By Cedric Johns
IN a move which took many by surprise, Locomotive Services (TOC) Limited operated its first passenger train – albeit a private charter – on Saturday, March 24.
Hauled by a pair of the company’s Class 47 diesels, the charter departed Crewe and travelling north, crossed the border at Berwick heading for the Highland Line and Kingussie.
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It is understood that the train was organised for Jeremy Hosking and a party of friends.
Turning to Saphos Trains, Jeremy has said that the new venture is part of the expanding Locomotive Services group.
On Saturday, April 14, Saphos launches the first of its new series of 12 trains offering steam-hauled trips using the theme ‘Classic Steam’ departing mainly from local stations in the North West and the South West.
The inaugural train of this series, composed of a rake of carefully refurbished coaches finished in carmine and cream livery, will most probably be hauled by 4-6-0 No. 46100 Royal Scot leaving Crewe at 9.30am and calling at Chester, heading for Holyhead via the North Wales coast line – passengers having the options of alighting at Llandudno Junction or Bangor.
Prior to the launch, crew training runs were made between Crewe and Chester on March 6/7/8 with No. 46100.
As commented previously all of these trains are being marketed on similar lines to retail superstore giants selling heavily discounted lines.
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