Railway Video – 04/09/2011 Preserved Steam & Diesel Overload

Sunday 4th September 2011 saw what can only be described as a steam and diesel gala in West & South London.  The reason for this was two railtours organised to run from the Capital on the same day.

The first tour was ‘The Spitfire’ running from Kensington Olympia to Faversham in the hands of BR Standard Class 7 no. 70013 Britannia, the second tour was the Atlantic Coast Express from London Waterloo to Newquay in the hands of SR Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere & BR Standard Class 7 no. 70000 Britannia.

First train to arrive was West Coast Railway Company Class 47 Diesel Locomotive 47500 hauling 5Z91, the ECS working of the Atlantic Coast Express.  The train consists of 10 passenger coaches, BR Standard Class 7 no 70000 Britannia and SR Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere.  The train is pictured arriving and departing Kensington Olympia.

Second train to arrive was West Coast Railway Company Class 47 Diesel Locomotive 47580 ‘County of Essex’ hauling 5Z81, the ECS working of ‘The Spitfire’.  The train consists of 10 passenger coaches and BR Standard Class 7 no. 70013 Oliver Cromwell.  Due to pathing issues on the ECS run, the main charter train 1Z82 departs Kensington Olympia behind 47580 instead of 70013, although 70013 did take over once on the main line.

The third and final video of the day is a real treat for fans of steam train whistles and thrash.  The video depicts SR Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere and BR Standard Class 7 no. 70000 Britannia thrashing through Clapham Junction in a hail of steam and whistles whilst working 1Z92, the Atlantic Coast Express from London Waterloo to Newquay.

Cheap train fares axed as rail operator claims it will ease overcrowding

From: Daily Mail

Cheap train tickets are being scrapped just months ahead of inflation-busting price increases, a leaked memo has revealed.

One of Britain’s largest operators has stopped selling its lowest-priced fares for Friday afternoons and Sundays to prevent overcrowding.

This is despite the fact that cheap advance tickets are used by rail companies to justify large price increases for their more  flexible fare options.

The move comes after passengers were told they would face price rises of up to 13 per cent in the New Year, and nearly 30 per cent by 2015, leading to the £10,000 season ticket. The cheap fares cull at CrossCountry Trains was uncovered by ticketing expert Barry Doe of Rail magazine.

CrossCountry carries more than 31million passengers each year, with more than 60,000 of its journeys each week made using pre-booked tickets.

However, a memo to staff stated that there would be ‘no cheap advance fares anywhere on our network’ before 9.30am on Monday to Thursday, after 12pm on Friday or all day on Sunday, following feedback from conductors.

A spokesman said only the ‘cheapest’ advance tickets had been scrapped, but would not confirm how many had been withdrawn from sale.

‘We know these trains will be very busy,’ he said. ‘Why sell very cheap tickets on a train which is already full?’

The move means further misery for those seeking more affordable fares.

Mr Doe said: ‘People spend hours trawling  the internet looking for the best deal. As a passenger, you never know how many of the cheap tickets are available, or even if it’s zero.’

Railway Video – 70000 ‘Britannia’ on the Cathedrals Express 21/08/2011

BR Standard Class 7 Steam Locomotive 70000 ‘Britannia’ passing through New Barnet Station on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) whilst working 1Z42, The Cathedrals Express charter service from London Kings Cross to Norwich on Sunday 21/08/2011.

Running approximately 15 minutes late, 70000 ‘Britannia passing back through New Barnet Station whilst working 1Z43, The Cathedrals Express Charter from Norwich to London Kings Cross.