14th August 2018.
Pathfinder Railtours staged a magnificent tribute to the End of Steam three days ago. I was somewhat pleased to have acquired a ticket for a tour which had been announced as sold out several weeks ago. If I remember correctly, British Rail’s Last Steam Train did not sell out and came in for considerable criticism for levelling a hefty charge of £15.15.0d for the privilege of travelling. This was, at that time, somewhat over two weeks wages in my embryonic and none too successful career as a sales assistant; The Bank of Mum and Dad ensured my place on the passenger list!
In 2018, the train left Bristol at around 5am, one of the permanent staff having got out of bed at 2am to commute from Cardiff. I was astonished at his stamina especially when in conversation after bailing out at Crewe at just after 8pm. I was one of three who were on the original train fifty years earlier. We had a photo call on Crewe Station which will no doubt appear on social media.
This year’s excursion, although much of a routine steam trip was, I think, slightly better value at today’s price in Premier Dining of £299. In 1968, we travelled in Second Class Mark 1 stock. Each passenger then, enjoyed morning coffee, a mixed meat salad lunch (with complimentary wine to the value of ten shillings), and a substantial high tea. A commemorative scroll, and souvenir ticket was issued, also to each passenger. At the end of that trip, I remember, well, standing at the block end of Liverpool Lime Street as the Last Steam Train (1T57) backed out of the station and out of sight. At Crewe, on Saturday, I waited well over an hour to witness that train, now diesel hauled, continue its journey to Bristol. That hour (which passed quickly) was spent in conversation with an onlooker who was once employed at Crewe Works who was keen to reminisce, and, the organiser of the trip…who had been up since 2am!
The catering on this year’s train was railway cuisine at its best. Bucks fizz preceded a mountainous “full English”. Those who joined at Bristol and at subsequent pick up points had finished dining long before I embarked at Crewe. The promised “elevenses” did not materialise due to an unexpected water shortage which was rectified at a booked water stop on the outskirts of Carlisle. What I wasn’t expecting was a light lunch of quiche, and salad. My plan was to have an off-train lunch at Appleby. There was no need to now.
Dinner, shortly after our two hour stay at Appleby, was splendid. I don’t drink normally, but I did in 1968! And in 2018, I treated myself to a quarter bottle of rose (I cannot get the accent accute on the “e”!) I was surprised and delighted to learn that this was included with the meal! This was as good as any train dinner I can remember and one has to admire the skill and dexterity of the dining car crew.
In 1968, three days after, I do not recall a massive sense of bereavement, even though there appeared to be no possibility of Steam on the main line, apart from those specials hauled by Alan Pegler’s Flying Scotsman. Like prestigious trains between the Wars, Flying Scotsman toured North America in the early 1970s. I caught up with it shrouded in tarpaulin at (I think) Spadina Road depot in Toronto. Not quite believing it actually was Flying Scotsman, I did manage to confirm that it was by catching a glimpse of the Apple green of the driving wheels beneath the tarpaulin. It’s train of chocolate and cream liveried coaching stock, adorned with the Union Flag at one end of each coach, was marshalled at a near-by carriage facility. Security staff allowed me into both railway premises.
I shall write little between now and when I commence a full circumnavigation of the globe in January next year. (That’s the plan) Do feel free to comment; I shall acknowledge any correspondence.
All the best,
David
Crewe. Gresley A-4 Pacific No. 60009 “Union of South Africa” after arrival from Appleby (see previous picture)
Cl.67. No 67002 waits at Crewe having replaced the Pacific and its assisting class 66 diesel locomotive, prior to working the final leg of the journey to Bristol.
David's Cruise 