Photographs taken October 2024
On the 25th October 2024, we treated ourselves to a very memorable evening on the first of the returning Bodmin Railway's Dining Trains, that have not been run since before the pandemic. The train was run as a pre-cursor to hopefully bringing back more Dining Trains in 2025, and to give the whole experience a run through for everyone involved. Just the one booked dining coach was in use this time, but we were told that hopefully more dining coaches will be added to future trains, and certainly as far this evening was concerned, from the customers' and diners' point of view, it was very much a great success and we can't wait for more! (Photos were taken on my mobile phone for this evening's trip).
Our Dining Train awaits at Bodmin General Station!
The train was hauled by Bodmin Railway's GWR Class 4575 2-6-2T "Prairie" Tank Engine No.5552, now named "The Cornishman", which was originally built in 1928, (and from the Bodmin Railway website) was withdrawn from service in May 1961, having been allocated to Truro Shed for its last years. The Bodmin Railway Trust rescued it from Woodham's scrapyard in Barry in 1986, and spent 17 years restoring it to steam. No.5552 returned to service in September 2003. In 2013 its boiler ticket expired and it was due for overhaul, returning once again to service in August 2023. When the line was on the national network, similar locos worked the line from Bodmin Road to Wadebridge.
Getting steam up in the evening twilight
The train was hauling three of Bodmin Railway's old BR coaches, including two 'Tourist Second Open' coaches, and one 'Brake Corridor Second' pictured above, where the organisation and meal preparations went on. The trip itself included a run out to Boscarne Junction, and back to Bodmin General after the engine had run around the train at Boscarne, and then a second run down to Bodmin Parkway and a return back to Bodmin General, again after which the engine had run around the train another couple of times. The whole evening lasted from about 6.30pm when we arrived, with the train leaving at 7.00pm, until around 10.00pm when we finally left the station to return home.
Hauled by the GWR "Prairie" Tank Engine No.5552
Looking down the platform while provisions are loaded
Diners were all seated in the end (Coach A) No.4037, built in 1955, which gave everyone a very nostalgic feel to the evening. It really was like being transported back in time, and at this time of year by the time the train left Bodmin General station in the dark, it felt like we really were in some kind of time warp, with the train rattling gently along in complete darkness outside the windows. On the return trips from Boscarne Junction and from Bodmin Parkway, we had the engine directly behind us, literally behind our seats in our case, and this feeling was heightened even more by the sounds of the steam engine chuffing and pulling up the inclines. Quite something.
Settling in to our dining coach - a comfortable and nostalgic BR
Second Class 'Open' coach from 1955
Of course, what would a Dining Train be without a meal?! This was expertly served on hot plates, with hot food, very efficiently, and with courses served timed with each trip up and down the lines. And what would a meal be without a bottle of wine! Meal choices and wine were all pre-ordered to suit everyone's tastes, including vegetarian options.
What would a Dining Train be without a good bottle of wine?
For our first course we were served a starter of a very tasty Homemade Mackerel Pate. For the vegetarian choice, there was Hummus Topped with Pesto and Pine Nuts, and both were served with artisan breads and butter.
An excellent and flavourful Mackerel Pate for Starters...
Our main courses were a choice of either Slow Cooked Cornish Pork with Ratler Gravy and Baked Apple, or Braised Chicken Breast with Onions and Fresh Herbs, or for a vegetarian option, Roasted Vegetable and Couscous Stuffed Red Pepper, All were served with sea salt and rosemary crushed potatoes, and a medley of seasonal vegetables.
...and a very excellent Main Course to follow
And I was certainly very pleased with mine! (as was Mrs ff with hers!)
Very well presented and very tasty!
For dessert, we were served a choice of an Apple and Sultana Crumble served with clotted cream custard (that could not be resisted!), or a Tropical Fruit Salad with lemongrass and ginger syrup.
Apple and Sultana Crumble or a Tropical Fruit Salad for dessert...
And of course a choice of Tea or Coffee served to finish the meal (with a choccy!).
...followed by a complementary Tea or Coffee during the last return
back to Bodmin General
~
On our final return to Bodmin General, there was ample time to linger, take photographs, and say our thank yous to those involved in such a lovely evening. Let us hope these Dining Trains continue once again during 2025, they are thoroughly recommended.
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