PATHFINDER TOURS

'Pathfinder Tours' is a railtour operating company operating in the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1973 by Peter Watts, who organised a rail journey from Severnside to the Cambrian coast. The company organises tours for both rail enthusiasts, and general tours to places of interest. The company operated in conjunction with several 'spot-hire companies', most notably FM Rail who provided locomotives, and Riviera Trains, who provided rolling stock. This relationship was solidified in 2006, when Riviera Trains purchased the parent company of Pathfinder Tours. A new company named 'Pathfinder Tours (2006) Ltd' has been formed to continue operating railtours with the exclusive use of Riviera's supply of rolling stock. Although it will primarily use EWS and Riviera locomotives, occasionally a preserved locomotive will be chartered from one of the major preservation organisations (notably the Class 40 Preservation Society or the Deltic Preservation Society). The company also operates charters on behalf of other companies such as VSOE.