We have just been on it (23/11/2024), it persisted it down but mostly able to get under cover before and after boarding the train. We had the Baldwin 6046 and BRC&W 33 102. 6046 (as 1225) headed the train into Froghall Station from the north. We were in the last coach, although this would be the first coach upon departure northwards to the North Pole (Leekbrook Station) behind 33 102 (tink-a-tink-a-tink-a-tink-a-tink). The music on board and the singing and dancing actors drowned out any racket made by the Class 33. It was as black as your hat outside so there was nothing to see apart from the lit up stations and the "Northern Lights" inside Cheddleton Tunnel and speed is barely noticeable (the 10 mile journey there and back takes around an hour). Each coach has its own set of actors (two singing and dancing chefs, a conductor and a hobo dossing in the vestibule and eventually a Santa and a helper after leaving the North Pole). So with eight coaches, 48 actors are required ... plus (I guess) some stand-byes in case a few of them knock sick. There is also a Santa on the ground at Consall and Leekbrook stations, so a full cast of 50 plus the actual train crew and station staff, so £25 per ticket isn't excessive (an extra tenner for 1st Class). There are five trains per day for a full month (23rd November until 23rd December) and all are sold out. Although a bit early for Christmas, I'm glad we went early in the schedule. I'll bet those actors will be a bit cheesed off after their 150th performances. Well put together, though obviously aimed more for young kids.
I had the pleasure of riding on this line a few years ago. I am not a train buff and prior to going on this organised event I had no idea this line existed. We had a lovely day out and would highly recommend to anyone planning a trip out in the spring/summer. Nice to be reminded of it with this post. Thank you.
The cheesy little bell, and headlight combo on an S160 already had me chuckling, but the 1225 number boards just had me rolling, since I doubt the kids would get why they used that particular number
We have just been on it (23/11/2024), it persisted it down but mostly able to get under cover before and after boarding the train.
We had the Baldwin 6046 and BRC&W 33 102.
6046 (as 1225) headed the train into Froghall Station from the north. We were in the last coach, although this would be the first coach upon departure northwards to the North Pole (Leekbrook Station) behind 33 102 (tink-a-tink-a-tink-a-tink-a-tink).
The music on board and the singing and dancing actors drowned out any racket made by the Class 33. It was as black as your hat outside so there was nothing to see apart from the lit up stations and the "Northern Lights" inside Cheddleton Tunnel and speed is barely noticeable (the 10 mile journey there and back takes around an hour).
Each coach has its own set of actors (two singing and dancing chefs, a conductor and a hobo dossing in the vestibule and eventually a Santa and a helper after leaving the North Pole). So with eight coaches, 48 actors are required ... plus (I guess) some stand-byes in case a few of them knock sick. There is also a Santa on the ground at Consall and Leekbrook stations, so a full cast of 50 plus the actual train crew and station staff, so £25 per ticket isn't excessive (an extra tenner for 1st Class). There are five trains per day for a full month (23rd November until 23rd December) and all are sold out.
Although a bit early for Christmas, I'm glad we went early in the schedule. I'll bet those actors will be a bit cheesed off after their 150th performances.
Well put together, though obviously aimed more for young kids.
I had the pleasure of riding on this line a few years ago. I am not a train buff and prior to going on this organised event I had no idea this line existed. We had a lovely day out and would highly recommend to anyone planning a trip out in the spring/summer. Nice to be reminded of it with this post. Thank you.
Nice video, likes from me😀
Excellent film chronicling the whole day.
Am I the only one that thinks that 6046 needs a proper bell and headlamp?
The cheesy little bell, and headlight combo on an S160 already had me chuckling, but the 1225 number boards just had me rolling, since I doubt the kids would get why they used that particular number
A lot of the s160s had headlamps, and some even had bells, so it couldn’t be too unusual.
It is actually the original bell and headlight for the S160.
Your comment had me chuckling too.
Since when did CVR have 20048?
On loan.