Stanhope to Edinburgh in an HST

[Newtraveller58]

Word of caution if you do find them - RTT workings for the actual day are inconsistent with the timetable on the Weardale line - RTT says a reasonable 8am departure, actual timetable says 7:02am(!)

Yes - I noticed that. Don’t know which is correct but I did notice the RTT timings from Bishop Auckland West to Stanhope was only 43 minutes which may be a bit optimistic when the shuttles on Sunday are timed as 59 minutes.

 

[800001]

Yes - I noticed that. Don’t know which is correct but I did notice the RTT timings from Bishop Auckland West to Stanhope was only 43 minutes which may be a bit optimistic when the shuttles on Sunday are timed as 59 minutes.

I've attached a screen shot of the confirmed timings. 07:02 is departure from Stanhope.

 

[EbbwJunction1]

I see from their website that the company are also running this on Saturday 9th August 2025:

THE TAYLOR TRAIN​

All aboard the ultimate party train from Bishop Auckland, featuring all your favourite Taylor hits and on-train bars to keep the drinks flowing.
What’s included:

• 3-hour round trip from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope and back.
• All your favourite Taylor Swift tracks played throughout the journey.
• On-train bars serving a variety of alcoholic drinks.
• Arrive at Stanhope for a pit stop, with a food vendor and drinks served at the station.

Grab your friends, unleash your inner Swiftie, and join us for a night of fun, music, and memories aboard this unforgettable party train!

Get in soon, though, because there's only two seats available!

 

[Egg Centric]

I see from their website that the company are also running this on Saturday 9th August 2025:

THE TAYLOR TRAIN​

All aboard the ultimate party train from Bishop Auckland, featuring all your favourite Taylor hits and on-train bars to keep the drinks flowing.
What’s included:

• 3-hour round trip from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope and back.
• All your favourite Taylor Swift tracks played throughout the journey.
• On-train bars serving a variety of alcoholic drinks.
• Arrive at Stanhope for a pit stop, with a food vendor and drinks served at the station.

Grab your friends, unleash your inner Swiftie, and join us for a night of fun, music, and memories aboard this unforgettable party train!

Get in soon, though, because there's only two seats available!

Presumably it was a two seat train

 

[EbbwJunction1]

Presumably it was a two seat train

Well, given the large number of "Swifties" out there, I wouldn't be surprised if it was longer than that - although probably not a 2+8 HST!

 

[800001]

I see from their website that the company are also running this on Saturday 9th August 2025:

THE TAYLOR TRAIN​

All aboard the ultimate party train from Bishop Auckland, featuring all your favourite Taylor hits and on-train bars to keep the drinks flowing.
What’s included:

• 3-hour round trip from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope and back.
• All your favourite Taylor Swift tracks played throughout the journey.
• On-train bars serving a variety of alcoholic drinks.
• Arrive at Stanhope for a pit stop, with a food vendor and drinks served at the station.

Grab your friends, unleash your inner Swiftie, and join us for a night of fun, music, and memories aboard this unforgettable party train!

Get in soon, though, because there's only two seats available!

Did it run?

 

[EbbwJunction1]

Did it run?

I assume so, but I don't know.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Did it run?

It was shaken off. P-coded so it was a blank space in the timetable. We knew it’d be trouble when it walked in.

(etc etc)

 

[Gwr12345]

Did it run?

Yes. They've also run 2 beer trains this year, and are running a charter with 2 class 50s in November, claiming it to be the first direct train from Hexham to London (which it isn't.)
It's run by the same people who run Bishop Auckland Ticket Office.

 

[DanNCL]

Anyone know when the ECS to Stanhope for this is. I have searched RTT for most of this week but while I can find the timings for Saturdays workings to and from Edinburgh, I can’t see any ECS workings to get the set to Stanhope. As I’m on holiday in Weardale, would be interesting to watch it going through Wolsingham.

Not on RTT yet but timings have been confirmed.

Word of caution if you do find them - RTT workings for the actual day are inconsistent with the timetable on the Weardale line - RTT says a reasonable 8am departure, actual timetable says 7:02am(!)

Yes - I noticed that. Don’t know which is correct but I did notice the RTT timings from Bishop Auckland West to Stanhope was only 43 minutes which may be a bit optimistic when the shuttles on Sunday are timed as 59 minutes.

I've attached a screen shot of the confirmed timings. 07:02 is departure from Stanhope.

The Excursions by Rail timings are the correct ones. Times on RTT for moves on Weardale metals are usually incorrect, they have been for both of the earlier mainline charters this year as well as for 50008 visiting last year.

I see from their website that the company are also running this on Saturday 9th August 2025:

THE TAYLOR TRAIN​

All aboard the ultimate party train from Bishop Auckland, featuring all your favourite Taylor hits and on-train bars to keep the drinks flowing.
What’s included:

• 3-hour round trip from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope and back.
• All your favourite Taylor Swift tracks played throughout the journey.
• On-train bars serving a variety of alcoholic drinks.
• Arrive at Stanhope for a pit stop, with a food vendor and drinks served at the station.

Grab your friends, unleash your inner Swiftie, and join us for a night of fun, music, and memories aboard this unforgettable party train!

Get in soon, though, because there's only two seats available!

Presumably it was a two seat train

Did it run?

31285+31465 top and tail on a rake of Mark 3s.

Yes. They've also run 2 beer trains this year, and are running a charter with 2 class 50s in November, claiming it to be the first direct train from Hexham to London (which it isn't.)
It's run by the same people who run Bishop Auckland Ticket Office.

It might not be the first direct train ever but it is safe to say it’s the first one for a very long time.

 

[Meole]

The Pacer has failed due to battery issues, hence use of 31s for now, passengers were stranded again last weekend, not for the first time.

 

[43096]

Anyone know when the ECS to Stanhope for this is. I have searched RTT for most of this week but while I can find the timings for Saturdays workings to and from Edinburgh, I can’t see any ECS workings to get the set to Stanhope. As I’m on holiday in Weardale, would be interesting to watch it going through Wolsingham.

The empty stock goes up on Friday as 3N43 1031 Chaddesden Sidings to Stanhope (from HSTgen.co.uk). Power cars allocated are 43060 and 43159.

 

[Egg Centric]

@DanNCL (or anyone else) where would you recommend parking? From what I remember of Stanhope station there's not much of a car park and I should imagine the vast majority will be going from there and driving.

Considering trying to persuade someone to drive me there, but the super early start (even for people like me who live pretty close) and relatively late collection might make this difficult

 

[Gwr12345]

@DanNCL (or anyone else) where would you recommend parking? From what I remember of Stanhope station there's not much of a car park and I should imagine the vast majority will be going from there and driving.

Considering trying to persuade someone to drive me there, but the super early start (even for people like me who live pretty close) and relatively late collection might make this difficult

The Council car park is open at Stanhope, on the field the other side of the station. Open from 0615 (less a car park, more the neighbouring field). Blue badge parking is available at the normal location

 

[43096]

The empty stock goes up on Friday as 3N43 1031 Chaddesden Sidings to Stanhope (from HSTgen.co.uk). Power cars allocated are 43060 and 43159.

The path for the ECS is now on RTT: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K41997/2025-08-15/detailed

 

[800001]

@DanNCL (or anyone else) where would you recommend parking? From what I remember of Stanhope station there's not much of a car park and I should imagine the vast majority will be going from there and driving.

Considering trying to persuade someone to drive me there, but the super early start (even for people like me who live pretty close) and relatively late collection might make this difficult

I've attached a Screen shot of an email
From the charter company about parking.
As above the council are opening a field for. Sea next to the station.

 

[Egg Centric]

I've attached a Screen shot of an email
From the charter company about parking.
As above the council are opening a field for. Sea next to the station.

Thank you. I have the same email (and quite a few more) it transpires, they'd all just gone to junk. Doh!

 

[gingerheid]

At no point does the booking website give any indication of timings. Any idea anyone?

It's at the bottom of the booking page

TIMETABLE
Outward Journey
Stanhope: 07:02 (depart)
Frosterley: 07:13
Wolsingham: 07:27
Witton-le-Wear: 07:47
Bishop Auckland West: 08:17
Shildon: 09:07
Darlington: 09:33
Eaglescliffe: 09:49
Durham: 10:33
Chester-le-Street: 10:48
Newcastle: 10:59
Edinburgh Waverley: 12:56 (arrive)

Return Journey
Edinburgh Waverley: 16:51 (depart)
Newcastle: 18:43
Chester-le-Street: 18:54
Durham: 19:03
Eaglescliffe: 20:03
Darlington: 20:22
Shildon: 20:47
Bishop Auckland West: 21:20
Witton-le-Wear: 21:45
Wolsingham: 22:06
Frosterley: 22:19
Stanhope: 22:30 (arrive)

 

[DanNCL]

The Pacer has failed due to battery issues, hence use of 31s for now, passengers were stranded again last weekend, not for the first time.

The Taylor Train was planned to be the 31s regardless. The regular passenger service at Weardale on Wednesday this week is the only day where the 31s have covered for a DMU.

@DanNCL (or anyone else) where would you recommend parking? From what I remember of Stanhope station there's not much of a car park and I should imagine the vast majority will be going from there and driving.

Considering trying to persuade someone to drive me there, but the super early start (even for people like me who live pretty close) and relatively late collection might make this difficult

The field on the far side of Stanhope station will be opened up for parking. Drive straight past the station building and continue to the end of the lane, turn left across the level crossing and you’ll be in the field. There’s a footpath into the station from the field.

 

[Egg Centric]

Does anyone know if we can leave cars in the field and collect them on Sunday?

I've arranged for the three of us to be collected at Durham coming back, cos I'll have already ticked off Stillington that morning so don't need to take 3 and a half hours to go another 20 miles especially with a young child... It would be more convenient if I can get the car the next day (and also means I can drink on the train) but if not possible then que sera sera

 

[800001]

Does anyone know if we can leave cars in the field and collect them on Sunday?

I've arranged for the three of us to be collected at Durham coming back, cos I'll have already ticked off Stillington that morning so don't need to take 3 and a half hours to go another 20 miles especially with a young child... It would be more convenient if I can get the car the next day (and also means I can drink on the train) but if not possible then que sera sera

Same I'm getting on at Stanhope but off at Shildon.

Would be good if could leave car over night.

 

[Egg Centric]

Not affecting us but quite a bit of grumbling about the catering on this. Not surprising given some of them are literally children.

What is probably going to affects us is the raffle not being drawn yet and not long to Durham. People getting off at Newcastle screwed.

 

[800001]

Not affecting us but quite a bit of grumbling about the catering on this. Not surprising given some of them are literally children.

What is probably going to affects us is the raffle not being drawn yet and not long to Durham. People getting off at Newcastle screwed.

If you are going to comment get your facts right.

Your comment implies the children are useless, when Infact they have not stopped working. And have put up with some horrendous people.

The 'children' are delivering the food for the cafe bar, so the issue is with who ever is organising the disribution from the cafe bar.

The children are actually really polite, and getting a lot of stick for the morning orders which was out of there control. And some of the comments they were getting was nothing to do with them and out of their control.

Some adults on the train need to take a long hard look at them selves about how they speak to young children.

Raffle wise, your point stand.

 

[Egg Centric]

If you are going to comment get your facts right.

Your comment implies the children are useless, when Infact they have not stopped working. And have put up with some horrendous people.

The 'children' are delivering the food for the cafe bar, so the issue is with who ever is organising the disribution from the cafe bar.

The children are actually really polite, and getting a lot of stick for the morning orders which was out of there control. And some of the comments they were getting was nothing to do with them and out of their control.

Some adults on the train need to take a long hard look at them selves about how they speak to young children.

Raffle wise, your point stand.

No one's been unpleasant to the kids on our coach (either catering ones or mine!), I can't speak for any others. My point was more that kids are being used in the first place! A symptom of trying to do things on the cheap...

 

[800001]

No one's been unpleasant to the kids on our coach (either catering ones or mine!), I can't speak for any others. My point was more that kids are being used in the first place! A symptom of trying to do things on the cheap...

Your replyimplies that due to children the service is not acceptable .

When infact children are working there socks off and the issues are with the people managing the cafe bar.

May be look at how you phrase you comments as you most certainly imply the children are the issue when the most certainly are not.

 

[driverd]

Your replyimplies that due to children the service is not acceptable .

When infact children are working there socks off and the issues are with the people managing the cafe bar.

May be look at how you phrase you comments as you most certainly imply the children are the issue when the most certainly are not.

No, I don't think anyone is reading that as there being any issue with the kids on board.

I think everyone is reading that as children being used for what is traditionally a moderately responsible, adult role isn't the best look in 2025.

 

[800001]

No, I don't think anyone is reading that as there being any issue with the kids on board.

I think everyone is reading that as children being used for what is traditionally a moderately responsible, adult role isn't the best look in 2025.

This is the comment the poster wrote

'Not affecting us but quite a bit of grumbling about the catering on this. Not surprising given some of them are literally children.'

Why mention children if there is no issue with them?
That comment implies the poor service is due to children.

The children are being used in voluntary way, and money raised from the raffle is to be used for the children/teenagers.

 

[50002Superb]

This is the comment the poster wrote

'Not affecting us but quite a bit of grumbling about the catering on this. Not surprising given some of them are literally children.'

Why mention children if there is no issue with them?
That comment implies the poor service is due to children.

The children are being used in voluntary way, and money raised from the raffle is to be used for the children/teenagers.

Used in what way?

 

[Egg Centric]

This is the comment the poster wrote

'Not affecting us but quite a bit of grumbling about the catering on this. Not surprising given some of them are literally children.'

Why mention children if there is no issue with them?
That comment implies the poor service is due to children.

The children are being used in voluntary way, and money raised from the raffle is to be used for the children/teenagers.

The children were doing well for being child volunteers. They are not though at the equivalent standard of catering staff at a TOC. This does not mean there is a problem with the kids and they shouldn't be being abused. The problem is a) with anyone abusing them* but also b) with whoever put them in that position. The tour should have been staffed properly for an at seat service or not offered one, and the kids could have concentrated on raffle tickets.

*who should have been chucked off if anything more than mild cantankerousness

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Aug 2025 ==

Used in what way?

The kids were (non exhaustive list - I can only speak for my coach in standard and I may have missed stuff) doing (and may have been assisted by staff too) the doors (by which I mean opening/closing slam doors not monitoring them as they had bars), the litter collection, the at seat service, general pass question answering, and raffle ticket selling. It was explained what this was in aid of but tbh I can't remember. I was told that the raffle results will be available "on facebook" although realised too late I didn't know what facebook he was talking about

Incidentally in the spirit of "kids let down by dumb adults putting them in silly positions" that's the first and last time I take a 1 year old on a railtour, sorry to anyone in Coach B who was disturbed by all the "Hiyas" etc...

 

[800001]

The children were doing well for being child volunteers. They are not though at the equivalent standard of catering staff at a TOC. This does not mean there is a problem with the kids and they shouldn't be being abused. The problem is a) with anyone abusing them* but also b) with whoever put them in that position. The tour should have been staffed properly for an at seat service or not offered one, and the kids could have concentrated on raffle tickets.

*who should have been chucked off if anything more than mild cantankerousness

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Aug 2025 ==



The kids were (non exhaustive list - I can only speak for my coach in standard and I may have missed stuff) doing (and may have been assisted by staff too) the doors (by which I mean opening/closing slam doors not monitoring them as they had bars), the litter collection, the at seat service, general pass question answering, and raffle ticket selling. It was explained what this was in aid of but tbh I can't remember. I was told that the raffle results will be available "on facebook" although realised too late I didn't know what facebook he was talking about

Incidentally in the spirit of "kids let down by dumb adults putting them in silly positions" that's the first and last time I take a 1 year old on a railtour, sorry to anyone in Coach B who was disturbed by all the "Hiyas" etc...

The 'kids' were 100% not doing the doors, they may of got off and reboarded at stations, but they had no Involvement what so ever with the safety operation of the doors on the train, and it would be wrong to imply they did.

State facts if you are commenting on here

Only older people. Who were safety critical were doing/operating the doors. No 'kids' were doing the doors.