Heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company is to run 77 steam trains during the six months from April to September, with 17 historic locomotives lined up to offer travellers all the thrill and nostalgia of the golden age of steam.

Scenic and challenging rail routes featured include the famous Settle & Carlisle Railway, which this year celebrates 25 years since being saved from closure in 1989.  Climbs into the Welsh Mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog and sortees along the Heart of Wales line to Llandrindod Wells offer hardly less stunning rail journeys.

Magnificent 'Giants of Steam' to be put to work hauling The Railway Touring Company's vintage trains, include 1927-built No. 46115 Scots Guardsman, star of the classic 1936 GPO documentary 'Night Mail'.  A4 Pacific No. 60009 Union of South Africa, seen at the National Railway Museum during last year to mark the 75th anniversary of the setting of the world steam speed record by its more famous sister Mallard, is also to be in service on several dates.

Ex-LMS Jubilee class steam locomotive No. 45699 Galatea and West Country Class No. 34046 Braunton, both locos which only returned to mainline running after restoration last year after, are also scheduled to operate on some routes.  Other steam locos include No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, No. 61994 The Great Marquess and No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell.

Trains will depart from across the country with destinations including Pembroke Dock, Bangor, Holyhead, Carmarthen, Fishguard Harbour, Paignton, Kingswear, Par, Edinburgh, York, Chester and Minehead.

The Railway Touring Company's schedule includes its popular summer seaside steam services.  'The Dorset Coast Express' will depart from London Victoria on ten dates for Bournemouth and Weymouth, 'The Weymouth Seaside Express' is to steam from Bristol on seven dates, 'The Royal Duchy', also from Bristol, runs to Plymouth and Par on eight dates and 'The Scarborough Flyer' leaves from stations in the North West and Yorkshire for the East Coast resort every Friday from July 25 to September 5.

New steam additions for 2014, include 'The Wizard's Express' from Manchester Victoria on Saturday, June 7.  The train's vintage red carriages and steam locomotive No. 5972 Olton Hall starred on film as the Hogwarts Express.

The Galloway Steam Express on Wednesday, April 30, is a new steam departure from Edinburgh Waverley with a journey 'double headed' by two historic Black 5 locos to Stranraer.

The Railway Touring Company offers standard, first class and premier dining travel.  Premier dining includes a full English breakfast, a light lunch on some routes and a four course dinner silver served at your seat on board.

Longer UK steam based rail tours are also available.  'The Great Britain VII' departing on April 26 will take nine days to travel the length and breadth of mainland Britain in the company of thirteen different historic locomotives.  Leaving on May 15, July 3 and September 18, 'The Cock O'the North' is a six day steam journey to Inverness, Keith, the Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig. 

For a full listing of UK day trip and rail tours, as well as European and worldwide heritage rail holidays, visit The Railway Touring Company's website.

The Railway Touring Company

Tel: 01553 661500

www.railwaytouring.net

ENDS

For further press information please contact:

Nigel Dobbing, Managing Director, The Railway Touring Company, Tel: 01553 661500

Or

Amanda Williamson, PRO – The Railway Touring Company, Tel: 01482 657324, Mob. 07968 746090