The current Classic Trains magazine carries an ad from steamdreams.com which apparently runs fine steam excursions from London. Their website shows a May 14 trip from London via Oxford to Stratford. My question is, exactly which bridge over the Thames will this train use? I’m an American railfan who will be Thames-side that morning and I’d really like to get a photograph of the event. A second question: does anyone know which steam locomotive is being used on this excursion?
Third question: Any one have any tips or railfan insights about the London-Paris Eurostar that might enhance my experience riding it?
My Guess is that they will probably leave from Paddington for Oxford, and they don’t have to cross the river.
I do not know what information you are looking for about the Euro-star.
You will be totally surprised of the smooth ride and your attempt to guess the speed.
Your information is very helpful, thank you. In that case, however, where is the closest this line gets to the Thames?
Thanks for your reply. Well, for example, how long does it take to get “processed” in order to get on board? Anything of interest to look for on the way? Is the Gare du Nord worth a long look about? That sort of thing.
YES, trains DO cross the Thames on the Paddington-Oxford route and the place is Maidenhead.The bridge is famous and was designed by Brunel. It is considered an engineering masterpiece. Maidenhead is not that far from Heathrow either. You could go on-line and find out the times of the trains from Paddington. Maidenhead is a beautiful town and is worth the trip out. There are also excellent preserved railways that offer steam operated trains at a fraction or the cost. I personally think that the best of these is the Severn Valley located in Kidderminster England which is about 120 miles northwest of London. I hear that you can by Eurostar tickets from any station in Britain.
Just went on the operators web site train leaves from Victoria station. It will cross the Thames when it leaves Victoria. Good luck on getting a photo. Spend your time at a preserved railway where you will see steam and not have to contend with fifty guys trying to get the same shot
aricat: I sincerely appreciate everything you said. I think you just saved me a lot of time & frustration!
I have been to Maidenhead and I liked it very much, indeed. I like to hire a boat for a week and “do” the Thames, as I will next week, and towns like Maidenhead are among the things I like best about visiting Britain.
In 1987 I rode on the Severn Valley railway and loved it; I agree, it’s the best tourist railroad I’ve ever ridden. And that was 21 years ago…it must be even better today.
I like this forum because I get answers here from men who know their topics. Again, thank you, aricat, for helping me not spoil my own holiday, doing exactly what you said with 50 other enthusiasts and all that goes with it…for one photo! All the best to you and the others who responded to my query.
If the train is going to Stratford(-on-Avon!) via Oxford, it will also cross the Thames a number of times between Reading and Oxford.
The Severn Valley Railway was badly damaged by floods last year and as a result for much of last year it was only running between Kidderminster and Bewdley (a quarter of its total length). However it fully re-opened at Easter, and the new engine house at Highley has oppenned too. Here you can view some of the engines that are not in traffic and also some on loan from the National Railway Museum at York; these include Midland Compound 4-4-0 #1000.
The SVR station at Kidderminster is next to the main line one and there is now a direct service from London Marylebone.
Hi NKP guy,
Do yourself a favor and get to London’s St. Pancras Station at least 90 minutes before your Eurostar’s departure–if not earlier.
There is security, airline style. You have to show your passport and your bags will be sent through an x-ray. Don’t worry, though–you can keep your shoes on! This does take a bit of time. (If I’m not mistaken they began boarding the train about 45 to 60 minutes before departure.)
But the real reason to get there early is to be able to look around St. Pancras station. They have restored it beautifully and the opportunity to see these modern trains in such a historic, yet functional, building is a real treat.
I got to ride from London to Lille, France, two months ago, and had a wonderful time.
Eurostar claims that the world’s longest wine bar is situated along the easternmost track of St. Pancras. I have no idea whether that’s true, but it’s a lot of fun to see.
If you can, go first class, which features a meal and all the champagne you can drink. The new high-speed line in England cuts travel times by something like 20 minutes. A lot of the line is in tunnel through London, although you will pass the station that will serve people heading to the 2012 Olympics.
I had a right-hand-side window seat in second class and was able to see the British staging yard for the automobile shuttle trains that go through the tunnel. (In France, I believe the yards are on the left-hand side.) Fascinating!
You’ll have a great trip!
–Matt Van Hattem