Cotswold take over Blue Pullman

[Humberside]

Cotswold Rail has announced the launch of a new business based at Gloucester - The Blue Pullman Train Co Ltd.

Adding this most picturesque passenger train to the Cotswold Group is one which Managing Director Adrain Parcell considers will position the operator to offer a high quality passenger service. It also removes weeks of uncertainty regarding the future of the Blue Pullman train and its future charters.

The company, took over the Blue Pullman from FM Rail at 00.01 on 1 February 2007, and the new owners aim to uphold and maintain the traditional luxury Pullman train that has been experienced by many while operated under FM Rail.
Mainline status of the train will be retained under the sponsorship of Gloucester based rail operator Advenza Freight Ltd, which already has a UK National passenger operators licence.

Richard Clark, Advenza Freight Head of Commercial Operations said, "It is fantastic news that the Blue Pullman has followed me to Advenza and its place in railway history maintained", he continued "I am absolute passionate about this train, everytime it enters service people are impressed with it's style, panache and quality. The X factor of charter sets"

The train can be booked for any purpose including corporate events. Charters will also be run by Advenza's sister company, Heartland Rail using the train as a 1st Class full-dining train.

At this stage the set will continue to be based at East Ham depot in London.

http://www.therailwaycentre.com/UK News Pages Feb 07/010207_BP.html

 

[960012]

There doing well for themselves!

 

[WessexWarrior]

Glad it was saved, its great to see it out and about.

 

[Techniquest]

Nice to see the stock is being kept in use...If only they hadn't used 47s...

 

[Muppet]

More loco stuff in gloucester, should be interesting

 

[Humberside]

Statement from Vicat WestLink Rail posted on wnxx.com

"VICTA WESTLINK RAIL PASSENGER CHARTER OPERATIONS - A STATEMENT

Victa Westlink Rail are committed to continue to operate and expand the long-established Hertfordshire Railtours programme of all-1st class full-dining day and weekend excursions, together with the the Merrymaker programme of bargain-priced day trips. It is a fact that some - but certainly not all - of the Blue Pullman coaches have been purchased by a third party, but this will in no way compromise our full-dining trains, as the HRT programme over the years has never been `tied` to one particular set of coaches.
The Victa Westlink Rail core business has been - and will continue to be - the operation and development of freight traffic. Passenger charters are an important supplementary activity to this, utilising marginal locomotive and traincrew resources. This will include steam operations, where these can be demonstrated to be cost-effective. We are currently recruiting additional drivers and commercial staff, and we are engaged in positive on-going discussions with several locomotive and rolling stock providers, with a view to establishing a core fleet of diesel and electric locomotives, plus rolling stock, that will enable Victa Westlink Rail to meet our expanding freight and passenger commitments."