Itinerary
We didn't really need another excuse to make a return to Swindon and Didcot in GWR175 year, but having the continued use of Britannia pacific No 70013 Oliver Cromwell when coupled to the relatively recent main line return of our plucky 57xx GWR pannier tank No 9600 and the presence of the main line 1 in 37 Lickey incline just a few miles down the road, made the temptation just too great!
Combining all of these into a single train was a chance not to be missed, so please join us on The Britannia Banker and share in a run through Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire taking Oliver Cromwell the NRM's flagship loco on a day trip to Swindon and Didcot coupled with the added spectacle of a Pannier tank banker up and over the Lickey incline. The pannier tank will then remain attached to perform a top and tail manoeuvre returning us from Saltley to Tyseley Warwick Road platform.
Hauled by 70013 'Oliver Cromwell’, with banking assistance from Bromsgrove by 9600 then 'top and tailed' to Tyseley.
Route
Tyseley Warwick Road, Birmingham Snow Hill, Smethwick Galton Bridge, Stourbridge Jn, Worcester Shrub Hill, Cheltenham, Kemble, to Swindon and Didcot. Return as outward to Cheltenham then via Lickey Bank to Saltley with train reversal to Tyseley.
Stations & Times
Pick up : Tyseley Warwick Road*, Birmingham Snow Hill**, Smethwick Galton Bridge**, Stourbridge Jn**, and Worcester Shrub Hill**.
Set down : Swindon, Didcot
Return : Tyseley Warwick Road*.
** Passengers from these stations will be able to return to them from Tyseley main line station on timetabled service trains inclusive of their Vintage Trains ticket.
Please note that there is a 10 minute walk from Tyseley Warwick Road* to Tyseley main line station.
Times : subject to confirmation
Tickets, final information and confirmed timings are mailed out to passengers AS SOON AS VINTAGE TRAINS RECEIVE FINAL TIMINGS FROM NETWORK RAIL, normally about ten days before a tour is scheduled to depart.
* Tyseley Warwick Road
Travel Classes
Standard
Traditional 'open' coaches with tables for 4 persons.
First *
Traditional 'open' coaches with tables for 2 and 4 persons.
Premier Dining *
Dining at tables for 2 and 4 persons in BR Mk 1 Pullman Cars .
*Table for Two
We offer a 'Table for Two' guarantee (subject to availability of tables) in Premier & First Class for an additional payment.
First Class Compartment:
Traditional 'compartment' coaches with compartments for 6 persons.
Dining
Premier Dining fares on this trip include:
Outward - Full English breakfast
Return - 3-course dinner
A selection of beers, wines and spirits willl be available for purchase (by dining passengers) from the dining car team.
Special dietary requirements must be requested when making your booking.
Juniors & Children within Dining Cars: There is no special child menu & no reduced child fare in Premier Class. We regret we are unable to accommodate children under 5 in the dining cars.
For more information see the Premier Dining page.
Fares
Standard Class: £75
First Class : £109
Premier Dining : £149
Table for Two : £20 per table (£10 per person) extra
First Class Compartment: £618 (6 seats)
Postal Bookings
For Premier, First Class & Table for Two seats please contact VT Office to check availabilty before making a postal booking.
No Smoking
Customers are reminded that UK government legislation prohibits smoking in public places. Areas designated NO SMOKING include ALL CARRIAGES ON ALL TRAINS AS WELL AS RAILWAY PLATFORMS AND PREMISES.