What was this tour?

[oddiesjack]

On Sunday 14th Sept, about 13:30, I saw in the distance some sort of excursion train waiting for a signal at New Mills South Junction. It seemed to topped and tailed by a couple of blue 47s, and the stock looked like chocolate and cream.

I looked it up on Real Time Trains and this is what it must have been:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54057/2014/09/14/advanced

but its a bit vague as to what trip it was. I couldn't find anything on any of the railtour web pages I looked at, so hence my query in here - what was it??

 

[Harpers Tate]

Dunno, but it appears it was going around in circles....

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54059/2014/09/14/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54058/2014/09/14/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U54060/2014/09/14/advanced

 

[sprinterguy]

It will have been the “Northern Belle” luxury dining train. It often goes out on a Sunday for a circular trip while the passengers are served afternoon tea or a full Sunday lunch.

The train utilises mark 2 coaching stock painted in Pullman umber and cream livery, and Direct Rail Services provide class 47s, usually top and tailed, to work it.

More specifically, it will have been this afternoon tea working:

http://www.luxurytrainclub.com/trains/belmond-northern-belle/
AFTERNOON TEAS
Afternoon Tea – Strolling musicians and table magicians add to the peaceful ambiance whilst a glass of Champagne, sandwiches, cakes and scones with tea and coffee are served.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party - On the same journey one can enjoy an Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party in the Mad Hatters’ decorated carriage. There is no Champagne, but there are purple sandwiches, along with other surprises, as well as the strolling musicians and magicians. Please request this carriage at time of booking.

Laurent-Perrier Afternoon Tea – On the same journey, one can indulge in sophisticated Champagne tasting, enjoying four glasses of Laurent-Perrier champagne: Ultra Brut, Brut Vintage 2004, Demi-Sec and Cuvée Rosé. Afternoon tea is served whilst the musicians and magicians entertain.

Journey time: from 2 to 4 hours approximately.

Departures, Dates and Prices 2014

14 September: Sheffield (13.00hrs), Manchester (13.45hrs)

21 September: Manchester (13:30hrs), Bolton (13:45hrs), Preston (14:10hrs)

12 October: Coventry (13.00hrs), Birmingham (13.15hrs).

Price: £185 per person for Afternoon/the Mad Hatter’s tea

…………£225 per person for the Laurent-Perrier tea.

 

[oddiesjack]

Blimey!

Its a good job I didn't see it on its second run through from Chinley to New Mills, or else I would have been turning teetotal!

 

[Boothby97]

It was 47818 and 57307. Had been used a charity dining charter from Cleethorpes to York (and return) on Saturday evening. https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/sboothby/15048425008/