UK: As one of a number of extra trains operated in conjunction with The Greatest Gathering, luxury train operator Belmond organised a special excursion from London to Derby with its British Pullman trainset, formed of nine sumptuously refurbished coaches dating from 1925 to 1951.
The trip on August 2 was able to draw on experience from Belmond’s established excursion programme, with an on-train team of around 25 stewards and chefs providing faultless service throughout.
Carrying around 200 guests, the special departed from its regular terminus at London Victoria hauled by two of DB Cargo’s three ‘Royal Train’ liveried Class 67 diesel locos (the third was on display in Derby).
As passengers tucked into an elegant brunch, the train wended its way around freight lines through the capital’s western suburbs before heading north along the Midland Main Line.
At Kettering, the purple-liveried Class 67 gave way to steam traction. The former LNER Class A3 Pacific 60103 Flying Scotsman had made its way south to haul the British Pullman onwards to Derby, before returning to its display spot at the event.
Admission to The Greatest Gathering was included in the Belmond package. Arrival at around 13.30 gave the guests a couple of hours to visit the works, although it was only possible to sample a small proportion of the exhibits on display in the time available.
Departing from Derby on time at 17.57, the British Pullman returned to London behind the same Class 67 diesel locomotive. For the return trip, the train was routed via Birmingham and the Cherwell Valley line to Banbury, Oxford and Reading, giving the guests a fresh countryside vista as they tucked into a four-course dinner and reflected on their experiences at the gathering.
Wending through the busy southwestern suburban network, the train reached Victoria a few minutes behind schedule, and all too soon it was time to disperse, at the end of a long and eventful day.
