The Magnificent Severn

It is with huge regret that I have to inform you we are cancelling

The Magnificent Severn.

I am very sorry to say that I feel we have reached the end of the line with trying to deliver this railtour. All Charity Railtours services are completely self-financing. We have no reserve funds to cover costs such as deposits etc so when the time comes for the Train Operating Company (TOC) to submit the tour details to Network Rail, we need to be sure that we have enough ticket revenue to pay for the train in full.

If we don’t, and ticket sales don’t come through at the last minute, the train has to be cancelled, refunds issued and the £4000 deposit is lost. Additionally, there has been confusion regarding the likelihood of D1015 being repaired in time for the planned operating date. Until recently, the locomotive owners (The DTG) said repairs were going well and whilst there was no guarantee on being ready for October 21st, it was possible. However, the DTG line is now that it is possible the loco will be ready towards the end of the year, but more likely next year.

We have looked at possible alternative locos, but coupled with the disappointing loss of key sections of the original itinerary (Machen - new freight flow/no path available and Sharpness - no longer suitable for a passenger train) the plan has become less appealing and at a high ticket price to boot.

Many of you have been booked on this train since 2016 and all of you have been tremendously patient and supportive, booking time off work and rearranging plans on multiple occasions and I remain extremely grateful for the words of encouragement and support for what we try to do at Charity Railtours.

Moving forward, Charity Railtours will review its procedures so as to operate a more reliable service whilst still offering interesting tours at competitive prices. I shall be handing over the running of Charity Railtours to younger blood although I will still be helping out in the background.

​

All passengers have been offered a full refund. Once all refunds have been issued, if there are any funds remaining, these will be donated to

CRUSE

Thank you all once again for supporting The Magnificent Severn and we would also like to thank The Diesel Traction Group for doing their very best in supplying their fine locomotive for our tour, The Dean Forest Railway for inviting Charity Railtours to visit their fascinating railway and to Vintage Trains for their kind assistance and co-operation. I hope Charity Railtours can work with these companies in the near future.

​

Dennis Barnes - Founder, Charity Railtours

​