c2c's last blue train

[MCR247]

Yes they are

 

[87015]

Sounds good, other than being a 357. Some years back they did something similar for the final 312 run, which included Gas Factory Jn-Bow Jn. I don't know if that was restricted numbers, but tickets could be bought on the day and it was comfortably busy for a suburban unit. I know other tours I've done with 3+2 seated units they have only had 2 to a 3 seat, but all of those were older trains with bench seats (101, 205, 312, VEP) so it was possible to spread out nicely. Still, whilst hours on the above were very nice (in fact more pleasent that similar lengths of time on modern trains), a 357 is another thing. The 312 farewell tour for example had comfortable wide seats, opening windows and as an added bonus for those who got in the end coaches, a view of the line ahead/behind. No such luxuries with a 357. Also, the 312 tour appealed to the unit bashers and the track bashers. Very few are going to be bothered about a livery. Now if it was the 357s that were going, that would have more appeal.

Being a 357 hasn't stopped it selling beyond expectations!
It (should) do rarer track than the 312 tour.

 

[43167]

Being a 357 hasn't stopped it selling beyond expectations!
It (should) do rarer track than the 312 tour.

Indeed, 1st set sold out, so they have added another 2 sets satisfiy the demand.

Top marks to C2C.

 

[scotsman]

3+2 seats! They can stuff that (not that I'm in any financial position to make the 820 mile round trip!)

 

[Ivo]

3+2 seats! They can stuff that (not that I'm in any financial position to make the 820 mile round trip!)

It's not even as though there is a first class option either...

As far as I am aware, c2c are the only DfT franchised operator to have no first class facilities (the others I know of being LOROL and Merseyrail), unless Northern don't either (mind you, declassified First is available on the 180s, and very nice it is too ).

 

[Lad Brookes]

It's not even as though there is a first class option either...

As far as I am aware, c2c are the only DfT franchised operator to have no first class facilities (the others I know of being LOROL and Merseyrail), unless Northern don't either (mind you, declassified First is available on the 180s, and very nice it is too ).

Chiltern Railways have no first class.

 

[Ivo]

Oh yes. My mistake. Sorry

 

[ainsworth74]

Northern have no first class (apart from the declassified first on the 180s as you mention).

 

[First class]

Anyone have a ticket they will sell?

 

[anthony263]

I dont think anyboday has received their tickets yet and it could be a while as i heard from someone that they are still going through confirming payments for those who have booked on the 1st unit.

 

[34D]

Anyone have a ticket they will sell?

Collect on the day at Fenchurch St.

Why not just register on their website, and then they'll call you to take payment (I do hope they haven't been messed around too much by this).

 

[anthony263]

They are still going through collecting payments from those who have booked and are still finalising the times for this railtour which should be released soon.

 

[Freakofnature]

(3) A certain video game is being released the day before, which is the exact reason I am going home. My brother and I intend to play it all weekend...

Pogeymonz Black/White?


I'm with you on that one. Really looking forward to it, regardless of the bad names nintendo have come up with...



As has been said though, fairplay to C2C.


It gets them more money for nothing out of the usual!!

 

[SouthEastern-465]

I should be on the tour as the tickets are all sorted now, looks interesting.

 

[Aictos]

Well the Class 357 only holds a certain attraction for me as I've yet to sample their charms, 2+3 seating or not but it's the chance to travel to cover the entire C2C network that's clinched it for me.

 

[ainsworth74]

Yeah that's what I was thinking, if I lived close enough to actually do this comfortably (and not too expensively) in a day I would be tempted if for no other reason that it gives an easy opportunity to cover all of c2c's network in one go. However travelling from the North East just for this is certainly not worth it!

 

[MCR247]

Yif I lived close enough to actually do this comfortably

That is, as comfortable as you can be sitting in a 2+3 seat all day

 

[87015]

That is, as comfortable as you can be sitting in a 2+3 seat all day

You won't be sitting 3+2, seats are being held back on each unit to avoid it being wedged out.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Is there any allocated seats on this? Or are they just selling 200+ tickets and leaving it a free for all?

 

[Ivo]

Pogeymonz Black/White?

Pretty much; yes. Nice how I have to pick up my pre-ordered copy of White at the Game in Bath though, isn't it? I have to take a detour from the bus station to Game before I can go to the station!

...it takes 90 seconds.

And then I'm not allowed to play it until I meet my brother who finishes work at 2pm! Otherwise I have an "unfair advantage", apparently when he's already played through the Japanese version :roll:

As said before, I would have been interested in this, but the c2c line is just not worth it, and neither are the 357s. And that's before you consider my having never lived more than about half a mile from the very line (besides Uni anyway).

 

[klewer]

Just received my confirmation email - see you all on there!

 

[anthony263]

Had my confirmation email about 20 minutes ago. better book those advance FGW tickets from Cardiff

 

[Sun Chariot]

Hi folks - cheeky request: I'm not actually on the trip but I do want to photograph it at some of the more interesting locations.
Once timings are available, please would a kind soul add 'em onto this thread. Many thanks in advance.

 

[87015]

Hi folks - cheeky request: I'm not actually on the trip but I do want to photograph it at some of the more interesting locations.
Once timings are available, please would a kind soul add 'em onto this thread. Many thanks in advance.

Anywhere in particular? Its doesn't go anywhere a 357 wouldn't normally (well, apart from one siding) so not sure where would be deemed the more interesting bits!

 

[jonb]

Which siding is that please 87015?

 

[Sun Chariot]

Anywhere in particular? Its doesn't go anywhere a 357 wouldn't normally (well, apart from one siding) so not sure where would be deemed the more interesting bits!

Yes, sorry, I was a bit vague. Bow Jn to Gas Factory would be good - last thing I saw coming off that line, onto the GE Main, was a 307 in nineteen-eighty-something. At the time I vowed to get a photo of something, someday, on it.

 

[87015]

Jon, Pitsea Sand Drag according to 'das system'. I believe it was hoped to get into Tilbury FLT but it couldn't be arranged.

Chariot, I've lost the timings but from memory 1130ish from Gas Factory to Bow, will try and confirm nearer the time.

 

[jonb]

Thanks 87015, thats a shame about Tilbury FLT would have been very unusual!

 

[Aictos]

Just received my confirmation email - see you all on there!

Same here,

 

[Expression357]

For those that know what they're looking for, workings and platforms for this service is now in TRUST. (Sector 79 on your TSIR query, look for Class 1s starting 1Z##)

According to c2c website full timings will be published by 12 noon on Tuesday 01st March.