From the Bristol Evening Post http://tinyurl.com/dbbxp
DAY TRIPPERS SNAP UP CHANCE OF RETURN TICKETS TO GOLDEN AGE OF STEAM
11:00 - 14 July 2005
The age of steam returns to Bristol this month for a new season of journeys popular with day trippers and enthusiasts. Charter company Past-Time Rail is running day trips from Temple Meads to Kingswear, in Devon, on board the Torbay Express.
The express, which is hauled by former Great Western Railway locomotives that used to pull the train in its heyday, will run every Sunday from July 31 until September 4.
Passing through Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Exeter and Paignton, the journey was one the best known and best loved of its day, and used to start from London.
Passengers will be taken along the Somerset Levels, over the remote Blackdown Hills, down the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading along the Exe estuary to Dawlish, past the stunning Teign estuary and on to the resorts of Torquay and Paignton.
The image of steam history will be recreated for the journey through a classic Great Western steam locomotive - 4-6-0 No 6024 King Edward I - which was built in the 1930s.
A Past-Time Rail spokesman said: "This is one of the most extraordinary and scenic railway journeys in Europe.
"There is a lot to see on the way. Included in the fare is a journey by ferry to the historic town of Dartmouth. The train is made up solely of 1950's designed carriages with deep cushioned seats and large windows with opening top lights to enjoy the sights and sounds of yesteryear."
This is the third summer in a row that Past-Time Rail has run the Torbay Express service. Its first revival in 2003 proved popular with both tourists and rail enthusiasts.
The Torbay Express will be departing from Temple Meads station at about 9am each Sunday, and arriving back at 9.30pm.
People travelling from Weston- super-Mare can catch the train at 9.30am and can expect to return to the resort at about 8.55pm.
The day trip costs ú48.50 for adults, and ú43.50 for children.
For details, call 0871 871 4119