Previous Special Trains run by the COTSWOLD LINE PROMOTION GROUP (2)

The end of the Central Trains and Wessex Trains franchises appeared to severely limit the possibilities for future excursions. London Midland was no longer under the same ownership as the former Wessex, so the options for charter trains was limited to that company's operating area. Various options were investigated and Liverpool was agreed for 2008, only to find that track work on the West Coast main line precluded this.

Then came a completely unexpected offer from First Great Western to provide one of its High Speed Trains for an excursion to the West Country at a very reasonable price. After some reservations about the limited time scale to sell tickets, the CLPG decided to go ahead with what turned out to be a most successful venture.

**SPECIAL TRAINS from 2009**.
Saturday 9th May 2009 The Cotswold-Torbay Express.	8 car First Great Western High Speed Train from Worcester to Torquay and Paignton via Oxford.
	The Cotswold-Torbay Express enters Paignton station on 9th May 2009 to form the return journey to Oxford (via Worcester). Power cars were 43164 (leading) and 43024 bringing up the rear. Photo: Steve Widdowson.
Saturday 18th September 2010 The Cotswold-Quantock Express.	8 car First Great Western High Speed Train from Worcester to Minehead via Oxford.
The Cotswold-Quantock Express has arrived at Minehead station on the West Somerset Railway on 18th September 2010. At this end was power car 43149 and 43191 was at the other. A photo feature on the "Cotswold-Quantock Express" train to Minehead can be found by clicking on the link.
Saturday 10th September 2011 The Cotswold-Portsea Express.	8 car First Great Western High Speed Train from Hereford to Portsmouth via Oxford.
	The Cotswold-Portsea Express has arrived at Portsmouth Harbour station on Saturday 10th September 2011 and awaits return to Fratton for stabling. At this end was power car 43181 and 43030 was at the other. Photo: Steve Widdowson.