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Heritage Diesel Journeys

Steam gets all the attention, but the diesel locomotives in the Vintage Trains fleet have a story that is equally worth telling. The Class 52 Westerns, the Class 47s, the English Electric Type 3s: these were the machines that took over from steam on the national network in the 1960s and became, in their own right, objects of considerable engineering ambition and character. 

Western Champion alone covered over 1.2 million miles in service before withdrawal. Keeping locomotives like these running on the mainline today takes the same level of skill, commitment, and resource as it does for steam, and the journeys they haul are no less compelling for it.

For passengers who have never travelled behind a heritage diesel, the experience is different from steam but no less absorbing. The sound of an English Electric or a Maybach engine working hard through a tunnel or over a summit is something that stays with you. For enthusiasts, these are some of the rarest mainline workings available anywhere in the country.

Diesel Hauled Journeys

18 hours 9 minutes
The Cambrian Coast Express

Departure: 5:50 am
The Cambrian Coast Express runs from Birmingham through the heart of Wales to the seaside town of Aberystwyth, taking in some of the most dramatic scenery on the national network along the way. Standard tickets from £132.50 per person. Child and family tickets available. What's included in every ticket: A heritage diesel-hauled journey from Birmingham through central Wales to the coast and back in a single day Around five and a half hours in Aberystwyth, with the Cliff Railway, the castle, and the promenade all within easy reach Comfortable seating with picture windows and a buffet car on board, with bacon rolls and afternoon tea available to pre-order Upgrade to First Class from £265.00 per person for a light breakfast and afternoon tea served at your seat in our authentic 1960s coaches, or to Pullman Dining from £376.30 per person for a full English breakfast and four-course evening dinner, served in one of our original Pullman Cars. The train is hauled by our resident Class 37, 37240, running double-headed with a Class 97 from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and back. While you are in Aberystwyth, a chartered double-headed train on the Vale of Rheidol Railway runs a return journey to Devil's Bridge, available as an add-on for £30 per person. Departing Dorridge, Widney Manor, Birmingham New Street, Tame Bridge Parkway, Wolverhampton, and Shrewsbury. Saturday 5 September. All prices include a 6% booking fee.
from $98.35