Railtour coaching stock

[STEVIEBOY1]

I See that Steam Dreams are planning to get their own set of coaches for their charter trains this year instead of hiring them in from other sources. I do recall that they used to almost always use the "Green Train" which had links with the MHR railway at Alton.

I also recall that "Kingfisher rail tours" used to use a set of coaches called the "Wessex train" I think, with some Arthurian named coaches in Chocolate and Cream, also Hertford/UKRailtours used to use the "Pride of Britain" stock which was green and cream.

I wonder what happend to those two sets of carriages. I have not seem them for a while. Perhaps they were used for the blood and custard Royal Scot Set that is often used now.

Coaches from the above mentioned Green train are used some times but could do with a refurbishment. They often are combined with Maroon coaches, which does look rather odd to me.

 

[Tracky]

The Mid Hants Railway sold "The Green Train" to West Coast Railways.

"The Wessex Train" was put together for Tangmere when its then owner developed a company to compete with Steam Dreams. He died and the loco and stock were sold off. Most of the coaches are now in West Coast hands.

 

[Anon Mouse]

what happened to the Pilkington rake?

 

[theblackwatch]

The rake Kingfisher used before its demise was owned partly by Wessex Trains and part by Railfilms. As mentioned by Tracky, the Wessex Trains coaches passed to WCRC. The Railfilms coaches (which were used for the dining element) are now used by their subsidiary, Statesman Rail.

 

[STEVIEBOY1]

Thanks for replies and clarifications. I wonder what form/stock and livery the new Steam Dreams rake will lookk like?

 

[theblackwatch]

Where is the info that Steam Dreams are to get their own rake of coaches from? All I can see mentioned on the company website is "the introduction of a refurbished 1950s First Class Corridor Coach".

 

[EltonRoad]

Received today through the post from Steam Dreams.

A New Cathedrals Express starts to take shape

Since its inception 13 years ago, Steam Dreams has always hired its carriages from a number of different sources. We are very pleased to announce that over the next 12 months we will be putting together our very own Cathedral Express set of coaches. Throughout the year regular travellers will see the evolution of a permanent Cathedrals Express set which we believe will be the finest rake of traditional charter coaches on the network.

From May onwards Premium Standard will replace both Super Standard and Standard Class, with linen table cloths, complimentary tea and coffee served at-seat and orders taken for hot and cold snacks also served at-seat.