Railtour

A railtour is a special train which is run in order to allow people to experience rail travel which is not normally available using timetabled passenger services.

Perhaps the most famous railtour in England was the Fifteen Guinea Special, the last steam hauled main line train run by British Rail.

Exceptions to this rule include regularly scheduled railtours such as the Belmond British Pullman operated Venice-Simplon Orient Express trains.

Similarly, organisations such as the Crusader Union may hire a train to take a large number of people to a specific event.

Train, branding and route are often chosen as to reflect a common theme, sometimes tracing an aspect of railway history.

50049 Defiance , as preserved in BR "Large Logo" livery on a railtour at Bath Spa station on 3 June 2007