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TORNADO RETURNS TO THE ‘TORBAY EXPRESS’ IN JULY

Tornado will be returning to the west country for three trains with the ‘Torbay Express’ in July for the first time in four years. No. 60163 will be hauling the ‘Torbay Express’ from Bristol to Paignton and Kingswear along the (Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway) and return for three Sundays on 12^{th &}, 26^th July and 2^nd August 2015. The ‘Torbay Express’ is the perfect way to experience the true majesty and romance of steam, whisking its passengers across the flat Somerset levels to Taunton, charging through the Blackdown Hills and down the Exe Valley to Exeter. The ‘Torbay Express’ then runs alongside the sea-wall from Dawlish Warren to Teignmouth and finally through the delightful wooded estate once owned by Agatha Christie and down into the old riverside terminus station at Kingswear, where passengers take the ferry to the charming and historic port of Dartmouth.

Tornado at Teignmouth on the 'Torbay Express' during the 2009 season - Mark Wilkins

In 2015 the ‘Torbay Express’ will operate on two different routes with Tornado: On 12^th July departing Brunel's famous Bristol Temple Meads station at 08:00hrs and stopping to pick up passengers at Bath Spa (08:20hrs), Trowbridge (08:45hrs), Westbury (08:55hrs) and Taunton (10:40hrs), the ‘Torbay Express'  takes the spectacular coastal route via Dawlish, Torquay and Paignton, then onward via the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, with stops at both Paignton (11:55hrs) and Kingswear (12:30hrs, for Dartmouth) to set down passengers for an afternoon on the delightful South Devon Riviera. The return train departs Kingswear at 16:50hrs, calling at Paignton (17:15hrs), Taunton (18:30hrs), Westbury (20:00hrs), Trowbridge (20:15hrs) and Bath Spa (20:45hrs), arriving at Bristol Temple Meads at 21:05hrs. On Sundays 26^th July and 2^nd August departing Bristol Temple Meads station at 09:15hrs and stopping to pick up passengers at Weston-super-Mare (09:40hrs) and Taunton (10:40hrs), the ‘Torbay Express'  follows the same route with stops at both Paignton (11:55hrs) and Kingswear (12:30hrs, for Dartmouth) to set down passengers. The return train departs Kingswear at 16:45hrs, calling at Paignton (17:15hrs), Taunton (18:30hrs) and Weston-super-Mare (19:35hrs), arriving at Bristol Temple Meads at 20:10hrs. Prices for travelling on the ‘Torbay Express’ are Standard Class (adult £95.00; junior (under 16 years) £60.00; Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Juniors) £280), First Class (£145.00) and Premier Dining (£225.00). Additionally, a small number of tables for two in First Class and Premier Dining may still be available on certain dates at a supplement of £25 per person and there is a £20 discount for parties of four booked at the same time in Premier Dining and First Class. The above fares apply to all joining stations. We regret that because of time constraints Premier Dining is not available to passengers boarding at Taunton. Premier Dining fares include at seat silver service dining: a glass of Buck's Fizz after morning departure, a hearty English breakfast, morning and afternoon tea and coffee, a four course dinner with coffee and chocolates served after a champagne-assisted departure on the return journey. First Class fares include a complimentary service of morning tea and coffee with Danish Pastries and an afternoon Devon Cream Tea on the return journey. Standard Class passengers can purchase sandwiches, snacks and drinks from the buffet car where a selection of wines and other alcoholic and soft drinks are available for purchase on-board. The trains are being promoted by Torbay Express Limited and seats can be booked via telephone (01453 834477/835414), Web (www.torbayexpress.co.uk) or email (contact@torbayexpress.co.uk).