The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is delighted to announce the recreation of 'The Red Rose' express. This special Valentine's Day main line steam railtour will run from London Paddington to Worcester and back by two different routes, picking up passengers at both Slough and Reading. The original 'Red Rose' was specially named in celebration of the Festival of Britain and ran from London Euston to Liverpool and return from 1951 to 1966. This unique railtour will feature Tornado hauling historic carriages in carmine and cream livery with those passengers in First Class Dining receiving a traditional silver service throughout the journey.

Highlights of the day will be a fast run from Paddington to Bristol along the Great Western Main Line and the ascent of Sapperton Bank on return. Passengers will have around three hours in the City of Worcester, with the option of a visit to the Elgar Birthplace Museum.

We are delighted to be able to offer a main line steam railtour on St Valentine's Day, featuring No. 60163 Tornado all the way from London Paddington to Worcester and back, by two different routes.  Highlights of the day will be a fast run from London to Bristol along the Great Western Main Line and the ascent of Sapperton Bank on the way home. You will have around three hours in the City of Worcester, with the option of a visit to the Elgar Birthplace Museum.  With Tornado in charge we depart from London Paddington at a very civilised hour, calling at Slough (which is convenient for the M25) and at Reading. Our route takes us through the railway town of Swindon to Bristol East Loop where we pause to take water.

We then traverse the Rhubarb Loop and head north, via Bristol Parkway and Yate where we join the former Midland Railway line through Charfield. We avoid Gloucester and at Abbotswood Junction we diverge left to arrive at Worcester Shrub Hill at around 13.30. From here it is about a ten minute walk into the city centre with its fine medieval buildings along with some lovely old pubs and an excellent shopping centre. The Cathedral, founded in AD680, has been described as possibly the most interesting of all England’s cathedrals and towers above the peaceful River Severn. 

Optionally, a ten minute coach journey from the station takes us to The Elgar Birthplace Museum which offers a fascinating insight into the life and music, family and friends, and musical inspirations of Sir Edward Elgar, whose masterpieces include the Dream of Gerontius, the Enigma Variations, and many more. The museum comprises two buildings, the modern Elgar Centre and the atmospheric Birthplace Cottage. Together they reveal the great man behind the music.

Our return route, still with Tornado at the head of the train, is via Stroud and Sapperton to Swindon and after a watering stop at Wantage Road we duly arrive back at Reading, Slough and Paddington.