The British Pullman VSOE
Ian Thomas
Another weekend Saturday and yet another charter train passing through Gloucestershire. This time, however, it was the "crème de la crème" of all British trains, and none other than the Belmond "British Pullman" (V.S.O.E.).
This ranks as the number one train in this country and operates day tours from London (usually Victoria or Waterloo) to various destinations around England and Wales, plus circular dining trains around Sussex and Kent featuring a steam locomotive, usually Southern Railway-built Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35028 "Clan Line".
The London-based tour operator UK Railtours chartered the train on Saturday, September 26th, for a day trip to Worcester. The train started from London Victoria at 08.15 as "The Worcester Pullman" (REP No. 1Z82), with 35028 at the helm and 14 coaches in tow (500+ tons), as it threaded its way through the multiple lines radiating around the city via Shepherd's Bush, Kensington Olympia and Willesden to join the Western Main Line at Acton Wells. Then forward via Swindon, Standish Jnc, Cheltenham and on to Worcester.
The train was booked for a 20-minute stop at Kemble, but it was uncertain as to whether or not it would. However, it turned out good for us and did stop to give the punters a leg stretch. It's a longish journey between the capital and Worcester, and so we were able to get plenty of pictures and indulge in conversation with the clientele.
Rich Kelsey and I had the two wives with us (Jill & Debbie). The assistant train manager invited the ladies aboard Pullman coach Ibis for a look round, much to their pleasure. The marquetry in this train is remarkable.
The train moved on and so did we, this time for a brief visit to Cotswold Airport (formerly Kemble Airfield), and then lunch at the nearby Thames Head Inn.
All in all, a brilliant four hours in the Cotswolds.
Pictures included, plus a picture of what I believe was the very first visit of this train to Gloucestershire on March 17th 1983, when it worked a charter from London Victoria to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup race day.
This ranks as the number one train in this country and operates day tours from London (usually Victoria or Waterloo) to various destinations around England and Wales, plus circular dining trains around Sussex and Kent featuring a steam locomotive, usually Southern Railway-built Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35028 "Clan Line".
The London-based tour operator UK Railtours chartered the train on Saturday, September 26th, for a day trip to Worcester. The train started from London Victoria at 08.15 as "The Worcester Pullman" (REP No. 1Z82), with 35028 at the helm and 14 coaches in tow (500+ tons), as it threaded its way through the multiple lines radiating around the city via Shepherd's Bush, Kensington Olympia and Willesden to join the Western Main Line at Acton Wells. Then forward via Swindon, Standish Jnc, Cheltenham and on to Worcester.
The train was booked for a 20-minute stop at Kemble, but it was uncertain as to whether or not it would. However, it turned out good for us and did stop to give the punters a leg stretch. It's a longish journey between the capital and Worcester, and so we were able to get plenty of pictures and indulge in conversation with the clientele.
Rich Kelsey and I had the two wives with us (Jill & Debbie). The assistant train manager invited the ladies aboard Pullman coach Ibis for a look round, much to their pleasure. The marquetry in this train is remarkable.
The train moved on and so did we, this time for a brief visit to Cotswold Airport (formerly Kemble Airfield), and then lunch at the nearby Thames Head Inn.
All in all, a brilliant four hours in the Cotswolds.
Pictures included, plus a picture of what I believe was the very first visit of this train to Gloucestershire on March 17th 1983, when it worked a charter from London Victoria to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup race day.
Various photos of the VSOE and other local attractions. Click for enlargements and captions. All images copyright Ian Thomas unless otherwise stated.
The VSOE at Standish with 47500 March 17th 1983..The first ever appearance to my knowledge. Copyright Ian Thomas.
An iconic train, Ian - many thanks for the photos.
Wednesdays Clay
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
With only a small number of wagons for Stoke this week, Wednesdays train to Exeter Riverside did not run. Instead, 66766 deposited some wagons at Treviscoe and left a further 4 at Burngullow, before running light back to Goonbarrow as 0C53. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
Now on the Newquay branch, 66766 slows as it approaches Goonbarrow where it will park overnight before heading back to Treviscoe on Thursday to finish loading, before working to Cliffe Vale. 30.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Many thanks, Tony.
More JGA Departures
Tony Shore & Jon Hird
Rail Support Services on site at St. Blazey with another JGA loaded for removal by road. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The RSS Escort Van arrives. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
JGA 19196 on the RSS arctic lorry. This wagon, unlike the other 4, is not believed to be headed for scrap. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The lorry reverses out of St. Blazey and prepares to depart via Sweetshouse and Bodmin. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The Hutchinsons Heavy Haulage container-handling forklift lifts one of the remaining 2 JGA's off the rails in anticipation of the arrival of further lorrys, which will take the final 2 to EMR Kingsbury. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
One of the final two JGA's is lifted onto one of the Hutchinsons lorrys. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The Hutchinsons Heavy Haulage lorrys climb the hill towards Biscovey with the final 2 JGA's. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The final JGA leaves St. Blazey behind. 30.09.2026, copyright Tony Shore.
The Hutchinsons lorrys drop down the new Roche Bypass at Trezaise. Click for enlargements. 30.06.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
The two lorrys head on towards the A30 and Kingsbury, where the JGA's will meet their maker. 30.09.2026, copyright Jon Hird.
Thanks Tony. Once these have all gone, St. Blazey will be completely free of any rolling stock (other than the MPower Kernow items at the turntable).
Thoughts on the JGA scrappage
Guy Vincent
Regarding the report today of the removal of the four JGA wagons from St Blazey to Kingsbury (West Midlands) for scrapping. I was astonished to read this, as I believe many other readers will be. Although the wagons were found to be unsuitable for use why I wonder could they not have been removed by rail soon after this was realised? For instance by including them in one of the china clay workings or simply sending a loco to collect.
Alternatively, surely there is a scrap merchant in either Cornwall or Devon who could have disposed of them. It says a lot about the general state of things where up to eight individual road trips running into thousands of miles are being made at a time when diesel has never been more expensive, Then there is the environmental aspect to consider.
Sorry to appear negative but surely this cannot be right? Does anyone else agree or am I missing something here?
Alternatively, surely there is a scrap merchant in either Cornwall or Devon who could have disposed of them. It says a lot about the general state of things where up to eight individual road trips running into thousands of miles are being made at a time when diesel has never been more expensive, Then there is the environmental aspect to consider.
Sorry to appear negative but surely this cannot be right? Does anyone else agree or am I missing something here?
Thanks Guy - I'm sure many echo your thoughts. It's been a very unusual and unexpected turn of events which raises many questions.
Sunday at Bodmin
Paul Barlow
Photographs from the Sunday of Bodmins Diesel Gala. Click for enlargements. All above photos taken 27.09.2026 and copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
October 1976
Part 1
Roger Winnen
New Long Rock Shed under construction. 03.10.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The new shed under construction at Long Rock. 03.10.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The old well at Long Rock to supply water. 03.10.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.