hambleton North Jn - York P10 (10.56 PU) - Harrogate Through Line - Leeds P9 (12.52 PU/RM) - Engine Shed Jn - Hunslet Station Jn (RM) - Whitehall Road Jn (RM) - Whitehall Road Engineers Sidings (RM) - Whitehall Road Jn (RM) - Engine Shed Jn - Altofts Jn - Wakefield Kirkgate P2 (14.03 SD) - Horbury UGL - Horbury Jn Up Slow - Brighouse (photo stop) - Hebden Bridge - Copy Pit - Blackburn Up & Dn Goods - Farington Curve Jn - Preston P4 (15.57 SD) - Lancaster Dn Main - Carnforth Up & Dn Goods 1 - Carnforth P2 (16.45 SD / RM) - Morecambe P2 (RM) - Heysham Port (17.37 SD / photo stop / RM) - Morecambe P2 (RM) - Carnforth Up & Dn Goods 2 - Carnforth P2 (18.42 SD) Branch Line Society

Half Price Weekend 14th and 15th March 2020 We celebrate the start of our steam trains running with our popular Half Price Weekend. South Devon Railway

Railways Remembered 14:30, Phoenix, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG

Spring Steam Gala Two full days of intensive steam engine action? Showcasing our home fleet of steam locomotives PLUS a special guest GWR 5526 2-6-2T Small Prairie, visiting from the South Devon Railway, all running to an intensive timetable. There hasn't been a Small Prairie in East Anglia for a long time and this loco is only with us for a limited time so don't miss out on getting up really close to our special guest. East Anglian Railway Museum

Winter Gold 2020 Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours

Indoor Talks - The Early Railways of Dalkeith 'The Early Railways of Dalkeith' is this evening's subject. Brain Scott, a member of the North British Railway Study Group, visits us for the first time and is our speaker on this topic from 'just over the Border'. We welcome visitors, members and their guests for a small donation towards the cost of meetings. Meetings are open to all. Refreshments will be available for 19.00. Old Waiting Room, Alnwick Station (Barter Books) Aln Valley Railway

The Blue Boys Merrymixer Saturday 21 March 2020 Join Pathfinder for this train excursion featuring a variety of DRS locos. Joining Stations: Eastleigh, Basingstoke, Reading West, Didcot Parkway, Banbury, Leamington Spa, Coventry, Birmingham International & Birmingham New Street Event Details UPDATED ITINERARY AND TIMINGS (05/02/2020) SATURDAY The previous two DRS loco railtours proved popular and requests for another are regularly received. Therefore, for 2020, we present 'The Blue Boys Merrymixer'. The day starts with a powerful class 68 working the mark I carriaged train north from Hampshire to the Birmingham area via the pick-up stations below. Then a brace of class 37s start a ramble of midlands lines ending at Crewe (not Stoke-on-Trent) for an afternoon break. Expect to travel via the Burton - Leicester freight route via Coalville and over the North Chord at Nuneaton, (via Lichfield City not available). On leaving Crewe a class 66 heads south through the west midlands to Daventry via Shrewsbury, Bescot and Rugby, with a number of freight loops traversed (Gresty Green Up Loop, Shrewsbury Crewe Bank, Cosford Up Goods Loop, Oxley Up Goods Loop). The next loco will be a class 88 electro-diesel, 'sparking' the train to Birmingham International via Rugby before class 57s take back over for the homeward set down run to Eastleigh. Pathfinder Tours

PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR STATESMAN SATURDAY 21 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Crewe (06.00/22.30) Stafford (06.30/22.00) Rugeley Town (07.00/21.30) Cannock (07.20/21.10) Walsall (07.30/21.00) Birmingham International (08.15/20.15) Coventry (08.30/20.00) Leamington Spa (08.50/19.40) Banbury (09.10/19.20) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Enjoy an exciting day trip to the dynamic and vibrant waterfront city of Portsmouth. From the pomp and ceremony of our proud naval and maritime heritage, to towering world-class visitor attractions, museums and miles of beautiful waterfront, Portsmouth offers something for absolutely everyone. Ideally situated on the south coast Portsmouth is ideal for a day by the sea as there are lots of things to do during the three-hour afternoon break. Our train will arrive into Harbour Station which is only a short walk to the Historic Dockyard (admission payable locally) home to Henry VIII's flagship the Mary Rose that remained at the sea bed for 437 years, until it was raised and put on an intensive conservation programme. Now, the ship takes pride of place at the centre of its very own museum where visitors can see the ship in all her glory - Also, board the world's most famous warship, HMS Victory, and try the new audio guide as the drama of the battle of Trafalgar unfolds, and visit the Victorian powerhouse HMS Warrior, as well as unique Gallipoli Campaign survivor - HMS M.33. If that's not enough, get out onto the water with a harbour tour or visit the attraction that is fast becoming the modern emblem of Portsmouth - the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. This imposing structure stretches 170 metres above Gunwharf Quays - making it taller than Big Ben, the London Eye and Blackpool Tower. Statesman Rail

The Cotswold Lion Saturday 21 March 2020 Spring is here at last, time to get out and about with a visit to the Cotswolds and the medieval city of Worcester. The rolling Cotswold hills, thatched medieval villages and churches built of distinctive local yellow limestone make for an unforgettable scenic backdrop from the train window. This tour includes both lines that pass through this delightful part of the country, travelling outward via Oxford and the bucolic Cotswold Line and returning home by way of the 'Golden Valley', the name for the line through Stroud and Kemble, coined by Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, while on a train along this picturesque route in 1909. One option is to travel along the third Cotswold rail route also, the preserved Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, now running from Cheltenham to Broadway. At our destination, Worcester, the River Severn flanks the city centre. The fine cathedral dates from the 12th century; much of it is Norman, and the foundations are older still. King John, of evil repute, lies buried in the crypt. Worcester is famed for its porcelain. The Museum of Royal Worcester, standing on the former factory site, contains the finest collection of Worcester Porcelain in the world and has recently undergone a ?1.7 million refurbishment. The city boasts a notable collection of medieval and Tudor buildings centred upon Cornmarket, Friar Street and New Street. Here you will also find a great range of shops, cafes and historic inns, and Saturday is market day too. The walk from Worcester Shrub Hill Station to the city takes about twelve minutes and you have over four hours in which to explore. There is a wide range of joining stations, stretching all the way from Peterborough into the capital. Our train runs via the North London Line, then via the Great Western main line. We pass by the 'dreaming spires' of Oxford before continuing through the peaceful Cotswolds, through Charlbury and Evesham to reach Worcester Shrub Hill late morning. After our sightseeing break our return route is via Cheltenham. We glimpse Gloucester Cathedral then divert south-east through the idyllic Golden Valley, rejoining our outward route at Didcot. OPTION - THE GLOUCESTER WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY: On this option you leave our train at Evesham for the nine-mile transfer to Toddington, headquarters of the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. This is a fourteen mile standard gauge preserved steam railway running from Broadway through the Cotswold Hills via Toddington to Cheltenham Racecourse. A 'rover' ticket is included in this option and with three trains in the operating circuit there will be lots of scope for designing your afternoon itinerary. Broadway station is just a ten minute level walk from the picture-postcard village of Broadway. At the end of the afternoon, the bus transfer is from Cheltenham Racecourse station to the main line station at Cheltenham Spa. This option needs to be pre-booked. OTHER OPTIONS: We are planning other off-train activities including the Elgar Birthplace Museum, located just a few miles from Worcester, also a river cruise on the River Severn. You can register your interest with us and we will confirm details as and when confirmed. First Class Dining includes the Great British Breakfast, morning coffee and a four-course dinner. The Gloucester Warwickshire Railway option includes bus transfer from Evesham to Toddington and from Cheltenham Racecourse to Cheltenham Spa, plus freedom of all Gloucester Warwickshire Railway train services during the afternoon. UK Railtours

RSH 7151 FUNDRAISING DAY Join us on 21st March for an intensive timetable of trains with all profits going towards the restoration of our locomotive RSH 7151. Avon Valley Railway

Spring Diesel & Beer Weekend! Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2020 Join us for our first enthusiast event of the 2020 season where our heritage diesels, including visiting Class 20 D8188, take to the stage for two days of diesel filled action. Our resident fleet will be joined, subject to successful test runs following lengthy maintenance and a period of of traffic by Class 20 D8188 courtesy of the Somerset & Dorset Loco Co. Ltd. The 1000Hp BR Green Bo-Bo will arrive by road from the Midlands and will be the 5th member of the class to operate on the Spa Valley Railway, others being 20118, 20110, D8098 and D8059, the latter also owned by the Somerset & Dorset Loco Co. Ltd. Our popular two train service at 45-minute intervals will be in action and a selection of beers and ciders will be available for you to enjoy from our award winning bar car 'Kate' and at Eridge. Spa Valley Railway

Newark and Notts Showground

Rail Riders Launch Event 21 March 2020 Come along to our official launch event and have two round trips behind resident class 47 47401 and visiting DB Cargo Class 66 66175.

Enthusiast Day 21st March 2020 PRE-BOOKING ONLY 9.00 - 16.00 Statfold Narrow Gauge Trust is pleased to announce the return of our original style 'Enthusiasts' Days' for 2020. These days are set aside from our busy public events and are exclusive to enthusiasts aged 10 and above only. As most people know, Statfold has grown in leaps and bounds in the short time we have been open to the public and we continue to do so in order to raise monies for the Trust to ensure the ongoing preservation of the Statfold Collection. We have been truly thrilled and overwhelmed with the amount of people wishing to visit us on a regular basis. The Statfold Collection continues to grow, with the donation of the assets of the Hampshire Narrow Gauge Trust. The March 2020 Enthusiast day will be one of the first opportunities to see these locomotives at Statfold. The March 2020 Enthusiast Day will also be the grand opening of our new workshops which will be based in the museum building and which help the Trust to maintain the Statfold Collection. In addition to this, the storage area not normally opened to the public will be open to allow enthusiasts to browse items that are not currently on public display. The garden railway will be running the ever popular 'Driver for a fiver', the Burton & Ashby Tram will be in operation, the boiler shop and Statfold Engineering will be open. Over the years Statfold has been famous for something new on an Enthusiast Day and 2020 promises to be no exception.

The Cheshireman Saturday 21st March 2020 The train will be steam-hauled throughout from London Euston and Chester by a Princess Coronation Class Pacific No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland. We will follow the route of the famous express such as the Royal Scot along the West Coast Main Line (WCML) to Crewe and then onwards to Chester. We can expect some spirited running down the WCML to Crewe. Be sure to book early to join us on this historic occasion. The Cheshireman will leave London Euston at around 07:00 steam hauled behind Duchess of Sutherland. Initially on departure we shall hear our locomotive working hard on the climb up Camden Bank. We stop to pick up more passengers at Watford Junction and then continue through Watford Tunnel into rural Hertfordshire. We stop to pick up further passengers at the 1960s 'new town' of Milton Keynes. At Hanslope Junction, we leave the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and take the Northampton loop line where we stop again for passengers. We continue northwards and pass the Daventry Railfreight Terminal (DIRFT) before rejoining the WCML at Rugby, a further pick up stop, and the birthplace of rugby football and the jet engine. We then follow the Trent Valley Line to Nuneaton, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lichfield, notable for its three-spired medieval cathedral, and soon after Rugeley is Shugborough Tunnel. This has ornamental grand entrances, the result of conditions required by the Earl of Lichfield for building the line across his estate. We continue northwards through Stafford to the famous railway junction town of Crewe where we take the North Wales Coast Line to Chester. There will be around four hours to explore the Roman city of Chester, one of the most visited places in the UK. Chester lies on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales, and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. The city contains a number of medieval buildings and is famous for its 14th Century 'Rows', the first floor level galleried walkways connecting shops and cafes. Other places of interest include the Castle, the Cathedral, and the picturesque racecourse which is located between the city walls and the River Dee. Our special train, hauled on the return journey by our steam locomotive Duchess of Sutherland, leaves Chester late afternoon for the return journey to London Euston. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers, and this tour promises to be a fitting tribute to the former LMS golden years along the WCML and its fine locomotives. Railway Touring Company

The Edinburgh Flyer Saturday 21st March 2020 A rare opportunity is on offer with this special steam hauled train using an A1 Class Pacific No. 60163 Tornado running at speed both ways from York to Edinburgh and return. There will be time in Edinbugh to visit the sights before we return south. Our steam hauled journey will commence at the historic city of York, with its long association with railways, including the location of the National Railway Museum. Heading north away from York, we will travel down the East Coast main line through to Northallerton, where 60163 Tornado will build up speed to its maximum on the straight alignment of the tracks. We will pause at Durham momentarily to pick up further passengers, before heading towards Tyneside and over the river Tyne to Newcastle, our final pick up point. Leaving Newcastle, we head northwards and pass through Morpeth, with our speed running at the maximum along this former LNER racetrack, the preserve of the A1 & A4 Pacifics up to their withdrawal in the mid 1960s. With coastal views and quaint villages along the way, we make our way through Northumberland, with views of Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne Island shimmering in the distance. Continuing towards Berwick on Tweed, we cross the spectacular 28-arch Royal Border Bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson. Just after Berwick, we cross the border and enter Scotland. Tornado will now be getting steam up ready for the long climb up to Grantshouse, a stiff climb at gradients of 1 in 190/200 and a test of the stamina of locomotives heading towards Edinburgh. We pass through the Scottish Borders, with more costal views along the way before we reach Edinburgh, the Capital of Scotland. Time will be available here for passengers to visit the city and its many attractions, located near Princes Street Gardens, whilst Tornado is serviced for the return journey back to York. Apart from its many shops and restaurants along Princes Street, there are many sights to see and visit, including the Palace of Holyrood, the Castle on the Royal Mile, Galleries and Museums and Princes Street Gardens. We will return south with Tornado and follow our outward route. Highlight of the jorney back to Newcastle will be the southbound climb to Grantshouse, graded at 1 in 96 for over four miles. In no time at all, we will be back at Newcastle to set down passengers, followed by Durham and finally York. Railway Touring Company

Steam Gala 2020 21/22 March 2020 This year we will have five engines in steam! Our resident locos, Ivatt 46447, 5637 and 'Lady Nan' ('Driver for a Tenner'), plus the recently restored 5239 Goliath and newcomer Small Prairie 4555 making its first appearance at the ESR at the start of a 2-year loan from the Dartmouth Steam Railway. We will be running seven services of passenger trains, freight, brake vans and tankers to create the complete steam atmosphere. Throughout this weekend we showcase our rolling stock, to give you a vision of life before modern technology. Ride in the brake van, watch the shunting, or sit in comfort in a vintage carriage all day if you like! Our day rover ticket allows you access to all this, as well as visiting our Engine Shed and Workshop to see the restoration and maintenance work carried out by our volunteers. Talk to our staff and see how passionate we are about our trains and the bygone era of steam. Next to the Engine Shed you can also have a Driver for a Tenner experience driving Lady Nan up and down the sidings. The Miniature Railway will be operating alongside the main line for a ?1 fare (please note the Miniature Railway will not run in poor weather conditions). Here you can enjoy a rest in our picnic area, which is adjacent to the main line. East Somerset Railway

Spring Diesel & Beer Weekend! Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd March 2020 Join us for our first enthusiast event of the 2020 season where our heritage diesels, including visiting Class 20 D8188, take to the stage for two days of diesel filled action. Our resident fleet will be joined, subject to successful test runs following lengthy maintenance and a period of of traffic by Class 20 D8188 courtesy of the Somerset & Dorset Loco Co. Ltd. The 1000Hp BR Green Bo-Bo will arrive by road from the Midlands and will be the 5th member of the class to operate on the Spa Valley Railway, others being 20118, 20110, D8098 and D8059, the latter also owned by the Somerset & Dorset Loco Co. Ltd. Our popular two train service at 45-minute intervals will be in action and a selection of beers and ciders will be available for you to enjoy from our award winning bar car 'Kate' and at Eridge. Spa Valley Railway

London to Winchester Sunday 22nd March 2020 From: London Victoria , Slough The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Hampshire & Sussex Coastal Tour Sunday 22nd March 2020 From: Winchester , Eastleigh , Fareham The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Steam Gala 2020 21/22 March 2020 This year we will have five engines in steam! Our resident locos, Ivatt 46447, 5637 and 'Lady Nan' ('Driver for a Tenner'), plus the recently restored 5239 Goliath and newcomer Small Prairie 4555 making its first appearance at the ESR at the start of a 2-year loan from the Dartmouth Steam Railway. We will be running seven services of passenger trains, freight, brake vans and tankers to create the complete steam atmosphere. Throughout this weekend we showcase our rolling stock, to give you a vision of life before modern technology. Ride in the brake van, watch the shunting, or sit in comfort in a vintage carriage all day if you like! Our day rover ticket allows you access to all this, as well as visiting our Engine Shed and Workshop to see the restoration and maintenance work carried out by our volunteers. Talk to our staff and see how passionate we are about our trains and the bygone era of steam. Next to the Engine Shed you can also have a Driver for a Tenner experience driving Lady Nan up and down the sidings. The Miniature Railway will be operating alongside the main line for a ?1 fare (please note the Miniature Railway will not run in poor weather conditions). Here you can enjoy a rest in our picnic area, which is adjacent to the main line. East Somerset Railway

PENNINE PEAKS & VALLEYS MOTHERS DAY EXPLORER SUNDAY 22 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Crewe (09.30/19.25) Hartford (09.50/19.05) Runcorn (10.05/18.50) Liverpool South Parkway (10.20/18.30) Liverpool Lime Street (11.00/17.50) Huyton (11.25/17.25) St Helens Central (11.40/17.10) Wigan North Western (12.00/16.50) All timings shown are approximate and may be subject to change - Tickets and confirmed timings will be forwarded by post 7 days prior to departure We are pleased to present a truly memorable steam hauled circular tour through the magnificent pennines with travel in our immaculately restored vintage carriages for a journey through deep valleys and the spectacular Yorkshire Dales offering stunning views of the three peaks, plus taxing climbs to make the engine work hard - Our Premier dining experience offers the ideal gift for the special lady in your life with a sumptuous five course Luncheon accompanied with champagne and wine. The train is steam hauled from Liverpool Lime Street with the steep climb through the cutting to Edge Hill and sounds of the locomotive working hard reverberating from the tunnel walls. At Wigan we join the West Coast Main line and passing through Preston, then travelling north past imposing Lancaster Castle we cross the River Lune and at Bolton-le-Sands there are spectacular views across Morecambe Bay toward the Lakeland mountains. At Carnforth we pass the famous station used in the 1945 movie 'Brief Encounter' and take the secondary line into open countryside and through dramatic scenery on the edge of the forest of Bowland towards the beautiful Yorkshire Dales crossing rivers and moorland as we climb through Wennington and Gigglewick to Settle Junction with amazing views of the three peaks. At Hellifield we join the normally freight only line as it crosses the River Ribble through the stunning valley with Pendle Hill, home to the Lancashire witches, towering over the route. Passing historic Clitheroe and Whalley, we cross the 48 arch viaduct and the engine works hard to climb the taxing Wilpshire Bank with the sounds echoing back from the surrounding hills. Travelling onward through Blackburn on easier gradients we take the line to Leyland and re-join the West Coast main line to our homeward stations. The train is steam hauled from Liverpool by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' Saphos Trains

Railways Remembered 19:30, Corn Market Hall, London Road, Kettering NN15 7QA

The Salopian Express Dumfries to Shrewsbury Wednesday 25 March 2020 From Dumfries, Annan, Gretna, Carlisle, Penrith, Lancaster and Preston Steam from Carnforth Join us for a nostalgic day out and enjoy the thrill of travelling behind a vintage steam engine to Shrewsbury. Departing from Dumfries with diesel in charge we make our way down the West Coast Main Line through to Carnforth, where our steam engine awaits. Our diesel is detached and our steam locomotive reverses on to the coaching stock, ready to take charge for the journey south. We can enjoy the smells and sounds of days gone by as our locomotive works hard with its heavy load en route to the historic town of Shrewsbury, where we break our journey. Standing in a loop of the River Severn Shrewsbury is an attractive destination with its cobbled streets, half timbered buildings and pedestrianised centre, all making for a pleasant break. After our visit we rejoin our steam hauled train for the return trip to Carnforth, where our diesel now rejoins the train and takes over for the return run along the West Coast Main Line to Dumfries. West Coast Railways

WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Milton Keynes (06.25/23.00) Rugby (07.15/22.15) Nuneaton (07.30/22.00) Tamworth (07.50/21.40) Lichfield (08.00/21.30) Stafford (08.20/21.10) Crewe (08.50/20.40) Warrington Bank Quay (09.20/20.10) Wigan North Western (09.30/19.50) Preston (10.00/19.30) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most dramatic and beautiful time of year - The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains offering views of tumbling waterfalls, peaceful lochs and the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight. Accommodation for 2 nights will be in quality 3-star hotels in the Fort William area. Friday: Our train travels north with splendid views of the Lakeland fells before crossing the border, continuing through the Scottish Lowlands and over Beattock Summit to Glasgow and along the banks of the River Clyde, where we join the scenic and spectacular West Highland line. Passing Loch Long and Loch Lomond we climb high into the mountains for a memorable journey over the wild expanse of Rannoch Moor with an arrival into Fort William around 20.00. Statesman Rail

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Diesel Gala A first for a 'Deltic'! 55019 will be appearing at the line's gala on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March. In addition, there will be Footplate Experience days taking place on Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th March.

Spring Steam Gala North Norfolk Railway

Goods Galore Gala 28th and 29th March 2020 Our goods-themed showcase of how Britain's railways moved goods around the country, becoming a lifeline to towns and villages ahead of the age of mass road transportation. Goods Galore takes place earlier in 2020 on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March. Expect to see up to 6 goods trains (5 goods train sets and 1 parcels train which also carries passengers) in service alongside a very frequent passenger service, shunting demonstrations, and turntable demonstrations. Great Central Railway

WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Milton Keynes (06.25/23.00) Rugby (07.15/22.15) Nuneaton (07.30/22.00) Tamworth (07.50/21.40) Lichfield (08.00/21.30) Stafford (08.20/21.10) Crewe (08.50/20.40) Warrington Bank Quay (09.20/20.10) Wigan North Western (09.30/19.50) Preston (10.00/19.30) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most dramatic and beautiful time of year - The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains offering views of tumbling waterfalls, peaceful lochs and the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight. Accommodation for 2 nights will be in quality 3-star hotels in the Fort William area. Saturday: 'The Statesman' departs at 09.00 for the magnificent 84-mile round trip through the mountains - Passing Ben Nevis we travel along the shoreline of Loch Eil and at Glenfinnan cross the viaduct featured in the 'Harry Potter' movies and offers stunning vistas down Loch Shiel, regarded by many as the most spectacular view in Britain. Our train terminates in the pretty fishing port of Mallaig for a short late morning break. We return from Mallaig around 12.00 returning past the white sands of Morar and over our outward route with an arrival back in Fort William about 14.00 with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure for sightseeing. Statesman Rail

The Aberthaw Farewell Saturday 28 March 2020 PLEASE NOTE: There is no First Class Dining from Reading. With very grateful thanks to RWE Generation we are delighted to announce a new Forgotten Tracks excursion. This trip provides the final opportunity to visit Aberthaw Power Station and acknowledge the great contribution the power station has made to Wales and our United Kingdom for nearly 50 years. The power station has already ceased generation and will close permanently just three days after this special charter train departs. The Aberthaw Power Station loop, which we shall traverse in full, is at the end of its own short branch line. The line has only seen passenger trains on very rare occasions over the last 50 years which just goes to underline what a rare privilege RWE Generation have afforded us with this visit. Very much enjoying a Welsh theme, this charter train will also run via the scenic Vale of Glamorgan railway with views across the Bristol Channel and our mid-afternoon break of around an hour will be taken in the capital city of Cardiff. With this being a Forgotten Tracks trip our route between the two capital cities will see our train venture onto rail lines that require Goods Lines Authority on numerous occasions. After what is sure to be a fascinating day out we are scheduled to arrive back at our first set down station just as the sun is setting, but for those who wish to stay on-board, the interesting routing continues all the way back to London. Please be aware that there are special security restrictions in place for Aberthaw. Full names of all passengers travelling must be submitted with your booking and we request all passengers to carry a valid form of identification on the day (for example passport or photo driving licence). A number of RWE Generation security staff may travel with us on the day. Bookings for this charter will close on Friday 15th March 2020. Our route is expected to be: London Victoria p/u - Kensington Olympia - Slough p/u - Reading p/u - Didcot Parkway - Swindon - Wootton Bassett Junction - Bristol Parkway - Newport - Cardiff Central - Bridgend - the Vale of Glamorgan railway - Aberthaw Sidings - Aberthaw Power Station - Cardiff Central (break) - Newport - Bristol Parkway - Wootton Bassett Junction - Swindon - Didcot Parkway - Reading s/d - Slough s/d - Kensington Olympia - Clapham Junction s/d - Streatham South Junction - Wimbledon - London Victoria s/d All prices include a donation to RWE Generation's chosen charity. UK Railtours

Railwayana Auction Our Railwayana Auctions are held at Poynton Leisure Centre, Yew Tree Lane, Poynton, near Stockport. Viewing is from 8am. Auctions start at 10.30am. For SAT NAVS, etc. - the postcode is SK12 1PU

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Diesel Gala A first for a 'Deltic'! 55019 will be appearing at the line's gala on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March. In addition, there will be Footplate Experience days taking place on Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th March.

Spring Steam Gala North Norfolk Railway

Steam Gala Ribble Steam Railway

The Wensleydale Railway Saturday 28th March 2020 Our steam hauled journey today commences at Carnforth on the edge of Morecambe Bay. We will journey eastwards across the Bentham Line to Hellifield and onwards through Skipton to Leeds and then York. We then continue along the East Coast Main Line to Northallerton where we will join the 22-mile long Wensleydale Railway for a run through the highly scenic Yorkshire Dales to the line's present terminus at Redmire. This will be a rare opportunity to visit the Wensleydale line by a through steam-hauled train. Leaving Carnforth first thing in the morning, we will take the Bentham Line and climb through Wennington and Giggleswick to Settle Junction, where we join the former Midland Railway route to Leeds. A pause will be made at Hellifield to top up our steam locomotive's tender before we continue onwards towards Skipton, where there will be a stop to pick up passengers. We follow the Aire Valley through Keighley towards Leeds, where a further pick up will be made. A fast sprint will follow as we make our way northwards to join up with the East Coast Main Line that will take us onwards to York. At York, a second steam locomotive will be attached for the run to Northallerton, where we will need to reverse to join the Wensleydale line. We expect to run in 'top and tail' mode along the branch through the Vale of Mowbray as far as our first stop at Leyburn, where passengers have the opportunity to alight and visit the nearby attractive market town. The train will continue to the current end of the branch at Redmire, where the nearby 14th century Bolton Castle is visible on the edge of the town. After a short break in Redmire, we return to Leyburn for an afternoon break. Apart from its railway interest in and around the station, the attractive market town of Leyburn is just a short walk away, with its small Market Square offering a number of cafes and pubs, plus quaint tourist shops in its centre. After servicing our steam locomotives, we will return along the Wensleydale line back to Northallerton, were we will rejoin the East Coast Main Line for the run southwards back to York. Here we will reluctantly have to say goodbye to our steam locomotives and return to Carnforth with diesel traction, setting down at our earlier pick up points and thus ending a splendid day out travelling over Lancashire and Yorkshire scenic lines. Railway Touring Company

The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 28th March 2020 The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the winter months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We then enjoy a circular steam tour outwards via Shap to Carlisle and back via the Settle and Carlisle line. We return from Preston to London behind our blue electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive; either 35018 'British India Line?, 45699 'Galatea'or 45690 'Leander'. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard when we climb the first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and, in the former days of steam locomotives, banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be around three hours in Carlisle, providing time to explore this ancient 'Border' city with its castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum, and shopping centre. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over tall viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Train Fares Railway Touring Company

Steam Gala 28 March 2020 - 29 March 2020

40th Anniversary Event

Goods Galore Gala 28th and 29th March 2020 Our goods-themed showcase of how Britain's railways moved goods around the country, becoming a lifeline to towns and villages ahead of the age of mass road transportation. Goods Galore takes place earlier in 2020 on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March. Expect to see up to 6 goods trains (5 goods train sets and 1 parcels train which also carries passengers) in service alongside a very frequent passenger service, shunting demonstrations, and turntable demonstrations. Great Central Railway

WEST HIGHLAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 27 TO SUNDAY 29 MARCH 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Milton Keynes (06.25/23.00) Rugby (07.15/22.15) Nuneaton (07.30/22.00) Tamworth (07.50/21.40) Lichfield (08.00/21.30) Stafford (08.20/21.10) Crewe (08.50/20.40) Warrington Bank Quay (09.20/20.10) Wigan North Western (09.30/19.50) Preston (10.00/19.30) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three day weekend break to the Highlands of Scotland at this most dramatic and beautiful time of year - The journey will be over the entire length of the world famous West Highland line, featuring some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland crossing magnificent bridges and viaducts with our train climbing high into the mountains offering views of tumbling waterfalls, peaceful lochs and the prospect of snow covered mountains as they glisten in winter sunlight. Accommodation for 2 nights will be in quality 3-star hotels in the Fort William area. Sunday: Departing Fort William around 09.00 we travel up the Great Glen, passing the falls of Orchy and through Monessie Gorge, then alongside Loch Trieg with stunning views of the Nevis Range and Mamore Mountains. A stop (weather permitting) will be made at the isolated station at Rannoch for a short photographic break with views of the snow-covered mountains - continuing homeward around the Horseshoe Curve and County March summit. Statesman Rail

Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway Diesel Gala A first for a 'Deltic'! 55019 will be appearing at the line's gala on Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March. In addition, there will be Footplate Experience days taking place on Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th March.

Spring Steam Gala North Norfolk Railway

Steam Gala Ribble Steam Railway

Steam Gala 28 March 2020 - 29 March 2020

The Pendle Dalesman Liverpool to Carlisle Wednesday 01 April 2020 From Liverpool, St. Helens, Wigan North Western and Blackburn Steam from Hellifield - to Carlisle via the Settle to Carlisle Line Join us for a nostalgic day to remember, travelling behind our splendid vintage steam engine along England's most famous railway. From our earlier pick up points we travel behind a vintage diesel engine to Hellifield where one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. The Settle-Carlisle Railway on which we will travel needs no introduction; this breath-taking journey will take you over 20 Viaducts, through 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas. The climb over Blea Moor and the crossing of the world renowned Ribblehead Viaduct are arguably the highlights of England?s most scenic Railway. CARLISLE: We anticipate an afternoon arrival time offering a couple of hours or so break. This great border city dominates the borderlands between England and Scotland, sitting within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and Scottish Southern Uplands. In Carlisle you'll find yourself at the centre of a stirring past and a vibrant present. Many of the city's eateries and licensed premises are just a few minutes' walk from the station entrance and if you visit www.historic-carlisle.org.uk you will find information to help you plan ahead. And for those who would prefer to use their short break to wander around in the beautiful and historic heart of the city you may choose to visit the Castle, cathedral or indeed the Tullie House Museum. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, we head south across some of the finest countryside Great Britain has to offer, where we head to your home stations via the famous Settle to Carlisle line in the comfort of our beautifully restored MkI or MkII Carriages. Fares West Coast Railways

IRRS Presentation 'Last Glimpses of the Traditional Railway in Northern Ireland and Securing the Future'by Derek Young Thursday 2 April 2020 Derek Young (author of Ulster Transport Authority in Colour) experienced the 1960's railway scene. Steam locomotives gave way to diesel railcars; traditional signal cabins gave way to colour-light signals, lines closed, freight disappeared. But it was also a decade in which the foundations were laid for today's immensely successful Northern Ireland Railways. Tonight Derek presents an evening of photographic memories with many previously unseen glimpses of the 1960's in rarely photographed areas of the former Great Northern, NCC and Co Down. Meetings are from 19.00 - 21.45 in Central London in the Function Room, Calthorpe Arms, 252 Gray's Inn Road, LONDON WC1X 8JR The room is accessible by stairs only and a selection of Irish transport books is usually on sale. Entry is ?3 members, ?5 non-members. The non-member entry fee is refunded if you join the Society on the night. Irish Railway Record Society

Railways Remembered 19:30, Rolls Royce Pavilion, Moor Lane, Derby DE24 9HY

Great North Steam Fair (2nd to 5th April). Marvel at magnificent steam locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, cars, lorries and motorbikes as vehicles of all shapes and sizes gather at the museum for this amazing annual event, part of the Great North Festival of Transport.

The West Highland and Royal Deeside Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2020 The pleasure of your company is requested aboard a four-day springtime railway extravaganza. Sit back in our well appointed First Class Dining train and enjoy the very best scenery in Great Britain slip quietly past your wide picture window. FRIDAY 3 APRIL: Guests are welcomed aboard at London King's Cross, Stevenage and Peterborough. Morning coffee and pastries precede the service of a two-course lunch as we head for Scotland. Our route is via the magnificent Settle & Carlisle Railway, a marvel of Victorian engineering. One spectacular view follows another as we pass notable landmarks such as Ribblehead Viaduct and Wild Boar Fell. This is scenery on a grand scale, setting the scene for the wonderful weekend ahead. At Carlisle you have the opportunity to step off the train for a few minutes. Very soon we cross the border at Gretna Green, with a four-course dinner enjoyed as we gaze out over the gently rolling countryside of south-west Scotland. Passing the mighty city of Glasgow our train takes us out beside the gradually broadening estuary of the River Clyde and we duly arrive at Dumbarton Central. Here coaches will be waiting for the short transfer to our base for the weekend, the Golden Jubilee Beardmore Hotel. Who could believe that this now peaceful spot was once the home of the famous John Brown shipyards? After check-in at around 20.45 you can relax for the rest of the evening. Prices include your reserved First Class seat on our special train, meals on board, three nights in the Beardmore Hotel, coach transfers, the Calmac ferry to Mull and admission to Balmoral Castle. UK Railtours

Branch Line Weekend 3rd to 5th April 2020 Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing Bluebell Railway's small locomotives and some very special visitors! A busy timetable will recreate the branch line feel of our Railway in its heyday by concentrating on the use of our smaller Bluebell locomotives, plus our very special visitors?. We will be operating a different timetable on each of the three days so why not take the opportunity to spend a long weekend sampling the variety of what our Railway can offer, including locomotives, coaches and stations from the 1880s right through until the mid-1950s. Come along and see the 'small but mighty' engines at their best. Bluebell Railway

Spring Diesel Event 3rd-5th April 2020 15th October 2019 - Our 2020 Spring Diesel Event takes place between 3rd and 5th April 2020. We are pleased to announce two visiting locomotives that plan to visit, subject to availability: D400 (50050) and 37240 with thanks to Neil Boden, we are in contact with other owners including mainline operators, we'll announce further information nearer the event. Mid-Norfolk Railway

Great North Steam Fair (2nd to 5th April). Marvel at magnificent steam locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, cars, lorries and motorbikes as vehicles of all shapes and sizes gather at the museum for this amazing annual event, part of the Great North Festival of Transport.

Mixed Traffic Weekend 2020 Experience days gone by when Mixed Traffic ruled the Railways 4th & 5th April Join the NVR as we showcase the days of Mixed Traffic Most available Steam and Diesel Locomotives in action Nene Valley Railway

SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR SATURDAY 4 APRIL 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Bangor (08.50/18.20) Llandudno Jct (09.10/18.00) Colwyn Bay (09.20/17.50) Rhyl (09.30/17.40) Flint (09.50/17.20) Chester (10.10/17.00) Frodsham (10.30/16.40) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and just south of Carlisle, we take the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains. Statesman Rail

The West Highland and Royal Deeside Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2020 The pleasure of your company is requested aboard a four-day springtime railway extravaganza. Sit back in our well appointed First Class Dining train and enjoy the very best scenery in Great Britain slip quietly past your wide picture window. SATURDAY 4 APRIL: We have a fairly early start, with coaches transferring us to the station for train departure at 07.25. What finer backdrop to the Great British Breakfast than the world-famous West Highland Line. Climbing from Helensburgh we soon find ourselves high above the beautiful shores of romantic Loch Lomond, with the wooded glens and braes of the Trossachs reflecting in the tranquil waters. The little station at Crianlarich is where to West Highland Line splits. We take the Oban line, following charming Glen Lochy at the head of Loch Awe. We then pass through the Pass of Brander, where the scenery is often described as fjord-like, and after skirting the banks of Loch Etive we finally descend to sea level at the picturesque port of Oban. You will have time to take a stroll here, but our main purpose is to join the CalMac ferry for the 45-minute crossing to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Fear not, we are in sheltered waters so the crossing is usually smooth; the ship has closed and open decks, a cafeteria and bar. On arrival at Craignure we enjoy a coach tour along the eastern flank of the island and take a break of around an hour and a half in the island's capital, Tobermory, with its colourful little shops, cafes and cottages looking out over the idyllic harbour. We return via the coaches and ferry to Oban, and during our journey back to Dumbarton a fine four-course dinner will round off a memorable day as we admire the fabulous West Highland scenery once again. We step off the train at 22.00 to return to the hotel. Prices include your reserved First Class seat on our special train, meals on board, three nights in the Beardmore Hotel, coach transfers, the Calmac ferry to Mull and admission to Balmoral Castle. UK Railtours

Branch Line Weekend 3rd to 5th April 2020 Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing Bluebell Railway's small locomotives and some very special visitors! A busy timetable will recreate the branch line feel of our Railway in its heyday by concentrating on the use of our smaller Bluebell locomotives, plus our very special visitors?. We will be operating a different timetable on each of the three days so why not take the opportunity to spend a long weekend sampling the variety of what our Railway can offer, including locomotives, coaches and stations from the 1880s right through until the mid-1950s. Come along and see the 'small but mighty' engines at their best. Bluebell Railway

Spring Diesel Event 3rd-5th April 2020 15th October 2019 - Our 2020 Spring Diesel Event takes place between 3rd and 5th April 2020. We are pleased to announce two visiting locomotives that plan to visit, subject to availability: D400 (50050) and 37240 with thanks to Neil Boden, we are in contact with other owners including mainline operators, we'll announce further information nearer the event. Mid-Norfolk Railway

East-West Saturday 4th April 2020 Itinerary Dublin - Dundalk - Dublin - Galway - Dublin The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is delighted to announce the latest in the series of diesel railtours. It is scheduled to depart from Dublin (Connolly) and head north from the capital, operating via the running loop in Skerries and the bi-directional line to Balbriggan. There will be a passenger pick up stop in Drogheda and then on to Dundalk. Here the loco will run around before heading back south again to Dublin. Along the way there will be some photo stops in Laytown and Skerries. A loco change has been requested in Dublin before the train once again sets off, this time heading west to Galway. There will be a number of photo stops along the route and a break of 1? hours in Galway, before a swift return to Dublin. As with previous diesel railtours this one is sure to very popular and will sell out quickly so don't delay and get your booking in as soon as possible. The train will be made up of our Cravens coaching stock complete with usual facilities of snack car serving a variety of hot and cold items throughout the day alongside our renowned bar car with draught and bottled beverages available all day. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Great North Steam Fair (2nd to 5th April). Marvel at magnificent steam locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, cars, lorries and motorbikes as vehicles of all shapes and sizes gather at the museum for this amazing annual event, part of the Great North Festival of Transport.

The Fen and Fells Flyer Cambridge to Carlisle (60163 Tornado) A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

The Pennine Blackpool Express Saturday 4th April 2020 Join us on this special train to the Fylde Coast and the vibrant seaside resort of Blackpool. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive, as far as Carnforth. Here, we will attach our steam locomotive for a scenic tour via Hellifield and Clitheroe through pleasant Lancashire scenery to Blackpool. We return from Blackpool with our blue Class 86 electric locomotive back to Preston and pick up stations to London Ealing Broadway. We leave London Ealing Broadway at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We continue through Lancaster to Carnforth, where we change motive power to a steam locomotive chosen from one of the Carnforth-based locomotives. Leaving Carnforth, our steam locomotive will be working hard as we head eastwards on the climb to Wennington. Beyond is a lengthy climb through Bentham and Clapham to a summit near Giggleswick, where we descend to Settle Junction and join up with the Midland Railway's route from Carlisle to Leeds. We will pause for water at Hellifield before taking the very scenic Ribble Valley line through Clitheroe, which includes the spectacular 48-arch viaduct over the River Calder at Whalley. Another lengthy climb follows after the viaduct to a summit at Ramsgreave and Wilpshire station. We descend into Blackburn and follow the line via Bamber Bridge to Preston. From Preston, we will join the line to Blackpool North, newly electrified to serve local trains and also to allow through trains to and from London. We will head westwards across The Fylde and pass through Kirkham, the junction for the Blackpool South branch. We will take the Blackpool North line and pass through Poulton-le-Fylde station where there should be by now views of the famous 518ft tall tower at Blackpool. Time will be available to visit the town and some of its attractions, including the Tower, the Winter Gardens, Madame Tussauds, the three piers or perhaps take a vintage tram ride along the sea front. Shops are also nearby along with many restaurants and pubs to cater for all tastes. After a refreshing break, we will return from Blackpool North to London Ealing Broadway with our blue electric locomotive. Please note: Premier Dining is not available from Preston on this train. * Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train. **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Railway Touring Company

Mixed Traffic Weekend 2020 Experience days gone by when Mixed Traffic ruled the Railways 4th & 5th April Join the NVR as we showcase the days of Mixed Traffic Most available Steam and Diesel Locomotives in action Nene Valley Railway

The West Highland and Royal Deeside Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2020 The pleasure of your company is requested aboard a four-day springtime railway extravaganza. Sit back in our well appointed First Class Dining train and enjoy the very best scenery in Great Britain slip quietly past your wide picture window. SUNDAY 5 APRIL: As befits a Sunday our train departure is a more leisurely 09.15, so maybe a riverside stroll first thing? Today the Great British Breakfast is served as we head through the lowland belt to Perth, following the Firth of Tay to Dundee. Then it's on through Arbroath and Montrose, with panoramic views over the North Sea for much of way. At Stonehaven coaches will be waiting for a journey through Royal Deeside, passing Banchory and Ballater to reach Balmoral Castle, the Queen's Highland residence, open for just a few months each year when Her Majesty is not in residence. You will be able to stroll through the grounds and explore parts of the castle, notably the ballroom and the stables. There is a cafeteria and gift shop available. The coaches bring us back to Stonehaven and a four-course dinner is savoured on our return journey. Prices include your reserved First Class seat on our special train, meals on board, three nights in the Beardmore Hotel, coach transfers, the Calmac ferry to Mull and admission to Balmoral Castle. UK Railtours

ISLAND HERITAGE TRAIN DAYS - April Sun 5th April Head back to the 1940s to discover how the railways provided our daily transport needs... Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Branch Line Weekend 3rd to 5th April 2020 Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing Bluebell Railway's small locomotives and some very special visitors! A busy timetable will recreate the branch line feel of our Railway in its heyday by concentrating on the use of our smaller Bluebell locomotives, plus our very special visitors?. We will be operating a different timetable on each of the three days so why not take the opportunity to spend a long weekend sampling the variety of what our Railway can offer, including locomotives, coaches and stations from the 1880s right through until the mid-1950s. Come along and see the 'small but mighty' engines at their best. Bluebell Railway

Friendly Engines Day Sunday 5th April West Lancashire Light Railway

Spring Diesel Event 3rd-5th April 2020 15th October 2019 - Our 2020 Spring Diesel Event takes place between 3rd and 5th April 2020. We are pleased to announce two visiting locomotives that plan to visit, subject to availability: D400 (50050) and 37240 with thanks to Neil Boden, we are in contact with other owners including mainline operators, we'll announce further information nearer the event. Mid-Norfolk Railway

Great North Steam Fair (2nd to 5th April). Marvel at magnificent steam locomotives, traction engines, steam rollers, cars, lorries and motorbikes as vehicles of all shapes and sizes gather at the museum for this amazing annual event, part of the Great North Festival of Transport.

The West Highland and Royal Deeside Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2020 The pleasure of your company is requested aboard a four-day springtime railway extravaganza. Sit back in our well appointed First Class Dining train and enjoy the very best scenery in Great Britain slip quietly past your wide picture window. MONDAY 6 APRIL: It is going home day of course, but there is still plenty to enjoy! Our train leaves Dumbarton at around 09.30 with a light breakfast served as we head for Edinburgh. Here we pause for just over an hour, time to step into Princes Street and sample the vibrant atmosphere of Scotland's Capital city, maybe picking up a souvenir or two. Our return journey is via the East Coast Main Line, with more fine sea views from the clifftops as a four-course lunch served before we bid our farewells at Peterborough, Stevenage or London King's Cross. Prices include your reserved First Class seat on our special train, meals on board, three nights in the Beardmore Hotel, coach transfers, the Calmac ferry to Mull and admission to Balmoral Castle. UK Railtours

The Windmill Inn, Rugby

The Stratford Flyer Scarborough to Stratford upon Avon Wednesday 08 April 2020 From Scarborough, Seamer, Malton, York, Church Fenton and Pontefract Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel Join us for a nostalgic day out aboard our heritage diesel hauled special direct to Stratford upon Avon which is, of course, famous for its connections with William Shakespeare and rightly so. Being the birthplace of the famous Bard and now the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company makes this town a big draw. You may wish to visit Shakespeare's birthplace with its museum collection or maybe take a tour of Anne Hathaway's cottage with its gardens. All these attractions are on the route of the hop-on hop-off open top bus which operates around the town. However there is so much more to Stratford than just William Shakespeare. A charming medieval centre with timber framed buildings and lots of independent shops makes for a lovely afternoon visit. Add to this the canal with its boat trips and also the river, which makes its way through the central park, then Stratford has a most attractive centre worthy of a visit in its own right. West Coast Railways

Railcar Rendezvous Fri 10 - Mon 13 Apr 2020 - see four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side Buy tickets ? Come and see the extraordinary spectacle of four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side at Didcot as the Railway Centre's unique GWR steam Railmotor No 93 and Diesel Railcar No22 are joined by pioneering petrol railcar No 3170, built for the North Eastern Railway in 1903 and recently restored to its Edwardian splendour, and Waggon und Maschinenbau Diesel Railbus M79964 dating from 1958. The four contrasting vehicles show how engineers attempted to produce lightweight vehicles to provide economic branchline services - a problem for railway operators since the initial euphoria of railway mania of the Victorian era. Didcot Railway Centre

The Spring West Highlander - 4 Day Luxury Railcruise 10 to 13 April 2020 A four-day railcruise passing through spectacular Scottish scenery, travelling in classic First Class Carriages with delicious food and a comfortable overnight hotel Event Details Friday to Monday Join us for a memorable trip to the scenic splendours of Western Scotland, travelling in classic First Class carriages. Enjoy freshly prepared on-board meals served at your seat, a choice of off-train options and a comfortable overnight hotel. The fare includes: ?First class rail travel aboard our special train, your choice of optional activity each day, hotel transfers and three nights hotel accommodation in a shared twin or double room (a supplement applies for single room occupancy). ?On train meals and refreshments as described. Breakfast is taken at the hotel on both Saturday and Sunday morning. Itinerary We ask that your choice of off-train option for each day is advised at the time of booking. Friday The weekend starts with a champagne English Breakfast as we set off northwards(something lighter will be served to those joining us later). There will be a light Luncheon before a journey break mid afternoon. Then we cross into Scotland, and enjoy Evening Dinner as we head into the West Highlands on our way to Fort William and the comfortable hotels for our three night stay. Pathfinder Tours

Chocolate Train Good Friday 10 - Easter Monday 13 April Join us this Easter weekend and see our steam locomotive from the old Fry's chocolate factory site in Keynsham. Enjoy a brake van ride behind this beautiful locomotive that volunteers from the Avon Valley Railway have spent the last decade restoring. Plus there's our usual steam-hauled passenger train services throughout the day from 11am. Avon Valley Railway

Rush Hour on the Railways event

Railcar Rendezvous Fri 10 - Mon 13 Apr 2020 - see four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side Buy tickets ? Come and see the extraordinary spectacle of four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side at Didcot as the Railway Centre's unique GWR steam Railmotor No 93 and Diesel Railcar No22 are joined by pioneering petrol railcar No 3170, built for the North Eastern Railway in 1903 and recently restored to its Edwardian splendour, and Waggon und Maschinenbau Diesel Railbus M79964 dating from 1958. The four contrasting vehicles show how engineers attempted to produce lightweight vehicles to provide economic branchline services - a problem for railway operators since the initial euphoria of railway mania of the Victorian era. Didcot Railway Centre

The Spring West Highlander - 4 Day Luxury Railcruise 10 to 13 April 2020 A four-day railcruise passing through spectacular Scottish scenery, travelling in classic First Class Carriages with delicious food and a comfortable overnight hotel Saturday The day begins in leisurely style with breakfast at the hotel before we all step out to enjoy a day of exploration in this beautiful and rugged area. Choose from one of the options below: ?Option A - Rails to Mallaig and back The morning is yours to explore Fort William. Then, at lunchtime, our special train starts out along the 41 twisting and undulating miles to line's end at Mallaig (a light luncheon will be served en-route). The magnificent scenery along the way includes mountains sea, lochs, moors and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct. There should be a good two hours to explore before the return journey. . ?Option B - Sunart and Loch Shiel Cruise By road coach with local guide, travel firstly on the Corran ferry into Sunart and along its namesake loch to Acharacle. After a spot of lunch join the mv Sileas for the cruise of Loch Sheil, culminating in the panorama of the Glenfinnan Monument and viaduct. Look out for eagles! Rejoin the coach along the 'Road to the Isles' for a short afternoon break in Mallaig. ?Option C - Moidart and Loch Sheil Cruise Leave Fort William by coach, with a guide, along the 'Road to the Isles', making for Glenfinnan Pier to join the mv Sileas. for the Loch Sheil cruise - you may see eagles. Lunch will be taken in Acharacle. Your coach will then transport you around the Sound of Arisaig to Mallaig for a short afternoon break. ?Option D - Across the Sea to Eigg The distinctive island of Eigg lies 10 miles off the mainland. One of the Small Islands (along with Muck, Rum & Canna), it has a small community, craft shop and tea room. It is quiet and natural. A road coach with local guide will take you to join the mv Sheerwater at Arisaig for the cruise to Eigg, with around two hours ashore. The afternoon is rounded off with a short break in Mallaig. Stout footware and waterproofs are recommended! With everyone back on board at about five o'clock, we leave Mallaig for the fabulous rail journey back to Fort William. A three course dinner will be enjoyed along the way and we should be back at our hotels around 8pm. Pathfinder Tours

Chocolate Train Good Friday 10 - Easter Monday 13 April Join us this Easter weekend and see our steam locomotive from the old Fry's chocolate factory site in Keynsham. Enjoy a brake van ride behind this beautiful locomotive that volunteers from the Avon Valley Railway have spent the last decade restoring. Plus there's our usual steam-hauled passenger train services throughout the day from 11am. Avon Valley Railway

Rush Hour on the Railways event

London & East Anglia to Lincoln Saturday 11th April 2020 From: Stratford (London) , Romford , Witham , Colchester , Ipswich , Bury St Edmunds The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Railcar Rendezvous Fri 10 - Mon 13 Apr 2020 - see four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side Buy tickets ? Come and see the extraordinary spectacle of four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side at Didcot as the Railway Centre's unique GWR steam Railmotor No 93 and Diesel Railcar No22 are joined by pioneering petrol railcar No 3170, built for the North Eastern Railway in 1903 and recently restored to its Edwardian splendour, and Waggon und Maschinenbau Diesel Railbus M79964 dating from 1958. The four contrasting vehicles show how engineers attempted to produce lightweight vehicles to provide economic branchline services - a problem for railway operators since the initial euphoria of railway mania of the Victorian era. Didcot Railway Centre

The Spring West Highlander - 4 Day Luxury Railcruise 10 to 13 April 2020 A four-day railcruise passing through spectacular Scottish scenery, travelling in classic First Class Carriages with delicious food and a comfortable overnight hotel Sunday Today, after breakfast in your hotel, we head west for more exploring of this wonderful part of the world via one of the options below: ?Option F - Rails to Oban and back This very special train journey features the West Highland Line in all its glory, climbing and twisting from sea level up onto desolate Rannoch Moor, before arrival into Crianlarich, then along the mountain passes to Oban for an afternoon visit of several hours. This small port serves as a lifeline to the offshore islands. Our return journey re-traces the outward route. ?Option G - Ferries to Mull & Oban This alternative way to Oban is by a road coach with a local guide, going via Strontian and taking three ferries. On the Isle of Mull you will visit Duart Castle, seat of Clan Maclean, before crossing back to the mainland for an afternoon break in Oban. ?Option H - Isle of Iona Iona sits off the western tip of Mull, and is an important religous centre. You will travel there on a coach, with a guide, direct to Oban, to take the Mull ferry and cross the island to Fionnphort for the foot ferry to Iona, where you will have 2-3 hours to explore and relax. The return journey will follow the outward route, and will include a stop for Evening Dinner at The Creagan Inn ?Option J - Lochaber Coach Tour This road coach tour (with a local guide) enjoys a leisurely itinerary, travelling via the 'old road' around Loch Leven to Glencoe for a visit to this historically important location, with its towering landscape. The visit is followed by a scenic journey alongside Loch Linnhe and the coast to Oban, arriving late lunchtime for a three hour do-as-you-please visit. By late afternoon everyone (except Option H) will be in Oban ready to rejoin our special train for our return to Fort William. Evening Dinner will be served whilst you journey through the grand vistas, arriving back at your hotel at about 9:30pm. Pathfinder Tours

Chocolate Train Good Friday 10 - Easter Monday 13 April Join us this Easter weekend and see our steam locomotive from the old Fry's chocolate factory site in Keynsham. Enjoy a brake van ride behind this beautiful locomotive that volunteers from the Avon Valley Railway have spent the last decade restoring. Plus there's our usual steam-hauled passenger train services throughout the day from 11am. Avon Valley Railway

Behind the Scenes and Recruitment Days 12th and 13th April 2020 A chance to find out how we run the railway and perhaps join us as a volunteer or supporting member. There will be plenty to see behind the scenes, such as signal boxes, the workshop, our permanent pay equipment and more. There will also be trains running all day and lots of opportunities to learn more about us. South Devon Railway

Rush Hour on the Railways event

Railcar Rendezvous Fri 10 - Mon 13 Apr 2020 - see four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side Buy tickets ? Come and see the extraordinary spectacle of four pioneering railcars in action side-by-side at Didcot as the Railway Centre's unique GWR steam Railmotor No 93 and Diesel Railcar No22 are joined by pioneering petrol railcar No 3170, built for the North Eastern Railway in 1903 and recently restored to its Edwardian splendour, and Waggon und Maschinenbau Diesel Railbus M79964 dating from 1958. The four contrasting vehicles show how engineers attempted to produce lightweight vehicles to provide economic branchline services - a problem for railway operators since the initial euphoria of railway mania of the Victorian era. Didcot Railway Centre

The Spring West Highlander - 4 Day Luxury Railcruise 10 to 13 April 2020 A four-day railcruise passing through spectacular Scottish scenery, travelling in classic First Class Carriages with delicious food and a comfortable overnight hotel Monday Sadly, it's time to head home, so we leave Fort William and enjoy the on-board breakfast as our train climbs south through lonely landscapes and along lochs to Clydeside. Then we skirt around Glasgow and through the Southern Uplands to England, with a four course luncheon on the way. If you are travelling into the evening a supper will be served later on. Wherever you leave us we genuinely hope you will have a weekend full of delightful memories to look back on Pathfinder Tours

Chocolate Train Good Friday 10 - Easter Monday 13 April Join us this Easter weekend and see our steam locomotive from the old Fry's chocolate factory site in Keynsham. Enjoy a brake van ride behind this beautiful locomotive that volunteers from the Avon Valley Railway have spent the last decade restoring. Plus there's our usual steam-hauled passenger train services throughout the day from 11am. Avon Valley Railway

Behind the Scenes and Recruitment Days 12th and 13th April 2020 A chance to find out how we run the railway and perhaps join us as a volunteer or supporting member. There will be plenty to see behind the scenes, such as signal boxes, the workshop, our permanent pay equipment and more. There will also be trains running all day and lots of opportunities to learn more about us. South Devon Railway

Open Days We open at 10:00 and operate our frequent train service between 10:30 and 16:30.

Rush Hour on the Railways event

Indoor Talks - The Journey - Return of Train Building back to the North East Geoff Hunton also visits us for the first time. His talk, based on 'inside knowledge' is entitled: 'The Journey - Return of Train Building back to the North East'. Those who visited Hitachi (and those who couldn't) will look forward to this talk! We welcome visitors, members and their guests for a small donation towards the cost of meetings. Meetings are open to all. Refreshments will be available for 19.00. Old Waiting Room, Alnwick Station (Barter Books) Aln Valley Railway

Spring Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway

Spring Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Our Great Britain tour this year is packed with steam highlights, transporting you in style through the magnificent landscapes of England, Scotland and Wales. Friday 17th April Steam hauled London to Edinburgh via York Your nine-day steam-hauled holiday tour starts from London's King's Cross station, heading northwards on the busy East Coast Main Line (ECML) through the North London suburbs. Hauled by A1 Class Pacific steam locomotive No.60163 Tornado, speed picks up as you pass through Hertfordshire and into the open countryside. The towns of Welwyn and Stevenage flash by as you head towards the cathedral city of Peterborough. You continue along the ECML and pass through Little Bytham, where LNER A4 Pacific 'Mallard' achieved the world speed record for steam traction descending Stoke Bank in 1938. Grantham, Newark and Retford fly by as you near Doncaster, the ancestral home of such famous locomotives as 'Flying Scotsman' and 'Mallard'. Travelling through scenic South Yorkshire your train then steams to York, famous for its historic Minster cathedral, one of the largest in Northern Europe. Here your locomotive will be changed to Royal Scot Class steam locomotive No.46115 Scots Guardsman for the journey northwards to Newcastle and Edinburgh. Leaving York, you continue on the ECML through Thirsk, Northallerton and Durham to Newcastle, crossing the Tyne on the lofty King Edward Bridge. You then follow the former North Eastern Railway route through Morpeth and past coastal Alnmouth, where you start to get glimpses of the North Sea. Speeding past Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle, your train crosses the famous Royal Border Bridge over the Tweed before reaching Berwick. Just after Berwick you cross the Scottish border and follow the spectacular coastline through Dunbar. Journey's end today is at Edinburgh Waverley for overnight accommodation in a centrally-located hotel. Railway Touring Company

The Galloway Fifties Saturday, 18 April 2020 Travel behind English Electric Class 50s to Stranraer. Joining Stations: Tame Bridge Parkway, Birmingham New Street, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigon North Western, Preston & Carlisle Event Details It is with much pleasure that Pathfinder presents this full day railcruise to the south west of Scotland, featuring a route that is often ignored due to its extremity. We also return English Electric Type 4s to an erstwhile destination from some 50 years ago - Stranraer here we come! A range of West Coast Main Line (WCML) pick ups will allow our locos to reel off the miles to Carlisle, including over Shap. Beyond Carlisle we tale ex- G & S.W.R metals north via Dumfries and Kilmarnock, then turn 180 degrees to journey to the coast, Troon and into Ayr. Then its towards Galloway, and over the undulating and twisting line that threads through the high hills before arrival, at the end of the line, into the old Irish packet port of Stranraer. We cannot dwell here too long due to line capacity issues; so, after photos, we re-trace this interesting route north back to Ayr / Newton-on-Ayr for a short afternoon break, before running over the Annbank freight line to Mauchline and south via Dumfries to Carlisle. It then remains for a fast setting down return along the WCML to the Birmingham area to conclude this unusual day out. Pathfinder Tours

SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Derby (08.20/18.50) Uttoxeter (08.50/18.20) Stoke on Trent (09.10/18.00) Kidsgrove (09.30/17.40) Alsager (10.00/17.10) Crewe (10.20/16.50) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and just south of Carlisle, we take the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains. Statesman Rail

Farmyard Friends 18 & 19 April If you've visited us at Christmas you'll have seen the donkeys on the platform. Now meet their friends as we celebrate the arrival of Spring. There'll be sheep, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as the donkeys themselves. There will also be an animal-themed trail around the station site too. Avon Valley Railway

Sale of Railwayana

Spring Diesel Gala 18, 19 April 2020 featuring: ?visiting locomotives (to be confirmed) ?the possible return to traffic of 45132 (to be confirmed and subject to generator repairs) ?our homefleet of 20001, 31438, 37029 and 47635 This is the first of our ever popular Diesel Galas for 2020, where the home fleet, along with some interesting visiting locomotives, come out to be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. This gala may see the return of Class 45 'Peak' locomotive 45132 (subject to completion of generator repairs). Keep an eye on this page or follow us on social media for updates. As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with late running Real Ale trains on Saturday. All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations. Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of draught beers, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train. For those who would like to see the line from the unique vantage point of a loco cab, then we will be offering our popular cab rides for ?5; we also hope to be offering brake van rides (an additional fare of ?5 per return trip applies). Cab rides and Brake Van trips will be offered on a first come first served basis. These can't be pre-booked. Simply speak to the crew on the day to reserve your place. Epping Ongar Railway

Spring Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway

Settle & Carlisle Saturday 18th April 2020 EARLY BIRD FARES AVAILABLE The Settle to Carlisle Railway is one of the most scenic and impressive railways in the UK, with viaducts, tunnels and wild scenery of the North Pennines, Eden Valley and Yorkshire Dales. Consisting of 72 miles of track with 21 viaducts spanning the ravines and 14 tunnels, the line is considered to be the most picturesque route to Scotland. On this full day tour, travel to Appleby or Carlisle on our heritage coaches, hauled by a class 47 diesel as far as Hellifield. There we will swap our diesel for Clun Castle, one of our magnificent GWR Castle class steam locomotives, which will haul us on the route via Settle to Carlisle. An opportunity to stretch your legs and photograph the engine is offered at Appleby before we retrace our steps and head home. This is a spectacular full day trip, all the more special as 'Clun Castle'makes her first return to the Settle and Carlisle line since 1967. Passengers can join the train at Birmingham New Street, Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby and Chesterfield. Passengers can alight at Appleby or Carlisle. Steam hauled over the S&C from Hellifield to Catlisle and return by No: 7029 'Clun Castle? Vintage Trains

London to The Settle & Carlisle Railway Saturday 18th April 2020 From: London Euston , Milton Keynes , Rugby , Lichfield Trent Valley , Crewe The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Saturday 18th April Travel further north over the Forth Bridge to Inverness The scene is set today for a spectacular railway journey over the Forth Bridge and Highland Main Line to Inverness. Steam hauled by Princess Coronation Class locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland we depart Edinburgh Waverley in the morning and head towards the Firth of Forth, crossing the famous Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the coastal route through Kirkcaldy you'll have outstanding views across the Forth estuary. After Ladybank you follow the single-line through the Howe of Fife towards the 'Fair City' of Perth, located on the river Tay. You then travel northwards towards the site of Stanley Junction, and join the former Highland Railway's route to Inverness. Working hard against the gradient, the line follows the river Tay and the A9 through to Dunkeld. You pass through Strathtay and reach the charming Victorian Highland town of Pitlochry. Still climbing, you negotiate the narrow, wooded Pass of Killecrankie en route to Blair Atholl and its splendid castle. A severe 20-mile climb then follows through barren terrain to Drumochter Summit, 1484 feet above sea level. Descending gradients then take you past Dalwhinnie distillery to Aviemore, a popular modern skiing centre and the gateway to Speyside. Leaving Aviemore, there's more climbing ahead as your steam locomotive tackles the 10-mile climb to Slochd Summit, 1315 feet above sea level. A long descent to Inverness follows, with tight curves and viaducts all the way. You'll spend the night in Inverness, the Capital of the Highlands. Railway Touring Company

Farmyard Friends 18 & 19 April If you've visited us at Christmas you'll have seen the donkeys on the platform. Now meet their friends as we celebrate the arrival of Spring. There'll be sheep, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs as well as the donkeys themselves. There will also be an animal-themed trail around the station site too. Avon Valley Railway

Spring Diesel Gala 18, 19 April 2020 featuring: ?visiting locomotives (to be confirmed) ?the possible return to traffic of 45132 (to be confirmed and subject to generator repairs) ?our homefleet of 20001, 31438, 37029 and 47635 This is the first of our ever popular Diesel Galas for 2020, where the home fleet, along with some interesting visiting locomotives, come out to be put through their paces over some of the most challenging gradients in preservation. This gala may see the return of Class 45 'Peak' locomotive 45132 (subject to completion of generator repairs). Keep an eye on this page or follow us on social media for updates. As usual we will be running a 3 train intensive service throughout the weekend with late running Real Ale trains on Saturday. All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations. Our on train bars will be also be open, serving a selection of draught beers, as well as a range of wines, lagers and soft drinks, and, on the Saturday evening, we will be running our Real Ale Train. For those who would like to see the line from the unique vantage point of a loco cab, then we will be offering our popular cab rides for ?5; we also hope to be offering brake van rides (an additional fare of ?5 per return trip applies). Cab rides and Brake Van trips will be offered on a first come first served basis. These can't be pre-booked. Simply speak to the crew on the day to reserve your place. Epping Ongar Railway

Spring Steam Gala Severn Valley Railway

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Sunday 19th April Return over the highland line to Stirling After your brief stay in Inverness, you retrace the previous day's route over the Highland line back through Aviemore as far as Perth, again hauled by 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, before heading for Stirling via the Strathearn Valley, including a long climb to Gleneagles, famous for its golf course. Now running through Strathallan to Dunblane, the train steams onwards to Stirling, with its historic castle overlooking the surrounding area. We will spend two nights in the historic city of Stirling, noted for its well-preserved castle and cultural connections to William Wallace. Railway Touring Company

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Monday 20th April Optional excursion to Oban and the magical west coast of Scotland Today is free to explore the many sights of Stirling, or even venture a little further beyond to the Trossachs or perhaps visit the impressive Falkirk Wheel. There is also the option of an excursion steam-hauled behind two steam locomotives over the highly scenic West Highland Line (WHL) to the coastal resort town of Oban. Your optional excursion hauled by two Black 5 steam locomotives heads southwards through Bannockburn, scene of the famous 1314 battle between Robert the Bruce and the English. The train threads its way through Lenzie towards the northern side of Glasgow before you travel along the north bank of the river Clyde, famous for its extensive shipbuilding industry. With spectacular views across the Clyde to Port Glasgow and Greenock, you then head inland at Helensburgh and join the WHL, where the gradients become ferocious as you climb above the town and follow Gare Loch closely for several miles. More climbing ensues as you ascend high above Loch Long to Glen Douglas summit, with panoramic views of the loch and the mountains. After Arrochar, there's a first glimpse of Loch Lomond, which the line follows for a few miles along a hillside ledge. You then pass the Falls of Falloch on the climb from Ardlui before arriving at the junction station of Crianlarich. Here, the Fort William line continues ahead as you take the Oban line. More severe gradients follow as you pass vast valleys, numerous lochs and mountains all the way to Oban. The line leads from Glen Lochy to Dalmally, where Loch Awe is shadowed for several miles, passing the Falls of Cruachan and through the Pass of Brander. More lochs appear after Taynault, with Loch Etive leading to Connel, where the old Ballachulish branch railway bridge crosses the Falls of Lora. A last climb to Glencruitten Crossing brings you to the outskirts of Oban, where you break to explore this gateway to the Isle of Mull. Attractions in Oban include the Distillery, and for the more energetic, a climb to McCaigs Tower rewards with panoramic views across the bay towards Mull. You then return to Stirling by way of Crianlarich and the north Clyde line. Railway Touring Company

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Tuesday 21st April South into England to Grange over Sands via the Cumbrian Coast Your journey southwards continues today across the upper and lower Clyde Valley, with the scenery changing from Borders greenery and rolling hills to coastal views across the Irish Sea. Your steam locomotive, 46115 Scots Guardsman, begins the journey south from Stirling, running via Cumbernauld to Law Junction, where we meet up with the West Coast Main Line. After Carstairs, you then face a steady climb along the Clyde Valley as far as Beattock Summit. The long descent of Beattock Bank will give your fireman a rest as the train picks up speed through Annandale towards Lockerbie. Crossing the border at Gretna, you'll enjoy a break at Carlisle while we change locomotives before continuing via the Cumbrian Coast line to Grange-over-Sands hauled by Jubillee Class locomotive No.45690 Leander. The Irish Sea is in view as you pass through Maryport, where on a clear day you can see across to Galloway and even the Isle of Man. Industrial Workington and Whitehaven still show the scars of the heavy industry once extensive along this section of line. There are also tantalising views of the Lake District as you head south through Ravenglass, frequently cutting inland and around sharp bends on the approach to Barrow-in-Furness. The line then crosses the Leven Estuary on a lengthy viaduct beyond Ulverston, with views of Morecambe Bay indicating journey's end at Grange-over-Sands. It is now a coach transfer to your hotel and an overnight stay in Bowness-on-Windermere. Railway Touring Company

The Stratford Flyer Carnforth to Stratford upon Avon Wednesday 22 April 2020 From Carnforth, Lancaster, Preston, Wigan and Warrington BQ Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel Join us for a nostalgic day out aboard our heritage diesel hauled special direct to Stratford upon Avon which is, of course, famous for its connections with William Shakespeare and rightly so. Being the birthplace of the famous Bard and now the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company makes this town a big draw. You may wish to visit Shakespeare's birthplace with its museum collection or maybe take a tour of Anne Hathaway's cottage with its gardens. All these attractions are on the route of the hop-on hop-off open top bus which operates around the town. However there is so much more to Stratford than just William Shakespeare. A charming medieval centre with timber framed buildings and lots of independent shops makes for a lovely afternoon visit. Add to this the canal with its boat trips and also the river, which makes its way through the central park, then Stratford has a most attractive centre worthy of a visit in its own right. West Coast Railways

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Wednesday 22nd April West Coast Main Line and the Welsh Marches After a night in the heart of the Lake District, you transfer by coach to Grange-over-Sands to re-join your train for the journey to Cardiff, steam hauled by Merchant Navy Class steam locomotive No.35018 British India Line. Skirting Morecambe Bay, the line passes through Carnforth and heads south through Lancaster to Preston. Following the West Coast Main Line, you reach Warrington, where your steam locomotive takes the Chester line through Frodsham, where it stops for water. After Chester, you follow the North Wales coastal line past the Chester 'Roodee' Racecourse and branch off at Saltney Junction to enter Wales. Reaching Rossett, there's a long climb up a 1-in-82 gradient to Gresford Bank and the border town of Wrexham. Pleasant countryside follows through Chirk and Gobowen as the line follows the border, before moving into Shropshire and progressing southwards towards Shrewsbury on the river Severn. Now following the Welsh Marches route, your train climbs hard towards Church Stretton, overlooked by the Long Mynd. Pretty Stokesay Castle flashes by after Craven Arms as you continue southwards through Ludlow and Leominster, arriving at historic Hereford in mid-afternoon. Your steam locomotive will be watered here while you stretch your legs. Continuing your journey along the 'North and West' line, you cross the England/Wales border a number of times. The long climb from Pontrilas to Llanvihangel Summit will be the highlight of the day before passing through Abergavenny and on to more climbing up to the summits at Nantyderry and Pontypool Road. It's then downhill all the way to Caerleon and over the river Usk to Newport. Your final destination for the evening is the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff, just a short distance away. Railway Touring Company

London to Oxford & Stratford-Upon-Avon Thursday 23rd April 2020 From: London Paddington , Slough , Reading , Oxford The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Thursday 23rd April Steam to Cornwall via the Somerset Levels and Dawlish Today, you leave Wales and make your way via the Severn Tunnel back to England and to the City of Bristol, from where you run across the Somerset Levels, passing through Bridgwater before a water stop is taken at Taunton. Your steam locomotive Princess Royal Class No.6201 Princess Elizabeth, is now faced with a steep climb through the Blackdown Hills to Whiteball tunnel, before entering Devon. You proceed to Exeter, with its impressive cathedral, and follow the Exe Estuary through to Dawlish Warren, to reach the tidal waters of the English Channel. Here your train runs along the famous Dawlish sea-wall right through to Teignmouth, where you head inland and follow the Teign Estuary to Newton Abbot. Climbing starts once again up the formidable Dainton Bank, graded at 1-in-36 in places. Speed will be built up through Totnes for the next major obstacle, the long climb to Rattery on the edge of Dartmoor. Passing through classic Devonshire countryside you have distant views over the sea before descending to the naval city of Plymouth and a water stop. Leaving Plymouth, the route now heads west and approaches the famous Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar, built by Brunel and opened in 1859. Crossing the river into Cornwall you follow the twists and turns of the main line to Penzance, through wooded valleys and over numerous viaducts. Truro Cathedral greets you as you pass through this ancient Cornish county town. On the way derelict chimneys still stand to remind one of the vital tin mining industry once prevalent in the area. Finally, with views across to St Michael's Mount, you reach Penzance, the end of the line from London Paddington, 305 miles from London, where you'll stay for two nights. Railway Touring Company

Return of West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala 23rd to 26th April 2020 After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a must visit since 1996 from 23rd - 26th April 2020. After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a 'must visit'since 1996. The WSR's Spring Gala is back and the line-up of guest steam locomotives will feature bigger machines than was possible in 2019, thanks to the sterling work of the track and infrastructure teams. The headline visiting locomotive as at November 2019 will be British Railways Class 9F 92134 built at Crewe in 1957, withdrawn from Birkenhead at the end of 1966 and finally returned to working life at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 2019. The Spring Gala will be its first visit to southern England in the preservation era. Homefleet Locomotives The home fleet locos in action should include:- 'Manor'Class 7828 'Odney Manor? The unique 'Small Mogul'9351 Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F 53808 Visiting Locomotives BR Std 9F 2-10-0 No. 92134 Further visiting locomotives will be announced as soon more information is available. Please note that all locomotives are subject to change and availability. West Somerset Railway

THE WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THURSDAY 23 APRIL 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Preston (08.00/21.30) Wigan North Western (08.20/21.10) Warrington Bank Quay (08.30/20.50) Hartford (09.00/20.35) Crewe (09.40/19.50) All timings shown are approximate and may be subject to change - Tickets and confirmed timings will be forwarded by post 7 days prior to departure Travel in style on our steam hauled train to enjoy a wonderful day out to Stratford-upon-Avon, one of England's most historic and vibrant towns. Situated in the heart of the Midlands on the River Avon Stratford is today most famous as the home of Elizabethan playwright William Shakespeare whose birthplace is a 'must see?, as is Anne Hathaway's cottage. The train is diesel hauled by a heritage locomotive to Crewe where one of our famous steam locomotives takes over for a fast run down the West Coast main line through Stafford and Walsall and then through the beautiful Warwickshire countryside for a lunchtime arrival at historic Stratford-upon-Avon. Dating from Tudor times, Stratford still looks like a small half-timbered market town and there are many fantastic areas to explore, all within easy walking distance of the station which is why visitors flock back year after year. From quaint side streets with unique curio shops to open parkland along the river, there's something for everyone. There is a good range of coffee houses and tea rooms to rest those weary feet and why not visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford Butterfly Farm or take an open top bus tour. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' Saphos Trains

Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2020 DATES CONFIRMED 24-26 APRIL 2020 Swanage Railway

Spring Diesel Gala Fri 24th, Sat 25th & Sun 26th April Enjoy classic diesel locomotive action in the valley, running in a variety of combinations to a special timetable. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Return of West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala 23rd to 26th April 2020 After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a must visit since 1996 from 23rd - 26th April 2020. After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a 'must visit'since 1996. The WSR's Spring Gala is back and the line-up of guest steam locomotives will feature bigger machines than was possible in 2019, thanks to the sterling work of the track and infrastructure teams. The headline visiting locomotive as at November 2019 will be British Railways Class 9F 92134 built at Crewe in 1957, withdrawn from Birkenhead at the end of 1966 and finally returned to working life at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 2019. The Spring Gala will be its first visit to southern England in the preservation era. Homefleet Locomotives The home fleet locos in action should include:- 'Manor'Class 7828 'Odney Manor? The unique 'Small Mogul'9351 Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F 53808 Visiting Locomotives BR Std 9F 2-10-0 No. 92134 Further visiting locomotives will be announced as soon more information is available. Please note that all locomotives are subject to change and availability. West Somerset Railway

Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2020 DATES CONFIRMED 24-26 APRIL 2020 Swanage Railway

FENLAND STATESMAN SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Crewe (05.30/23.25) Hartford (05.45/23.10) Warrington Bank Quay (06.00/22.55) Wigan North Western (06.20/22.35) Leyland (06.45/22.10) Blackburn (07.05/21.50) Burnley (07.20/21.35) Hebden Bridge (07.45/21.10) Brighouse (07.55/21.00) Wakefield Kirkgate (08.35/20.20) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Enjoy a memorable day on board 'The Statesman' celebrated train as we travel over the Pennines and into East Anglia with a voyage of discovery offering views of the wide Fenland horizons, interrupted only by an occasional church spire or the distinctive outline of a solitary windmill which lend a sense of exhilaration to the flat landscapes of the Cambridgeshire fens as we travel to historic Norwich for a three hour afternoon break. Norwich is a wonderful fusion of the modern and historic, one complementing the other. Like any great city its centre is easy to walk around and has a river at its heart. It is the only English city in a National Park, the Norfolk Broads and as well as being the most complete medieval city in the UK, it has a flourishing arts, music and cultural scene, superb independent as well as High Street shopping, lively restaurants and bars with a heritage that is a delight to explore. It was also England's first UNESCO City of Literature - The city's historic street layout is wonderfully haphazard, but there's no need to get lost, just look for the obvious landmarks - the spire of the majestic Norman Cathedral, the domineering castle on its tall mound and City Hall's clock tower. If it's sights and attractions, you're after, then Norwich doesn't disappoint. The city has the largest permanent undercover market in Europe, many museums and theatres, ancient pubs, cobbled streets such as Elm Hill, Timber Hill and Tombland, ancient buildings such as St Andrew's Hall, half-timbered houses such as Dragon Hall, The Guildhall and Strangers' Hall, the Art Nouveau delight of the 1899 Royal Arcade, a jumble of medieval lanes and a delightful riverside along the winding Wensum. Statesman Rail

Spring Diesel Gala Fri 24th, Sat 25th & Sun 26th April Enjoy classic diesel locomotive action in the valley, running in a variety of combinations to a special timetable. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

The Doctor Syn Saturday 25 April 2020 In response to many requests from our friends in the Midlands, here is an unmissable railtour from Derby and other Midland Main Line stations, travelling around West London for a meander around the railways of Kent. It is named after the mythical Doctor Syn, a notorious Romney Marsh vicar who turned to smuggling to help fund his parish in Dymchurch. After our final joining station of St Albans we take an interesting route through the London suburbs via Brent, Dudding Hill, Acton Canal Wharf, Kew, Clapham, Factory Junction, Nunhead and Lewisham. Heading out of the capital now, and with the Thames Estuary never far away, we pass Dartford and Gravesend to reach Hoo Junction. Here we begin a journey along our first freight-only line, the eleven mile branch through the 'Hundred of Hoo'. The surroundings are remarkably rural for most of the way, passing through peaceful farmland, but with the tall chimneys of the riverside oil refineries clearly visible in the distance. Our train runs to the former passenger station at Grain, closed in 1961. We head back through Dartford to Lee, where we take the sharply curved Lee Spur leading on to the South Eastern Main Line. We then travel via Chislehurst, Swanley, Maidstone East and Ashford, where we can step off the train for twenty minutes or so to stretch our legs. Heading south to Appledore we reach our second freight-only branch, the nine mile Dungeness line. We will be crossing the largest expanse of shingle in the world, of international conservation importance. It is the only English habitat of bombus subterraneus, the short-haired bumblebee. Look out for the derelict remains of Lydd Town station as we head for the end of the line at Dungeness, with its iconic lighthouses dominating the distinctive terrain. We return via Ashford and Tonbridge before retracing our outward route around London then northwards on the Midland Main Line. The train will be formed of the attractive blue and grey liveried InterCity carriages and will be topped and tailed with DB Class 66 locomotives. There will be three classes of accommodation, First Class Dining, First Class Non-Dining and Standard Class. As a special offer on what we hope will be the first of several more Midland starts, we have knocked ?20 off the usual First Class Dining fare! First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast, light lunch and a four course dinner. UK Railtours

Mixed Traction Weekend Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Diesel Gala Ribble Steam Railway

Sierra Leone Independence Saturday, April 25, 2020 Join us to celebrate the working life of our locomotive No.85 in Sierra Leone and our links to the country. We have a special appeal to raise money to re-instate No.85 as a working loccomtive. Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway

Princes Risborough North Signal Box Open Day

The Great Britain 2020 Friday 17th April to Saturday 25th April 2020 9 - Days Saturday 25th April Dawlish and the South Devon Banks to London The final day of your holiday sees you retracing steps steam hauled by 6201 Princess Elizabeth back to Plymouth and Exeter via the Dawlish sea wall and the South Devon Banks, before continuing via Taunton and Westbury to join the 'Berks & Hants' line to Reading. The line runs through pleasant countryside, including the Vale of Pewsey, with its many connections to Neolithic habitation. There's a gradual climb to contend with at Savernake to test your locomotive, but otherwise it's a fairly easy run through the rolling valleys and alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal with the pumping station at Crofton visible from the line. After Newbury, home of the famous racecourse, you pick up speed to Reading, where the train stops to set down passengers. Continuing via Ascot towards London, you arrive at London Waterloo in the evening, concluding your magnificent and unique nine-day steam hauled journey through England, Scotland and Wales. Railway Touring Company

Return of West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala 23rd to 26th April 2020 After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a must visit since 1996 from 23rd - 26th April 2020. After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a 'must visit'since 1996. The WSR's Spring Gala is back and the line-up of guest steam locomotives will feature bigger machines than was possible in 2019, thanks to the sterling work of the track and infrastructure teams. The headline visiting locomotive as at November 2019 will be British Railways Class 9F 92134 built at Crewe in 1957, withdrawn from Birkenhead at the end of 1966 and finally returned to working life at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 2019. The Spring Gala will be its first visit to southern England in the preservation era. Homefleet Locomotives The home fleet locos in action should include:- 'Manor'Class 7828 'Odney Manor? The unique 'Small Mogul'9351 Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F 53808 Visiting Locomotives BR Std 9F 2-10-0 No. 92134 Further visiting locomotives will be announced as soon more information is available. Please note that all locomotives are subject to change and availability. West Somerset Railway

Diesel Gala and Beer Festival 2020 DATES CONFIRMED 24-26 APRIL 2020 Swanage Railway

Spring Diesel Gala Fri 24th, Sat 25th & Sun 26th April Enjoy classic diesel locomotive action in the valley, running in a variety of combinations to a special timetable. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Mixed Traction Weekend Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Diesel Gala Ribble Steam Railway

Spring Bus and Coach Show

Aviation Archive 14:30, Phoenix, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG

Return of West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala 23rd to 26th April 2020 After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a must visit since 1996 from 23rd - 26th April 2020. After a gap of one year in 2019, 2020 sees the return to the calendar of an event that has been a 'must visit'since 1996. The WSR's Spring Gala is back and the line-up of guest steam locomotives will feature bigger machines than was possible in 2019, thanks to the sterling work of the track and infrastructure teams. The headline visiting locomotive as at November 2019 will be British Railways Class 9F 92134 built at Crewe in 1957, withdrawn from Birkenhead at the end of 1966 and finally returned to working life at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in 2019. The Spring Gala will be its first visit to southern England in the preservation era. Homefleet Locomotives The home fleet locos in action should include:- 'Manor'Class 7828 'Odney Manor? The unique 'Small Mogul'9351 Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F 53808 Visiting Locomotives BR Std 9F 2-10-0 No. 92134 Further visiting locomotives will be announced as soon more information is available. Please note that all locomotives are subject to change and availability. West Somerset Railway

The Dalesman STEAM ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE Running from 28th April until 8th September 2020 Choice of two journeys To Carlisle from York, via the Settle to Carlisle line (steam from Hellifield): Running on 28th April, 26th May, 23rd June, 7th & 21st July, 4th & 18th August, 1st September 2020 - Departing from York, Normanton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Leeds (Central Station) and Skipton View Journey To Carlisle from Chester. Outbound journey via the West Coast Mainline, with steam from Carnforth. The return jouney is via the Settle to Carlisle line, with steam to Preston): Running on 12th May, 9th & 30th June, 14th & 28th July, 11th & 25th August, 8th September 2020 - Departing from Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan Leyland and Preston View Journey From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by diesel for the first part of the journey, then from Hellifield/Carnforth the steam engine pulls the train to Carlisle. The train stops in historic border city of Carlisle in Cumbria for a break of around 2 hours. Stroll between the Castle and Cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - you will be surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained, the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The return trip is via the Settle to Carlisle line, England's most scenic railway. THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. STEAM On the trip departing from Chester: Outbound Journey: From Carnforth one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle line along the West Coast Mainline. Return Journey: It is steam all the way to Preston via the famous Settle to Carlisle line. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. On the trip departing from York: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. West Coast Railways

The Cambridge & Norfolk Explorer Saturday 02 May 2020 A day out to East Anglia with a pair of class 37s and a choice of off-train options. Joining Stations: Eastleigh, Romsey, Salisbury, Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Swindon & Didcot Parkway. Ely, Cambridge, Norwich, Sandringham, Norfolk Broads & Bure Valley Railway Event Details SATURDAY This is a lovely day excursion to the delights of East Anglia, offering both organised off-train options or time to explore your choice of cathedral city. With everyone aboard our excursion train, formed of classic mark I carriages, we take a rail routing along the Thames Valley, then across London and through Hertfordshire before arrival into Cambridge, followed by Ely then Norwich. The return journey will retrace the outward. Option A - CAMBRIDGE (1120/1740): Explore this renowned university city with its colleges, museums and castle. Perhaps try punting or take a stroll along the River Cam. Option B - SANDRINGHAM HOUSE (Supplementary fare - Adult ?29/Junior ?20): From Ely by coach, with a local guide, transfer to the Sandringham Estate for a three hour visit to this famous royal residence and gardens. Option C - ELY (1140/1720): Visit this cathedral city, the second smallest in England. Known as the 'Ship of the Fens' and home of Oliver Cromwell. Explore this beautiful city with its museums, art galleries and waterside area. Option D - NORFOLK BROADS CRUISE (Supplementary fare - Adult ?20/Junior ?15): Transfer from Norwich by road coach direct to Wroxham for a cruise along the River Bure, with commentary. Option E - BURE VALLEY RAILWAY (Supplementary fare - Adult ?17/Junior ?12): Enjoy a ride from Wroxham to Aylsham along this narrow gauge line. Road coach transfer from, and back to, Norwich is included. Option F - NORWICH (1250/1620): Get to know this historic city on the River Wensum; a modern cultural hub with a variety of museums, art galleries, a castle, cathedral and hidden green space Pathfinder Tours

NORTHUMBRIAN STATESMAN SATURDAY 2 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Ely (05.10/22.45) March (05.30/22.20) Peterborough (06.00/21.55) Stamford (06.20/21.35) Oakham (06.40/21.20) Melton Mowbray (06.50/21.05) Loughborough (07.25/20.35) East Midlands Parkway (07.35/20.25) Ilkeston (08.05/20.10) Alfreton (08.20/19.55) Chesterfield (08.35/19.40) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We present a scenic tour to the spectacular North East with its landscape of iconic landmarks and beautiful dramatic coastline as we travel through the Vale of York with views of the Yorkshire Moors and then through Newcastle crossing the famous bridges and along the sweeping Northumberland coastal route. This tour offers a choice of leisure time in either picturesque Alnmouth or the historic border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, with an optional off train tour to the magnificent Alnwick Castle. Our first destination is the picturesque fishing village of Alnmouth which is situated on a sheltered estuary and was founded in 1150 to become established as a shipbuilding centre. Today Alnmouth remains a beautiful and interesting village worthy of exploration with panoramic views and a variety of restaurants, pubs and coffee shops for the discerning visitor, but please be aware that the village is a walk of one mile from the station. Perhaps remain on the train and continue to the dramatic walled town Berwick-upon-Tweed with its huge Elizabethan fortress overlooking the river built to keep out the invading Scots. There is a wide estuary with views to Lindisfarne and this beautiful unspoiled town is truly worthy of exploration with a walk around the battlements or visit the historic quay. We have available an optional off train tour which should be booked at the same time as the main tour as space is limited: Alnwick Castle & Gardens: At Alnmouth road coaches will transport you on the short journey to the foreboding Alnwick Castle that has been the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. Admission includes both the castle and its wonderful gardens - fascinating museums, a restaurant and the stunning state rooms containing fine furniture and paintings. More recently the castle has found fame as the location of 'Hogwarts School' in the Harry Potter movies and 'Downton Abbey'. Supplement: ?30 per person Statesman Rail

Open House Weekend Severn Valley Railway

VISITING LOCO WEEKEND Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd May

The Cumbrian Explorer Darlington to Carlisle out via the Settle and Carlisle line and return via the Cumbrian Coast (60163 Tornado) A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

The Aberdeen Flyer Saturday 2nd May 2020 Visit the Granite City of Aberdeen on this day trip from Edinburgh, steam hauled by Princess Coronation Class steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. The highlights of the day will be the passage over the world famous Forth Bridge and the attractive coastal line through Fife. Our special train leaves Edinburgh Waverley steam hauled by No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland as we head for the world famous Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You follow the scenic Fife coastline through Burntisland and Kirkcaldy, with outstanding views across the Forth estuary. Cutting inland via Thornton and Markinch, you pass through Ladybank and head across the Howe of Fife towards the Fair City of Perth. Running along the north bank of the Tay through the Carse of Gowrie, we reach Dundee where Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition ship 'RRS Discovery' is housed on the quayside. There are also views of the Tay road and rail bridges. Leaving the Tay estuary, you follow the coast towards Arbroath, famous for its culinary 'Smokies'. There are steep gradients to negotiate as we head away from Arbroath through Lunan Bay to Montrose. The Aberdeen line was one of the last stamping grounds of the Gresley A4 Pacifics that worked the crack expresses from Glasgow in 3 hours. Reaching Montrose, which sits on a land-locked lagoon, you move inland through the Howe of Mearns via the former Caledonian Railway's line to reach the North Sea again at Stonehaven. This section of line includes more severe gradients that will require some hard work from our steam locomotive and its crew to keep to the schedule. Your route follows the coastline before entering the 'Granite City' of Aberdeen, where you'll have around two hours to sightsee and shop, before your steam locomotive departs Aberdeen around 15:40. We shall now retrace our outward route back to Edinburgh, arriving there around 21:00. Railway Touring Company

Open House Weekend Severn Valley Railway

THE ORIGINAL KING ALFRED RUNNING DAY Our major event for 2020 will be The Original King Alfred Running Day on Sunday 3rd May. As well as free bus services over the King Alfred routes with former King Alfred vehicles, the event will feature many visiting vehicles and a Transport Bazaar at the Guildhall. May 2020 is also the centenary of the first King Alfred excursion, so keep an eye open for events to mark this anniversary! Friends of King Alfred Buses

Open Days We open at 10:00 and operate our frequent train service between 10:30 and 16:30.

VISITING LOCO WEEKEND Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd May

London to Highclere & Bath Sunday 3rd May 2020 From: London Victoria , Slough , Reading , Newbury The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Pendle Dalesman Kidderminster to Carlisle Wednesday 06 May 2020 From Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction, Walsall, Cannock, Stafford & Crewe Steam from Hellifield/Carnforth- to Carlisle via the Settle to Carlisle Line Join us for a nostalgic day to remember, travelling behind our splendid vintage steam engine along England's most famous railway. From our earlier pick up points we head north behind a vintage diesel engine to Hellifield/Carnforth where one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. The Settle-Carlisle Railway on which we will travel needs no introduction; this breath-taking journey will take you over 20 Viaducts, through 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas. The climb over Blea Moor and the crossing of the world renowned Ribblehead Viaduct are arguably the highlights of England?s most scenic Railway. CARLISLE: We anticipate an afternoon arrival time offering a couple of hours or so break. This great border city dominates the borderlands between England and Scotland, sitting within the vale between the Cumbrian Mountains and Scottish Southern Uplands. In Carlisle you'll find yourself at the centre of a stirring past and a vibrant present. Many of the city's eateries and licensed premises are just a few minutes' walk from the station entrance and if you visit www.historic-carlisle.org.uk you will find information to help you plan ahead. And for those who would prefer to use their short break to wander around in the beautiful and historic heart of the city you may choose to visit the Castle, cathedral or indeed the Tullie House Museum. After a break of around two hours in Carlisle, we head south across some of the finest countryside Great Britain has to offer, where we head to your home stations via the famous Settle to Carlisle line in the comfort of our beautifully restored MkI or MkII Carriages. West Coast Railways

Spring Rails & Ales 7th to 10th May 2020 A great treat; ride behind Steam & Heritage Diesel trains through the Dart Valley, or sit down and relax whilst enjoying a drink or two at our Staverton Station beer festival. Real Ales, Ciders, Wine and Prosecco, as well as, soft drinks are all available. There is plenty of seating in the station yard so you can spend the day watching the trains go by! South Devon Railway

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Bank Holiday Steam Up 8, 9 and 10 May - Three or more locomotives in steam. Displays, demonstrations and photo ops Three or more engines will be in steam working trains to provide unlimted rides on the Centre's two demonstration lines. Arrive early to see these and other locomotives lined up in front of the engine shed affording a host of photographic opportunities. Didcot Railway Centre

CORNISH RIVIERA STATESMAN FRIDAY 8 TO SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: York (06.10/22.15) Doncaster (06.40/21.45) Sheffield (07.20/21.00) Chesterfield (07.50/20.40) Derby (08.45/19.50) Long Eaton (09.00/19.35) East Midlands Parkway (09.15/19.15) Loughborough (09.25/19.00) Leicester (09.55/18.40) Hinckley (10.15/18.15) Nuneaton (10.25/18.05) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are pleased to present a relaxing long weekend break to Cornwall the land of myths and legends on board 'The Statesman'land cruise train. With its rugged coastlines and quaint fishing villages you will savour some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain basking in milder temperatures warmed by the Gulf Stream spring arrives early and flourishes - Accommodation for two nights will be in quality 3- or 4-star hotels in the pretty fishing town of St Ives. Friday: Our train travels through beautiful Somerset before passing historic Exeter with spectacular views across the River Exe as we follow the coastline and dash through cuttings of red rock and around the sea wall at Dawlish prior to climbing the Devon banks with views of Dartmoor, then into Cornwall over Brunel's famous Royal Albert Bridge, continuing through the county town of Truro and around Mounts Bay to the most westerly station in England at the seafaring town of Penzance for an arrival around 18.00 with road coach connections to the hotels. Statesman Rail

VE Day 2020 75th Anniversary Celebrations When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020, it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. All over Britain, people took to the streets to celebrate the ending of the years of carnage and destruction. It was a time to remember the past and mourn for lost lives, but also a chance to live in hope for the future. The NVR will be commemorating VE Day with a three-day event starting on Friday 8 May 2020 - this date has been declared a bank holiday by the Government. Wansford Station will be celebrating with live singers, dancing and music to create a street party atmosphere. We encourage visitors to dress up in their best 1940's outfits and bring dancing shoes to take part in our platform activities throughout the weekend. We are delighted that LMS locomotive 'Royal Scot' will be a special guest throughout the event, and will be hauling passenger trains during the weekend. Celebrate VE Day with the evening 'Royal Scot Jolly Fisherman' on Friday 8 May, with music on the platform before departure and a party atmosphere on board as fish and chips are served at your seat in our decorated carriages. The locomotive is attending with thanks to The Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust More details and events will be added to the programme over the coming weeks, so please check back here for updates. Join the NVR for a full weekend of Celebrations Nene Valley Railway

Spring Rails & Ales 7th to 10th May 2020 A great treat; ride behind Steam & Heritage Diesel trains through the Dart Valley, or sit down and relax whilst enjoying a drink or two at our Staverton Station beer festival. Real Ales, Ciders, Wine and Prosecco, as well as, soft drinks are all available. There is plenty of seating in the station yard so you can spend the day watching the trains go by! South Devon Railway

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

VE Day 75th Anniversary event

VE Day 75 and Middy in the War Years 8th, 9th and 10th May 2020 Britain's railways played a major role in the war effort and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was no different, coming into its own after 1942 when the USAAF moved into the airfields at Mendlesham and Horham. The Middy had never been so busy and never would be again after the war ended, so this event is our tribute to those who served to preserve freedom both at home and overseas in those dark years between 1939 and 1945. Middy in the War Years has grown from small beginnings to become one of the largest events in the railway's calendar and, along with the many visiting displays and vehicles, we were joined by a number of quality re-enactors to help create a great 1940's atmosphere.

Heritage Steam Gala A celebration of steam at Bressingham Steam Museum. Fri 8 May 2020 to Sun 10 May 2020 With the chnage in May Bank Holiday dates in 2020 we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 2020 Heritage Steam Gala on Friday 8th - Sunday 10th May. Narrow Gauge World Half Page Advert Gala 2020 The highlight of Bressingham's events calendar where there will be over 25 engines in steam each day over this special Bank Holiday Weekend! The 2020 Gala will welcome 2 guest narrow gauge engines to Bressingham for the weekend. 2ft gauge locomotive 'Rishra' will be visiting from Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and 'Diana' will be visiting from the Amerton Railway.

Gala: It's Still A Lot Of Fun - celebrating 60 years of preservation Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. We have a great timetable planned and are expecting a couple of visiting engines - to be revealed soon! Tickets will be available to purchase online soon.

Bank Holiday Steam Up 8, 9 and 10 May - Three or more locomotives in steam. Displays, demonstrations and photo ops Three or more engines will be in steam working trains to provide unlimted rides on the Centre's two demonstration lines. Arrive early to see these and other locomotives lined up in front of the engine shed affording a host of photographic opportunities. Didcot Railway Centre

The Cumbrian Freighter Visiting the Cumbrian Fells and Settle & Carlisle Line, with the added interest of some rather unusual routing along the way. Joining Stations: Banbury, Leamington Spa, Dorridge, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Crewe, Warrington Bank Quay & Wigan North Western We hope to announce a further three sections of track that will add nicely to this interesting itinerary and negotiations with the private owners are underway. Passengers booked on the train have been contacted about the revised date and we would again like to thank them for their patience and understanding. During regular journeys over these popular routes our trains cruise along at a steady pace whilst passengers appreciate the beautiful scenery, but this time we include traversal of some of the loops and spurs along these routes that do not usually see regular visits from passenger trains. From Wigan we take a northbound route over the Settle & Carlisle Line, with a two hour early afternoon break in Appleby. Then onto the Carlisle area to join the west coast main-line for the run through the Cumbrian Fells and homeward. Routing Highlights: Blackburn King St. Thro' Siding; Up & Down Goods; Hellifield Down Goods; Blea Moor Up Goods Loop; Appleby Down & Thro' Siding; Carlisle Goods Lines London Road Jn to Currock Jn (rev) to Upperby Bridge Jn; Several Up loops out of Plumpton, Eden Valley, Shap, Tebay, Grayrigg, Oxenholme, Ouebeck and Oxheys; Shap Hardendale Rounding Loop (rev) then Harrison's Down Goods Loop. Several other non-passenger lines may be added to this list. Motive power is expected to be a pair of DB Cargo Class 66s in Top'n'Tail mode throughout. Pathfinder Tours

TORBAY RIVIERA STATESMAN SATURDAY 9 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Penzance (09.10/21.30) St Erth (09.20/21.10) Redruth (09.35/21.00) Truro (09.50/20.50) St Austell (10.10/20.30) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Statesman Rail is pleased to offer the first ever journey of 'The Statesman' luxury train from stations in Cornwall recreating one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel with a journey over Brunel's iconic Royal Albert Bridge, through Devon and onto the preserved Paignton to Dartmouth Railway with time available to discover the many charms of the 'Torbay Riviera' with an afternoon break in picturesque Dartmouth. We travel through Plymouth and over the steeply graded Devon Banks offering imposing views of Dartmoor and through Totnes to Newton Abbot, where the train reverses and takes the scenic coastal line through Torquay with views across to Brixham and the Jurassic coast. At Paignton we join the preserved heritage line and travel through the woodland estate once owned by Agatha Christie then alongside the beautiful River Dart and into the riverside terminus at Kingswear, where it is a short crossing on the ferry (price included) to the historic and romantic port of Dartmouth for a three hour afternoon break. There are antique shops, art galleries and cafes to explore - perhaps take a leisurely cruise onboard the last remaining coal fired paddle steamer 'Kingswear Castle' or steam hauled journey on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway. Following time to enjoy the beauty, splendour and tranquillity of this picturesque town our train returns in the late afternoon along the famous sea wall at Dawlish as the sea keeps company with the train past Powderham Castle and Cockwood Harbour with numerous pretty boats in the beautiful Exe Estuary and views over to Exmouth. Statesman Rail

CORNISH RIVIERA STATESMAN FRIDAY 8 TO SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: York (06.10/22.15) Doncaster (06.40/21.45) Sheffield (07.20/21.00) Chesterfield (07.50/20.40) Derby (08.45/19.50) Long Eaton (09.00/19.35) East Midlands Parkway (09.15/19.15) Loughborough (09.25/19.00) Leicester (09.55/18.40) Hinckley (10.15/18.15) Nuneaton (10.25/18.05) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are pleased to present a relaxing long weekend break to Cornwall the land of myths and legends on board 'The Statesman'land cruise train. With its rugged coastlines and quaint fishing villages you will savour some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain basking in milder temperatures warmed by the Gulf Stream spring arrives early and flourishes - Accommodation for two nights will be in quality 3- or 4-star hotels in the pretty fishing town of St Ives. Saturday: Following breakfast the day is yours at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort, or, select one of the following optional excursions which should be booked at the same time as the main tour as seating is limited: The Scillonian A full day tour as we sail from Penzance on 'Scillonian III' to the beautiful and unspoilt Isles of Scilly - with its exotic plants, ancient cairns, crumbling castles, sparkling white sands and an azure sea. Upon arrival in St Marys there will be around 4 hours for exploration at your leisure or perhaps take a small launch (payable locally) for the 20-minute crossing to beautiful Tresco with its famous sub-tropical Abbey gardens. Supplement: ?45 Cornish Gardens A road coach tour to two of the most spectacular garden experiences - Trebah is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop a result of 175 years of creation and in the spring, it comes alive with a colourful array of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. We continue by coach to the amazing Trelissick Estate with glorious gardens and summerhouses enjoying panoramic views over the Fal estuary. Supplement: ?30 Land's End A circular tour by road coach through beautiful Marazion with views of St Michaels Mount to Land's End one of Britain's best loved landmarks, famous for its dramatic location and stunning scenery with the unique signpost, cafes, and cliff top paths to explore. We return through Sennen Cove with its expansive golden beach and tiny harbour, then along the cliff top road with spectacular coastal views passing the unspoilt hamlet of Zennor with an arrival back at your hotel mid-afternoon. Supplement: ?20 Statesman Rail

Shrewsbury in Springtime Saturday 9 May 2020 This is an ideal springtime day out, offering you a choice of three top-class destinations, namely Shrewsbury, Attingham Park (NT) or Ironbridge and Blists Hill Museum. If there was ever a tour that could claim to offer something for everyone, surely this is it! Our journey takes us via Peterborough where we veer westward to pass through the ancient county of Rutland and on via Leicester and Nuneaton. We skirt Birmingham via the surprisingly rural Sutton Park Line, and once past Wolverhampton we head through lovely countryside bound for Shropshire. SHREWSBURY Is it pronounced 'Shroozbury' or 'Shrowsbury'? It's not worth worrying about as even people who live here don't agree. What can't be disputed is that it's a really delightful place, famous for its beautiful gardens, its frontage on the meandering River Severn and of course for its connections with its most famous citizen Charles Darwin. There's a great range of shops and plenty of welcoming bars and cafes, and the river cruise is especially pleasant. The station is not far from the centre, so it really is an ideal place to while away an afternoon. You will have some four and a half hours at leisure. IRONBRIDGE AND BLISTS HILL MUSEUM Coaches meet our train at Telford Central. Our first stop is in the village of Ironbridge where you can see and walk across the famous bridge that has come to symbolise the Industrial Revolution and its birthplace. You'll have time to pick up a souvenir or two before rejoining the coaches for a very short journey to Blists Hill Museum, a truly amazing recreated Victorian town. Here you'll experience what life was like when Britain ruled the world. Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from a bygone era and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops and factories. You will have well over two hours here. ATTINGHAM PARK Another of our National Trust Specials - visit a lavish 18th Century Mansion shaped by a story of love and neglect Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, Attingham was owned by one family for more than 160 years. As fortunes rose and fell they proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours, leaving a tantalising story of love and neglect whose mark still shows in Attingham's fascinating rooms today. Outside, discover the tranquil space of the Walled Garden and bring some produce home with you from our shop. Or walk through the woodlands and deer park to see what wildlife you can spot. At Telford Central coaches will be waiting for the transfer to Attingham Park, taking around twenty five minutes. You will have around four hours to explore this enchanting place. Attingham is now owned by the National Trust and we are pleased to offer an appropriate discount for NT members. UK Railtours

VE Day 2020 75th Anniversary Celebrations When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020, it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. All over Britain, people took to the streets to celebrate the ending of the years of carnage and destruction. It was a time to remember the past and mourn for lost lives, but also a chance to live in hope for the future. The NVR will be commemorating VE Day with a three-day event starting on Friday 8 May 2020 - this date has been declared a bank holiday by the Government. Wansford Station will be celebrating with live singers, dancing and music to create a street party atmosphere. We encourage visitors to dress up in their best 1940's outfits and bring dancing shoes to take part in our platform activities throughout the weekend. We are delighted that LMS locomotive 'Royal Scot' will be a special guest throughout the event, and will be hauling passenger trains during the weekend. Celebrate VE Day with the evening 'Royal Scot Jolly Fisherman' on Friday 8 May, with music on the platform before departure and a party atmosphere on board as fish and chips are served at your seat in our decorated carriages. The locomotive is attending with thanks to The Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust More details and events will be added to the programme over the coming weeks, so please check back here for updates. Join the NVR for a full weekend of Celebrations Nene Valley Railway

Spring Rails & Ales 7th to 10th May 2020 A great treat; ride behind Steam & Heritage Diesel trains through the Dart Valley, or sit down and relax whilst enjoying a drink or two at our Staverton Station beer festival. Real Ales, Ciders, Wine and Prosecco, as well as, soft drinks are all available. There is plenty of seating in the station yard so you can spend the day watching the trains go by! South Devon Railway

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Railway Gala

London Transport Gala Weekend to commemorate VE Day

VE Day 75th Anniversary event

VE Day 75 and Middy in the War Years 8th, 9th and 10th May 2020 Britain's railways played a major role in the war effort and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was no different, coming into its own after 1942 when the USAAF moved into the airfields at Mendlesham and Horham. The Middy had never been so busy and never would be again after the war ended, so this event is our tribute to those who served to preserve freedom both at home and overseas in those dark years between 1939 and 1945. Middy in the War Years has grown from small beginnings to become one of the largest events in the railway's calendar and, along with the many visiting displays and vehicles, we were joined by a number of quality re-enactors to help create a great 1940's atmosphere.

The Jorvik Express Liverpool Lime Street to York (60163 Tornado) A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza - Saturday 9th May EARLY BIRD FARES AVAILABLE The ever popular North Wales destination of Llandudno is again hosting their annual Victorian Extravaganza & Transport festival, and whilst not exactly Victorian, what better way to travel to the festival than on a steam train hauled by our own No: 7029 'Clun Castle' . With over four hours at our destination, the Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza & Transport Festival offers a fun packed day for all the family. You are more than welcome to join in the daily parade, as long as you are appropriately attired! The transport festival offers great opportunity to experience a huge selection of exhibits such as steam engines, early vehicles, traditional steam organs and much more. Whether you are an enthusiast or just have a casual interest, The Llandudno Victorian Extravaganza gives you the chance to step back in time to see, hear, smell and learn about the Victorian era. For additional details of both festivals including events and attractions, please visit; https://victorian-extravaganza.com Commencing Dorridge, the train picks up at Solihull, Tyseley (Mainline Station), Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton. If you wish to explore the north Wales coast by train, it will also be possible to alight the train at Llandudno Junction. Steam Hauled by No. 7029 'Clun Castle?. Diesel Hauled in part on the return from Llandudno to Chester. Vintage Trains

Heritage Steam Gala A celebration of steam at Bressingham Steam Museum. Fri 8 May 2020 to Sun 10 May 2020 With the chnage in May Bank Holiday dates in 2020 we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 2020 Heritage Steam Gala on Friday 8th - Sunday 10th May. Narrow Gauge World Half Page Advert Gala 2020 The highlight of Bressingham's events calendar where there will be over 25 engines in steam each day over this special Bank Holiday Weekend! The 2020 Gala will welcome 2 guest narrow gauge engines to Bressingham for the weekend. 2ft gauge locomotive 'Rishra' will be visiting from Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and 'Diana' will be visiting from the Amerton Railway.

Spring Steam Up. 9 and 10 May 2020 All our resident locos in steam - plus special trains, Real Ales, marquee attractions and more

Gala: It's Still A Lot Of Fun - celebrating 60 years of preservation Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. We have a great timetable planned and are expecting a couple of visiting engines - to be revealed soon! Tickets will be available to purchase online soon.

Bank Holiday Steam Up 8, 9 and 10 May - Three or more locomotives in steam. Displays, demonstrations and photo ops Three or more engines will be in steam working trains to provide unlimted rides on the Centre's two demonstration lines. Arrive early to see these and other locomotives lined up in front of the engine shed affording a host of photographic opportunities. Didcot Railway Centre

CORNISH RIVIERA STATESMAN FRIDAY 8 TO SUNDAY 10 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: York (06.10/22.15) Doncaster (06.40/21.45) Sheffield (07.20/21.00) Chesterfield (07.50/20.40) Derby (08.45/19.50) Long Eaton (09.00/19.35) East Midlands Parkway (09.15/19.15) Loughborough (09.25/19.00) Leicester (09.55/18.40) Hinckley (10.15/18.15) Nuneaton (10.25/18.05) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are pleased to present a relaxing long weekend break to Cornwall the land of myths and legends on board 'The Statesman'land cruise train. With its rugged coastlines and quaint fishing villages you will savour some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain basking in milder temperatures warmed by the Gulf Stream spring arrives early and flourishes - Accommodation for two nights will be in quality 3- or 4-star hotels in the pretty fishing town of St Ives. Sunday: We depart from Penzance late morning, and the return journey retraces the route through Cornwall and around the beautiful Devon Riviera Coast but with the addition of travel through the Severn tunnel and the scenic Welsh Marches route to Hereford and Worcester. Statesman Rail

VE Day 2020 75th Anniversary Celebrations When VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020, it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. All over Britain, people took to the streets to celebrate the ending of the years of carnage and destruction. It was a time to remember the past and mourn for lost lives, but also a chance to live in hope for the future. The NVR will be commemorating VE Day with a three-day event starting on Friday 8 May 2020 - this date has been declared a bank holiday by the Government. Wansford Station will be celebrating with live singers, dancing and music to create a street party atmosphere. We encourage visitors to dress up in their best 1940's outfits and bring dancing shoes to take part in our platform activities throughout the weekend. We are delighted that LMS locomotive 'Royal Scot' will be a special guest throughout the event, and will be hauling passenger trains during the weekend. Celebrate VE Day with the evening 'Royal Scot Jolly Fisherman' on Friday 8 May, with music on the platform before departure and a party atmosphere on board as fish and chips are served at your seat in our decorated carriages. The locomotive is attending with thanks to The Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust More details and events will be added to the programme over the coming weeks, so please check back here for updates. Join the NVR for a full weekend of Celebrations Nene Valley Railway

Spring Rails & Ales 7th to 10th May 2020 A great treat; ride behind Steam & Heritage Diesel trains through the Dart Valley, or sit down and relax whilst enjoying a drink or two at our Staverton Station beer festival. Real Ales, Ciders, Wine and Prosecco, as well as, soft drinks are all available. There is plenty of seating in the station yard so you can spend the day watching the trains go by! South Devon Railway

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Railway Gala

London Transport Gala Weekend to commemorate VE Day

VE Day 75th Anniversary event

VE Day 75 and Middy in the War Years 8th, 9th and 10th May 2020 Britain's railways played a major role in the war effort and the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway was no different, coming into its own after 1942 when the USAAF moved into the airfields at Mendlesham and Horham. The Middy had never been so busy and never would be again after the war ended, so this event is our tribute to those who served to preserve freedom both at home and overseas in those dark years between 1939 and 1945. Middy in the War Years has grown from small beginnings to become one of the largest events in the railway's calendar and, along with the many visiting displays and vehicles, we were joined by a number of quality re-enactors to help create a great 1940's atmosphere.

Heritage Steam Gala A celebration of steam at Bressingham Steam Museum. Fri 8 May 2020 to Sun 10 May 2020 With the chnage in May Bank Holiday dates in 2020 we are pleased to announce that we will be hosting the 2020 Heritage Steam Gala on Friday 8th - Sunday 10th May. Narrow Gauge World Half Page Advert Gala 2020 The highlight of Bressingham's events calendar where there will be over 25 engines in steam each day over this special Bank Holiday Weekend! The 2020 Gala will welcome 2 guest narrow gauge engines to Bressingham for the weekend. 2ft gauge locomotive 'Rishra' will be visiting from Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway and 'Diana' will be visiting from the Amerton Railway.

Spring Steam Up. 9 and 10 May 2020 All our resident locos in steam - plus special trains, Real Ales, marquee attractions and more

Gala: It's Still A Lot Of Fun - celebrating 60 years of preservation Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. We have a great timetable planned and are expecting a couple of visiting engines - to be revealed soon! Tickets will be available to purchase online soon.

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Lough Foyle Date 7th May 2020 to 12th May 2020 Itinerary Ballybrophy, Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Derry, Dublin, Limerick, Nenagh, Thurles, Whitehead Each year the RPSI operates a weekend international railtour. This is something a little bit special, where we invite you to join our restored locomotives on our train across Ireland. With a full bar on the train, beautiful scenery, comfortable carriages and a traditional friendly welcome, our tours are fun and relaxing, and a great way to see the Emerald Isle. The Main Weekend Event (3-Day Fare) ?Includes visits to Bangor, Belfast, Coleraine, Dublin, Londonderry and Whitehead. ?First public steam train to and from Derry since 2003! ?Railtour coincides with the 50th anniversary since the end of steam on NIR. Fringe Events (Single Day Fares) Thursday 7th May: Steam-hauled train from Whitehead and Belfast to Dublin (one way). Friday 8th May: The Ormond diesel railtour: Dublin Connolly - Limerick - Nenagh - Ballybrophy - Thurles - Dublin Connolly. Tuesday 12th May: Coach tour with a heritage interest in the Belfast area. Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

The Dalesman STEAM ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE Running from 28th April until 8th September 2020 Choice of two journeys To Carlisle from York, via the Settle to Carlisle line (steam from Hellifield): Running on 28th April, 26th May, 23rd June, 7th & 21st July, 4th & 18th August, 1st September 2020 - Departing from York, Normanton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Leeds (Central Station) and Skipton View Journey To Carlisle from Chester. Outbound journey via the West Coast Mainline, with steam from Carnforth. The return jouney is via the Settle to Carlisle line, with steam to Preston): Running on 12th May, 9th & 30th June, 14th & 28th July, 11th & 25th August, 8th September 2020 - Departing from Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan Leyland and Preston View Journey From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by diesel for the first part of the journey, then from Hellifield/Carnforth the steam engine pulls the train to Carlisle. The train stops in historic border city of Carlisle in Cumbria for a break of around 2 hours. Stroll between the Castle and Cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - you will be surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained, the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The return trip is via the Settle to Carlisle line, England's most scenic railway. THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. STEAM On the trip departing from Chester: Outbound Journey: From Carnforth one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle line along the West Coast Mainline. Return Journey: It is steam all the way to Preston via the famous Settle to Carlisle line. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. On the trip departing from York: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. West Coast Railways

Spring Diesel Festival Severn Valley Railway

Spring Diesel Festival Severn Valley Railway

Spring Diesel Festival Severn Valley Railway

SETTLE & CARLISLE LUNCHEON CIRCULAR SATURDAY 16 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Hull (08.20/18.10) Brough (08.40/17.50) Howden (08.50/17.40) Selby (09.00/17.30) Garforth (09.15/17.15) Leeds (09.30/17.05) Dewsbury (09.45/16.50) Brighouse (10.00/16.35) Hebden Bridge (10.15/16.20) Blackburn (11.00/15.40) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Step aboard the celebrated 'Statesman' land cruise train for a very special circular tour including a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. Leaving behind the industrial architecture of the north our train heads into the Yorkshire Dales for a spectacular journey over the magnificent high Pennines. The sheer scale of the scenery is apparent as we pass such famous landmarks as Batty Moss, Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge, with views of the three peaks towering over the line. One magnificent sight follows another before we gradually descend into the tranquil Eden Valley and just south of Carlisle, we take the west coast line through Penrith, climbing over Shap summit and through the pretty Lune Gorge affording stunning views of the Cumbrian mountains. Statesman Rail

The Tinsley Tugger Saturday 16 May 2020 We are delighted to offer our customers this classic Forgotten Tracks trip to industrial South Yorkshire. With the long daylight hours afforded by early summer, we have taken the opportunity to cover a myriad of non-passenger lines in the area. We start the day by racing along the East Coast Main Line behind a diesel locomotive designed for 125mph running. In the sizeable marshalling yards south of Doncaster our exploration of the non-passenger network begins in earnest but first we must swap our traction and so powerful freight locomotives, designed for strength rather than speed, will take over the reins. Avoiding Doncaster station by using the freight only curve we will then head towards Sheffield and the once extremely impressive Tinsley Yard. We will cover both the North and South access curves here and we hope to run over one piece of very rare track if time and the operational conditions on the day allow it. After Tinsley we make our way over the border into Derbyshire and on to Chesterfield, of twisted spire fame, for a late lunch time leg-stretch break of around an hour. Once back on-board we return to South Yorkshire and complete what we believe is the first passenger train visit to Rotherham Steel Terminal. Following a very detailed and sure to be fascinating exploration of numerous non-passenger lines, we head south passing through the huge Toton Yard complex before commencing a lovely early summer's evening run through rural Lincolnshire before arriving back in the Doncaster area. Here our freight locomotives will hand the reins back to an express passenger example, ready to return us home at high speed under fading light. Our route is expected to be: Finsbury Park p/u - Stevenage p/u - Peterborough p/u - Newark North Gate p/u - Doncaster Decoy Down side - Bridge Street Curve - Hexthorpe Goods - Mexborough - Roundwood Chord - Rotherham Central - Tinsley Yard (rev) - Woodburn Junction (rev) - Beighton Junction - Chesterfield (break) - Beighton Junction - Rotherham Steel Terminal (rev) - Beighton Junction - Chesterfield - Toton Yard - Nottingham - Newark Castle - Lincoln - Doncaster Decoy Up side (rev) - Newark North Gate s/d - Peterborough s/d - Stevenage s/d - Finsbury Park s/d A number of Goods Loops are expected to be covered during the day. The traction for this special charter train is also of interest because we expect to use all three of the different classes of diesel locomotive in the DB Cargo fleet: A Class 67 on the high speed ECML sections, a Class 60 as the main tour locomotive and a Class 66 to aid with the reversals. UK Railtours

Steam and Diesel Gala Sat May 16 -Sun May 17 , The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway's Steam and Diesel Gala. A full weekend of Steam and Diesel fun. Special runs with all available locomotives. Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Transport Film Festival 16th & 17th May Returning in 2020 is our Transport Film Festival! For the second year we have been fortunate enough to arranged a visit by the unique 1960's Vintage Mobile Cinema Van, the star attraction at our Transport Film Festival at Groombridge Station. Working alongside will be our 'Railway Cinema Coach'shunted into the platform at frequent intervals, and also a Cinema Tent in which retro 16mm projectors will be in operation. Programmes will include both classic and unique local transport films, (trams, trains, ships and planes) plus films of more general heritage interest in Kent and Sussex. For children we will have some vintage cartoon films. Our visitors last year were fascinated by the novel event and the material being shown. Don't miss out! Spa Valley Railway

Dougal's 50th Birthday Weekend

The Cumbrian Mountain Express Saturday 16th May 2020 The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the summer and autumn months. The Cumbrian Mountain Express provides a wonderful opportunity to get out and about during the summer and autumn months, with the added bonus of steam haulage over the Northern Fells, including the spectacular Settle & Carlisle Railway. We have a high speed journey down the West Coast Main Line to Carnforth, hauled by a blue class 86 electric locomotive. We leave London Euston at around 07:10 with electric traction, and speed north along the West Coast Main Line (WCML). We stop to pick up passengers at Milton Keynes (where passengers from Watford Junction join by service train), Rugby (where passengers from Northampton join by service train), Nuneaton and Crewe. We continue north along the WCML to Preston, our final stop to pick up passengers. We pass through Lancaster and along the edge of Morecambe Bay before we arrive at Carnforth. Here, we will change over our electric locomotive for today's steam locomotive, taken from the Carnforth pool. Leaving Carnforth, we pass the Brief Encounter cafe and commence the climb of our first severe gradient up to Grayrigg. We then travel through the beautiful Lune Gorge to Tebay, gaining speed for the ascent to Shap. This well-known section of the WCML has a gradient of 1 in 75 and in the former days of steam locomotives banking engines from Tebay were often used to assist trains. After crossing the Cumbrian Fells we descend to Penrith, and then head for Carlisle. There will be time available in Carlisle to explore this ancient city with its cathedral and castle, plus an assortment of shops and cafes. We leave Carlisle and join the Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the most well known and best loved stretches of railway line in Britain. We soon begin climbing, and then at Appleby, we stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. The climbing continues through scenic Kirkby Stephen towards the highest railway summit in England at Ais Gill, 1169 feet above sea level. We pass over high viaducts, including the famous one at Ribblehead, and through many tunnels. There are magnificent views across the Fells and to the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We should have a fast run out of the hills, through Settle, until we stop again for our locomotive to take on water. Our journey continues through Hellifield and Clitheroe to Preston where we say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We pass though Wigan and Warrington en route to Crewe hauled by our blue class 86 electric locomotive with a fast run to London expected. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey to set down passengers. *Passengers from Watford Junction will travel to Milton Keynes by service train to join our train **Passengers from Northampton will travel to and from Rugby by service train to join our train. Railway Touring Company

Spring Diesel Festival Severn Valley Railway

Steam and Diesel Gala Sat May 16 -Sun May 17 , The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway's Steam and Diesel Gala. A full weekend of Steam and Diesel fun. Special runs with all available locomotives. Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Transport Film Festival 16th & 17th May Returning in 2020 is our Transport Film Festival! For the second year we have been fortunate enough to arranged a visit by the unique 1960's Vintage Mobile Cinema Van, the star attraction at our Transport Film Festival at Groombridge Station. Working alongside will be our 'Railway Cinema Coach'shunted into the platform at frequent intervals, and also a Cinema Tent in which retro 16mm projectors will be in operation. Programmes will include both classic and unique local transport films, (trams, trains, ships and planes) plus films of more general heritage interest in Kent and Sussex. For children we will have some vintage cartoon films. Our visitors last year were fascinated by the novel event and the material being shown. Don't miss out! Spa Valley Railway

Potteries Bus Running Day May 17th @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Apedale Valley Light Railway, Loomer Road, Chesterton Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 7LB United Kingdom + Google Map The Potteries Omnibus Preservation Society will be back again, after their successful first visit to Apedale last year, filling the site with buses of yesteryear. Plenty of room on top, hold on very tight please! Steam Trains will be running from 1130 to 4pm. For more information about the society, visit https://potteriesops.wixsite.com/website

Dougal's 50th Birthday Weekend

Jorvik & Scarborough Spa Southport to York or Scarborough Wednesday 20 May 2020 From Southport, Burscough, Parbold and Wigan Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel Join us for a nostalgic day out aboard our heritage diesel hauled special to the county of Yorkshire with a choice of destinations (York or Scarborough). After enjoying a relaxing cross-country journey aboard our lovingly restored heritage diesel train and the wonderful views offered as we cross the Pennine chain of mountains, we arrive into York - the capital of the Ridings. York: Leave the train here and choose from a wealth of attractions. Walk the walls, take a trip on the river, explore the historic centre with the Minster and The Shambles, or visit one of the great museums. The Railway Museum is home to the national collection and the Castle Museum with its 'Olde Worlde' street, prison and vast collection of memorabilia gives a choice - either of which being almost a day out in itself. Stay aboard to Scarborough and spend time in one of England's premier resorts. Visit the castle, take a walk through the seafront gardens to the Spa, ride the cliff railway or just enjoy miles of seafront walks. Whichever your choice, York and Scarborough offer the chance for a great day out by train. West Coast Railways

Best of British What does the 'best of British' mean to you? Cream teas, cricket, stately homes or real Ales, STEAM TRAINS? Then join the NVR as we celebrate all thing British with Class A1 No 60163 Tornado Nene Valley Railway

Best of British What does the 'best of British' mean to you? Cream teas, cricket, stately homes or real Ales, STEAM TRAINS? Then join the NVR as we celebrate all thing British with Class A1 No 60163 Tornado Nene Valley Railway

Jazz & Real Ale on Rails Fri 22nd May A steam hauled evening with real ale and jazz on board the train. Organised in support of our charitable association EVRA. Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Spring Bank Holiday Steam Up 23-25 May - Three or more locomotives in steam including award-winning 'Saint' No. 2999 Come and see our award-winning locomotive No. 2999 'Lady of Legend' hauling genuine Edwardian carriages. The remarkable locomotive will be one of three in action providing unlimted train rides throughout the weekend. No 2999 is a recreated Saint Class locomotive of the type introduced by the Great Western Railway in 1902. The innovative, outside cylinder design was the work of George Churchward, the GWR's newly-appointed Locomotive Superintendent and incorporated features such as long-travel valves which greatly increased efficiency. The class performed extremely well, and the design formed the basis for the period of standardisation on the GWR that lasted nearly 50 years until the railways were nationalised in 1948. This unprecedented half century of design continuity, built on the foundation of the Saints, is depicted through the unparalleled collection of locomotives assembled at Didcot which includes examples of most GWR types from this era. Didcot Railway Centre

The Lakes & 'Ratty' Explorer Saturday, 23 May 2020 A day out to the Lake District with a pair of class 37s and a choice of off-train options. Joining Stations: Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Shrub Hill, Droitwich Spa, Kidderminster, Stourbridge Junction, Tame Bridge Parkway & Stafford. Ely, Cambridge, Norwich, Sandringham House, Norfolk Broads, North Norfolk Railway Event Details SATURDAY This excursion to the Lake District offers a choice of off-train options - a perenial favourite (Lake Windermere Steam & Sail), a brand new cruise for us (on Coniston Water), or a ride on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway. Alternatively, you can explore in and around Ravenglass. Our train is formed of classic mark I carriages, and our rail route from Stafford is via Crewe, Preston and Carnforth, before taking the scenic Cumbrian Coast line that skirts the Lake District's south and western coasts. Choose from: Option A - LAKE WINDERMERE STEAM & SAIL (Supplementary fare - Adult ?26/Junior ?19): From Grange-over-Sands, by coach with a local guide, enjoy a circular journey, including a ride on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, a cruise on Lake Windermere and a break in Bowness. Option B - CONISTON WATER CRUISE (Supplementary fare - Adult ?26/Junior ?19): a road coach will take you from Grange to Coniston for a break and Head of Lake sail aboard the National Trust steam yacht 'Gondola'. Option C - RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY (Supplementary fare - Adult ?11/Junior ?6): Partake of the return journey along this famous narrow gauge line that runs from the coast inland for seven miles to Dalegarth, with a backdrop of the Cumbrian Fells! Option D - RAVENGLASS (1215/1520): Explore this pretty village where three rivers combine - watch trains, enjoy a drink, perhaps walk to Muncaster Castle ( approx. 25 minutes each way) Pathfinder Tours

Best of British What does the 'best of British' mean to you? Cream teas, cricket, stately homes or real Ales, STEAM TRAINS? Then join the NVR as we celebrate all thing British with Class A1 No 60163 Tornado Nene Valley Railway

50th Anniversary Celebrations Severn Valley Railway

Everything Goes 23rd to 25th May 2020 Travel all day and see all our locos and coaches in action including a visiting loco No Pre-booking required, just arrive 15 minutes before the departure time of the train All available Bure Valley Railway Locos, coaches and rolling stock will be available to travel on, together with a visiting engine Lydia visiting from Perrygrove. This is because of the shared link with Alan Richardson who sadly passed away earlier in the year, but his family will be coming up to see the two locos side by side. Bure Valley Railway

The Shunter Hunter Enthusiast Gala A varied assortment of Shunters from our Spectacular Collection will be working for your delight over the two days. Barring any unforeseen difficulties, at least eight shunters will be working each day of the Gala. These will be selected from the following; D2953, D2854, D2139, 03113, 03099, D2205, D2284, D2587, D2420, 07001, PWM654, D9525 and 'Bigga'our industrial loco, with 08016 acting as the Thunderbird Loco. Nearer the weekend we will be announcing a definitive list of locos working. Please note as far as possible all the locos chosen to work will work both days, in pairs or singly, topping and tailing on our brakevans. The Heritage Shunters Trust reserves the right to add/alter/cancel any of the details of this event without prior notice. For further information about this event please visit www.heritageshunterstrust.com Peak Rail trains will also be in operation from 11.00am and normal fares and timetable will apply to these. Peak Rail

London to Cambridge & Harwich Saturday 23rd May 2020 From: London Kings Cross , Potters Bar , Cambridge The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Cream Tea Special From Harwich Saturday 23rd May 2020 From: Harwich Town , Harwich Port The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Pennine Limited Saturday 23rd May 2020 Join us on this varied and interesting tour from East Anglia to the border town of Carlisle. We shall feature steam haulage by a Carnforth pool locomotive from Hellifield to Carlisle and return. This will include the world famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, one of the great railway journeys in Britain. There will be time in Carlisle before returning to Hellifield, steam hauled, with diesel haulage back to Norwich. We leave Norwich early in the morning and make our way across rural Norfolk to York diesel-hauled, calling at Wymondham, Attleborough, Thetford, March and Peterborough to pick up passengers. We shall then make our way northwards towards the Leeds area where we pick up the Aire Valley line through Skipton to Hellifield. Here we will attach our Carnforth pool steam locomotive for the run to Carlisle over the famous 72-mile long Settle to Carlisle line. Passing over Settle Junction, we begin one of the most arduous climbs on Britain's railway network, a total of 15 miles mainly at a gradient of 1 in 100. Once through Settle station, there are magnificent views across the Fells to the Pennine Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. We cross the breathtaking Ribblehead Viaduct, high above the valley floor, and enter Blea Moor Tunnel. We pass through Dent Dale and the highest station in England at Dent, travelling through tunnels and crossing valleys on lofty viaducts. There are as we make the final ascent to Ais Gill Summit (1169 feet). We travel high above the valley at Mallerstang and then drop down through Kirkby Stephen to Appleby, where our locomotive takes on water. Appleby is a historic market town, which lies in a loop of the picturesque river Eden. Continuing through the meandering Eden Valley to Carlisle will have around two hours to explore the Border City, possibly visiting the castle, cathedral, Tullie House Museum or the Lanes Shopping Centre. Our train leaves Carlisle for the return journey at around 16:15 and climbs almost continually for just under 50 miles back up to Ais Gill summit. We stop, en route, at Appleby for our steam locomotive to take on water ready for the arduous climb to Ais Gill Summit. Once through Garsdale and spectacular Dent Dale, we pass through Blea Moor tunnel and cross Ribblehead Viaduct once again. We shall now retrace our earlier route back to Hellifield, where we shall reluctantly have to say goodbye to our steam locomotive. We now continue our journey back to Norwich with a diesel locomotive, setting down at our earlier calling points. Railway Touring Company

Annual Steam Gala 2020

Cotswold Festival of Steam 2020 8th November 2019 Saturday, Sunday and Monday 23rd, 24th and 25th May 2020 At least EIGHT locomotives in steam! Special guests planned for another amazing Late May Bank Holiday weekend The small team behind the Cotswold Festival of Steam is planning yet another outstanding show with at least three visiting locomotives planned along with all of the 'home fleet'. An intensive timetable will allow plenty of opportunity to ride behind all of the locomotives and some trains will feature double-heading and interesting combinations of motive power. Once again, engines that have never visited the railway are being invited. It's a bit too early to give any clues as to what the team hopes will be running but you may be sure of an exceptional show with the usual attractions, including the North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway which could feature up to three locos in steam; trade and preservation stands; traction engines; beer tent; 'behind the scenes' visits to the railway's large Carriage & Wagon workshops and much more. The team also hopes that the freight will once again feature in the timetables. Online tickets will be offered early in the New Year but make a note in your diary now - clear the decks and don't miss it! Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Spring Bank Holiday Steam Up 23-25 May - Three or more locomotives in steam including award-winning 'Saint' No. 2999 Come and see our award-winning locomotive No. 2999 'Lady of Legend' hauling genuine Edwardian carriages. The remarkable locomotive will be one of three in action providing unlimted train rides throughout the weekend. No 2999 is a recreated Saint Class locomotive of the type introduced by the Great Western Railway in 1902. The innovative, outside cylinder design was the work of George Churchward, the GWR's newly-appointed Locomotive Superintendent and incorporated features such as long-travel valves which greatly increased efficiency. The class performed extremely well, and the design formed the basis for the period of standardisation on the GWR that lasted nearly 50 years until the railways were nationalised in 1948. This unprecedented half century of design continuity, built on the foundation of the Saints, is depicted through the unparalleled collection of locomotives assembled at Didcot which includes examples of most GWR types from this era. Didcot Railway Centre

Keighley Transport Festival Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Best of British What does the 'best of British' mean to you? Cream teas, cricket, stately homes or real Ales, STEAM TRAINS? Then join the NVR as we celebrate all thing British with Class A1 No 60163 Tornado Nene Valley Railway

50th Anniversary Celebrations Severn Valley Railway

Everything Goes 23rd to 25th May 2020 Travel all day and see all our locos and coaches in action including a visiting loco No Pre-booking required, just arrive 15 minutes before the departure time of the train All available Bure Valley Railway Locos, coaches and rolling stock will be available to travel on, together with a visiting engine Lydia visiting from Perrygrove. This is because of the shared link with Alan Richardson who sadly passed away earlier in the year, but his family will be coming up to see the two locos side by side. Bure Valley Railway

SPECIAL GALA DAY A special gala day featuring steam and diesel trains and various train formations including a gravity train. Steam, diesel and battery electric locomotives in action at Corris, Maespoeth Junction and on the line in-between. Passenger and gravity trains will run along with demonstration freight and van trains. The locomotive and carriage sheds at the Junction will be open at the Junction to let you see carriages and waggons under construction and repair and there is plenty of time to explore our Museum at Corris, browse the shop, and enjoy some light refreshments. Normal fares apply. Corris Railway

The Shunter Hunter Enthusiast Gala A varied assortment of Shunters from our Spectacular Collection will be working for your delight over the two days. Barring any unforeseen difficulties, at least eight shunters will be working each day of the Gala. These will be selected from the following; D2953, D2854, D2139, 03113, 03099, D2205, D2284, D2587, D2420, 07001, PWM654, D9525 and 'Bigga'our industrial loco, with 08016 acting as the Thunderbird Loco. Nearer the weekend we will be announcing a definitive list of locos working. Please note as far as possible all the locos chosen to work will work both days, in pairs or singly, topping and tailing on our brakevans. The Heritage Shunters Trust reserves the right to add/alter/cancel any of the details of this event without prior notice. For further information about this event please visit www.heritageshunterstrust.com Peak Rail trains will also be in operation from 11.00am and normal fares and timetable will apply to these. Peak Rail

Bygone Britain 14:30, Phoenix, Midland Street, Leicester LE1 1TG

Everything Goes - Steam & Diesel

Spring Steam Gala 2020 Sunday 24th & Bank Holiday Monday 25th May Steam train rides all weekend. All available locos will be running! More info to follow... PLUS: On Bank Holiday Sunday, see the fascinating display of bikes from all ages from the Veteran Cycle Club... and On Bank Holiday Monday, see the heritage buses at our Annual Bus Rally!

Annual Steam Gala 2020

Cotswold Festival of Steam 2020 8th November 2019 Saturday, Sunday and Monday 23rd, 24th and 25th May 2020 At least EIGHT locomotives in steam! Special guests planned for another amazing Late May Bank Holiday weekend The small team behind the Cotswold Festival of Steam is planning yet another outstanding show with at least three visiting locomotives planned along with all of the 'home fleet'. An intensive timetable will allow plenty of opportunity to ride behind all of the locomotives and some trains will feature double-heading and interesting combinations of motive power. Once again, engines that have never visited the railway are being invited. It's a bit too early to give any clues as to what the team hopes will be running but you may be sure of an exceptional show with the usual attractions, including the North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway which could feature up to three locos in steam; trade and preservation stands; traction engines; beer tent; 'behind the scenes' visits to the railway's large Carriage & Wagon workshops and much more. The team also hopes that the freight will once again feature in the timetables. Online tickets will be offered early in the New Year but make a note in your diary now - clear the decks and don't miss it! Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Spring Bank Holiday Steam Up 23-25 May - Three or more locomotives in steam including award-winning 'Saint' No. 2999 Come and see our award-winning locomotive No. 2999 'Lady of Legend' hauling genuine Edwardian carriages. The remarkable locomotive will be one of three in action providing unlimted train rides throughout the weekend. No 2999 is a recreated Saint Class locomotive of the type introduced by the Great Western Railway in 1902. The innovative, outside cylinder design was the work of George Churchward, the GWR's newly-appointed Locomotive Superintendent and incorporated features such as long-travel valves which greatly increased efficiency. The class performed extremely well, and the design formed the basis for the period of standardisation on the GWR that lasted nearly 50 years until the railways were nationalised in 1948. This unprecedented half century of design continuity, built on the foundation of the Saints, is depicted through the unparalleled collection of locomotives assembled at Didcot which includes examples of most GWR types from this era. Didcot Railway Centre

Keighley Transport Festival Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Best of British What does the 'best of British' mean to you? Cream teas, cricket, stately homes or real Ales, STEAM TRAINS? Then join the NVR as we celebrate all thing British with Class A1 No 60163 Tornado Nene Valley Railway

50th Anniversary Celebrations Severn Valley Railway

Everything Goes 23rd to 25th May 2020 Travel all day and see all our locos and coaches in action including a visiting loco No Pre-booking required, just arrive 15 minutes before the departure time of the train All available Bure Valley Railway Locos, coaches and rolling stock will be available to travel on, together with a visiting engine Lydia visiting from Perrygrove. This is because of the shared link with Alan Richardson who sadly passed away earlier in the year, but his family will be coming up to see the two locos side by side. Bure Valley Railway

Open Days We open at 10:00 and operate our frequent train service between 10:30 and 16:30.

Everything Goes - Steam & Diesel

Spring Steam Gala 2020 Sunday 24th & Bank Holiday Monday 25th May Steam train rides all weekend. All available locos will be running! More info to follow... PLUS: On Bank Holiday Sunday, see the fascinating display of bikes from all ages from the Veteran Cycle Club... and On Bank Holiday Monday, see the heritage buses at our Annual Bus Rally!

Annual Steam Gala 2020

Cotswold Festival of Steam 2020 8th November 2019 Saturday, Sunday and Monday 23rd, 24th and 25th May 2020 At least EIGHT locomotives in steam! Special guests planned for another amazing Late May Bank Holiday weekend The small team behind the Cotswold Festival of Steam is planning yet another outstanding show with at least three visiting locomotives planned along with all of the 'home fleet'. An intensive timetable will allow plenty of opportunity to ride behind all of the locomotives and some trains will feature double-heading and interesting combinations of motive power. Once again, engines that have never visited the railway are being invited. It's a bit too early to give any clues as to what the team hopes will be running but you may be sure of an exceptional show with the usual attractions, including the North Gloucestershire Narrow Gauge Railway which could feature up to three locos in steam; trade and preservation stands; traction engines; beer tent; 'behind the scenes' visits to the railway's large Carriage & Wagon workshops and much more. The team also hopes that the freight will once again feature in the timetables. Online tickets will be offered early in the New Year but make a note in your diary now - clear the decks and don't miss it! Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

The Dalesman STEAM ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE Running from 28th April until 8th September 2020 Choice of two journeys To Carlisle from York, via the Settle to Carlisle line (steam from Hellifield): Running on 28th April, 26th May, 23rd June, 7th & 21st July, 4th & 18th August, 1st September 2020 - Departing from York, Normanton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Leeds (Central Station) and Skipton View Journey To Carlisle from Chester. Outbound journey via the West Coast Mainline, with steam from Carnforth. The return jouney is via the Settle to Carlisle line, with steam to Preston): Running on 12th May, 9th & 30th June, 14th & 28th July, 11th & 25th August, 8th September 2020 - Departing from Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan Leyland and Preston View Journey From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by diesel for the first part of the journey, then from Hellifield/Carnforth the steam engine pulls the train to Carlisle. The train stops in historic border city of Carlisle in Cumbria for a break of around 2 hours. Stroll between the Castle and Cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - you will be surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained, the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The return trip is via the Settle to Carlisle line, England's most scenic railway. THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. STEAM On the trip departing from Chester: Outbound Journey: From Carnforth one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle line along the West Coast Mainline. Return Journey: It is steam all the way to Preston via the famous Settle to Carlisle line. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. On the trip departing from York: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. West Coast Railways

THE FELLSMAN WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Crewe (07.35/21.30) Warrington Bank Quay (08.15/20.30) Wigan North Western (08.30/20.05) Leyland (08.50/19.45) Blackburn (09.10/19.20) Clitheroe (09.35/18.50) Hellifield (10.40/17.35) All timings shown are approximate and may be subject to change - Tickets and confirmed timings will be forwarded by post 7 days prior to departure The popular 'Fellsman' runs again in summer 2020 for its 12th season offering a 300-mile return steam hauled journey from Crewe on the spectacular 'Settle to Carlisle Railway' as we travel through the Yorkshire Dales and climb high towards the roof of England. With its great limestone peaks and deep valleys, the legendary 'Settle to Carlisle' line is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering including the magnificent 24 arch viaduct at Ribblehead. Time will be available for sightseeing in the historic border city of Carlisle - or perhaps alight at Appleby and take an optional tour of the Lake District by vintage bus with a cruise on beautiful Ullswater. The Settle & Carlisle line is known for its magnificent scenery and steep gradient, so our engine will be working hard as we climb to the magnificent Ribblehead Viaduct with stunning views of the three peaks. Passengers get a marvellous view down Dent Dale as the train emerges from Blea Moor tunnel and approaching Garsdale you will see sweeping views of Wensleydale - with our engine in full flight we climb at 1 in 100 towards the summit of the line at Ais Gill. Travelling on through the lush Eden Valley to the historic border city of Carlisle where we arrive about 13.10. You may choose to stroll between the castle and cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - all surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained so creating the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Returning from Carlisle about 15.45 and following a stop for water at Appleby we travel over the same spectacular route giving another opportunity to experience the beauty of the high Pennines and pretty Ribble Valley as our locomotive works hard up the steep and taxing climb of Wilpshire Bank being a fitting end to a perfect day. The train is steam hauled throughout by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia'. Saphos Trains

London to Salisbury with Flying Scotsman Thursday 28th May 2020 From: London Victoria The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

Flying Scotsman from Salisbury Thursday 28th May 2020 From: Salisbury The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

ROYAL WINDSOR STATESMAN FRIDAY 29 MAY 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Wolverhampton (06.30/22.45) Tame Bridge Parkway (06.45/22.30) Rowley Regis (07.15/21.55) Stourbridge Jct (07.30/21.40) Kidderminster (07.50/21.20) Droitwich Spa (08.15/21.00) Worcester Shrub Hill (08.30/20.45) Pershore (08.40/20.35) Evesham (08.50/20.25) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change Enjoy a memorable day on board 'The Statesman' as we travel through the heart of England and around the London suburbs to Windsor & Eton Riverside Station, which as the name suggests is right by the river and only a short distance to all the historic attractions. Royal Windsor has so much to offer with all attractions within easy walking distance ranging from the imposing castle, which is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British Kings & Queens for 1,000 years. It is the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen and her favourite weekend home so is well worth a visit - there are also lovely riverside walks, beautiful gardens, open top bus tours, regular riverboat cruises and a bustling and historic town centre with numerous cafes, bars, restaurants and designer shops. Perhaps cross the bridge over the River Thames and take a walk-up historic Eton High Street to visit the stunning old college where Princes William and Harry went to school. There should be around 4 hours available to enjoy this wonderful location before our train returns in the late afternoon. Statesman Rail

Great Central Railwayana Bloxham Auction, Saturday, 30 May 2020 Great Central Railwayana

The Aln Valley Venturer Saturday 30 May 2020 We journey today to the Ancient Kingdom of Northumbria. On our way from London we glimpse such landmarks as York Minster, Durham Castle and Cathedral and Sir Anotony Gormley's striking 'Angel of the North' sculpture. Crossing the Tyne at Newcastle we soon arrive at Morpeth and then, after a few more minutes, Alnmouth. Cragside Set amidst a truly beautiful Northumbria landscape, enter the extraordinary world of Lord Armstrong, a Victorian inventor and innovator but also something of a landscaping genius. Discover the very first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity, still full of ingenious gadgets. The gardens are incredible too. One of the largest rock gardens in the world leads down to the Iron Bridge and this in turn leads to a formal garden. Quite a lot of walking is involved here, not all of it level. Coaches will meet the train at Morpeth for the 25-minute journey to Cragside where you will have around three hours to look around this most unusual property which includes a refreshment room and gift shop. There is a discount for National Trust members. The Aln Valley Railway The Aln Valley Railway Trust and its supporting Society were established to re-open the branch line from Alnmouth to Alnwick, primarily as a heritage railway tourist attraction. Situated around a mile from the centre of Alnwick, the railway in its current state runs from there to Greenrigg Halt (about half way to Alnmouth), and work on its extension is ongoing. Coaches will meet our train at Alnmouth for the transfer to Alnwick. From here a vintage bus will provide a shuttle service to and from the Aln Valley Railway's Lionheart Station. You will also have time to explore Alnwick should you wish. Alnwick at Leisure According to Country Life 'Alnwick is the most picturesque market town in Northumberland, and the best place to live in Britain'. The town dates back to about AD 600 and retains much of its original character. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, after Windsor. It is popular with film-makers; Blackadder, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and Harry Potter are among films shot here. The Alnwick Garden is a complex of formal gardens adjacent to the castle. They have a long history under the Dukes of Northumberland but fell into disrepair until revived at the turn of the 21st century. The Garden now features various themed plantings designed around a central water cascade. It is the most ambitious new garden created in the UK post-war. The former railway station is now home to Barter Books, one of England's largest and most famous second hand bookshops. Some visitors spend all day here! There will be a transfer coach from Alnmouth station to Alnwick town centre. You will have around four hours to explore. Free time in Alnmouth or Newcastle If you decide not to go for one of the aforementioned options then you could choose to spend the day in either picturesque Alnmouth or vibrant Newcastle. First Class Dining includes the Great British Breakfast and a Four Course Dinner. A buffet car is UK Railtours

Minehead & The West Somerset Railway - Saturday 30th May Hauled by our flagship steam locomotive 'Clun Castle?, we pick up at Dorridge, Solihull and Birmingham Moor Street before heading south along the Birmingham & Gloucester Railway and on to Cheltenham and Bristol. After a brief stop, we continue towards Taunton, turning onto the preserved West Somerset Railway (WSR). At Bishop's Lydeard, we swap Clun Castle for a WSR preserved steam loco before continuing on to Minehead, setting down at Blue Anchor on the way. After nearly 3 hours in Minehead, our return journey retraces our steps. Station pick ups: Dorridge, Solihull, Birmingham Moor Street and Snow Hill, Worcester Shrub Hill. Passengers can join the train at Dorridge, Solihull, Tyseley (Mainline Station), Birmingham Moor Street & Snow hill stations and Worcester Shrub Hill. Passengers can alight at Bishops Lydeard, Dunster, Blue Anchor and Minehead. Steam hauled throughout by No: 7029 'Clun Castle? Vintage Trains

The Buxton Spa Express Saturday 30th May 2020 Join us for a contrasting main line steam run from Ealing Broadway to the Peak District of Derbyshire and the spa town of Buxton. We will travel via the Midland Main Line to Kettering, and through Melton Mowbray, to Chesterfield, before heading westwards through the scenic Hope Valley and Peak Forest routes to Buxton. Leaving Ealing Broadway early in the morning, diesel hauled, we join the Midland main line and pick up at St.Albans, Luton, Bedford and Kettering. Heading northwards away from Kettering, we now head for Leicester. At Leicester Humberstone Road sidings, Tornado will be waiting to take us on our journey to Buxton. We pass through Loughborough and join the Erewash Valley Line at Trent Junction. After Chesterfield with its crooked spire we take the Hope Valley line at Dore. We pass through the heart of the Peak District before leaving the main line at Chinley East Junction and take the Peak Forest line past the huge stone quarry at Tunstead. We now run through Ashwood Dale towards Buxton, our destination for the afternoon. Buxton is famous as a market town and also for its spa waters and Georgian architecture. An interesting town to explore during your stay Tornado is serviced for the return journey. You will have ample time in Buxton, the highest market town in England, during the afternoon break for you to explore this attractive market town, famous for its spa waters in the Pump Room, The Crescent, and the Pavillion with its extensive gardens. We will return from Buxton via the former London & North Western route through Whaley Bridge to Stockport. After Denton, we head for Guide Bridge and Romiley before rejoining the Hope Valley line again to travel through the Peak District. Running through Sheffield, we leave the main line at Nunnery Main Line Junction and pass through Woodhouse, were we join the Barrow Hill line at Beighton Junction. Our steam locomotive Tornado will be detached at Barrow Hill and we will now return to Ealing Broadway diesel hauled, setting down at our earlier calling points. Railway Touring Company

Historic Transport Rally Sun 31 May - Vintage omnibuses, charabancs, cars and trucks Vintage omnibuses, charabancs, cars and trucks will descend on Didcot to create a colourful spectacle - more details coming soon. As well as the special activites, all the usual attractions of a Steam Day will be open, meaning there's plenty to see and do as you explore this 21-acre living museum and unearth almost two centuries of railway history. Stroll through the original 1932 engine shed and see magnificent preserved locomotives - you can even climb onto the footplates of some! See surviving track from Brunel's broad gauge, discover painstakingly restored buildings, coaches and wagons and learn more about the development of railways and how they changed everyday lives. Didcot Railway Centre

Bus Rally 10.30am - 4.30pm Visiting buses and regular bus rides The buses will depart from Oxford Bus Museum

Diesel Day Sunday 31st May - 10.30am-5pm Come and admire our fleet of diesel shunters in action at this special day devoted to diesel. Plus: ride the diesel engines on the miniature railway, visit the Railway Museum and Visitor Centre and enjoy the shop and cafe.

Flying Scotsman from Oxford Sunday 31st May 2020 From: Oxford Parkway The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

London to Oxford with Flying Scotsman Sunday 31st May 2020 From: London Paddington The Steam Dreams Rail Co.

The Old Windmill, Coventry

The Cambrian Coast Express 2020 A day out along the Cambrian Coast with stunning scenery. Joining Stations: Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, Cam & Dursley, Cheltenham Spa, Worcester Parkway, Bromsgrove, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Telford Central, Shrewsbury. Event Details WEDNESDAY For lovers of stunning scenery, the single track railway that wends across mid-wales and then follows the Cambrian Coast, to Pwllheli is hard to beat. On leaving Shrewsbury enjoy the undulating views as out special train joins the Cambrian line heading west through the pleasant Borders countryside. Once into Wales the line climbs through narrowing valleys to a summit at Talerddig before a winding descent to Machynlleth. We soon cross and follow the Dovey Estuary to Aberdovey, before the climb to the Friog rock shelter is followed by descent to the famous wooden bridge across the sandy Mawddach Estuary into Barmouth. Our train then continues north through Harlech, with set downs at Minffordd and Porthmadog before reaching lines end at Pwllheli. The return retraces the outward route, giving you another opportunity to appreciate the fabulous scenery. We offer the following destinations for you to choose from: Option A - BARMOUTH (1300/1750): A compact resort and start of a circular trip, featuring a river ferry and a walk over Barmouth Bridge.. Option B - MINFFORDD & PORTMEIRION (1340/1705): Why not walk a mile (each way) and visit the italianate villiage of Portmeirion, made famous by the Prisoner TV series of the 1960s (Pay admission charge on the day). Option C - PORTHMADOG (1350/1655): A very pleasant port and town, home to several narrow gauge railways. Option D - PWLLHELI (1430/1630): Market town of the Lleyn Penninsula with marina. And lines end of course! Pathfinder Tours

The Stratford Flyer Leeds to Stratford upon Avon Wednesday 03 June 2020 From Leeds, Wakefield, Doncaster and Swinton Please Note: This trip is hauled by vintage diesel Join us for a nostalgic day out aboard our heritage diesel hauled special direct to Stratford upon Avon which is, of course, famous for its connections with William Shakespeare and rightly so. Being the birthplace of the famous Bard and now the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company makes this town a big draw. You may wish to visit Shakespeare's birthplace with its museum collection or maybe take a tour of Anne Hathaway's cottage with its gardens. All these attractions are on the route of the hop-on hop-off open top bus which operates around the town. However there is so much more to Stratford than just William Shakespeare. A charming medieval centre with timber framed buildings and lots of independent shops makes for a lovely afternoon visit. Add to this the canal with its boat trips and also the river, which makes its way through the central park, then Stratford has a most attractive centre worthy of a visit in its own right. West Coast Railways

Diesel Gala North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Diesel Gala North Yorkshire Moors Railway

1940s Wartime Weekend - Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2020 The 1940s are brought back to life this June with an evocative commemoration of life in wartime Britain (from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2019). Great Central Railway

LAKELAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 5 TO SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Stevenage (08.15/22.30) Letchworth (08.30/21.15) Royston (08.40/22.00) Cambridge (09.00/21.40) Ely (09.20/21.20) March (09.40/21.00) Peterborough (10.00/20.40) Grantham (10.30/20.10) Newark (10.50/19.50) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three-day weekend break to the stunningly beautiful Lake District situated in North West England, famous for its tranquil lakes, towering mountains, secret valleys, picturesque stone-built villages and expansive coastline. The national park is the largest in the UK and is now a UNESCO world heritage site so it's easy to see how the area captivated such famous former residents as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Accommodation for two nights is in selected 3 or 4 star hotels. Friday: Our train travels north for a journey over the entire majestic route of the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, with its great limestone peaks and deep valleys we travel through the Yorkshire Dales over no fewer than 19 viaducts and through 12 tunnels on this masterpiece of Victorian engineering - including the famous Ribblehead Viaduct. We pass over Ais Gill Summit and continue through the Eden Valley to the outskirts of Carlisle where we turn south travelling through Penrith with the climb over Shap Summit and the Cumbrian Fells offering spectacular views of the Lakeland mountains. At Oxenholme we alight to join road coaches for the short transfer to our hotels. . Statesman Rail

Beer Festival Friday 5 & Saturday 6 June 2020 Join our annual beer festival and enjoy a great selection of over 25 real ales from around the country plus local ciders. Grab your tasting notes and make your choices at the bar from half or full pints. This year's event is organised in conjunction with Great Western Brewery. Friday 5 June 6 - 10.30pm Saturday 6 June 12 - 5pm & 6 - 10.30pm Entry is by wristband at just ?3.50 and these are available from the station in January. Saturday afternoon is the most popular session and this will sell-out soonest, so make sure you buy yours to guarantee entry! Avon Valley Railway

Rail Ale Festival 5 - 7 June Our 'not to be missed' annual beer festival at Dinas has moved to the first weekend in June this year, but will continue the now traditional, vibrant mix of steam trains, live music, real ales, ciders and tasty food? Welsh Highland Railway

Steam Gala 5, 6, 7 June Our annual steam gala returns this June! Featuring: ?Locomotives to be announced An intensive service will operate over all three days, during which the engines will need to work hard on our challenging gradients. All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations. Epping Ongar Railway

Diesel Gala North Yorkshire Moors Railway

1940s Wartime Weekend - Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2020 The 1940s are brought back to life this June with an evocative commemoration of life in wartime Britain (from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2019). Great Central Railway

LAKELAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 5 TO SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Stevenage (08.15/22.30) Letchworth (08.30/21.15) Royston (08.40/22.00) Cambridge (09.00/21.40) Ely (09.20/21.20) March (09.40/21.00) Peterborough (10.00/20.40) Grantham (10.30/20.10) Newark (10.50/19.50) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three-day weekend break to the stunningly beautiful Lake District situated in North West England, famous for its tranquil lakes, towering mountains, secret valleys, picturesque stone-built villages and expansive coastline. The national park is the largest in the UK and is now a UNESCO world heritage site so it's easy to see how the area captivated such famous former residents as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Accommodation for two nights is in selected 3 or 4 star hotels. Saturday: Following a relaxing breakfast in the hotel there is a choice of two tours which should be pre-booked as seating is limited: Option 1: We offer a memorable cruise on board one of the historic Windermere steamers as we travel over England's largest lake to Bowness, the Lake Districts most popular tourist destination where time will be available for a short break. Then, join road coaches to take us through Ambleside to Grasmere the most photographed village in Cumbria where time will be available to visit its attractions, including the Gingerbread Shop and Dove Cottage the former home of William Wordsworth who described the area as 'the loveliest spot that man hath ever found?. We return around the west side of Windermere through Coniston and the ancient town of Hawkshead with stunning views of the highest Lakeland mountains. Option 2: Road coaches take us to the ancient hamlet of Ravenglass, being the only coastal town within the National Park where we board the iconic 'Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway' - this delightful narrow-gauge line offers a 14-mile return journey through spectacular Lake District scenery to Eskdale, situated at the foot of England's highest mountain, Scafell Pike, with most of the trains hauled by one of the little steam engines dating back to 1894. At the lines terminus there is an excellent cafe and the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Fells with riverside walks. On arrival back at Ravenglass we visit the 70-acre grounds of 'Muncaster Castle' with its gardens and woodlands offering panoramic views of Eskdale, a highlight of the visit is the Hawk and Owl Centre with a magnificent falconry display as we witness the flight of an owl, the speed of a falcon and the majestic eagle as they soar over the valley. Statesman Rail

Beer Festival Friday 5 & Saturday 6 June 2020 Join our annual beer festival and enjoy a great selection of over 25 real ales from around the country plus local ciders. Grab your tasting notes and make your choices at the bar from half or full pints. This year's event is organised in conjunction with Great Western Brewery. Friday 5 June 6 - 10.30pm Saturday 6 June 12 - 5pm & 6 - 10.30pm Entry is by wristband at just ?3.50 and these are available from the station in January. Saturday afternoon is the most popular session and this will sell-out soonest, so make sure you buy yours to guarantee entry! Avon Valley Railway

Rail Ale Festival 5 - 7 June Our 'not to be missed' annual beer festival at Dinas has moved to the first weekend in June this year, but will continue the now traditional, vibrant mix of steam trains, live music, real ales, ciders and tasty food? Welsh Highland Railway

Great Central Railwayana Live Auction at Stoneleigh Park: Saturday, 7 June 2020

Diesel Gala 6 June 2020 - 7 June 2020

GRAND SUMMER GALA Sat 6th & Sun 7th June

Steam Gala 5, 6, 7 June Our annual steam gala returns this June! Featuring: ?Locomotives to be announced An intensive service will operate over all three days, during which the engines will need to work hard on our challenging gradients. All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations. Epping Ongar Railway

The Scarborough Flyer Saturday 6th June 2020 This exciting trip by steam train offers an opportunity for passengers from the Greater Manchester and Sheffield areas to visit the seaside town of Scarborough. The circular route cuts across the rugged Pennine terrain to York, and then on to the popular east coast seaside resort of Scarborough. Our train will be hauled by a locomotive from the Carnforth Pool. Our train leaves Manchester Victoria, hauled by our lovingly restored steam locomotive, and heads for Romiley, where we stop to pick up more passengers. We join the former Midland Railway line across the Peak District and pass through Cowburn Tunnel into the beautiful Vale of Edale. We stop again at Hathersage, for more passengers, before passing through the 3?-mile long Totley Tunnel and arrive at Sheffield, our final stop for passengers. We then travel northwards through Swinton and Moorthorpe to York, where passengers will have the option of alighting here to visit the city or the National Railway Museum. Leaving York, we follow the River Derwent through pleasant Yorkshire scenery to Scarborough via Malton. The station at Scarborough features the longest station seat in the world! Scarborough is a Victorian spa town and the largest holiday resort on the East Yorkshire coast. It provides all the facilities that you would expect at an established seaside resort. It has two beautiful bays providing safe sandy beaches, and a busy harbour with an active fish quay. Our train leaves Scarborough late afternoon, hauled by our steam locomotive, for the return journey to Manchester. We travel westwards through Malton and Castle Howard to York. At Milford Loop we say farewell to our steam locomotive and continue our journey home diesel hauled. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Railway Touring Company

The Dartmouth Express Saturday 6th June 2020 The Dartmouth Express offers an exceptional day out travelling by train from stations in Surrey and Berkshire to Kingswear in South Devon. We travel along the famous 'sea wall' from Dawlish to Teignmouth and over the 'Heritage' Dartmouth Steam Railway. Train fares include a return ferry crossing to the picturesque town of Dartmouth. The special train will be hauled from Bristol to Kingswear and back by steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland. Our train starts from Woking in Surrey and will be diesel hauled from there to Bristol. En route, we stop at Guildford, Reading and Newbury to pick up more passengers. The route follows the river Kennet through attractive countryside and then runs beside the Kennet and Avon Canal for some distance before we make our final stop for passengers at Westbury. We change motive power at Bristol where steam locomotive No.46233 Duchess of Sutherland will take over the train. We shall soon be speeding along through the Somerset countryside and across the Somerset Levels to Taunton, where we make a brief stop for our steam locomotive to take on water. Our steam locomotive will be working hard as we climb to Whiteball Summit on the Somerset and Devon border before descending through the Culm Valley to Exeter. We then follow the Exe Estuary, passing the picturesque Cockwood Harbour, and run along the famous sea wall from Dawlish to Teignmouth. This is one of the most famous and scenic stretches of railway line in Britain, which gained international prominence when part of it was washed away in the 2014 storms. After Newton Abbot, we leave the main line to Plymouth and take the Kingswear branch line to Torbay. We pass through the famous holiday resort of Torquay and stop at Paignton where passengers, who wish to spend the time there, may alight. We then join the Dartmouth Steam Railway and our steam locomotive faces a stiff challenge as it climbs the steep gradient of 1 in 60 up to the summit of this line at Churston. The line then drops down to the river Dart and the terminus at Kingswear. The Dartmouth Express fare includes a return journey on the ferry across the river Dart to the picture postcard town of Dartmouth. There will be ample time to explore this historic port town, set on the banks of the tidal river Dart. It has a castle, a railway station where no railway has ever run, now a restaurant, and winding narrow streets with good bistros and specialist shops. We leave Kingswear, steam hauled, for the journey back to Bristol. From there the train will be diesel hauled to Woking. We stop at the same stations as on the outward journey, to set down passengers. Railway Touring Company

WELSH MARCHES EXPRESS SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Wilmslow (06.30/23.00) Stockport (06.45/22.45) Manchester Victoria (07.20/22.10) Newton le Willows (07.40/21.50) Warrington Bank Quay (07.50/21.40) Crewe (08.40/20.55) Whitchurch (09.10/20.30) Shrewsbury (09.30/20.10) All timings shown are approximate and may be subject to change - Tickets and confirmed timings will be forwarded by post 7 days prior to departure Traversing the breath-taking beauty of the Welsh Marches route our steam hauled train offers a totally unique day out as we travel through the rolling hills of the pretty Shropshire countryside dividing England and Wales. Passing through Church Stretton with outstanding views of the Long Mynd it was known in Victorian times as 'Little Switzerland' - continuing along the Marches we pass magnificent Stokesay Castle and the historic towns of Ludlow and Hereford. Entering Monmouthshire and South Wales, there are superb views of the Brecon Beacons as the black mountains tower above the train. At Newport we cross the River Usk, joining the Great Western main line to Cardiff for an afternoon break. Cardiff Wales' capital city offers spectacular shopping, museums, dining and entertainment. Easy to explore on foot and close to the station you can visit the free National Museum Cardiff and spectacular Cardiff Castle all within the city centre. Top class entertainment is on offer at Cardiff Bay with its restaurants, waterside views and Wales Millennium Centre and there is plenty to see and do in the three hours whilst our train is serviced and locomotive turned for the return journey. The train is steam hauled from Crewe by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 'Royal Scot' - West Country Class, No. 34046 'Braunton' - Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 'Britannia' - LNER A4 Pacific No 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' Saphos Trains

1940s Wartime Weekend - Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2020 The 1940s are brought back to life this June with an evocative commemoration of life in wartime Britain (from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2019). Great Central Railway

LAKELAND STATESMAN FRIDAY 5 TO SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2020 DEPARTING FROM: Stevenage (08.15/22.30) Letchworth (08.30/21.15) Royston (08.40/22.00) Cambridge (09.00/21.40) Ely (09.20/21.20) March (09.40/21.00) Peterborough (10.00/20.40) Grantham (10.30/20.10) Newark (10.50/19.50) All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change We are delighted to present a three-day weekend break to the stunningly beautiful Lake District situated in North West England, famous for its tranquil lakes, towering mountains, secret valleys, picturesque stone-built villages and expansive coastline. The national park is the largest in the UK and is now a UNESCO world heritage site so it's easy to see how the area captivated such famous former residents as William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Accommodation for two nights is in selected 3 or 4 star hotels. Sunday: Our train departs Grange over Sands late morning and we travel around the longest and most scenic coastal railway in England - the beautiful twisting Cumbrian coast route as it hugs the coastline and takes us beside Morecambe Bay and across the Furness peninsula where the views of the Irish Sea and Lakeland Mountains are truly spectacular and on a clear day the Isle of Man is visible. Continuing through Whitehaven with the Solway Firth on our left we travel inland to join the Settle to Carlisle line for our homeward journey over its spectacular viaducts and around the deep valleys of the Yorkshire Dales. Statesman Rail

Rail Ale Festival 5 - 7 June Our 'not to be missed' annual beer festival at Dinas has moved to the first weekend in June this year, but will continue the now traditional, vibrant mix of steam trains, live music, real ales, ciders and tasty food? Welsh Highland Railway

Diesel Gala 6 June 2020 - 7 June 2020

GRAND SUMMER GALA Sat 6th & Sun 7th June

Steam Gala 5, 6, 7 June Our annual steam gala returns this June! Featuring: ?Locomotives to be announced An intensive service will operate over all three days, during which the engines will need to work hard on our challenging gradients. All trains will be running in conjunction with our fleet of Heritage buses, which will be operating between Ongar, North Weald, Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations. Epping Ongar Railway

The Dalesman STEAM ON THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE Running from 28th April until 8th September 2020 Choice of two journeys To Carlisle from York, via the Settle to Carlisle line (steam from Hellifield): Running on 28th April, 26th May, 23rd June, 7th & 21st July, 4th & 18th August, 1st September 2020 - Departing from York, Normanton, Wakefield Kirkgate, Leeds (Central Station) and Skipton View Journey To Carlisle from Chester. Outbound journey via the West Coast Mainline, with steam from Carnforth. The return jouney is via the Settle to Carlisle line, with steam to Preston): Running on 12th May, 9th & 30th June, 14th & 28th July, 11th & 25th August, 8th September 2020 - Departing from Chester, Frodsham, Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan Leyland and Preston View Journey From the comfort of your seat in some of the oldest working carriages in operation today, your adventure begins! Some of these carriages served throughout the golden age of rail, some featured in the Harry Potter movies and have all been lovingly restored. These traditional carriages will be hauled by diesel for the first part of the journey, then from Hellifield/Carnforth the steam engine pulls the train to Carlisle. The train stops in historic border city of Carlisle in Cumbria for a break of around 2 hours. Stroll between the Castle and Cathedral or perhaps visit the famous Tullie House Museum - you will be surrounded by great places to shop, eat or be entertained, the perfect way to spend an afternoon. The return trip is via the Settle to Carlisle line, England's most scenic railway. THE SETTLE TO CARLISLE LINE First opening to passengers in 1876, the Settle - Carlisle line takes in 20 viaducts, 14 tunnels and countless beautiful vistas along its 72 mile track. This historic line travels across the stunning Pennine hills, showcasing the English countryside at its best. STEAM On the trip departing from Chester: Outbound Journey: From Carnforth one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, for the stunning journey to Carlisle line along the West Coast Mainline. Return Journey: It is steam all the way to Preston via the famous Settle to Carlisle line. This alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. On the trip departing from York: From Hellifield one of the oldest steam engines in service today will take over, this alone is a sight to behold as the engine builds up sufficient steam for the highlight of your journey on the famous Settle to Carlisle line. West Coast Railways

Diesel Gala Boness and Kinneil Railway

Mixed Traction Gala North Norfolk Railway

Diesel Gala Boness and Kinneil Railway

Mixed Traction Gala North Norfolk Railway

The Derbyshire Rose Saturday 13 June 2020 Join us on a tour to the rolling hills of Derbyshire with a choice of two top-class destinations; the magnificent Chatsworth House, with the chance to visit the Royal Horticultural Society Chatsworth Flower Show, or the wonderful National Tramway Museum at Crich. Our special train runs via Melton Mowbary and Loughborough to Alfreton and Chesterfield. National Tramway Museum at Crich At Alfreton coaches will be waiting for the short hop (six miles) to the National Tramway Museum at Crich. Be transported back in time on vintage trams, soak up the atmosphere on the period village street with a visit to the shops and take refreshments in the tearooms and pub. You will have at least four hours to enjoy this ever-popular UK Railtours destination. Image result for crich Alternatively, stay on board the train to Chesterfield where coaches await for the twelve mile transfer to Chatsworth House. Here you can either choose to visit the house and gardens, or to explore the RHS Chatsworth Flower show which will be taking place on the front lawn. Chatsworth House and Gardens You will have around four hours to explore the fabulous stately home with its fine art collection, and stroll around the magnificent grounds with their enchanting lakes, fountains and follies. Your ticket for this option does not include entry to the Flower Show. The Royal Horticultural Society Chatsworth Flower Show If you have opted for the Flower Show option you can spend the time perusing the delightful mix of gardening inspiration, spectacular summer colour, have-a-go workshops and unique shopping on offer at the Flower Show. We have been advised that holders of a ticket for the Flower show can obtain half price entry to Chatsworth House and Gardens on the day from the ticket office, but that four hours is probably not enough time to visit both. Free Time in Chesterfield If the above options are not to your taste you may like to spend time in the Market Town of Chesterfield where you will find plenty to do and see. There are ample refreshment facilities available at both Crich and Chatsworth. The fares include coach transfer and admission. On the way home we go a 'long way round' for extra interest and to give lots of time for diners to enjoy their meal. Please ensure you advise your choice of destination when you book. UK Railtours

Katie & Sian Weekends Join the beautiful ex-Fairbourne sister locomotives, Katie & Sian, as they work together exclusively on these special weekends in 2020. The locomotives will be hauling the scheduled passenger services on the following weekends: 7-8 March 2020 13-14 June 2020 15-16 August 2020 Standard ticket fares apply and tickets can be purchased on the day. Tickets need not be purchased in advance but, if you would prefer to do so, they may be purchased up to midnight the day before travel from here. Please note these services are subject to last minute changes relating to locomotive and driver availability. Kirklees Light Railway

Sale of Railwayana