Western Tribute is a heritage diesel-hauled journey on Saturday 27 February 2027, marking 50 years since British Rail said goodbye to the Class 52 Westerns. D1015 Western Champion retraces as much of the original 1977 tour as can be fitted into a single day, running from Birmingham via the Lickey Incline and Severn Tunnel Junction to Cardiff, on to Exeter, and back by way of Westbury and Didcot. It is a long day on the main line behind one of the most distinctive diesel locomotives ever built for Britain’s railways, and one that the Westerns’ many admirers have been waiting for.
Tickets start from £129 per person (incl. fees).
What’s included in every ticket:
A day on the mainline behind D1015 Western Champion, a Class 52 ‘Western’ built at Swindon in 1963
A route that recreates as much of both days of the original 1977 tour as possible, from Birmingham to Cardiff and on to Exeter, returning via Westbury and Didcot
The climb of the Lickey Incline on the approach to Birmingham to finish the day
Comfortable seating with picture windows, a buffet car and fully stocked bar on board
First Class tickets start from £179 per person for non-dining or £244 per person for dining, travelling in our authentic 1960s coaches. Pullman Dining tickets start from £359 per person, travelling in one of our original Pullman Cars with at-seat service.
All prices include a booking fee of up to £3.35 per item.
