july, 2022

02julAll DayThe Chopper Topper ReturnsA freight line tour around the West Midlands - Featuring Class 20 power! Joining Stations: Burton-on-Trent, Coleshill Parkway, Barnt Green, Worcestershire Parkway, Gloucester, Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham New Street

Event Details

SATURDAY, 2 JULY 2022

A FREIGHT LINE TOUR AROUND THE WEST MIDLANDS – FEATURING CLASS 20 POWER! 

In response to a number of requests for specific sections of track in the West Midlands that have not been visited recently, we are very pleased to be able to offer this railtour that includes visits to Hams Hall Reception Line and to Donnington Railfreight Terminal in Shropshire. In addition to a number of Goods Loops and requested specific lines, the route also features traversal of the Oxley Chord, the hard climb over Cannock and ascent of the Lickey Incline. Add in an hour’s break at Shrewsbury whilst the carriages are serviced, haulage by Class 20 power throughout (courtesy of loco owner Michael Owen and SLC Rail), and we think that this limited load train will prove very popular. 

CONFIRMED ROUTING:
As the joining and set-down points and via the following specific sections of track:
Bromford Bridge – Washwood Heath Jn via Up & Down Slow – Down & Up Goods – Down Goods to Landor Street Jn – Down Bromsgrove Slow – Gloucester (Reverse) /… via No.1 Spur – Up Goods Loop – Cheltenham High Street Goods Loop – Up Eckington Goods Loop – Up Spetchley Goods Loop – Kings Norton Up Arrival & Departure – Kings Norton Platform 4 – Lifford West Jn – Birmingham New Street Plat 9 – Up Stour to Grand Jn – Up Derby – Coleshill Parkway – Hams Hall Departure / Run-round Line – Whitacre Down Arley Loop (Reverse) – Hams Hall East / West Arrival Line – Down Whitacre – Sutton Park – Up Walsall Fast – Wolverhampton – Oxley Down Goods Loop – Wellington (Reverse) – Donnington RFT – Shrewsbury (break 1540-1645 / Reverse) – Wellington Up Main – Oxley Chord – Stafford (Reverse) – Rickerscote Up Slow – Penkridge – Darlaston Jn – Bescot Up Goods Loop – Birmingham New Street (SD) – Droitwich Up Goods Loop – Gloucester area* (Reverse). * Point of reversal to be confirmed.
There will be an additional set-down at Birmingham New Street on the return from Gloucester to Burton-on-Trent.

Top / Tail Class 20s throughout, except awaiting confirmation of the evening Gloucester – Burton-on-Trent 4 x Class 20!

CONFIRMED TIMINGS


FaresAdultJuniorParty x4Availability
Standard Class£125£63£480BOOKINGS NOW CLOSED
First Class£185£145£720BOOKINGS NOW CLOSED

Book tickets

Table for Two seats are available at a supplement of £40 per person in First Class only

Onboard catering will include a full buffet service with the Gricers Grill hot food menu, plus a selection of real ales & cider.

A sales stand will also be open, and a charity raffle will be organised.

Photograph: Jack Boskett 

 

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