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“THE line should never have closed!”How often have we heard that comment appertaining to railway routes big and small over the past 60 years since the publication of Dr Beeching’s report in 1963? However, proof is in the pudding – in one case, stopped with a liberal helping of Devon clotted cream. There was widespread dismay, both from residents and holidaymakers alike, when it was announced in 1968 that even with the doctor having departed, his medicine was still being prescribed and that British Rail sought to close the Paignton to Kingswear line – despite its presence and popularity in the heart of one of Britain’s favourite summer holiday destinations. However, the Dart Valley Railway, which had saved most of the GWR Ashburton branch, had other ideas, and credulity…
CONCERNS have been raised regarding snap door locks on older heritage railway carriages.Trains have arrived in stations with the door handles in the vertical position, which could have led to an accident – but fortunately none have occurred. Snap locks are a type that does not latch automatically when the door is pulled closed and must be physically turned 90 degrees once the door is in the fully-shut position. It had been anticipated for some time that the GWR stock on the Severn Valley would be temporarily withdrawn while appropriate safety control measures and solutions were looked into, and their use in the April 14-16 Spring Steam Gala is now unlikely. Several options are being explored to bring them back into service safely, including additional train staff and improvements to…
BRITAIN’S newest steam locomotive is to make its public debut at the Perrygrove Railway’s April 29-May 1 steam gala. The 0-6-0ST, based loosely on a Peckett design, is the latest to be outshopped by North Bay Railway Engineering Services in Darlington. Designed and built to specifications supplied by Perrygrove, it will become the seventh steam locomotive in the 15in gauge Forest of Dean line’s fleet. Its livery is similar to that carried by diminutive stand gauge Port of Par Bagnall 0-4-0ST Alfred and Judy, which are based at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. It will be named at a ceremony for invited guests the day before the steam gala. The gala will see all locomotives in operation, along with traction engines, rock crushers and saw benches in action.…
THE Severn Valley Railway is trialling the return of photographic charters after their temporary withdrawal two years ago over safety concerns. The first will take place in partnership with Timeline Events on Tuesday, April 18, featuring visiting GWR 4-6-0 No. 4079 Pendennis Castle, a guest at the line’s April 14-16 Spring Steam Gala. The day-long charter will see Pendennis Castle paired with an SVR set of GWR carriages, although nobody will ride in them. Photographers will travel to carefully selected locations along the line using their own transport or that provided by Timeline Events. SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster said: “This type of operation is commonly used. It has proven successful at other heritage railways. “Very importantly for us, it greatly reduces the risks that were previously identified when…
THE Great Central Railway is to attempt its longest-ever wagon rake at its 50th Anniversary Gala event, taking place over the weekend of June 17/18 – when it will attempt to operate a train of 50 wagons long. Combining the line’s mineral ‘Windcutter’ wagons with the van train (along with any other operational vehicles to bring up the total should there be a shortfall from the two rakes), plans are being laid for the proposed 50-vehicle wagon train run the 8¼miles from Loughborough to Leicester North. Recently appointed general manager Malcolm Holmes said: “What better way to mark our 50th anniversary than by running a 50-wagon train? We are currently looking at everything very carefully to make sure it can be done safely and properly, but it is very much…
THE NOW unique Class 17 D8568 is to appear at the Great Central Railway’s April 22-23 Spring Diesel Gala. The Diesel Traction Group’s Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway-based locomotive will star alongside longterm guest Derby lightweight railcar Iris from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. In action from the home fleet will be Class 37 D6700, Class 45 D123 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry, Class 50 No. 50017 Royal Oak subject to completion of repairs, testing and examination, and the line’s two Metro Cammell diesel railcars. D8568 will also be a guest at the Swanage Railway’s May 12-14 diesel gala and beer festival, alongside other visitors Class 45 No. 45108 from the Peak Locomotive Company, Freightliner Class 47 No. 47830 and the Class 40 Preservation Society’s D345/40145, with Class 33s Nos. 33012 and…
