CLASSIC STEAM
EXPERIENCE
FOLLOW US
General Enquiries 0800 038 5320 Brochure PLAN YOUR JOURNEY FOLLOW US General Enquiries 0800 038 5320 Brochure PLAN YOUR JOURNEY 
… to the days when railway travel was about comfort and luxury, as well as reaching a destination. All our restored carriages offer levels of comfort not normally experienced on a train journey, combined with superb service and our signature attention to detail. Settle back into your cushioned seat, order or collect a drink and delicious refreshments, and prepare to be looked after by our attentive crew.
Our beautiful rolling stock has been expertly refurbished to exceptionally high standards. The smart cream and carmine livery is chosen to reflect classic railway colours, while inside, we have sought to recreate the elegance of vintage carriages. Our Pullman Dining carriages have wood panelling, neat little table lamps and perfectly set tables, and in true traditional railway style, everything is labelled with our Saphos Trains insignia.
That hiss of steam, the guard’s whistle, the build-up of four-fold beats as the engine gets going… There is nothing like a journey by steam, with its unique sounds and smells. Our trains are hauled by meticulously maintained steam engines, including the iconic Britannia, BR’s first purpose-made locomotive.
Sir Nigel Gresley is a British steam locomotive built in 1937 as part of the LNER Class A4, designed by the renowned locomotive engineer Sir Nigel Gresley himself. Numbered 4498 and later 60007, she was named in honor of her designer, who was responsible for creating some of the most famous steam engines in Britain. The A4 class, known for its streamlined design and high speed, was built for express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line. Sir Nigel Gresley is best known for setting a post-war speed record for steam locomotives, reaching 112 mph in 1959, making her a symbol of speed and engineering excellence.
Withdrawn from regular service in 1966, Sir Nigel Gresley was preserved and has since been restored multiple times, continuing to operate on heritage railways and mainline tours. She is part of the group of iconic A4 locomotives, including the famous Mallard, and remains a favourite among railway enthusiasts for her sleek design and historical significance. Today, Sir Nigel Gresley serves as a lasting tribute to one of Britain’s greatest locomotive engineers and the steam era's high-speed achievements.
Royal Scot is a British steam locomotive built in 1927 as part of the LMS Royal Scot Class, designed by Sir Henry Fowler for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). Numbered 6100, she was the first in a series of powerful express passenger engines built to handle the demanding routes between London, Glasgow, and other major cities. Named Royal Scot in honor of the famous express train service, she became one of the most iconic locomotives of her time. Known for her speed and endurance, Royal Scot represented the cutting edge of steam technology in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
Withdrawn from service in 1962, Royal Scot was preserved and later restored to working condition. Her international fame was boosted when she toured North America in the 1930s, representing British engineering abroad. Today, Royal Scot remains a symbol of the golden age of steam, capturing the spirit of express passenger travel in Britain’s railway history.
Mayflower is a British steam locomotive built in 1948 as part of the LNER Thompson Class B1, designed for mixed-traffic duties. She was numbered 61306 and is one of the few surviving members of this versatile class, which served across Britain's railway network. Named after the famous ship that carried the Pilgrims to America in 1620, Mayflower primarily hauled passenger and freight trains in the Eastern region. Known for her reliability and efficiency, she represented the practicality of steam locomotives in the post-war era.
Withdrawn from service in 1967, Mayflower was preserved and later restored to operational condition. Her distinctive apple-green livery and strong performance have made her a favourite among steam enthusiasts, keeping the legacy of the B1 class alive and continuing to showcase the charm and engineering excellence of Britain's steam era.
Britannia is a British steam locomotive built in 1951 as the first of the BR Standard Class 7, designed by Robert Riddles for British Railways. She was the first of a new generation of standard steam locomotives built after nationalization to operate across the entire British network. Numbered 70000, Britannia was named after the symbol of the United Kingdom and served on express passenger and freight services, mainly on the Great Eastern and Midland regions. Her design incorporated modern steam technology to maximize efficiency, making her a powerful and reliable engine during her service years.
Withdrawn from regular service in 1966 as steam gave way to diesel and electric traction, Britannia was preserved and has since been restored to full working order. She remains a popular engine for mainline tours, admired for her historical significance as the first of the BR Standard class and for her distinctive design. Britannia continues to operate as a key part of Britain's preserved steam fleet, representing the pinnacle of steam locomotive development in the post-war era.
Braunton is a British steam locomotive built in 1946 as part of the Southern Railway’s West Country Class, designed by Oliver Bulleid. She was one of 110 light Pacific locomotives built for mixed-traffic duties, known for her versatility and innovative design features, such as air-smoothed casing. Braunton was named after the village of Braunton in Devon and served on both passenger and freight services, mainly in the southwest of England. Like many steam engines, she was withdrawn from service in the 1960s during the transition to diesel and electric trains.
Preserved after her retirement, Braunton has been restored and continues to operate on mainline excursions. Her design is celebrated for its unique blend of power and efficiency, typical of Bulleid's locomotives. Today, Braunton serves as a working reminder of Britain’s steam heritage, showcasing the engineering achievements of the mid-20th century and preserving the legacy of steam travel for future generations.
Blue Peter 60532 is a British steam locomotive built in 1948 as part of the LNER Peppercorn Class A2 series. Designed by Arthur Peppercorn for express passenger services on the East Coast Main Line, she was one of 15 A2 locomotives built. Named after the maritime signal flag "Blue Peter," she was known for her power and reliability. Steam locomotives like Blue Peter were gradually phased out in favor of diesel and electric engines during the 1960s as part of Britain's railway modernization.
After being withdrawn from service in 1966, Blue Peter was saved from scrapping and preserved by enthusiasts. She has since undergone multiple restorations.
