Wine & Dine on the Tarka Line.

[PSM 72A]

I am at present negotiating with Riviera Trains to Hire a set of coaches for a Wine & Dine Charter along the scenic Tarka Line between Exeter & Barnstaple.
The date that is being earmarked is Saturday 19th June 2011.

The set of coaches are the Torbay Express set, as it is available at that time along with a Steam Locomotive( type not specified as of yet).

This charter will start from either Exeter or Barnstaple or even further afield, depending on the feedback the we receive.

The First Class ticket holders will have a 4 Course dinner, while Standard Class ticket holders will have access to the Buffet Car & Trolley Service.

This at present is a One Off Charter to travel along the Tarka Line in Devon behind a Steam Locomotive.
If we receive enough feedback, another Charter could be organized.
As of yet ticket prices have not been confirmed, as we need to know if this is a viable Charter.

 

[Dennis]

Nice idea but I'd prefer diesel haulage

 

[TEW]

Just out of interest, how have you got a path to Barnstaple? Aren't they all fully used by the hourly FGW service now?

 

[DarloRich]

If only i still lived at Umberliegh - sounds like a good idea, hope you get it sorted!

 

[Greenback]

Are there run round facilities at Barnstaple? or will the train be top and tailed?

 

[NXEA!]

Are there run round facilities at Barnstaple? or will the train be top and tailed?

Top n Tail, the run round was taken out many years ago. Would be nice if it was the 9466+WCRC 37 combination that was used on the Looe line earlier this year. Although I think I would prefer a West Country or Battle of Britain as they're also more prototypical for the line. Also 33's used to be common at Barnstaple. West Country+WCRC 33 anyone?

 

[Aictos]

Best of luck anyway organising it, looks quite tempting!

 

[Greenback]

Top n Tail, the run round was taken out many years ago. Would be nice if it was the 9466+WCRC 37 combination that was used on the Looe line earlier this year. Although I think I would prefer a West Country or Battle of Britain as they're also more prototypical for the line. Also 33's used to be common at Barnstaple. West Country+WCRC 33 anyone?

It would be a good idea to have some connection with the Southern Railway or the Southern Region, but at the same time it would be sad that the line is now such a shadow of its former self.

 

[devon_metro]

Just out of interest, how have you got a path to Barnstaple? Aren't they all fully used by the hourly FGW service now?

Yep, can't see how this would be possible, unless the pax want 5 mins in Barnstaple. The branch has many SP differential speeds as well as far as i'm aware, which would hinder the progress of any loco+stock.

 

[d1015fan]

i would e interested in a steam loco up that way. would prefer a diesel but steam would be diff


good luck with it

 

[PSM 72A]

Are there run round facilities at Barnstaple? or willd the train be top and tailed?

Hi, The Charter would have to be topped & tailed, Steam one end & diesel the other as there are no run round facilities at Barnstaple.
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Yep, can't see how this would be possible, unless the pax want 5 mins in Barnstaple. The branch has many SP differential speeds as well as far as i'm aware, which would hinder the progress of any loco+stock.

Hi the charter is going to be an evening run. Starting at about 7pm.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

It would be a good idea to have some connection with the Southern Railway or the Southern Region, but at the same time it would be sad that the line is now such a shadow of its former self.

Hi, If there is a good response to this charter, we would like to us a Westcountry Pacific on the next run.
Taw Valley comes to mind if available after overhaul.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Best of luck anyway organising it, looks quite tempting!

Hi many thanks, Long way to go, early days, but the more support I receive, it makes it worth while.

 

[embers25]

Mon to Sat the only slot potentially available would leave Exeter around 1940 (no later due to the 1948 and 1954 towards Tauton) crossing at Crediton 2006, Eggesford Northbound at 2049 arriving Barnstaple somewhere around 2115 depending on speed restrictions. This train would then somehow have to be back in Eggesford for 2143 which is VERY tight allowing for turn round time. Thus this charter has to be a basic non-starter as I can't see Notwork Fail approving such a risky (potentially impossible) path. Sunday may be possible as there may be a path passing at Eggesford at 1945 and that would leave around 1900 from St Davids but it's still tight given the speed restirctions. So whilst this is a nice idea have you really looked for a path at all or are we all being sucked in to another London Midland Loco Hauled type thread again?!

 

[fairysdad]

I know that recently there were physically some sidings at Barnstaple, although this was a few - five or six - years back though so I don't know if they're still there (and with Brian Ford's store being sold to the devil and being rebuilt under his name I can't get there to see properly...) or indeed while they are physically there, whether they are actually operational or not.

 

[blackfive460]

Thus this charter has to be a basic non-starter as I can't see Notwork Fail approving such a risky (potentially impossible) path./QUOTE]
Quite agree.
The other problem would be the price that would have to be charged per ticket which, for such a relatively short trip would be rather high.
If I wanted to do something in this vein from Exeter I'd try looking at an alternative, easier to path route.
Oakhampton perhaps?