New trains introduced by London Midland mean that the train operator can say goodbye to the 150 Sprinter trains which have been familiar to passengers in the West Midlands for 26 years.

To mark the occasion, London Midland is organising a special train on Saturday 12 November 2011.

The 150s are no longer needed following the introduction of class 172 trains on the Snow Hill lines.

A five-car special passenger train will travel around the West Midlands using the prototype three-car unit 150 001 and another two-car class 150. 

The day will start at Birmingham Snow Hill at 07.50 and pick up at Smethwick Galton Bridge at 08.07, Rowley Regis 08.12, Stourbridge Junction 08.22, Kidderminster 08.34, Droitwich Spa 08.48 and Worcester Shrub Hill 09.00.

From Worcester Shrub Hill for Birmingham New Street, the train will go via the Lickey Bank and a diversionary route which is not often used by London Midland services. 

The train will then go on to Walsall returning into Birmingham New Street and then on to Kidderminster via Soho and Smethwick Galton Junction.

At Kidderminster, the train will join the Severn Valley Railway for a scenic return trip to Bridgnorth.
 
It will then go to Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa before rounding off the day at  Worcester Shrub Hill (via Tyseley) by calling at Smethwick Galton Bridge, Rowley Regis, Stourbridge Junction, Kidderminster and Droitwich Spa.

"The original idea for the event came from our driver and conductor team who have been working with these units since the 1980s," said London Midland’s Wallace Wetherall.

"They wanted to recognise the steadfast service the 150s have completed in the Midlands.  London Midland will be donating all proceeds to the Railway Children charity which helps vulnerable children in grave circumstances.

"This special day will be an opportunity for us and the public to say goodbye to an old friend and raise some cash for a good cause."

All train crew working on the special train are donating their time to the charity and Network Rail has waived its charges and has allowed access through loops and depots which are not usually travelled through by the public.

There is such a shortage of good diesel trains that the 150s are likely to be around in other areas for years. Many passengers suffering on "Mrs Thatcher" Pacers would be delighted to see a class 15o on their lines.

Rail campaigners on the Bedford-Bletchley line are hoping that some might be transferred to their line, so that the single-car 153s which get hopelessly overcrowded at times can be despatched elsewhere.

A schedule can be found at: LM

Tickets cost £20 per adult, £10 per child, £50 for a family of four.

For more information, please email Farewell150 at londonmidland.com

To find out about The Railway Children charity go to:railwaychildren
 
Information from London Midland