Full steam ahead to the coast

Published on 7th June 2007 in News

Many years have passed since the glory days of steam, when special excursion trains ran to the coast packed with daytrippers from the inland towns and cities.

On July 7 a reminder of those days will leave from Goole and Thorne when a Stanier 8F steam locomotive will haul 22 coaches from Goole through Thorne and Lincoln to Cleethorpes. The Stanier 8F was a workhorse of an engine and has been restored to its gleaming best by West Coast Railways at Carnforth, who specialise in restoring heritage steam and diesel engines.

Departing Goole around 9am, the engine will have to work hard to get its 500-ton load under way and the sight of the smoke and the noise and power of steam will no doubt evoke some happy memories for passengers on board. The heritage coaches are painted in traditional maroon and all seats are at tables with a mixture of first and standard class available.

As with steam excursions in the past, the train will carry a buffet for tea, coffee and light refreshments. The trip not only offers the nostalgia of steam travel but also a choice of spending a full day in Lincoln or about three hours in Cleethorpes. Standard class return fares for stepping back in time are £28 to Lincoln and £42 to Cleethorpes, with first class being £42 to Lincoln and £62 to Cleethorpes. Bookings and information can be obtained from Railtourer, 42 Kingston Road, Willerby, Hull, HU10 6BH, telephone 01482 659082.