St. James' Day Tripper

The ONLY Charter Train to run on this date

The 32nd St. James Day Tripper departed from Rose Grove behind Fragonset's 31468 and 31602 at 0710 (a little late) and after picking up at: Rose Grove, Accrington, Rishton, Blackburn, Cherry Tree, Bamber Bridge & Leyland went down the West Coast Main Line through Crewe, Birmingham, Coventry and Banbury to the historic University City of Oxford. Due to the numerous permanent way slacks (speed restrictions) along the route arrival at Oxford was some 45 minutes late. 31602 led to Oxford and carries no centre lamp bracket. The now famous St. James' Day Tripper headboard could not be fitted to the lamp brackets at either side of 31602 as it fouled the handrail. A new bracket is about to be made by Ken to allow for this in future. Of note was that Day Tripper Colin Harrison who is now deep into planes as well as trains missed Birmingham International Airport being distracted by the Trolley Dollies. He wasn't best pleased!

The Day Trippers were given vouchers for the Guide Friday bus tours which provided an excellent opportunity to visit the many colleges and other places of interest on what was a gray and wet Saturday afternoon.

This was a trip of "firsts". Not only unusual traction in the two 31s, not only the first time the "team" had to carry a member who wasn't well (Eric the Raffle) but also it is the first time the stock was serviced at a Railway Preservation Centre.