Good morning,
I don't know if anyone from the various parties involved in this trip read this forum, they may be interested in my feed back.
I have just returned from the Railway Touring Company West Highland Steam express, 21-24Sep and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the trip.
In spite of the late time changes and altered itinerary, everything seemed to go very well, good running and time keeping overall with the various locomotives (although a shame we did not get to Mallaig and did not have much time in Oban)
The hotels and transfer arrangements were fine and the on board crew and catering staff were excellent. The young man who was looking after us in Coach D was always very pleasant, cheerful & professional and kept us well supplied with snacks and drinks.
The additional roast Beef Meal we had in the evening from Fort William to Arisaig was excellent, well cooked and hot. It must be quite a challenge to provide a large number of good quality meals in the kitchen cars on these trains.
There was so much detailed planning with the various parties concerned, RTC, West Coast Railways, the water and coaling providers & Gravy Train catering.
The crew from West Coast were very pleasant indeed.
The shunting arrangements to change 3 locos at Crianlarich en route from Fort William to Oban & then back onto Glasgow especially was fascinating to watch, everything had to be so carefully co-ordinated.
So a big thanks to all concerned, especially the often forgotten crew on the loco footplates.
Rgds
