Steam Train Day Tours in Britain
Most weekends one of several different companies operate a day tour from one of London’s main train stations (such as Paddington, Euston, Kings Cross, etc), featuring a vintage steam locomotive with a consist of older style first and second class carriages. The train typically leaves moderately early in the morning, and then travels over the public rail network to a destination where passengers will have two to four hours of leisure time before the train then takes them back to London for an evening return.
The steam locos are lovingly restored and many times are famous locos such as the ‘Flying Scotsman’. They are typically given permission to operate at speeds up to 75 mph, but slow compared to their maximum speed capability which many times exceeds 100 mph. Because the train travels over mainline rail track, the ride is typically very comfortable and smooth, and the loco engineer is able to fully open the throttle and make the steam loco roar with its unique and distinctive sound as it rushes up the gradients and along the straights.
You really do get a completely authentic experience just as it used to be for all rail passengers 50 years ago, unlike visiting a restored vintage railway that operates a train over perhaps 3-10 miles of track at very slow speeds.
First or Standard Class
Most of the excursion trains feature two or three classes - standard and first class and perhaps a ‘premium’ class as well. The trains, which might have as many as twelve or more carriages, usually include a buffet car, and of course each carriage has one or two toilets as well. The buffet car will generally have a range of snacks as well as tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Excursions operated by Past-Time Rail on several occasions are well managed and most enjoyable. Also an excursion operated by Steam Dreams, while marred by an unfortunate problem with the steam loco, their handling of a difficult situation was very professional and sensitive.
Pricing
Prices range from about £30-60 for standard class, £50-80 for first class and £100-200+ for premium class (£1 = about $1.46 at present). Orient Express excursions are considerably more pricey - £200-300 per person for a day trip.