Railrovers & Saturday Saver Tickers
Ian Thomas
And now for something completely different... (quote John Cleese). I thought the punters may like these. A selection of rail rover and Saturday saver tickets from 50 years ago, when rail travel was so much more enjoyable and less restricted. Just turn up on the day and buy the ticket. £3 to London, a Central Wales Line circular landcruise and more.
The All Line Rover was great value. I had my first one 50 years ago, in the second half of July 1976. I actually bought a two-week rover, 1st class, for £109 – about two weeks' money back then. But hey! I was young, single and still at home. Mortgage and bills came eight years later.
I had some awesome motive power: 26s and 27s in Scotland, 40s on the Highland Main Line. I came back south with 55 017 on the 09.50 Edinburgh–King's Cross (The Flying Scotsman). It called at Newcastle only and, away, next stop the Cross. I had lunch into the bargain. Class 87s on the WCML, Duffs and Peaks, and all sorts.
Fast forward 3–4 years, and can anyone remember the Persil ticket offers? Two for the price of one. We collected the soap wrappers and E10 Persil tops, etc., from the girls at work, and even had a raid of the bins in our road at midnight. Brilliant value.
The Settle & Carlisle circular for £6 each, outward via Birmingham and Preston, and then a Peak over the S&C to Sheffield. Back home with 1V97 (16.39 Leeds–Bristol) or 1V98 (16.23 Newcastle–Cardiff), whichever was a Peak.
A £3 Saturday Saver from Stroud to London, and then a single to Plymouth (£6), with D1054 Western Governor on 1B45, 11.30 Paddington–Penzance (Cornish Riviera). Back with a Peak on 1M74 (14.00 Penzance–Birmingham). All this was on January 10th 1976.
I could go on forever regarding cheap ticketing, etc. So I will sit in our lounge and study my bashing book tonight, with a few beers into the bargain.
The All Line Rover was great value. I had my first one 50 years ago, in the second half of July 1976. I actually bought a two-week rover, 1st class, for £109 – about two weeks' money back then. But hey! I was young, single and still at home. Mortgage and bills came eight years later.
I had some awesome motive power: 26s and 27s in Scotland, 40s on the Highland Main Line. I came back south with 55 017 on the 09.50 Edinburgh–King's Cross (The Flying Scotsman). It called at Newcastle only and, away, next stop the Cross. I had lunch into the bargain. Class 87s on the WCML, Duffs and Peaks, and all sorts.
Fast forward 3–4 years, and can anyone remember the Persil ticket offers? Two for the price of one. We collected the soap wrappers and E10 Persil tops, etc., from the girls at work, and even had a raid of the bins in our road at midnight. Brilliant value.
The Settle & Carlisle circular for £6 each, outward via Birmingham and Preston, and then a Peak over the S&C to Sheffield. Back home with 1V97 (16.39 Leeds–Bristol) or 1V98 (16.23 Newcastle–Cardiff), whichever was a Peak.
A £3 Saturday Saver from Stroud to London, and then a single to Plymouth (£6), with D1054 Western Governor on 1B45, 11.30 Paddington–Penzance (Cornish Riviera). Back with a Peak on 1M74 (14.00 Penzance–Birmingham). All this was on January 10th 1976.
I could go on forever regarding cheap ticketing, etc. So I will sit in our lounge and study my bashing book tonight, with a few beers into the bargain.
1979 - 1980 Percil Ticket Vouchers. Copyright Ian Thomas.
A selection of advertising leaflets for cheap tickets - please click for enlargements. All copyright Ian Thomas.
Many thanks indeed Ian - a great article.
Frome Peak
Paul Barlow
46014 working the 1614 Bristol to Weymouth stops at Frome. 27.08.1983, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul.
September 1976
Part 9
Roger Winnen
Heathfield Station. 04.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
Heathfield Station. 04.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
The Junction at Heathfield. 04.09.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.