founded 1911

Bristol St Philips Marsh Depot

And

Clifton Suspension Bridge & SS Great Britain

Tuesday 11th March 2008

A trip to Bristol to visit First Great Western's St Philips Marsh  depot, as well as a viewing of Brunel's Clifton suspension bridge and an optional visit to the preserved SS Great Britain.

After arrival in Bristol, we visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge and First Great Western's Philips Marsh Depot, which has recently been given a £8m upgrade and which maintains HSTs and First Great Western's varied fleet of DMUs.  The depot includes a wheel lathe, maintenance shed with heavy lifting equipment and a state-of-the art carriage washer.

Lunch will be taken in the Bristol Docks area after which there is an optional chance to extend the day to include a stroll around the docks and a visit to the preserved SS Great Britain - the world's first steam-powered, iron hulled ship, built in 1843.

Travel between the station, docks and St Philips Marsh depot will be provided by the Locomotive & Carriage Institution.

Cost:

Morning events free to members.

If you wish to visit SS Great Britain in the afternoon - admission cost is £10.95 adults, £8.25 for concessions.

You will also need to pay for lunch and the bus or water ferry back from SS Great Britain.

Travel from your home station to Bristol is not included - see below.

Personal Protective Clothing:

For the visit to St Phips Marsh you must bring with you a HV vest/coat and safety shoes as compliant with current Railway Group Standards.

To Book:

This visit is for Locomotive & Carriage Institution members only.

Places are limited on the St Philips March visit, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Please email: Richard.Kingston@lococarriage.org.uk  

If you are booking for other L&CI members at the same time, please don't forget to include their details in the email.

Suggest Trains to Bristol:

Travel to Bristol:

This trip is eligible for a educational free pass for those with protected travel facilities (generally those working for British Rail before 1st April 1994).

If you do not have free, or reduced rate travel the cheapest fare currently available are First Minute Fares for £34.50 (£24.50 outward on 08.30 and £10 return on the 16.02 from Bristol Temple Meads).  Book at First Great Western.  These are quota-controlled tickets, so book as early as possible to secure these fares.   If you don't  book in advance a standard open return (the cheapest walk-on ticket available on the 08.30 from Paddington) is £137.00.

Questions?

Please contact: Richard Kingston - email: Richard.Kingston@lococarriage.org.uk or call Richard on 07833704278.