Previous Special Trains run by the
COTSWOLD LINE PROMOTION GROUP
Considerable increases in the cost of chartering
trains caused the Cotswold Line Promotion Group to discontinue this activity after the
Cotswold-Portsea Special ran at a loss, being unable to attract sufficient passengers at
the fares which had to be charged.
After the privatisation of the
Railways, it was feared that all chance of chartering trains would have been
lost. However, Thames Trains Ltd did agree to the use of one of their trains for a
day trip to the seaside. The CLPG's excursions restarted in 1997 and its trains have now
become very popular and are usually fully booked well in advance. The
following trains have been run with the cooperation of the three Train Operating Companies
who currently provide services over the Cotswold and Malvern Line:
SPECIAL TRAINS from 1997 to 2005.
Saturday
14th June 1997
The Cotswold-Dorset Express
3 car Class 166 Thames Trains Turbo
Express unit from Worcester to Dorchester and Weymouth.
The Cotswold-Dorset Express (166218) awaits departure time from Weymouth on 14th June
1997.
Sunday
5th July 1998
Cotswold-Cambrian Coast Express
4 coach Class 156 Central Trains Super
Sprinter train from Oxford to Barmouth via Worcester. Fully booked within 12 days
and eventually 100% oversubscribed.
The Cotswold-Cambrian Coast Express (formed by units 156402 and 156410) on arrival at Barmouth
on 5th July 1998.
Sunday 2nd May 1999
The Cotswold-Cambrian Coast Express No. 2
A repeat of the trip of 5th July 1998
for the benefit of those who could not be accommodated on that day.
The second
Cotswold-Cambrian Coast Express (156403
and 156415) leaves Barmouth Bridge before entering Barmouth on 2nd May 1999.
Sunday
25th July 1999
The Cotswold-Dart Express
First Great Western 8 coach High
Speed Train circular tour starting at Hereford and travelling via Oxford to various
resorts including Torquay, Paignton and Kingswear (for Dartmouth). Returned via
Worcester to Oxford.
The Cotswold-Dart Express on arrival at Worcester Shrub Hill station on its return journey
to Oxford on Sunday 25th July 1999. Photo: Steve Widdowson.
Sunday
30th April 2000
The Cotswold-Derwent Express
4 coach Class 156 Central
Trains Super Sprinter train from Oxford to Matlock via Worcester.
The Cotswold-Derwent
Express formed by Super Sprinter units nos. 156411 and 156419 is seen at Matlock
prior to its return journey to Oxford on 30th April 2000.
Sunday 24th June
2001
The Cotswold-Dee Express
4 coach Class 156
Central Trains Super Sprinter train from Oxford to Ruabon and Chester via Worcester.
The
Cotswold-Dee Express formed by Super Sprinter units numbers 156402 and 156412 awaits departure
from Moreton-in-Marsh station on Sunday 24th June 2001.
Saturday 4th
October 2003
The Cotswold-Taff Express
5 coach Class 156 and
158 Central Trains Express train from Oxford to Cardiff via Worcester.
The Cotswold-Taff Express formed by
Sprinter Express number 158956 and Super Sprinter number 156405 near Fladbury (between
Evesham and Pershore) on Saturday 4th October 2003.
Photo: Mike Finch.
Saturday 24th September
2005
The Cotswold-Torbay Express
4 Coach Class 158
Central Trains' Express train from Hereford to Paignton via Worcester.
The Cotswold-Torbay Express, formed by Central Trains' Sprinter Express units numbers 158857 and
158780, leaving Dawlish on Saturday 24th September 2005 on its way to Paignton.
