New Belmond train in England & Wales

[Peter0124]

Realtime Trains | 5Z43 1728 Hamilton Gbrf to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) | 02/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z43 1728 departure from Hamilton Gbrf to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) on 02/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Just seen an ECS with fresh Britannic Explorer coaches pass Hamilton Central headed for Eastleigh

 

[317362]

There are some paths in that suggest a practice run of this of some kind, all 5Zxx codes, starting London Victoria Fri 6/6/25 and heading back on the Monday. Includes overnights at Fairwater Yard (Fri), Fowey (Sat) and Cranmore (Sun). Just a guess.

Realtime Trains | 5Z20 1548 London Victoria to Fairwater Yard | 06/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z20 1548 departure from London Victoria to Fairwater Yard on 06/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z21 0917 Fairwater Yard to Penzance | 07/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z21 0917 departure from Fairwater Yard to Penzance on 07/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z24 1730 Penzance to Fowey Dock Carne Point | 07/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z24 1730 departure from Penzance to Fowey Dock Carne Point on 07/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z25 1248 Fowey Dock Carne Point to Bruton | 08/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z25 1248 departure from Fowey Dock Carne Point to Bruton on 08/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z26 1743 Bruton to Cranmore | 08/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z26 1743 departure from Bruton to Cranmore on 08/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Z27 0558 Cranmore to London Victoria | 09/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z27 0558 departure from Cranmore to London Victoria on 09/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Interesting - I wasn't expecting Carne Point, Fowey to be on the itinerary. I'm not sure a night amongst the clay dust, loading machinery and ships is ideal - perhaps they will stable further upstream? Access for an evening jaunt into Fowey town would be an issue too.

Unfortunately the platform at Golant Halt has gone - there is a rather nice pub there the punters could visit!

 

[Gloster]

I wonder why one leg is terminating at Bruton: could they be kicking the passengers off there so that they can rejoin at Cranmore? Perhaps they think that it will be an attraction to see two of the remaining rail-borne industries: china clay and roadstone.

Interesting - I wasn't expecting Carne Point, Fowey to be on the itinerary. I'm not sure a night amongst the clay dust, loading machinery and ships is ideal - perhaps they will stable further upstream? Access for an evening jaunt into Fowey town would be an issue too.

Unfortunately the platform at Golant Halt has gone - there is a rather nice pub there the punters could visit!

I can’t agree with your opinion of the pub at Golant. I tried it a couple of times when I lived down there and found the place infested with snotty yotties.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

I can’t agree with your opinion of the pub at Golant. I tried it a couple of times when I lived down there and found the place infested with snotty yotties.

The Belmond patrons would probably feel at home then! The beer garden is nice for watching the (sadly much less frequent) clay trains.

 

[fgwrich]

The Belmond patrons would probably feel at home then! The beer garden is nice for watching the (sadly much less frequent) clay trains.

Given the fares for this service, even the Fisherman’s arms is probably a little below them

Rake now parked up on Road 16 in the works when I went past this afternoon. Having seen some close up photos on various Facebook groups, I would be surprised if it ventures out again this week. Looks like there will be some snagging works to go - things such as the original IE Door Buttons remain, possibly non complaint CDL lights too. And that tailing drawstock looks a little odd too - although the drophead doesn’t have to support the base of the corridor connection anymore, it still looks a little odd.

 

[Henffordd]

I wonder why one leg is terminating at Bruton: could they be kicking the passengers off there so that they can rejoin at Cranmore

Perhaps for the punters to visit Hauser and Wirth, the expensive art gallery?

 

[Kite159]

I saw it passing Westbury yesterday morning when heading to Cardiff. The colour of the coaches don't shout out 'luxury'.

 

[Wyrleybart]

The colour of the coaches don't shout out 'luxury'.

My thoughts too. Is it gold lettering on a turquoise or mauve body colour ?

 

[Barclay]

Bruton is very much the Notting Hill of Somerset with loads of fancy restaurants and galleries, so I expect patrons are spending the evening there before being bussed back to the train for an overnight stop at Cranmore.

 

[nwales58]

Some small changes to the scheduled service on the Cambrian coast, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only from 22/07, have been showing in realtimetrains for a while which hint at the Belmond paths but not the actual paths.

 

[317362]

Seems to be a rake of ERS coaches from Yarmouth being used on the practice run (assuming it is) moving Yarmouth-Stewarts Lane in the morning

 

[Iskra]

I saw it passing Westbury yesterday morning when heading to Cardiff. The colour of the coaches don't shout out 'luxury'.

I agree with this, but then equally they have to be different from what is already out there for marketing purposes, although I think a darker shade would have been more premium.

 

[317362]

Seems to be a rake of ERS coaches from Yarmouth being used on the practice run (assuming it is) moving Yarmouth-Stewarts Lane in the morning

Realtime Trains | 5Z20 1548 London Victoria to Fairwater Yard | 06/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z20 1548 departure from London Victoria to Fairwater Yard on 06/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

57310+8mk2s+3mk3s+66751, assume a test given destinations, but may equally not be. Updates welcome

 

[Masbroughlad]

Where is the home depot for the train? And the staff shore base?

Are GBRf the operator?

TIA.

 

[465fan]

Where is the home depot for the train? And the staff shore base?

Are GBRf the operator?

TIA.

Stewarts Lane unless I'm mistaken.

 

[sad1e]

Good question. Carne Point perhaps....if mark 3 stock is cleared for the branch?

Heathfield branch maybe , definitely not much will be going down there or has for a good while, would definitely be a peaceful place to stable overnight.

 

[co-tr-paul]

Test run for train and staff. Due Penzance and Long Rock depot later today.

 

[D6130]

Heathfield branch maybe , definitely not much will be going down there or has for a good while, would definitely be a peaceful place to stable overnight.

You'd need to cut back a half mile or so of jungle if it's still in the same state as it was when I passed it last September.

 

[Class15]

You'd need to cut back a half mile or so of jungle if it's still in the same state as it was when I passed it last September.

And, according to this post the line is also washed away.

Bert has done his worst on the Heathfield Branch in Devon - the stub of former Moretonhampstead and Teign Valley lines. Used in the recent past for timber traffic from Teigngrace, but the damage looks to be pretty terminal.

Heathfield Branch

Walkers have been left devastated after Storm Bert completely washed away the path at a beauty spot near Newton Abbot. The area was covered by a rare red flood alert and saw torrential downpours, resulting in heavy flooding.

Walking routes near Stover Canal are currently closed "until further notice" after 60 metres of the towpath near the MT Tums cafe was completely washed away. The Stover Canal Trust has sealed off the area, saying there is no safe route for pedestrians along the canal.

Shocking photos show the old railway track hanging over the area where the path has washed away. There is still deep floodwater around the canal.

The trust says that the severity of the destruction means that the path is unlikely to be reinstated "for the foreseeable future". In a note near the entrance to the path, it says: "A 60 metre section of towpath between Jetty Marsh and Old Exeter Road has been destroyed by the recent flood event.

"There is no safe route available alongside the canal and pedestrians are directed to the Stover Trail on the western side of the railway. Due to the severity of the bank breach it is unlikely that the towpath will be reinstated for the foreseeable future."

 

[fgwrich]

And, according to this post the line is also washed away.

Yes, having seen recent photos it’s fair to say it won’t be coming back without serious and unlikely investment.

This weeks test runs are using the ERS rake as the Bellmond stock isn’t fully ready yet. Stabled outside Taunton last night due to no available space on the West Somerset Railway due to their diesel gala taking place.

 

[_toommm_]

Realtime Trains | 5Z43 1728 Hamilton Gbrf to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) | 02/06/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Z43 1728 departure from Hamilton Gbrf to Eastleigh Arlington (Zg) on 02/06/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Just seen an ECS with fresh Britannic Explorer coaches pass Hamilton Central headed for Eastleigh

Don't know if I'm being stupid, but how do the doors open, as I cannot see door handles or buttons either.

 

[berneyarms]

There are buttons on the carriage end sides of the doorways as fitted by Iarnród Éireann.

 

[JonathanH]

Perhaps for the punters to visit Hauser and Wirth, the expensive art gallery?

Indeed, that is explicitly mentioned in the itinerary for the Cornwall trip.

Fine Dining

Daily table d'hôte meals, including breakfasts, brunches, lunches, afternoon teas and dinners, alongside a selection of alcoholic and other beverages. Off board, enjoy a gala dinner at celebrated Italian restaurant Da Costa, part of the Hauser & Wirth gallery

Interesting - I wasn't expecting Carne Point, Fowey to be on the itinerary. I'm not sure a night amongst the clay dust, loading machinery and ships is ideal - perhaps they will stable further upstream? Access for an evening jaunt into Fowey town would be an issue too.

We don't really have to guess at the off-train excursions. It is mainly set out on the website as being a boat trip from Fowey or a trip to Colwith Distillery.
https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/journeys/cornwall-and-wales

DAY THREE
After a delightful breakfast prepares you for this final, unforgettable day on board, immerse yourself in the timeless allure of south Cornwall’s Lostwithiel area. Choose between a boat tour from the picturesque seaside town of Fowey, complete with a beach BBQ. Or opt for a visit to the Colwith Distillery for a tour and tasting of the finest Cornish vodka.

As evening descends, re-board the train – your holiday home away from home – for a picturesque journey to Somerset, arriving in the enchanting town of Bruton. Here, an after-hours private tour of the esteemed Hauser & Wirth gallery awaits, complete with a champagne reception in the gallery’s idyllic gardens. The day culminates in a private gala dinner at Da Costa, Hauser & Wirth's celebrated Italian fine dining restaurant. As the evening draws to a close, the train rests on the serene East Somerset Railway, promising a night of undisturbed sleep.

I'm a little surprised at the suggestion that Lostwithiel has a "timeless allure" but I guess they need to talk it up somewhat.

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

Indeed, that is explicitly mentioned in the itinerary for the Cornwall trip.


We don't really have to guess at the off-train excursions. It is mainly set out on the website as being a boat trip from Fowey or a trip to Colwith Distillery.
https://www.belmond.com/trains/europe/uk/britannic-explorer/journeys/cornwall-and-wales

I'm a little surprised at the suggestion that Lostwithiel has a "timeless allure" but I guess they need to talk it up somewhat.

I was wondering how the punters would access Fowey from Carne Point - there is no platform and they would need to walk along the restricted 'lorryway' to reach the town. This is the big stumbling block in any attempt to revive passenger services on the line.

It looks, however, as if Lostwithiel is being used for the passengers and Carne Point is just to keep the train off the main line.

 

[DerekC]

Pity they didn't include the FR from Portmadoc to Blaenau (with picnic basket lunch). Plus a trip round the Llechwedd mine and a cream tea in the Oakeley Arms whilst waiting for the stock to make it round via Shrewsbury and the North Wales Coast. Would at least avoid having to go all the way back to Sutton Bridge Junction over the same route they went out!

 

[Ashley Hill]

Test run for train and staff. Due Penzance and Long Rock depot later today.

Here’s a couple of snapshots taken at Penzance this afternoon. Firstly 47310 on the blocks at Penzance, followed by 66751 on the London end.


And the Heathfield branch is definitely out of use beyond the start of section board. A long section of track is hanging in the breeze where the embankment has been washed away.

 

[Bertie the bus]

I'm a little surprised at the suggestion that Lostwithiel has a "timeless allure" but I guess they need to talk it up somewhat.

Not as amusing as their description of Workington as being the gateway to the Lake District. All these rich Americans are in for a real shock when the train arrives there.

 

[nwales58]

Pity they didn't include the FR from Portmadoc to Blaenau (with picnic basket lunch). Plus a trip round the Llechwedd mine and a cream tea in the Oakeley Arms whilst waiting for the stock to make it round via Shrewsbury and the North Wales Coast. Would at least avoid having to go all the way back to Sutton Bridge Junction over the same route they went out!

They've now opted for sunset and sunrise looking out at the Cambrian Bay. That involves a wellness fire ceremony.

 

[fgwrich]

There are buttons on the carriage end sides of the doorways as fitted by Iarnród Éireann.

Indeed, similar to the 442s. Albeit the 442s received a newer design of buttons vs the original on the ex Irish Mk3s.

(Photo of vestibule end of a 442)