The Return to Steam 50th Anniversary Special
7029 Clun Castle
Saturday 2nd October 2021
On the first Saturday in October 1971, GWR King Class No 6000 King George V broke out of Bulmers Railway Centre in Hereford for a trial steam run to Birmingham and broke the official British Rail 1968 ban of steam on the mainline. Today we celebrate the return – on the same day and on the same route with the same locomotive which went on to haul to first official ‘Return to Steam’ celebration run in 1972. The day begins at Tyseley Locomotive Works, we then pass through Birmingham New Street on our journey towards Shrewsbury via Wolverhampton. Taking the avoiding line at Shrewsbury, we head along the Welsh Marches line via Craven Arms to Hereford for a three hour break for city sightseeing.
Our return to Birmingham will follow the original route continuing south, avoiding Newport to join the South Wales mainline, for a sprint through the Severn Tunnel to Swindon and a water stop at Didcot. We continue to Birmingham with a photo stop at Banbury and a climb up Hatton bank.
Joining arrangements
Join the train at Tyseley Locomotive Works (limited pre-booked free car parking available avoiding Birmingham’s congestion charge) or Birmingham New Street. You may leave the train on the return at either Birmingham Snow Hill Street station or Tyseley Locomotive Works..
This trip will have a diesel support locomotive on the rear of the train.
Seating Arrangements
Seating is available in “Bubbles” of two or four Pullman Cars and Open Coaches. Private Compartments for six people are also available. You will be seated at tables of two or four or in a Private Compartment in your selected Coach according to your booking. You will not be allocated specific seats.
Boarding Card
A boarding card confirming your booking details and allocated coach will be emailed to you upon completion of your booking. Please print this boarding card to access the train. Separate tickets are not issued.
Final Details and Timings
Final details and timings will be published on this web page 7 – 10 days prior to the date of the train.
Pullman Class
- Seating in one of our original Pullman Cars with full English Breakfast and four course evening dinner, tea & Coffee, all served at your seat.
Private Compartment
- Private first class compartment for up to six people with full English Breakfast and four course evening dinner, tea & Coffee, all served at your seat.
Club Class
- Seating at tables for two or four in our Club Class Coaches with light refreshments including Danish pastries,sandwiches and cake, tea & Coffee, all served at your seat.
Tourist Class
- Seating at tables for two or four in our Tourist Open carriages. Bacon rolls, light refreshments, wine, beer, teas & coffees can be ordered for delivery to your seat.
Book Seats
Step One
Select Class of Travel
Step Two
Select Coach
Step Three
Select Number of Passengers in Bubble
Step Four
Complete Details
Step Five
Payment