4965 Rood Ashton Hall at Penmaenmawr
Neville Wellings
Vintage Trains is one of the U.K.'s leading operators of main line steam train excursions. Based in the Midlands, we offer an attractive and varied choice of destinations.
As a subsidiary of the Birmingham Railway
Museum Trust, ticket sales income is reinvested in running,
maintaining and rebuilding historic engines, rolling stock
and equipment kept at Tyseley
Locomotive Works. Fare paying passengers not only enjoy the
sights, sounds and experiences of travel of a bygone era,
but are also effectively joining with trustees, our small
staff complement and our very able and professional volunteers
to keep the heritage of mainline steam alive… join us by
buying tickets… today! See
Our Excursion Programme>> The Shakespeare Express is a regular
summer steam train service which we operate between Birmingham
& Stratford-upon-Avon. It is an affordable way
of enjoying mainline steam and it is popular for families. Summer 2008 will be the
10th season of of this popular steam train.
We use our own train of coaches for use on the Shakespeare Express
and for other main line excursions, which feature large picture windows and traditional ventilation, so that passengers can fully savour the steam train experience.
In
2007 we introduced our new 'Explorer' train set , which can be operated at up to 90 mph using classic diesel locomotives. This train offers a high level of passenger comfort being comprised of ex-BR mark 2 air-conditioned carriages together with Tyseley's well known BR Mk 1 Pullman Cars (as used on the East Coast Pullman services). This enabled Vintage Trains to offer a new passenger experience, a greater choice of scenic routes, interesting destinations together with a variety of possible 'off train' options.
Enjoy a relaxing day out in comfort and style on board our new mk 2 air-conditioned carriages or our classic Pullman carriages.
For 2008 we also plan to use a classic AC electric locomotive with this train, which opens up further possibilities for interesting excursions from the Midlands.
4965 Rood Ashton Hall heading the Shakespeare Express
Clive Hanley
We hope you will join us on the Shakespeare Express and some (or
all!) of our day excursions from our varied programme of days
out using classic steam, diesel or electric locomotives to haul the trains.
Additionally, we operate complete trains (engine
& coaches) for private charter and corporate bookings.
We provide engines for use on other operators' trains, and we
provide rakes of coaches (optionally fully stewarded) for use
by other operators who may wish to make their own locomotive arrangements.
We have an active supporters
group called the Vintage Trains Society. Members provide volunteer support
assisting with events, restoration, stewarding on trains and fund raising.
Indeed it would be impossible to operate the trains without the dedicated
band of volunteers. Why not consider becoming a member for a small annual
subscription so that you may play a part in a growing heritage railway
organisation providing leisure activities and nostalgic days out to the
public using the main line rail network. You will also enjoy a number
of membership benefits too.