CLASSIC STEAM
EXPERIENCE
2026 BROCHURE 2026 BROCHURE 
… 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.
Built at Swindon Works in 1934, 5029 Nunney Castle is a Great Western Railway (GWR) Castle Class locomotive, named after the historic castle near Frome in Somerset. Initially allocated to Old Oak Common depot in West London, Nunney Castle spent most of its career working express passenger services on the GWR network. The Castle Class proved so successful that production continued even after the nationalisation of Britain’s railways in 1948, cementing their reputation as some of the finest express locomotives ever built.
During the early days of the Second World War, Nunney Castle took part in the evacuation of civilians, hauling trains that carried children from London to safety in the countryside. Later, in October 1957, it had the honour of hauling the Royal Train from London Paddington to Gloucester. Withdrawn from service in 1963, the engine was sent to the famous Barry Scrapyard — a resting place for hundreds of steam locomotives, many of which were later saved for preservation. Capable of reaching 100 mph, though now limited to 75 mph on the mainline, Nunney Castle has enjoyed several periods of active service since restoration and, following a major overhaul, is expected to return to mainline operation in 2025.
71000 Duke of Gloucester is a British Railways Standard Class 8P locomotive built at Crewe Works in 1954.
Designed by Robert Riddles to handle heavy express services between London Euston and Scotland, Duke of Gloucester was conceived as the prototype for a new generation of Standard Class 8 express passenger engines — though it ultimately remained the only one ever constructed. Building on the success of Riddles’ earlier Britannia Class 7 locomotives, the Class 8 design featured a three-cylinder layout and the advanced Caprotti valve gear system, offering improved steam efficiency. However, design and construction faults — most notably issues with the exhaust system — prevented the engine from reaching its full potential. After just eight years in service, it was withdrawn in 1962 and sent for scrapping.
Left to decay at Barry Scrapyard, the locomotive was saved in 1974 by the Duke of Gloucester Steam Locomotive Trust. A 13-year restoration followed, during which engineers corrected the original flaws, transforming The Duke into the powerful, free-steaming locomotive it was always meant to be. Withdrawn again in 2012 for a major overhaul, Duke of Gloucester has since undergone extensive restoration work and triumphantly returned to mainline operation in 2024 — once again showcasing the brilliance of British steam engineering.
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.
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.
