Another Saturday, another weekend of good weather—and yet another charter train passing through Gloucestershire. This time, however, it was the crème de la crème of all British trains: none other than the Belmond British Pullman Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (V.S.O.E.).
This ranks as the number one train in the country and operates day tours from London, usually Victoria or Waterloo, to various destinations around England and Wales. It also runs circular dining journeys around Sussex and Kent, often featuring a steam locomotive—usually Southern Railway-built Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 No. 35028, “Clan Line”.
On Saturday, 26 September, the London-based tour operator UK Railtours chartered the train for a day trip to Worcester. The train departed London Victoria at 08:15 as “The Worcester Pullman” (Network Rail reporting number 1Z82), with locomotive 35028 at the helm and 14 coaches in tow—more than 500 tons, with no diesel on the back!
It threaded its way through the multiple lines radiating around the city, via Shepherd’s Bush, Kensington Olympia and Willesden, before joining the western main line at Acton Wells. From there, it continued via Swindon, Standish Junction and Cheltenham to Worcester.
The train was booked for a 20-minute stop at Kemble, but it was uncertain whether it would actually stop. Fortunately for us, it did, giving the passengers a chance to stretch their legs. It is a fairly long journey between the capital and Worcester, so we were able to take plenty of pictures and enjoy conversations with the clientele.
Rich and I were there with our wives, Jill and Debbie. The assistant train manager invited them aboard Pullman coach IBIS for a look around, much to their delight. The high-quality finish and marquetry in this Pullman train are particularly noteworthy; they are quite remarkable.
After the train departed, it was time for a brief visit to Cotswold Airport, formerly Kemble Airfield, followed by lunch at the nearby Thames Head Inn. All in all, it was a brilliant day out in the Cotswolds.
Please enjoy our pictures, including one of what I, Ian T, believe was the VSOE’s very first visit to Gloucestershire, on 17 March 1983, when it worked a charter from London Victoria to Cheltenham for Gold Cup race day.
Words and pictures by Ian Thomas and Rich Kelsey
