I have seen on the uk steam info. website that Compass Tours will be running a steam hauled special train from Hooton to York & back on Weds. 18th April. Fare is £69.00. This will be well worth seeing. First main line steam passenger train from Hooton to Chester since March 1967.

Bob.

Thanks for the info, might just pop along to see this. Won't be paying £69 to go on it though rofl.

All the info and booking is here - http://www.compasstoursbyrail.co.uk...&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=16

PROVISIONAL TIMINGS
------------------- OUTWARD RETURN
HOOTON ------- 07:55 -- 22:20
CHESTER -------- 08:15 -- 22:00
DELAMERE ------- 08:30 -- 21:40
NORTHWICH ---- 08:50 -- 21:25
KNUTSFORD ---- 09:05 -- 21:10
ALTRINCHAM --- 09:20 -- 20:55
STOCKPORT ---- 09:45 -- 20:40
DENTON --------- 10:15 -- 20:10

TRAIN FARES & OPTIONS FOR THIS EXCURSION:
Standard Class (16 years+) = £69
Standard Class (child under 16 years) = £54
First Class (all ages) = £109**

** Note in First Class there are a few tables for two available for additional privacy – you may request these at an additional £10 supplement PER PERSON, subject to availability (advance reservation essential).

CHILDREN UNDER 5
can be brought on the train free of charge only if not taking up a seat and sharing seats with accompanying adults.

REFRESHMENTS
A buffet counter service of snacks, hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages is available to all our standard and first class passengers throughout the day.
You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments or indeed a tasty picnic to enjoy as the countryside passes by!

THE TRAIN
Trains are hired in and operated through licensed UK rolling stock providers and train operating companies and this excursion normally uses vintage mk1 style carriages. First class passengers are seated in tables of 2 or 4 seats with curtains, larger more deeply cushioned reclining seating. Standard class is seated mainly in bays of 4 seats, mostly with a table. If you have specific seating requests or type – please give us plenty of notice, ideally when booking.

PLEASE NOTE
whilst our train operators will endeavour to ensure everything runs as planned on the day, in line with our booking conditions (see website or contact office for a copy) in the unlikely event of an on the day failure of a steam locomotive, operational emergency or “fire risk” the train may be subject to emergency haulage by a diesel locomotive, which on some occasions may be already present on the train formation as mechanical back up if deemed a necessary measure by the train operating company and/or railway operating authorities (such as Network Rail). As per conditions of booking no liability shall be incurred in the unlikely event of this happening.

BOOKING
Many of our recent Railtours have been very busy or fully subscribed so early booking is advised!
Tickets for all tours are always sent by post approx one week before the date your trip is due.

Steam now isn't returning to Wirral. Network Rail have put a ban on steam locos. working on the Chester to Stockport line due to 'weak' structures, so the first leg will now be a diesel loco. from Hooton. Very disappointing.

Bob.

What a shame, would have been nice to have seen it. I was going to pop along for the spectacle.

I guess this was covered in their terms however.