Phil Marsh and Chris Hillyard appeared in the Channel 5 documentary 'Secrets of The Royal Train' and both have been featured in the national press over the years. Chris used to run the train while Philip was asked to sell it in November 1997 and between us managed to keep it operative, unchanged & at Wolverton. The story is in 'The Full Works' book which has sold over 1600 copies.
For news about Wolverton Works, check out www.wolvertonworksonline.co.uk
The Royal Train has been maintained at Wolverton during Covid and was not used after the 21st February visit to Newport until William and Kate travelled on it in December. It is shunted every couple of weeks by Gemini Rail Services' staff within the Works to keep it operational. They also trip it in and out of the Works to Haversham Bank or the Centre Sidings depending on the length of the train before it travels to collect the Royal passengers.
Images show the RT approaching Wolverton from the north passing through Wolverton heading for the Centre Sidings just south of the station. This provides access into The Works
Royal Trains have fascinated people worldwide for over 150 years as these rather special trains reflect social, royal and railway history across the world.
Wolverton railway works in Milton Keynes has seen Royal Saloons built at the home of the UK Royal Train for 150 years this year. The corner of the 1869 Saloon is on the left.
The author has given, and been booked to do many more talks about The Royal Train - please contact him for details. Talks can be from 45 minutes to 90 minutes and tailored to the audience.
These reflect the contents of the official authorised 175th anniversary book about Wolverton Works entitled 'The Full Works'. Plenty of Royal Train anecdotes from those who worked on it are recounted!
The Full Works contains over 100 images over 68 pages documenting the history of Wolverton Railway Works and was published to mark the Works' 175th anniversary in September 2013. It contains previously unpublished details of the UK Royal Train and how its proposed privatisation in 1997 was prevented - by the author. An update is provided with every book sold keeping the story up to date and there will not be a reprint!
Kindly note that all images on this site and in The Full Works may be purchased
up to A3 size printed using professional printers, paper and inks. Please visit the shop page for details.
www.wolvertonworksonline.co.uk provides the latest news on the renewed efforts by Gemini to expand the Wolverton business model. Click on the above link to visit the site. Below, The Royal Train departing, arriving and in Wolverton in winter and summer.
Site updated 24th December 2020.
The Full Works is the official Wolverton Works 175th anniversary book and includes an in-depth look at The Royal Train. It retails at £5 plus £1.50 P&P from: Phil Marsh, 14 Milton Road, Willen Village, Milton Keynes MK15 9AD.
Prince Charles in a new CAF train on 21 February 2020 at Newport South Wales.
In November 1997 I spent a day on the Royal Train when I had been instructed to place a value on it and to decide whether to privatise it - or not. Details are in The Full Works book.
Please email me on [email protected] to order or come to any talk I'm giving.