I have already reported on the eventful excursion round Wales of the Midland Pullman, Jeremy Hosking’s HST-based reincarnation of the 1960s classic luxury train:
https://pjhtransportpix.zenfolio.com/p820534390 .
The second HST repurposed for the luxury leisure market by Rail Charter Services Ltd is operating a six days a week summer season on the Staycation Express between Skipton, Settle, Appleby and Carlisle. Skipton was a pleasant hour’s drive away and we arrived just before 11 when the train arrived at the conclusion of its first leg from Appleby. It comprised two HST power cars and five Mark 3 coaches: four first class and a catering car. The dark green livery seemed brighter than the dingy GWR shade, and was offset by a wide grey stripe below the windows. Overall, spotless and classy was my initial assessment.
Inside was similar and the ex-GWR first class coaches had had a thorough refurb. It was a new experience to be travelling over the Settle and Carlisle with a wide picture window at one’s side and another across the gangway.
We were away on time and swiftly and quietly reached the line speed of 60 well before Gargrave and maintained this through Hellifield and Settle Junction before slowing for the Settle pickup. Then we were up to 54 by Langcliffe and hovered around 60 all the way to the slowing for Ribblehead. I decided that performance was a non-issue as we were restricted to less than half the HST’s working speed. I sat back to enjoy the scenery, which on this bright and partly sunny day was terrific.
We were disappointed that the optional at seat catering service was not operating due to Covid and supply issues, so we followed the advice to bring our own picnic. The staff in the buffet looked forlorn as very few of the fullish complement of passengers were using their service.
Arrival into one of the bay platforms at Carlisle was on time, and after a two hour break, our train came back in following the departure of Leeds and Newcastle services. The return journey in glorious sunshine was pure pleasure and the whole trip was a great success. With continued marketing and the catering resolved, the Staycation Express deserves great success.