Heritage Railway 207 2015-09

‘LIZZIE’TOCELEBRATEQUEEN’S90TH BIRTHDAY ISSUE 207 September 24 – October 21 2015 ISSUE 207 September 24 – October 21 2015 ISSUE 207 September 24 – Oct...

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‘LIZZIE’ TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S 90TH BIRTHDAY

ISSUE ISSUE 207 ISSUE207 207 September 24 –

September September 24 24 –– October October 21 October 21 2015 October21, 212015 2015

BORDERS OPENED! ROYAL SOUVENIR ISSUE

AUTUMN

GALA SPECIAL

FLYING SCOTSMAN

FIRST TOUR AND GALA DATES

■ WATFORD UNDERGROUND STEAMTWILIGHT SUCCESS ■ ■ DARTMOOR RETHINK OVER ASHBURTON STATION ■

OPINION

A new steam engine on a new railway: On its only run on the newly built Borders Railway, new-build LNER A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado climbs the 1-in-70 gradient near Borthwick with Abellio Scotrail’s excursion from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank on September 13. The last steam engine to run on the Waverley Route before closure by BR in 1969 was the A1’s namesake, BR Standard Britannia Pacific No. 70022 Tornado on November 14, 1967. JONATHAN GOURLAY

Royal landmark marks new railway age EDITORIAL

Editor Robin Jones 01507 529305 [email protected] Deputy editor Brian Sharpe [email protected] Senior contributing writers Geoff Courtney, Cedric Johns Contributors Fred Kerr, Roger Melton Designer Tim Pipes Reprographics Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Production editors Sarah Palmer, Sarah Wilkinson Publisher Tim Hartley Editorial address Heritage Railway magazine, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ Website www.heritagerailway.co.uk

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ISSN No 1466-3560

Published Every four weeks on a Thursday Advert deadline October 9, 2015 Next issue on sale October 22, 2015

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T SEEMS that our royal family has a deep love affair with steam. The day his grandson George was born in 2013, the Prince of Wales visited the National Railway Museum in York to view the Mallard 75 exhibition, and now his mother, our Queen, marked the day that she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history by giving the royal seal of approval to the new Borders Railway with a trip behind A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa. Wednesday, September 9, was truly a landmark occasion for several reasons, and to celebrate it we have produced this special souvenir edition. In railway terms, what was particularly significant is that the day marked the partial rolling back of one of Beeching’s biggest cuts, the Waverley Route. Anger at the closure, which disenfranchised Borders towns and left them with poor secondbest bus replacements, persisted throughout the 48 years that followed closure, and even though it seemed a mountain far higher than Ben Nevis to climb, campaigners persisted in their dogged belief that one day they would get their railway back. And now they have been proved right The completion of the £294 million project is, like so much of the heritage railway sector, a monument to the perseverance o to take closures lying down. In similar cases in the Sixties and Seventies, locals who fought to reopen their branch line for public services ended up with a different beast altogether, a steam railway tourist attraction. Not so in this case. The Campaign for Borders Rail, whose members are the real heroes of the hour here, now have a fully fledged railway, which by all accounts of its early days is defying expectations of patronage, with Scotrail having to add extra coaches

to the timetabled service trains to cater for overwhelming passenger demand. Already the case for extending the Borders Railway further west, to Hawick and hopefully all to way to Carlisle, is being made. If such success persists, will the Borders Railway mark the start of a new railway age, one in which reinstatement of closed trunk routes is given more weight than the hitherto brief cursory mention in parliamentary candidates’ manifestos, only to be nveniently forgotten when seats e safely won? Rail is always likely need a public subsidy, but look the multiple benefits it can ing – less traffic on the roads and onomic prosperity: the borders s already reported a surge in ousebuilding as this line neared mpletion. Maybe it is far better to reopen osed routes that once served isting communities than to uild new lines such as HS2 which mply bypass them, and require a st amount of money spent on ew transport interchange ations, often in the middle of owhere? The lessons of the Borders ilway can easily be applied to building the Southern Railway ute from Okehampton to ymouth, which not only will p yp the weather-prone Dawlish sea wall but will regenerate towns and villages along the way. Another cause for celebration in September was the return of steam to London Underground - the professional ability to operate heritage trains in between standard Metropolitan Line electric services again highlighting why the system is the best of its kind in the world. We look forward to more of the same in years to come. Robin Jones Editor Heritage Railway 3

Nene Valley goes back to its roots

78

The Nene Valley Railway saw its ﬁrst visits by pre-Grouping locomotives in the preservation era. Brian Sharpe reports on a weekend when not just one, but two appropriate engines worked the line’s services.

Steam twilight at Watford Metropolitan

A dazzling display of steam and professionalism by footplate crews, combined with unpredicted late summer sunshine, made this year’s much-anticipated steam forays on the London Underground another magniﬁcent success. However, the Watford 90 weekend may have seen the last steam specials to run into the town’s Underground station. Editor Robin Jones was there...

MerrygoRound at Chasewater

86

Where does railway nostalgia end and when is it just too recent? Is a 1960s-built locomotive on rail blueera wagons too modern to be nostalgic? Martin Creese reports on a popular event in Staﬀordshire.

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A decade of dockside delights

The current year sees the culmination of a decade of public operation of the Ribble Steam Railway. Mark Smithers reports on the anniversary celebrations. Heritage R Railway 5

ROYAL OPENING SPECIAL

The Queen opens Bord – and becomes Britain’s longest-

The Queen alights from Pullman carPegasus, her royal carriage for the day, at Newtongrange station. PRESS ASSOCIATION SPECIAL REPORT By Robin Jones WEDNESDAY, September 9 was for many reasons an historic day, when HM The Queen officially opened the new £294 million Borders Railway. Firstly, the event marked the partial rolling back of one of the biggest closures of the Beeching era – that of the Waverley Route from Edinburgh to Carlisle. Secondly, it was held on the day that Queen Elizabeth became the longestreigning monarch in more than a millennium of British history. Thirdly, the day was a golden moment for the UK heritage sector. Not only was LNER A4 streamlined Pacific No. 60009 Union of South Africa – a representative of the world’s fastest

class of steam locomotive – rostered to haul the royal special over the 30½mile line from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank, but the royal train largely comprised stock supplied by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, and was stewarded by its volunteers. The line between Tweedbank and the capital had been opened to the public three days before, on Sunday, September 6. On the Wednesday, the Queen arrived in the Scottish capital by helicopter, which touched down at Holyrood Palace shortly before 11am. Her arrival had been delayed by about 40 minutes owing to fog at her summer residence of Balmoral. For several hours beforehand, people had gathered beneath grey skies to line the streets of Edinburgh as a

The Queen meets John Cameron, owner of A4 No. 60009 UnionofSouthAfrica, which he bought in 1966 and initially ran on his now-defunct Lochty Private Railway in Fife. PRESS ASSOCIATION procession made its way to Waverley station to greet her. Some of the onlookers had come from as far away as Canada and Australia with the hope of glimpsing her on this momentous occasion. At Waverley, a guard of honour on the platform, a performance by the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, a chocolate model of A3 Flying Scotsman on display and masses of bunting bedecked with union flags contributed to a carnival atmosphere. The band had previously performed for the Queen at her Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Stealing the show at Waverley before Her Majesty’s arrival was John Cameron’s No. 60009, the booked appearance of which had been thrown into doubt after it ran a hotbox in

The train passes the former Lady Victoria colliery, which opened 1895 and closed in 1981 and is now the impressive National Mining Museum of Scotland. A few hours later the Queen broke Victoria’s record to become Britain’s longest-serving monarch. MAURICE BURNS

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south Devon in August, as we reported in issue 206. It had been speculated that sister No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley or Peppercorn A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado might deputise, but repair works carried out in a race against time – as detailed in Main Line News, pages 62-63, ensured that ‘No. 9’ would claim the place in history. Before the arrival of the royal party, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon climbed into the cab of the locomotive, which pulled into Waverley shortly after 9am, driven by Steve Hanczar, the other two members of the DB Schenker footplate crew being Jim Smith and Tony Jones. The stock that the A4 – sister to world-speed record holder No. 4468 Mallard – was to haul was not the official Royal Train, as many had expected, but nonetheless had been deemed fit for a Queen. In a major feather in the cap for the SRPS, a rake of British Railways Mk.1 carriages that it uses for its railtours had been chosen for the big day. It comprised three FOs, an FK, a BSK and an TSO, the rake being coupled behind Pullman bar car Pegasus, which was borrowed from Jeremy Hosking’s Locomotive Services Ltd, and in which the Queen rode. Pegasus was built in 1951 for the ‘Golden Arrow’ and was the last of a line of traditional Pullman cars built by the Birmingham Carriage & Wagon Company at its Smethwick works. Complete with 14 dining seats and the unique Trianon Bar, the coach represented in its day the height of luxury. It was withdrawn in 1972 and spent many years out of use, stored by Tyseley, until it was bought by Isle of Man-based Railfilms in 1995. In one of the most elaborate reconstruction projects ever undertaken, Railfilms upgraded it to modern main line running standards by contracting Fabrications Leith to replace the original wooden frame with a modern steel structure. The exterior appearance and high-quality

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ers Railway

serving monarch

The Queen waves to the crowds on the lineside at the royal reopening train prepares to depart from Waverley station. PRESS ASSOCIATION interior finish reflects that of the original, which had Mk.1 specifications – yet the new steel frame has all the properties of a modern Mk.3 coach. Pegasus returned to the main line in 2000, after being painted by West Coast Railways at Carnforth that May. Among its first duties was running on Wessex Trains charters. For the Borders Railway royal special, Pegasus was decked out with white tablecloths and white flowers on the tables. Each passenger in the royal carriage was also given a bag of flapjack to eat during the journey. Pegasus was coupled immediately behind No. 60009’s support coach. On the rear of the train was Class 67 No. 67026 Diamond Jubilee. The train was also stewarded by Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway-based SRPS Railtours volunteers, as were the Abellio/ScotRail Borders Railway steam specials.

First stop Newtongrange

As the royal motorcade arrived, there were cheers and cries of “congratulations” as the Queen, dressed in a Karl Ludwig turquoise and indigo blue wool coat with a turquoise silk and wool dress and matching hat, and the Duke of Edinburgh, stepped out of their car and were greeted by Ms Sturgeon. The pipe band struck up a rendition of Scotland the Brave. The Queen’s jewellery was chosen in recognition of her great-great grandmother Queen Victoria, whose reign she was to overtake that same day. Her bow brooch is part of a set of three which was made for Victoria in 1858 from her own diamonds. They were later worn by Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary at their coronations. Queen Elizabeth inherited them from Queen Mary in 1952. After a quick wave to the crowds, the royal couple were soon aboard the train – along with around 150 invited guests – and which at 11.15am departed on its landmark journey to Tweedbank, the terminus of the new line 31 miles to the south. The Queen sat at the window next to

the First Minister and opposite Prince Philip and the royal couple both waved to the crowds as the train travelled through the borders towns. The train’s first stop was at the small intermediate station of Newtongrange, both for local celebrations and to help promote Scotland’s national mining museum at the adjacent Lady Victoria Pit. The brass band played Pharrell Williams’ song Happy as the train arrived. The royal couple alighted and around 1000 well-wishers, many of them schoolchildren, greeted the Queen with flowers and cheers during a brief walkabout. The Queen then unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the new station before reboarding the train to continue her journey. For the last leg to Tweedbank, the royal couple and First Minister were joined by individuals who had a connection with the railway’s history. Walter Bell, 88, who joined the railway during the Second World War and was promoted to a fireman on D-Day, June 6, 1944, before going on to become a driver in a career that lasted 50 years, sat with the royal couple for part of the journey and told her about his working days. “She said to me we’ve both got a special day. It was out of this world to meet her, it’s a great honour, it’s very special,” said Walter. “She was really interested in what I was telling her. I was discussing about where I worked and the mishaps on the railway and other stories. “I thought I was talking too much but the Duke said ‘Carry on, sir, you carry on’.”

Tweedbank back on line

The train slowed through Galashiels station and the Queen got up from her seat to go to a window to wave to the crowds. Bands, including Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band, entertained the crowds at Tweedbank as they waited for the train to arrive. The celebrations were compered by Alasdair Hutton,

The Borders Railway royal reopening train of September 9 passes Tynehead. BRIAN SHARPE

The Queen unveils one of two plaques to mark the opening of the Borders Railway, the first at Newtongrange station. PRESS ASSOCIATION the voice of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Queen’s party arrived at the Tweedbank terminus for the opening ceremony just after 1pm and was greeted by dignitaries headed by the Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew. Accompanied by Ms Sturgeon the

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royal couple ascended a podium as a band played God Save The Queen. In her welcoming speech, the First Minister said: “Your majesty, throughout your reign, supported at all times by the Duke of Edinburgh, you have carried out your duties with dedication, wisdom, and an exemplary sense of public service. You are held in esteem around the UK, across the Heritage Railway 7

ROYAL OPENING SPECIAL

Above: Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon chats to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh during the journey to Tweedbank. PRESS ASSOCIATION Left: Watched by Prince Philip and Nicola Sturgeon, the Queen delivers her short speech at Tweedbank. SCOTRAIL Inset headboard below. MAURICE BURNS Commonwealth and around the world. The reception you have received here today demonstrates how strongly that admiration and affection is felt in Scotland. “As you may recall, the very first public opening you performed (as a princess) was the Aberdeen sailors’ home in 1944. You have undertaken thousands of engagements across this nation, including last year’s opening of Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Your affection for Scotland was shared by your great-great grandmother Queen Victoria. We are privileged you have chosen to mark today’s milestone here. “For those watching around the world, let me say on their behalf a simple but heartfelt thank you. And by being here you’re adding a special touch for what is already a very special day for Scotland.” The First Minister then outlined the benefits that the Borders Railway would bring to Scotland, stating that was the result of £300 million of investment and the expert work of more than 1000 people. She continued: “More important than those figures, however, are the

benefits the line will create. It will bring improved services for tourists – who can reach the beauty and history of the Borders in less than an hour. “It will reduce car use and help the environment. It will provide better connections for local businesses and resid and it puts the Scott Borders and Midlothian back where they always belonged – on the railway map of Scotland and Britain. “It will help to generate prosperity and improve people’s quality of l By doing so, it will b major benefits for Midlothian and the o de s and for Scotland as a whole.” From the podium, the Queen then made a brief speech to the cheers of the 2000-strong crowd: “First Minister, ladies and gentlemen. The Duke of Edinburgh and I are delighted to be back in the Borders today and

especially to have arrived by train. “It has been wonderful to witness the excitement which the return of the railway has brought here. “The Borders Railway brings so much promise for sharing and invigorating this most beautiful countryside e to work, live and

provide her ceremonial bodyguard in Scotland, she concluded by saying: “So now to the business in hand. It is my very happy duty to declare the Borders Railway open.” After the ceremony, the royal party left by car to resume their summer holiday in Balmoral.

rince Philip and I e very grateful for he warmth of your welcome on this occasion. “Many, including your First Minister, have also kindly oted another nificance attaching oday, although it is e to which I have ed. e tab y, a long life can pass by many milestones. My own is no exception. But I thank you all and the many others at home and overseas for your touching messages of great kindness.” Flanked on the station platform by the Royal Company of Archers, who

The record broken

Crowds throng Newtongrange station to glimpse the Queen as she unveiled a plaque. MAURICE BURNS

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It was at 5.30pm the same day that the Queen officially became Britain’s longest-serving monarch, overtaking Victoria’s record of 23,226 days, 16 hours and roughly 30 minutes. The exact hour and moment remains clouded in uncertainly, because Elizabeth’s father, George VI, died in his sleep on February 6, 1952. The moment of his death is believed to be around 1am, so with taking into account leap year days in both his reign and that of his daughter, Buckingham Palace came up with the time of 5.30pm on September 9 when the record would be broken, and she would have reigned a few minutes longer than Victoria. Earlier the same day south of the border, in the House of Commons, Prime Minister David Cameron led MPs in paying tribute to the Queen, saying it was “truly humbling” to comprehend the scale of the her public service, describing her reign as a “golden thread running through three generations”. He said: “Over the last 63 years, Her Majesty has been a rock of stability in a world of constant change.” In a royal river salute, Tower Bridge was lifted as the royal rowbarge Gloriana led a flotilla of boats down the River Thames in her honour. The bells of Westminster Abbey where the Queen was married and crowned sounded out and London’s BT Tower scrolled the message “Long May She Reign” from sunrise until the end of the day. Speaking to ITV News’ Alastair Stewart, the Duchess of Cornwall said: ‘I just can’t believe it’s as long as Queen Victoria... such a big person in history; to beat that and with such style.’ When the Queen came to the throne in 1952, the average house price was £1888, a pint of beer cost 9p and a pint of milk 3p. Today, the average house price is £277,000, a pint of draught bitter sells for £2.97 and a pint of milk costs 43p. As highlighted in our special feature on pages 52-59, steam last ran on the Find us on Facebook.com

UnionofSouthAfricaand Tornado make their way north at Grantshouse on September 8 with support coaches and Pullman car Pegasus. MAURICE BURNS Waverley Route 48 years ago, but has made its comeback with a vengeance.

The ﬁrst royal train

For the record, there have been nine monarchs since the dawn of the steam railway age. When Richard Trevithick gave the first public demonstration of a locomotive on the Penydarren Tramroad at Merthyr Tydfil in 1804, George III was on the throne. Queen Victoria became the first monarch to travel by train, taking a 25-minute trip on the GWR from Slough to Paddington on June 13, 1842. The train was hauled by one of GWR locomotive engineer Daniel Gooch’s Firefly 2-2-2s, Phlegethon, pulling the royal saloon and six other carriages – and driven by Gooch himself, accompanied by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was five years after she ascended the throne that Victoria took her first rail trip. She appeared to have been pleased with the experience, writing in a letter the next day: “We arrived here yesterday morning (Buckingham Palace), having come by the railroad, from Windsor, in half an hour, free from dust and crowd and heat, and I am quite charmed with it.” Victoria and Albert went on make many journeys by rail, including trips to Balmoral each autumn. However, Victoria imposed conditions that the speed of the train would not exceed 40mph during daytime or 30mph at night.

When GWR 4-6-0 No. 6024 King Edward I hauled the Royal Train carrying him and the Duchess of Cornwall, from Kidderminster Town to Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway. New-build A1 Tornado was officially named by Charles at York station on February 19, 2009, before he boarded the cab as it hauled the Royal Train, also with Camilla on board. Tornado again hauled the Royal Train on February 4, 2010, taking Charles and Camilla to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. Newly overhauled BR Britannia Pacific No. 70000 Britannia hauled the Royal Train from Preston to Wakefield Kirkgate for a renaming ceremony by Charles. On July 11, 2012, the Queen’s namesake LMS 4-6-2 No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth hauled the Royal Train from Newport to Hereford and then from Worcester to Oxford during her visit to Worcester. Tornado was back on the Royal Train on July 23, 2013, as it took the Prince of Wales from Kemble to Alnmouth.

Nicola Sturgeon meets locomotive owner John Cameron at Waverley station ahead of the arrival of the Queen. PRESS ASSOCIATION

TheSRPSRailtoursstewardswiththeDBSchenkerguard(whoisalsoanSRPS volunteer)andNo.60009atTweedbankafterarrivingontheroyalopeningtrain. SRPS The Royal Family have been great friends to the steam revival movement. For instance, Charles gave his permission for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s new Gresley P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 to be named Prince of Wales. The Severn Valley Railway has

enjoyed two royal visits this year, the first from Princess Anne on April 13 – when she drove GWR 4-6-0 No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor from Bewdley to Kidderminster Town and the second on September 17 from the Duke of Gloucester, as part of the line’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Royal Trains – a great heritageera tradition

Royal trains have been hauled by steam locomotives on several occasions during the past 13 years. On June 11, 2002, LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No. 6233 Duchess of Sutherland became the first steam locomotive to haul the Royal Train for 35 years, transporting the Queen from Holyhead to Llandudno Junction, as part of her Golden Jubilee. The trip also marked the 160th anniversary of that first Royal Train in 1842. No. 6233 again hauled the Royal Train on March 22, 2005, taking Prince Charles over the Settle and Carlisle line, marking the 25th anniversary of the Friends of the Settle and Carlisle group. The Prince spent a 15-minute spell behind the controls of the locomotive. Charles again briefly took the controls in the cab on June 10, 2008,

The royal reopening train headed by UnionofSouthAfricanear Stow. FRED KERR

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Heritage Railway 9

HEADLINE NEWS

Fresh chance for Ashburton after park authority’s U-turn By Robin Jones PLANNERS have been forced to rethink their decision not to protect the route of the GWR Ashburton branch to the terminus. As we reported in HR issue 205, South Devon Railway officials, members and supporters were left bitterly disappointed by a decision of the Dartmoor National Park Authority on July 3 to approve a masterplan for Ashburton’s Chuley Road area – in which the old station, its goods shed and locomotive shed stand. The masterplan involved the conversion of the station trainshed into a community centre, building a convenience store in front of it… and then allowing the trackbed to the southern edge of the town to be used for housing, scuppering plans for a future northern extension of the heritage line into the former terminus. The South Devon Railway Trust board reaffirmed its support for the extension project at a meeting on July 17, in the

The former Ashburton station has been used as a garage for four decades. The South Devon Railway hopes to extend back into the town at a future date. FRIENDS OF ASHBURTON STATION aftermath of the park authority’s decision.

Flawedplans

Now, as a result of legal investigations commissioned by the trust, the park authority has acknowledged fundamental flaws in the masterplan. These flaws are said to concern the type of planning document adopted by the planners, and consequently the inadequacy of consultation processes pursued by them in compiling the masterplan. Railway supporters claim that there was little or no consultation between them and planners before the

masterplan was drawn up. Planners have now been forced to recommend the withdrawal of the final document as approved by its members, and return the masterplan to consultation. The masterplan will be downgraded to draft status once again, and this time round, the views of the railway and its supporters will be heard. A statement from the Friends of Ashburton Station Group, which had taken legal advice on how best to challenge the park authority’s endorsement of the masterplan, said: “We await news of how DNPA will be consulting with interested parties and

Singing star’s brief encounter proves Bluebell Railway is commercial beyond comparison!

SO YOU want a day out on a steam railway, but which one do you pick? The Severn Valley, North Yorkshire Moors, West Somerset or maybe the Great Central? Answer? Go compare! Love him or hate him, the operatic superstar Gio Compario is back on commercial TV screens as the central character in prime time advertisements for the insurance comparison website. And one of his five new commercials was filmed on the Bluebell Railway. For the new marketing campaign, Gocompare.com partnered with creative duo Chris and Siân Wilkins, who created the Gio Compario character and who live locally to the line. Gocompare.com’s Nicholas Hall said: “We’re delighted to bring back one of the UK’s most iconic advertising characters in Gio Compario, with new looks and beautifully re-arranged songs. Actor Wynne Evans, who plays Gio Compario, said: “After a short break, it’s great to be back behind the moustache as Gio Compario.” The 30 second commercial was filmed at Horsted Keynes on June 9 and, set in 1943, is a musical parody of the final train goodbye scene between Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard in David Lean’s classic 1945 film Brief Encounter, originally filmed at Carnforth station . The Bluebell crew of 12 involved in the making of the commercial were Bill White, Mike Toplis, Steve Squire, David Tandy, Mike Hopps, Graham Aitken, Mick Blackburn, Scarlett Jasmin Groom, Roger Nye, Steve Homer, Dave Phillips and Tim Parkin, who worked alongside a PI Film Network crew of 60.

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ensuring their views are heard more appropriately than before. “But this should at least be an opportunity for those who feel passionately about the safeguarding of railway land and heritage assets on this site to have their views considered properly and under the spotlight. “This will be our last chance to make a difference. We feel we have contributed everything we can to establishing this group with a presence and a voice, and to make a difference to a planning process that has been unwilling to give us a fair hearing.

Passionatevoices

“We recognise this is now a fight to be taken on by the many passionate voices we’ve been hearing among the town’s people and beyond, who see the need for a longer term vision for this site. We now reiterate our call for passionate and capable volunteers to come forward and lead the group into its next stage. “As always, we invite responses to [email protected]”

FlyingScotsman gala debuts THE North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been awarded the honour of having newlyoverhauled LNER A3 Pacific No. 60103 Flying Scotsman hauling its first trains at a heritage railway gala. Details have still to be finalised but the services will be run over seven days between March 11-20, between Grosmont and Pickering, with full details to be found on the NYMR’s website www.nymr.co.uk as they become available. Initial plans to run the services with the LNER Coach Assocation’s train of teak carriages have been shelved in favour of a BR Mk.1 set, either maroon or carmine and cream, to better match the locomotive’s current livery. These services will not run to Whitby as the curvature of the line at Whitby is too severe. The Flying Scotsman event is likely to replace the normal February half term running in order to provide additional time for winter maintenance on track and rolling stock, The A3 will also headline the Severn Valley Railway’s September 22-25 autumn steam gala next year. ➜ Steam Dreams scoops Flying Scotsman for 12 tours in 2016 – Main Line News, page 60.

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It’s a second royal visitor for Severn Valley 50 THE Severn Valley Railway has welcomed its second royal visitor in six months as its 50th anniversary celebrations continue unabated. The line’s patron HRH Prince Richard, The Duke of Gloucester – the Queen’s cousin and 24th in line to the throne – visited on the afternoon of Thursday, September 17, at the start of the eagerly-awaited four-day gala which saw the return of LMS 4-6-0 No. 46100 Royal Scot to traffic. Other features of the gala included the return of former resident Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46521, which was taken away for restoration on the Great Central Railway where it is now based, and the first gala appearance since its major overhaul of Bulleid West Country Pacific No. 34027 Taw Valley. Escorted by the Lord Lieutenant of

LMS Royal Scot 4-6-0 No. 46100 RoyalScot heads its first test train on the SVR near Arley on September 14. COLOURRAIL.COM

Severn Valley Railway patron the Duke of Gloucester. ROBIN JONES

Shropshire, Sir Algernon Heber-Percy, at Bridgnorth station, he unveiled a plaque and signed the visitors’ book before taking a nine-mile return journey to Hampton Loade aboard an auto-train headed by Collett 0-4-2T No. 1450. He was invited to drive the train from the comfort of the autotrailer cab on the outward journey.

now to welcome our patron HRH The Duke of Gloucester as well is the icing on top of our 50th anniversary cake. The Duke of Gloucester has been patron of the railway since 1997 and officially opened the £4 million Engine House visitor centre at Highley in 2009. He was back in 2012 to mark the 150th anniversary of the first passenger train to run on the line.

Ivatt steps into Barrow Hill breach DOUBTS about the availability of LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 45337 following the problems which sidelined it from the recent North Norfolk Railway gala has led to a replacement being booked for the big Barrow Hill Ticket to Ride gala on September 25-27. Stepping into the breach for what is set to be the biggest collection of LMS /LMR locomotives in preservation history will be one of the stars of the recent Severn Valley Railway gala, Great Central Railway-based Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46521. Also absent from the gala will be LMS 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman, which has been pulled out due to main line railtour commitments. Headlining the event, sponsored by Heritage Railway

publisher Mortons, will be LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, making its first-ever visit to Barrow Hill, and Jubilee 4-6-0 No. 45690 Leander.

Warrior attendance

Also appearing will be ‘Turkish’ 8F No. 8274, ‘Black Five’ No. 45305, ‘Jinty’ No. 47406, Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 43106, with new-build Patriot 4-6-0 No. 45551 The Unknown Warrior on display (see separate story, page 46), while 8F No. 48151 has also been invited to attend. On static display will be Midland compound 4-4-0 No. 1000, Midland ‘half cab’ No. 41708 and Stanier 2-6-4T No. 42500. For further details, visit www.barrowhill.org

The Duke was then given a tour of Bridgnorth locomotive works, and saw first-hand the progress being made of new-build BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T No. 82045. Clare Gibbard, the railway’s marketing and communications manager, said: “To enjoy a visit from HRH The Princess Royal in April was a fantastic boost for the railway and

Royal Scot back in action By Cedric Johns CREWE’S latest main line offering, LMS 4-6-0 No. 46100 Royal Scot , arrived on the Severn Valley Railway and commenced a programme of test running on Wednesday, September 9, in readiness for the line’s autumn steam gala. The Fowler designed 4-6-0, rebuilt by Stanier, began its test by running light engine for three days ending Friday, September 11, minus its nameplates, which were to be attached in readiness for the September 17-20 gala. As expected the runs highlighted a few items needing attention. Some were dealt with on the day but the engine was taken out of traffic over the weekend for further adjustments such as warm bearings which needed more time to be attended to. Royal Scot was then given a heavier workload by hauling empty stock along the railway in the form of a series

of loaded test runs. Royal Scot Locomotive & General Trust spokesman Peter Greenwood reported that the 4-6-0 was doing well, running smoothly but encountering normally expected minor issues with a new engine as mileage was built up. Before the 4-6-0 was outshopped in early August we reported that instead of the ‘Scot’ moving to Southall after certification, it would undergo lengthy running in on a heritage line. It now seems No. 46100 is likely to remain on the SVR until fully fit for more serious duties. As we closed for press, no date had been projected for the engine’s return to Crewe and its preparation for a main line proving run. In addition to the engine being painted BR green, the air pump positioned ahead of the left hand steam pipe, has been fitted with a cover designed to hide the add-on unit within the smoke deflector to retain an authentic overall appearance.

Do we like that!... HeritageRailway’s Facebook page is topping new heights

AS WE closed for press, Heritage Railway’s www.facebook.com page had clocked up more than 107,000 followers worldwide. It is now

believed to be one of the top two rail enthusiast sites in the world – with over 100,000 more followers than our British competitors’ sites.

It is also believed to be the fastestgrowing site of its kind in the world. There are regular postings of breaking news, details about galas

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and events, lineside videos and stunning photography from some of the world’s best cameramen. Miss it – and miss out!

Heritage Railway 11

NEWS

UK-built US civil war loco set to go under auctioneer’s hammer By Geoff Courtney

AN ASTONISHING UK-built survivor from the earliest days of steam that was shipped to the United States and saw service on both sides in the American Civil War is to be auctioned... with an expected realisation of up to £250,000. Named Mississippi, the 0-4-0 was built by Braithwaite & Ericsson of New Road, London, in 1834 and transported as a kit of parts across the Atlantic to New Orleans for delivery to the Natchez & Hamburg Railroad. It is believed to have been the first locomotive in the deep south of the US and certainly the very first locomotive to operate in the state of Mississippi. Carrying the number 1836-788 on its four-wheeled tender, the engine, which weighed 12 tons and was said to boast a tractive effort of 4853lb-ft – a figure regarded as unfeasibly high by many locomotive historians – worked on the line out of Natchez and subsequently Vicksburg. About 25 years after arriving in the United States its operating career took a dramatic turn when it became embroiled in the American Civil War of 1861-65, being used firstly in the conflict by the Confederate army and then, after capture, by the opposing Union forces.

Expo display

Although its post-civil war history is sketchy, it is believed that Mississippi returned to traffic, and when the railroad was acquired by the Illinois Central RR the 0-4-0 was preserved as an historic artefact and displayed at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It is claimed to have travelled from the South under its own steam despite it being a 59-year-old veteran from the early days of steam locomotive engineering. Even today, such a trip would take about 20 hours by rail. The locomotive, now part of the collection of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago where it has been on display for more than 80 years, will be going under the hammer on October 5 at an auction in Philadelphia run by British auction house Bonhams. Speaking from New York, where Bonhams has salerooms, a spokesman for the auction house said: “Mississippi is an enormously significant locomotive, and a rare surviving example of a British-built steam

Amazing survivor: 1834 UK-built steam locomotive Mississippi, which saw service in the American civil war and is set for auction with a top estimate of more than £¼ million. The photograph is believed to date from about 1860, a year before it became embroiled in the conflict. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY, CHICAGO locomotive in America. It is a machine of national importance, not just to America’s transportation history and the critical formative years the railroads played in building the nation, but also to the civil war and to the technological link between Great Britain and the United States.” The spokesman said the locomotive was estimated at up to $400,000 (approx £263,000). Asked why the locomotive was being sold, Eric Minoff, also of Bonhams’ New York office, said: “The museum is a constantly evolving and improving institution. Having opened its doors in 1933, it has always strived to educate the public on the history, present and future of science and industry. “With limited space and a large collection that includes a number of additional steam locomotives, sometimes exhibits that no longer fit into the museum’s greater mission must make space for newer or different exhibits.” On the possibility that the 0-4-0 could be exported from the US, he said there were no restrictions on who may buy the locomotive, adding: “Should

an overseas buyer wish to bid, we would welcome their interest and be happy to assist them. This locomotive will be sought by enthusiasts of transportation history, trains and civic history, and those who desire to preserve this important artefact of the steam age.”

Engineering heritage

The locomotive’s manufacturer, Braithwaite & Ericsson, was born out of an engineering business left to John Braithwaite and his brother Francis by their father, also John, in 1818. Francis died in 1823, and John carried on the business alone until 1827, when he became acquainted with a Swedish engineer, John Ericsson, whose name was added to the company title. In 1829 they built the 0-2-2WT steam locomotive Novelty, which took part in the Rainhill trials held by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway in October of that year. During these trials Novelty, regarded as the world’s first tank engine, achieved 28mph but was withdrawn with boiler problems. Between 1833 and 1838 the company built 14 locomotives for

American railroads, of which Mississippi was one, and in 1838 and 1839 constructed 12 for the Eastern Counties Railway, for whom John Braithwaite had become engineer-inchief in 1836. The following year he became joint founder of The Railway Times, which he ran as sole proprietor until 1845. John Ericsson emigrated to America in 1839 and in 1841 the company ceased manufacturing, but Braithwaite continued working in the railway industry, including in France. A skilful painter and member of the Society of Arts, he died in September 1870 at the age of 73. The auction will also include four replicas being sold by the museum. They are of 1825-built John Stevens, the original of which was the first locomotive to operate on rails in the United States, 1831-built York, one of the first coal-burning locomotives in the country, 1859 horse-drawn railcar Archer Avenue No. 10, and a 1920 steam locomotive cab. The auction is being held at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

Three in hospital after miniature railway derailment at children’s park SAFETY experts launched an investigation after a derailment on a miniature railway saw three women passengers taken to hospital. The derailment on the 10¼in gauge line at the Cattle Country children’s adventure park at Heath Farm, Berkeley, Gloucestershire, happened at

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around 2.20pm on August 17. A carriage derailed and rolled over almost on to its roof in a ditch. Three women were taken to hospital for treatment to cuts and bruises and a check-up. All three and the driver were said to be in shock. A statement from the park said: “Following the derailment of our

miniature train on August 17, a railway expert from the Health & Safety Executive visited us to carry out a very thorough investigation. “We have all been deeply shocked by this incident and the stress that it caused. “We are thankful that there were no serious injuries, but it is the

worst thing to have happened here in 25 years. “We will not reopen the train unless we are confident that such an incident cannot ever happen again.” The 800-yard circular line was opened in 2005 and has one steam outline 0-6-2 diesel hydraulic locomotive.

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Snakes alive at new Swanage terminus EXCLUSIVE By Robin Jones FROM 1885 until the Swanage branch closed in 1972, its trains ran into bay platforms at Wareham station. In June next year, the reborn Swanage Railway will start running into Wareham again, at the start of a grant-funded community rail project. However, this time round, the branch trains will be using the main line platforms. The surviving bay platform has been deliberately allowed to return to nature. Choked with blackberry briars and weeds, it is now a haven for rare smooth snakes and sand lizards. Network Rail is developing a strip of land to the north-west of the station, and has to find an alternative site for the snakes and lizards, both of which are protected species. So they have now taken up residence in the bay platform next to Platform 2. Regular travellers are unlikely to see

the snakes, as they are very secretive, preferring to remain in areas of deep mature heather. Top of their dietary list is... the sand lizard. The Isle of Purbeck, through which the Swanage Railway forms a backbone, is world renowned for its flora and fauna, and 5% of Britain’s heathland is located there. Examples of all of Britain’s native species of reptiles live in its heaths.

Protected

Mark Woolley, the Swanage Railway’s Project Wareham director, said the possibility of reusing the bay platform at the outset had been rejected on cost grounds. However, it is protected for possible future use by trains, but if that happens, the snakes and lizards will first have to be found new homes. Ecological surveys have been carried out at two other locations along the railway’s Wareham extension in a bid to ensure that the same species are not harmed. One site is near the Norden

Wareham station’s Swanage bay platform is now a nature reserve for protected snakes and lizards. ROBIN JONES station level crossing, which is near a Site of Special Scientific Interest, while the other is around a 900-yard stretch of track at Furzebrook which has been relaid to bring it up to passengercarrying standards. In August, contractors moved on to the crossing site at Norden to begin erecting the automatic barriers which is a prerequisite of running trains

Above: The sand lizard is found on heathland in the south of England. ZAUNEIDECHSE 1469/CREATIVE COMMONS Left: The smooth snake is the rarest of Britain’s three snake species. Unlike the adder, it is not poisonous. CHRISTINA FISCHER/CREATIVE COMMONS

westwards to Wareham. Mark said that it was hoped that the barrier, financed largely by a £500,000 grant from BP when it sold Wytch Farm oil field to Perenco, would be ready before Christmas.

Upgrade

A £1.47 million grant from the Coastal Communities Fund is funding the upgraded track and bridges and two heritage DMUs to main line running standards. Work on the DMUs, a Class 117 three-car set and a Class 121 ‘bubblecar’, is currently underway at Arlington Fleet Services at Eastleigh, and once operational, there is siding space at Wareham where they can be stabled between trips. The grant-aided trial services are scheduled for 50 days in 2015 and 90 days in 2016. The railway would like to make it a year-round service, and Mark said that steam trips may be run, although because of the lack of runround facilities at Wareham, they would have to be in top-and-tail mode.

Help Griffithstown station move into the woods! THE Forestry Commission is backing plans by the Dean Forest Railway to push further north to a new terminus station. The railway has been offered the derelict GWR Panteg & Griffithstown near Pontypool, but needs to raise £20,000 to move it brick by brick and re-erect it in the forest. As we closed for press, support had been received from the Forestry Commission to allow the DFR to reconstruct the station near its Beechenhurst leisure site. While Parkend has been the northern terminus of the 4½-mile heritage line for several years, supporters of the Gloucestershire line have always held the ambition of pushing further into the forest, with Cinderford via Speech House Road the ultimate goal.

The railway has also made presentations to the Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucester County Council Highways Department and Cinderford Town Council about the Griffithstown project and has had unanimous support. The line’s civil engineering director Jason Shirley said: “All of the local stakeholders have been very excited about the project to re-site the Griffithstown station in the Forest of Dean, and see it as an important stepping stone to the extension of our line towards, and eventually on to Cinderford, linking it to Lydney”.

Historic station

Panteg & Griffithstown station was opened by the GWR on August 1, 1880 to serve its line from Pontypool to

➜ Donations have started to be received from the public, and a new web page with the project updates and details of how to contribute toward the project target, has been set up at www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/support-us Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal to move the station is invited to send cheques payable to the DFR marked as ‘Griffithstown Project’ on the reverse, to The Griffithstown Project, Dean Forest Railway, Forest Road, Norchard, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4ET.

Unloved, unwanted Griffithstown station could have a new life in the Forest of Dean if £20,000 to move it can be raised. DFR

Newport. Originally known as Panteg, it was renamed Panteg and Griffithstown on October 20, 1898. The settlement itself had its origin with railways, for it was named after Henry Griffiths, the first stationmaster of Pontypool & New Inn station (then Pontypool Road). Griffiths founded a building society to finance the construction of houses in the village so that his workforce could become freehold owner-occupiers. Griffithstown was also the birthplace of the Aslef train driver union in 1880. The station closed to passengers on April 30, 1962 and to goods on

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May 3, 1965. In 2002, the Griffithstown Railway Museum was opened in the goods shed, but closed within a decade because of a lack of finance. A local builder then occupied the site but recently gave up the tenancy back to Torfaen Council. Now it must make way for a modern housing development, and has been offered to the DFR free of charge. Torfaen Council had indicated that it was keen to see it removed to an alternative site, rather than demolished. Heritage Railway 13

NEWS

Bluebell tribute to airshow victim Graham Mallinson BLUEBELL Railway chairman Roger Cruse has paid tribute to volunteer and photographer Graham Mallinson – the last of the 11 victims of the Shoreham airshow disaster to be named. Graham, 72, a retired engineer from Newick in East Sussex, died at the side of the A27 while photographing the aerial display on August 22, the first day of the two-day Shoreham Airshow, held at Shoreham Airport in aid of the Royal Air Forces Association. A Hawker Hunter T7 failed to complete a loop manoeuvre and crashed onto vehicles on the westbound carriageway of the trunk road at its junction with Old Shoreham Road. As well as the 11 who died, 16 people were also injured. Pilot Andy Hill, 51, from Hertfordshire, survived the crash, and was placed in a medically induced coma. He was discharged from hospital in early September, and was due to be interviewed by police as we closed for press.

Writing about Graham in the line’s newsletter and on its website, Roger said: “He was my friend for over 50 years and well known around Sheffield Park as a life member of the Bluebell, and a volunteer in the museum photographic archive team, a passionate steam enthusiast and brilliant photographer. “Educated at Dulwich College, when I first met Graham in the early 1960s, he was working with Tannoy the world famous public address systems company.

Perfectionist

“Moving on, he held various posts in the electronics industry until his retirement. As a highly respected engineer, Graham was a perfectionist in everything he did, in his work, his private life and his hobbies. “Railway photography was Graham’s first love, he and I drove thousands of miles throughout the UK in pursuit of both steam in British

Railways days and after steam finished, preserved steam locomotives operating on the main line. “These happy, carefree days will now never be repeated but the memories will still live on. More recently he had developed an interest in photographing vintage aircraft and it was this that took him to Shoreham to see one of the last flights of the Vulcan bomber. “Graham was the kindest and most generous man, who regularly gave his time to help others. Always loyal and reliable he was a private and loving family man, with a great sense of humour. “A caring husband to his late wife Wendy and a father who was dearly loved by both his son Anthony and his sister Anthea and her partner Mike, he will be sorely missed by all his family and his wide circle of friends at the Bluebell Railway and within the railway photographic world, along with all those who had the

A superb example of Graham’s work was this image of the first Bluebell Railway steam working to East Grinstead, the 1.40pm from Horsted Keynes crew training trip on March 16 2013, headed by BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No. 92212. GRAHAM MALLINSON

WitherslackHall back for gala WR 4-6-0 No. 6990 Witherslack Hall is to return to action on the Great Central Railway after an absence of 15 years, during the line’s October 1-4 autumn steam gala. It will be joined by six locomotives from the home fleet, in LMS 8F No. 48624, 9F No. 92214, ‘Black Five’ No. 45305, SR King Arthur No. 777 Sir Lamiel, Ivatt 2MT No. 46521 and ‘Jinty’ No. 47406. The event will include double heading, freight trains, travelling post office demonstrations as part of an intensive timetable.

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Bluebell stalwart Graham Mallinson. good fortune to have known him. “He was at the right place at the wrong time when this disaster happened, doing what he loved best on a beautiful summer’s day. Rest in peace my old friend, you gave me such wonderful memories and such a long and lasting friendship. “Our thoughts go out to Anthony, Anthea and Mike and all the family and friends and of course all the other families involved in this terrible tragedy.”

Family man

Graham’s family also issued a tribute which read: “He was the kindest and most generous man, who regularly gave his time to help others. Always loyal and reliable, he was a private and loving family man with a great sense of humour. A very caring husband and father who was dearly loved, he will be very sorely missed by all his family and the wide circle of friends who had the good fortune to know him. “He loved driving and covered thousands of miles throughout the UK – from the Scottish Highlands to the West Country – in his pursuit of steam. His hobby also took him overseas to South Africa as well as Ireland, Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight.” An interim report released by the Air Accident Investigation Branch found “no abnormal indications” during the Hawker Hunter flight. It said: “Throughout the flight, the aircraft appeared to be responding to the pilot’s control inputs.” An inquest into the 11 deaths was opened and adjourned in early September by West Sussex senior coroner Penelope Schofield. A pre-inquest review will take place on March 22.

Lottery bid to restore ‘oldest’ Bagnall THE Tunbridge Wells & Eridge Railway Preservation Society has submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for its Topham – Coalfield to Centenary project. The group aims to restore unique Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 2193 of 1922 Topham for use on the Spa Valley Railway, to be available to celebrate its centenary in 2022. Topham is a rare example of an outside cylinder, Walschaerts valve gear British standard gauge industrial shunter. It worked throughout its industrial service at various Cannock coalfields and has spent the past 42 years in preservation hauling passenger trains in Staffordshire and Kent until withdrawal from service. The biggest locomotive built by

Bagnall at the time, it is now the oldest surviving standard gauge engine manufactured by the firm. It often appeared in the company’s publicity material.

Unusual features

The locomotive has unusual features such as horizontal slide valves rather than the more usual vertical arrangement, the smokebox door is hung on the right-hand side, the opposite to most engines. Topham also lays claim to having been the industrial engine to run furthest on the main line, making its maiden trip of 14 miles from the Castle Works, Stafford on November 27, 1922 – along the LNWR Trent Valley main line to Rugeley before turning

onto the Walsall line as far as Hednesford where it reached the West Cannock Colliery Company sidings. The round one application is for £38,500 development funding to enable a full assessment and costing of the restoration. The project also aims to engage and train volunteers, create employment for two apprentices and help maintain the heritage skills base. Celebrations for the centenary in 2022 are also in mind, both at the Spa Valley Railway and around the country with events which will focus not just on the locomotive, but on the role of coalfields and railways in the community. A decision from HLF is expected by December.

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P2 chassis takes shape – but more money needed

STEADY progress is being maintained on the project to build new Gresley P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales – a locomotive which may one day run on the new Borders Railway, opened by its namesake’s mother. A sizable batch of castings have been delivered to Darlington Locomotive Works by William Cook Cast Products from the firm’s Sheffield plant. These include the eight proof machined coupled wheels, which prior to any further work on them, are needed at Darlington for 3D laser scanning for the purpose of balancing calculations. Further work has been done to produce 2D drawings for laser profiling of the footplate sections.

More bolts have been delivered for fitting the footplate and buffer beam angles to the frames, and another batch has been ordered for bolting the footplates to their angles. Having set up all the frame stays and brackets in the correct positions, the drilling and reaming out the bolt holes has started in earnest. In order to drill some of the holes it is necessary to partially dismantle the assembly, with critical holes at finished size, the stays and brackets will reliably go back on to precisely where they came off. At the front of the frames, Ian Matthews is making good progress with the footplate and buffer beam angles.

Aiming for 2021

Further progress has been made machining the coupl heel hornblocks, while nd rolling drawings ar duced for t ebo and . 1 Ste L

i

remains hopeful that the rolling chassis will be completed next winter, and aims to have the locomotive ready in 2021. However, to maintain the current rate of progress it needs to continually raise more than £700,000 per year, which given the nature of the regular donation scheme becomes more challenging as each year passes. Public interest in seeing a new P2 has so far seen 670 people sign up to the ‘P2 for the price of a pint of beer per week’ (£10 per month or more) covenant scheme since its launch a year ago. In addition to this core scheme, funds have been raised through The Founders’ Club, 370 people have donated £1000 each – target 100 people, now closed. The Boiler Club, over 80 people have pledged £2000 each – target 300 people; and dedicated donations, £120,000 from existing supporters sponsoring a variety of components. The total means that the project has already received pledges of more than £1.9 million (including Gift Aid) of the£5 million needed over the next seven years. ➜ For details of how to help the world’s fastest-growing standard gauge new-build steam project, visit www.p2steam.com or email [email protected] or call 01325 460163.

The footplate sections now in manufacture are coloured brown on the Solidworks 3D model. AISLT

Mick Robinson reaming the first of 732 1in diameter bolt holes in the frames. A1SLT

The eight proof machined coupled wheels delivered by William Cook Cast Products to Darlington Locomotive Works. A1SLT

October public opening for Great Central’s Mountsorrel branch

THE Great Central’s ‘railway within a railway’ – the Mountsorrel branch – will run its first public passenger trains on October 24-25. It has taken volunteers, mainly drawn from the local community, eight years and more than 80,000 man hours to restore the mile-long standard gauge freight-only line which connected Swithland sidings to the giant Mountsorrel granite quarry. Its first ever passenger station has been built at Bond Lane. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on the morning of October 24. Trains will be operated by the GCR and work in top and tail mode.

As we closed for press, negotiations to bring in a guest locomotive were being concluded. Ticket prices are £5 for adults and £3 for children. Shuttle trains will run from noon on the Saturday and 10am on the Sunday, until 3.30pm. Visitors will also be offered guided tours of the new Mountsorrel Heritage Centre site which is due to open next year. The trains will be run as a trial weekend to gauge public interest and to work through operational matters. The branch will open again next year, but how often passenger services run will depend on the leve of interest shown.

Bluebell starts Standard tank overhaul WITH work on Standard 5MT 4-6-0 73082 Camelot now approaching completion, a start has now been made on dismantling the next locomotive to enter the Bluebell Railway’s newly-reclad Sheffield Park works for overhaul, BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80151. However, the locomotive between them in the overhaul process, Schools 4-4-0 No. 928 Stowe, has suffered a setback with the discovery

of star cracking around the radius of the boiler backhead. A new backhead is to be manufactured by the South Devon Railway. Elsewhere. volunteers overhauling P Class 0-6-0T No. 27 have been crack-testing the frames and have shown that they are in good condition other than problems already known about, allaying fears that a new set might be needed.

The Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway has completed its southern extension. The heritage line now runs for a third of a mile beyond its Blaenavon (High Level) terminus to Coed Avon. Named after a local farm, there are no passenger facilities there, and it is marked purely by a buffer stop. RSH 0-6-0ST No. 71515 MechNavvies Ltd is seen running over the extension during a gauging run during the line’s 1940s weekend at the end of July. The track has since been ballasted. ALISTAIR GRIEVE

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Heritage Railway 15

NEWS

Deserved royal reward for 900 Gloucestershire Warwickshire volunteers

Dame Janet Trotter with Brian Crossland DL, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire who nominated the GWSR for the award on the footplate of GWR 2-8-0 No. 2807 after it arrived at Toddington. IAN CROWDER

Volunteers and guests pose in front of recently returned to steam Bulleid Merchant Navy No. 35006 Peninsular&OrientalSNCo to celebrate the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. In the foreground, left to right, are railway chairman Alan Bielby, Dame Janet Trotter, holding the award, a glass sculpture encapsulating the Queen’s Award logo and Glyn Cornish, chairman of the GWR Trust. IAN CROWDER

MONDAY, September 14 was a great day of royal celebration for the 900 volunteers of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway. The people who freely give their time to help run and expand the Cotswold railway , were presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, at a special ceremony at the railway’s Toddington headquarters. The Queen’s representative, Dame Janet Trotter DBE, Lord Lieutenant for Gloucestershire, presented the award, considered the equivalent of an MBE and is the highest that a voluntary group can receive in the UK. She arrived at Winchcombe station where she formally opened the railway’s new Discovery Coach which presents the history of the railway in its local context. Dame Janet then boarded a train hauled by GWR 2-8-0 No. 2807 to Toddington, along with GWR officials and guests. After touring the locomotive restoration facilities she mounted steps to the footplate of the latest locomotive to be restored at Toddington, Bulleid Merchant Navy

OBE, DL; Colonel Mike Bennett OBE, DL; Sir William and Lady McAlpine; actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales as well as representatives of the boroughs and districts through which the line passes, or will pass in the future. Timothy West travelled on the footplate. Glyn Cornish, chairman of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust and Bob Mackintosh, who volunteers as a train guard, signalman and accountant, had previously celebrated the award at a garden party at Buckingham Palace in the presence of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh earlier this summer. Glyn said: “If it wasn’t for the determination of those first volunteers back in 1980 who wanted to ensure that the much-loved Honeybourne Line, between Cheltenham and Stratford, didn’t fade from both memory and the landscape, after closure by British Railways, we wouldn’t be here today. “This award is for every single volunteer, past and present – every one of them, no matter how large or

Pacific No. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental SN Co., to announce the citation and present the award and a certificate from Queen Elizabeth to railway plc chairman Alan Bielby. The occasion was witnessed by up to 200 of the railway’s volunteers. Dame Janet said that the selection committee had “no hesitation” in making the award to the railway’s volunteers, noting how impressed she was with the scale of the operation and all that it had achieved.

‘Most meaningful’

Alan said: “We have won many awards over the years but the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is by far the most prestigious and the most meaningful. “It is a testament to our volunteers, past and present, for all that they have contributed to making this railway such a success. “It’s the envy of many other heritage railways because it remains almost entirely volunteer run.” Other guests included Vice Lord Lieutenant Robert Bernays OBE, DL; Air Marshal Sir David Walker KCVO,

small their contribution, should feel equally proud of this amazing achievement.” GWR spokesman Ian Crowder said: “This was a truly great day which recognises the huge effort put in by hundreds of volunteers.

Leading attraction

“Dame Janet Trotter was clearly impressed with all that she saw – to the extent that the schedule slipped because of the time she wanted to spend looking round the Toddington facilities and talking to volunteers.” Since 1982, when revivalists first took occupation of a derelict Toddington station yard and 15 miles of vacant trackbed, the railway has steadily grown to become one of the leading tourist attractions in the Cotswolds and carries around 85,000 passengers per year. The railway will be launching an appeal for £1 million early next year to raise the final amount of money needed to complete its eagerlyawaited extension into the tourist honeypot of Broadway.

Powercar renaming celebrates 40 years since opening of national museum A HST powercar has been renamed to mark the 40th birthday of the National Railway Museum. On September 23, National Railway Museum director Paul Kirkman and Virgin Trains East Coast managing director David Horne were scheduled to unveil Class 43 No. 43238 National Railway Museum 40 Years 1975 – 2015 in

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front of passengers and invited guests at York station, including three volunteers who have been involved with the museum since its opening.

Distinctive

The same locomotive previously carried the name National Railway Museum – The First Ten Years 1975 –

1985 for 12 years from 1985. It now carries a distinctive livery to highlight key items in the museum’s collection, including a silhouette of the working replica of Stephenson’s Rocket and Locomotion No. 1 , currently on loan to the Head of Steam Railway Museum in Darlington. David Horne said: “Our Virgin red

fleet represents a new era in railway history, just as the NRM’s birthday marks a milestone in our railway heritage. “As part of the branding of our train fleet in Virgin red, we have taken the opportunity to restore locomotive No. 43238’s association with the NRM and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening.”

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It’s Strictly stardom for Epping Ongar THE Epping Ongar Railway was given a starring role in the new season of the mega-popular BBC TV series Strictly Come Dancing. It was estimated that 8.7 million views saw the opening scenes of the first episode in which all of the show’s contestants – along with judges Len Goodman, Darcey Bussell, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli were seen dancing into North Weald station. They undertook a choreographed routine on the platform before boarding the ‘Strictly Express’ headed by GWR 2-6-2T No. 4141, which departed towards Ongar. EOR business development manager Dean Walton said: “It is a real credit to the volunteers of the Epping Ongar Railway who turn up week-in, weekout that in addition to running the trains, restoring the carriages and maintaining the locomotives that they were able to also deliver this most sparkling of shows.” “We’ve seen a big increase in the amount of commercial film work this year - which is really great as it provides much-needed income to

GWR prairie No. 4141 heads along the Epping Ongar Railway with the ‘Strictly Express’ as seen on prime time BBC on September 5. support our public events and restoration work.” Some national newspapers and websites claimed that the train used for Strictly Come Dancing was the same as featured in an online adult movie filmed at the site earlier this year. However, Dean said: “Contrary to the story in The Sun, the BBC production featured neither the train nor the station used for the production of the adult film.”

Whitehead Railway Centre: building starts WORK on a major development project at the Whitehead base of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland has begun. The £2 million scheme is being undertaken by Portadown-based building and civil engineering company MSM Contracts, It is part of an overall £3 million investment which will transform the site into a museum and interpretative venue, under the banner of the Whitehead Railway Centre, RPSI chairman Denis Grimshaw said: “This project will transform our base into a visitor-friendly living museum

with a period-style signal cabin, a 60ft locomotive turntable and extensions to our locomotive workshops and carriage sheds. “This facility will include interpretative displays that will tell the story of the development of the railways and set Whitehead and the RPSI in this context. Visitors will also be able to watch from a viewing gallery as work is carried out on our locomotives in our engineering workshops.” Finance has been largely provided by Heritage Lottery Fund and Tourism Northern Ireland.

New Saint boiler nearly complete THE overhaul of the boiler of newbuild GWR Saint 4-6-0 No. 2999 Lady of Legend is almost finished. Replacement of the foundation ring rivets has been completed and the superheater flues have been expanded and beaded, thus completing the tubing. The superheater element bridge piece castings have arrived from the foundry and are to be machined at Didcot. All the crown stay nuts in the firebox have been replaced, a job which entailed removing the old ones – untouched since the No. 4942 Maindy Hall was purchased from Barry in 1973 – cleaning up each stay thread using a

split die and then screwing the new nut in place. Welding of the inside steam pipe fabrications located inside the smokebox is complete and the cast elbows that connect the steam pipes to the cylinders have been finishmachined at Didcot. The steam fountain assembly is being assembled and the additional injector steam valve needed for the an exhaust injector has been delivered. Additionally, a set of new boiler washout plugs has been manufactured, while patternmaking continues with core boxes for the water gauge frame needed to cast the replacement for the stolen fitting.

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Heritage Railway 17

NEWS Wells ‘touch and go’ for NYMR gala

AS WE closed for press, it remained unclear as to whether Bulleid West Country light Pacific No. 34092 Wells would attend the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s September 25-27 gala. Its movement from the East Lancashire Railway, where it has been kept since the Ingrow road bridge ban was imposed on the movement of low loaders to and from the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway earlier this year, would be subject to being successfully gauged for movement by rail. It has already passed ultrasonic axle testing for it to be hauled by rail, the gauging exercise is not as straightforward as it might appear. Although Battle of Britain light Pacific No. 34067 Tangmere has travelled extensively on the network, there are differences between the two locomotives, including cab profile, which mean that No. 34092 has to be dealt with from scratch. Meanwhile, Grosmont shed staff were working on Standard 4MT 4-6-0 No. 75029 to try to have it ready for the event; it was withdrawn in August for firebox repairs, with star cracks having been found around a large number of firebox stays. Repairs involved removing the affected stays, grinding out the cracks and then copper-welding the damaged areas, followed by fitting of new stays, but were largely dependent on being able to secure the services of a copper welder in time. The guest locomotive is SR Maunsell U 2-6-0 No. 31806 which will run alongside the home fleet of Nos. 45428, 63395, 75029 and No. 76079.

Ecclesbourne buys its line for £1 WYVERNRAIL plc, operator of Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, has been given the freehold of the 8½ mile line for a nominal £1. The ‘bargain of the century’ giveaway was announced by the Government on August 19. The deal does not include intermediate station buildings which are in private hands, but does include Lafarge Tarmac’s private siding at Wirksworth. WyvernRail was founded 23 years ago in a bid to buy the mothballed branch. Owning the land on which it runs will help remove obstacles to getting grant aid for future projects while helping to develop the interchange station at Duffield.

18 Heritagerailway.co.uk

Two Britons dead in Himalayan derailment By Robin Jones A TOP level investigation has been launched after two British women died in an accident after a derailment on an Indian ‘heritage’ railway in the Himalayas amidst claims the train was being driven too fast. Loraine Tonner, 55, from, Millhouses in Sheffield, and Joan Nichols, 71, from South Shields, had been in a party on a trip on the Kalka-Shimla Railway organised by York-based Great Rail Journeys. The specially-chartered four-carriage train was carrying a group of 36 British tourists and a tour manager on the 2ft 6in gauge line – which in 2008 was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site – when it derailed two miles from Kalka station, in northern India, at 12.55pm on Saturday, September 12, about 15 minutes into the journey. They were on a tour, India’s Golden Triangle, which left for India on September 10 and was due to finish on September 22. One of the coaches which was full derailed completely, toppling on to its side, while a second partially came off the tracks. Eleven other people – including six Britons – were injured, including the British tour manager, three seriously, reports said. Police and other rescuers pulled passengers from the coaches.

Travelling too fast

The cause of the derailment remained unclear as we closed for press. The train had been rounding a curve when it derailed, said Indian Railways northern zone spokesman Neeraj Sharma. “There is a possibility that a stone or a rock suddenly fell on the track, or animals came, leading to the derailment.” However, the Press Trust of India news agency said that three carriages may have left the track because the train was travelling too fast. Indian historian Raaja Bhasin, who was aboard the train working as a tourist guide, described how he narrowly managed to escape unharmed when the carriages began to topple. “Just 30 seconds after I finished my lecture to the tourists, the accident took place,” he said, adding that he felt that “speeding was the cause of the accident”. British passenger Steve Foster told ITV News: “In my opinion it was travelling far too fast for the journey. I have read that it should only be going at about 20-25kph. I think it was going around twice that speed. “There was a sudden crash going around the bend as the carriage left the rails. It was as though in slow motion I could see the glass shattering along the carriage as it came towards my wife and I. She was almost thrown out but I grabbed her very quickly.” Mother-of-three Joan Nichols, a Samaritans volunteer and retired dinner lady, was said by her family to have been on a “once in a lifetime

Indian police and volunteers inspect the site of the derailment on September 12. KAPIL SETHI/AP/PRESS ASSOCIATION holiday”. She was grandmother to five children and great-grandmother to two. Her husband John, 72, was released from hospital after treatment to his injuries. Glasgow-born mother-of-two Loraine Tonner was also on the train with her husband. Services resumed after the track was cleared by around 2am the following day. The British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan, arrived in Chandigarh from Delhi the following day and met with the injured at a private hospital at Mohali, and met other UK nationals who had earlier been discharged. He also met Indian Railways officials, and expressed “deep condolences” to the family and friends of both women, whose partners he met. At a press conference, Mr Bevan said: “I want to praise Indian authorities for their response to this tragic accident. I have spoken to Police, to the railway authorities, to the medical staff treating several British nationals who were involved, to thank them for first class effort to support and help all the British people who were involved. Obviously, we are pleased that the authorities have announced an investigation. Hugo Swire, the Minister for Asia, said: “I am deeply saddened that two British nationals have been killed and many others injured in a train accident in northern India. My thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”

Enormous support

Great Rail Journeys’ emergency response team, led by director Julian Appleyard, and tour managers visited

the site in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. The company’s chief executive officer Peter Liney said: “We would like to express our very sincere thanks for the enormous support the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided… and, indeed, for the assistance given by the Indian consular offices in the UK in fasttracking the emergency visa applications we have required. “Great Rail Journeys has been established for over 30 years and this is the first serious train accident in which we have been involved. We carry over 60,000 passengers a year, of which 2500 travel to India.” The 60 mile scenic railway, often called the ‘Toy Train Line’, was built by the British and opened for traffic on November 9, 1903, when it was inaugurated by Viceroy of India Lord Curzon. Because of the high capital and maintenance costs and peculiar working conditions, the Kalka– Shimla Railway was allowed to charge higher fares than on other lines. It was purchased by the government on January 1, 1906. It has 102 tunnels and follows a winding track from the town of Kalka up to Shimla, the former summer capital of India during British rule. The railway has a ruling gradient of 1-in-33 or 3%. It has 919 curves, the sharpest being 48 degrees (a radius of 122.93ft). Climbing from 2152, the line rises by 4660ft to 6811ft. Steam operation of regular trains ended in 1971, and today the line is operated by class ZDM-3 dieselhydraulic locomotives. The line is considered to be a tourist highlight of India’s Himachal Pradesh state.

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Kinlet Hall goes west and north

T9 ‘Greyhound’ 4-4-0 No. 30120 is back on LSWR metals after arriving at Swanage again on loan from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. The T9 passed a steam test in time to take part in the Purbeck Line’s September 10-12 classic transport rally and will also be available for the October 16-18 autumn steam gala, at which King Arthur 4-6-0 No. 777 SirLamiel from the Great Central Railway will be the star guest, running alongside the home fleet of Nos. 30053, 31806, 34070 and 80104. ANDREW PM WRIGHT

Four in steam at L&B gala THE Lynton & Barnstaple Railway’s September 26-27 autumn steam gala will feature a first-ever visit by Quarry Hunslet 2-4-0STT Blanche visiting from the Ffestiniog as well as the three resident steam engines Axe, Isaac and Charles Wytock. Having four locomotives in steam will be the same number as the original railway had prior to the acquisition of Manning Wardle 2-62T Lew in 1925. Meanwhile, the railway has now acquired two substantial wagons from the Sandstone Heritage Trust in South Africa.

Hilly route to Paignton

Useful

They were delivered to Woody Bay on August 20. They have cast steel bogies, central chopper-style couplings and vacuum brakes, whereas most of the revived L&B’s existing fleet of wagons lack continuous brakes and therefore are suitable for a railway with a ruling gradient of 1-in-50. The ballast hopper wagon was built by Hudson in 1966 and carries 17 tonnes of ballast. It will be very useful when extending the track towards Blackmoor Gate begins. The DZ bogie

GWR 4-6-0 Kinlet Hall is to make its firstever appearance on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway for the line’s big October 11-13 autumn steam gala. It was booked as a replacement for Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34053 Sir Keith Park from the Severn Valley Railway and Maunsell U 2-6-0 No. 31806 from the Swanage Railway, after a ban on low-loader movements over a road bridge at Ingrow stopped the railway moving stock in and out. That issue has now been partly resolved with a new loading point created at Haworth. Part of the stone wall at the station has been removed and replaced with a moveable fence, allowing low loaders in and out but only for smaller engines. Kinlet Hall will therefore be arriving on the railway by rail under its own steam. Also appearing at the gala will be home-based BR Standard 4MT 4-6-0 No. 75078 in fully lined BR livery, West Country Pacific No. 34092 Wells – which has been allowed to return by rail, Midland 4F 0-6-0 No. 43924, WD 2-8-0 No. 90733, USATC S160 2-8-0 No. 5820, LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal Tank’ No. 1054, back from its visit to the Nene Valley Railway and Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T No. 1704 Nunlow. Newly-overhauled Taff Vale Railway O2 0-6-2T No. 85 will be in light steam in Haworth yard. Before that, Kinlet Hall is booked to work two ‘Cathedrals Express’ excursions from to Kingswear on September 27 and 29.

The two new wagons from South Africa at Woody Bay on August 22. TONY NICHOLSON dropside wagon is suitable for carrying coal or with the sides removed as here, rail and other bulky items. The delivery also included four spare bogies and five vacuum chambers earmarked for future restoration projects. Wilfred Mole, the owner of

Sandstone Estate, himself visited Woody Bay the week before the wagons were delivered and was impressed by what he saw, particularly the four rebuilt heritage carriages that now make up the L&B’s passenger fleet. Further suitable vehicles will be obtained later.

Standing in for B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 Mayflower, the Hall will take over both trains from diesel at Westbury. Joining the main line at Fairwood Junction, the Hall will follow the traditional West of England Main Line to Newton Abbott before turning left at Aller Junction for the hilly route to Paignton and Kingswear, the 4-6-0 returning to Churston for turning and servicing. On the return journey No.4936 will immediately be faced with 1-in-66/90 climb out of Kingswear and the equally testing 1-in-56/75 gradients passing Torquay and on through Torre, before regaining the main line.

Launceston Steam Railway shop assistant robbed at knifepoint A MAN has been released on bail after an armed robbery at the Launceston Steam Railway. On August 30, a man wearing a scarf across his face entered the railway’s souvenir shop and threatened the assistant, a lady in her 70s, with a kitchen knife, and repeatedly demanded the contents of the till. She refused, so he opened the till himself, grabbed around £400 cash and ran off towards Newport Industrial Estate. Local police and firearms officers,

plus a dog handler, carried out an extensive search for the suspect. A female officer attempted to detain a man near to the industrial estate but was assaulted before he fled.

Man later arrested

She was taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth with head and leg injuries but has since been released. A 41-year-old man was later arrested at an address in

Launceston the following day, on suspicion of robbery and assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He has been bailed until October 6 pending further enquiries. Detectives investigating the robbery are now seeking a number of items of clothing believed to have been discarded by the suspect. They are keen to hear from anyone who may have found a crew neck light grey thin jumper, a

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thick padded gilet/body warmer and a green cotton baseball cap with a circular motif.

Security arrangements

Detective Inspector Tony Blatchford said: “The items of clothing are believed to have been worn by the suspect and may have been discarded anywhere around in the town.” Railway chairman Nigel Bowman said that its security arrangements would now be reviewed. Heritage Railway 19

NEWS GWRpanniersNos.4612and6435are seenatCharlie’sGateduringtheBodmin & Wenford Railway’s September 4-6 gala – probably the railway’s most ambitious programme yet. On the Friday there were no fewer than 15 departures from Bodmin General with an autotrain, a two-coach branch line train, and a brake van train. Saturday saw 12 departures from General with a five-coach service train, a freight train with two brake vans for passengers to use, and the sell-out steam, beer, and jazz evening train. Sunday reverted to 10 departures from General with the service and freight train. Five engines were in steam - home based GWR 2-8-0T No. 4247, No. 6435, Beattie well tank No. 3298, the Telford Steam Railway’s GWR 0-6-2T No. 5619, and the South Devon Railway’s sister No. 6435. It is believed that it was the first time in 39 years that the two 64XXs had worked together. CLASSIC TRACTION

Bluebell receives £111K in garage owner’s legacy A BUSINESSMAN has left £111,000 to the Bluebell Railway in his will. Palmers Autocentres founder Colin Palmer, who died aged 85, left more than £330,000 to be divided equally between the railway, the RSPCA and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Colin, who lived in Copthorne, Sussex, once worked as an AA patrolman and later as an ice cream man. He founded the business in the village in 1979 and expanded it to two sites, before moving it to its present Crawley Down location. He died in East Surrey Hospital on January 16. His son Bob, 63, the executor of the will, said that his father had very little spare time but had been a frequent visitor to the Bluebell over the years. “My father always loved trains,” he said. “When Rowfant was still open he spent a lot of time down there, and in later years he always wanted to visit the Bluebell Railway because it took him back to his younger days. “He loved animals and had a pet fox at one time. He would always take in any animals that were suffering and tried to get them through. Plus he was always concerned about how people managed without sight.” Cheques to the three beneficiaries were handed over at the Bluebell’s East Grinstead terminus by Bob and his wife Lorraine, as they travelled on the line’s ‘Golden Arrow’ dining service on Sunday, August 30. Bob presented a cheque for £111,492.52 to Roy Watts, chairman of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society, and Bill Brophy, chairman of the Bluebell Railway Trust.

Prince Charles bails out vandal-hit Deeside line By Robin Jones AS HIS mother was preparing to open the new Borders Railway – the longest new domestic line to be opened in Britain in over a century – the Prince of Wales was coming to the aid of one of the shortest in its hour of need. Through The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation, Prince Charles has donated a “significant” sum of money to fund the restoration of a BR Mk.2 carriage on the Royal Deeside Railway after it was destroyed by vandals in August. On August 10, vandals smashed the carriage’s double-glazed windows with bricks and stones and also a nearby diesel at the line’s West Lodge Yard near Milton of Crathes. The damage to the carriage has been estimated at £10,000. Also attacked was Barclay 0-4-0DH No. 415 of 1917, which was due to go to the Keith & Dufftown Railway. The heritage line is the revived section of the Ballater branch, which was in use from 1853 until 1966 and over which several generations of the Royal Family and their guests rode en route to Balmoral, their summer residence. A Clarence House spokeswoman said: “The Duke of Rothesay was disappointed to learn of the damage done by vandals to the historic carriage and train engine. “His Royal Highness was keen to help and to show his support to the work

D2094 and D2134 prepare to double head a train from Milton of Crathes station on September 6. TREVOR GREGG done by these wonderful volunteers. “He has therefore arranged for The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation to make a donation towards repairing the carriage and engine.” The prince, who has the Scottish title the Duke of Rothesay, read about the railway’s plight in a local newspaper while he was holidaying at Balmoral, and it’s understood that he responded the next day. A local glass firm has also agreed to replace the windows. The railway now hopes to have the carriage running in time for the Santa season and in regular traffic on the mile-long line next summer.

Railway secretary Bill Halliday said: “We are greatly honoured. It was a bit out of the blue. “It was a shock but a nice shock to have his interest.” Police believe three teenage boys were responsible for the attack. The railway has now installed CCTV alongside its line. Cameras were donated from Revolutionary IT of Aberdeen. The railway hopes to eventually extend to Ballater. Meanwhile, the railway held its diesel gala on Sunday, September 6 and some trains were double headed by two of the line’s British Railways 0-6-0DM shunters D2094 and D2134.

First-time guests are lined-up for big Mid-Hants autumn steam gala

GREAT Central Railway-based Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46521 is to make its first visit to the Mid Hants Railway for its October 23-25 steam gala. The locomotive became a late guest for the Severn Valley Railway’s September 17-20 autumn

20 Heritagerailway.co.uk

steam gala, making a return visit to the line where it spent its first spell in preservation. At the Mid Hants it will be joined by LMS ‘Crab’ 2-6-0 No. 13065, making a first visit anywhere away from its East Lancashire Railway

home, said MHR general manager Colin Chambers. A third guest will be Bodmin-based LSWR T9 4-4-0 No. 30120, making a return visit. The Watercress Line hopes to have Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2T No. 41312 back in action after several years out

of traffic, said Colin. Also running will be BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No. 92212, Bulleid West Country light Pacific No. 34007 Wadebridge, Schools 4-4-0 No. 925 Cheltenham and LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 No. 45379.

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Heritage Railway 21

Sun up: Saiccor No. 2 (ex-SAR No. 2633) rounds quarry bend with a load of timber for Saiccor mill just after sunrise on May 6, 2010. On August 5 the locomotive became, with British-built No. 3, the last industrial steam engine to work in South Africa. DICK MANTON. decision to buy a large stock of spare parts while they were still readily available, so ensuring the fleet was kept in good condition and able to stand up to the rigours of their task. Members of the North British Locomotive Preservation Group have been following with interest the careers of the Saiccor 19Ds, partly due to four ex-South African Railways NBL locomotives having operated on the line at various times between 1962 and the late-1980s prior to the arrival of the 19Ds. These comprised three 1903-built 8 class 4-8-0s (works Nos. 15796, 15811 and 15819) and a G class 4-8-2T of 1904 (works No. 16064). This interest has led to some members of the group launching an attempt to bring No. 3 back home, in recognition of it being what is believed to be the last RSH steam locomotive to have remained in regular service anywhere in the world, in addition to its historical significance in bringing to an end industrial steam operations in Africa. Ken Livermore, secretary of the NBL Preservation Group, said: “A small number of our members who have been regular visitors to the line for the last 20 years or so have discussed the possibility of bringing No. 3 back to the UK. If we are successful in acquiring it we intend to start a repatriation fund outside of the NBL Preservation Group to return it to its birthplace in Darlington.” Peter Morris, the mill’s general manager, has told the group that its request would be considered, and

that a decision on whether to donate the locomotive would be made by senior management once the locomotive became available.

First railway line

The first steam loco to operate in South Africa was an 0-4-0T built by Hawthorns & Co (works No. 162) at its works in Leith, Scotland, in 1859, arriving in Cape Town on September 8 that year for use in the construction of the country’s first railway line that ran 45 miles from Cape Town to Wellington. It was rebuilt as an 0-4-2T in 1874, withdrawn in 1883, and having been saved for preservation and declared a national monument, is now on display at Cape Town station. Two other RSH-built ex-South African Railways’ 19Ds remain in southern Africa, but neither is expected to steam again. Both built in 1945, they are No. 2749, currently dumped at Voorbaai, Western Cape, South Africa, and No. 2765, dumped and stripped in the copper mining town of Selebi Phikwe, Botswana.

The end is near: Saiccor No. 3 (former SAR No. 2767) working a timber train from the exchange sidings at Umkomaas to the Saiccor mill on July 9, fewer than four weeks before it became, with classmate No. 2, the last industrial steam locomotive to operate in South Africa. AIDAN MCCARTHY

More Class 08 shunters enter preservation THE Keighley & Worth Valley Railway has taken delivery of Class 08/9 No. 08993 following a successful tender bid from the latest round of shunter sales by DB Schenker. The locomotive is one of three that had their cabs reduced in height for working the Kidwelly branch in South Wales and is the first of its class to be preserved. Ready for the off: No. 31430 SisterDora and No. 47579 JamesNightallG.C. prior to Mangapps Railway Museum’s diesel galas on August 22-23 and 29-31. DAVE BRENNAND Fambridge, an 0-4-0ST built by Andrew Barclay in 1943 for the Royal Ordnance Factory and renamed by John last year from its original identity R.O.F. No. 8 in recognition of his childhood home.

Attendances were good

“In spite of the various problems, not least the incessant rain on the bank holiday, attendances were good, and we were particularly pleased to entertain on the Sunday a coachload

of visitors from the Nameplate Club, led by the auctioneer Ian Wright,” said John. Attractions at Mangapps include three-quarters-of-a-mile of track complete with a former Mid-Suffolk Light Railway station, one of the largest railwayana collections in the country, standard gauge steam, diesels and rolling stock from both the UK and overseas, and workshop facilities.

Further sales from the latest tender has seen Nos. 08500/711/877/994 and 09006/201 bought by the Harry Needle Railway Company: Nos. 08738/939 bought by Traditional Traction and No. 08995 bought by the Shillingstone Railway Project, but moved to Andrew Goodman’s Wishaw site pending delivery to Dorset.

KWVR USA tank sold to Andy Booth SOUTHERN Railway USA 0-6-0T No. 72/30072, owned by Richard Greenwood and icon of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, has been sold to Andy Booth and transferred to the Ribble Steam Railway for restoration. The tank now joins Andy’s fleet of hire locomotives and will be restored, initially at the RSR’s Preston workshops then at the

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Buckley Wells workshops of the East Lancashire Railway, before being returned to the KWVR to double head the 50th anniversary train with Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2T No. 41241 in 2018. Part of the overhaul may include a changed layout of the boiler tubes to improve steam capacity and, if so, it is hoped that work will be completed in time for 72 to take its part in the anniversary celebrations. Heritage Railway 23

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NEWS

Maunsell U 2-6-0 No. 31625 sits proudly on display at the Great Dorset Steam Fair on September 5. ROBIN JONES

The sole surviving N class 2-6-0 under overhaul in Herston works. ANDREW PM WRIGHT

A £50,000 appeal to help the major heavy overhaul of the sole surviving Maunsell N 2-6-0 has been launched by a group of Swanage Railway volunteers. Registered charity the Swanage Railway Trust has also published a new fundraising and information website at swanagemoguls.com to promote the Swanage Moguls Fund. No. 31874 was built at Ashford works during September, 1925 and hauled passenger and freight trains across the south of England for nearly 40 years. It was withdrawn at Guildford during March 1964, from where it was sent to Barry scrapyard. Last year, the Swanage Railway entered into a 25-year agreement to lease No. 31874 – along with Maunsell

including being towed around the heavy haulage ring by vintage traction engines and a road transporter from Allelys of Studley in Warwickshire. During its working career, No. 31625 was based at Salisbury, Basingstoke and Exmouth Junction. Withdrawn from Guildford in 1964, it too was sent to Barry that summer. Swanage Railway director and locomotive provision portfolio holder Kevin Potts said: “Inclusion of the three Maunsell moguls in the steam locomotive fleet will complement the Swanage Railway’s motive power and go a long way towards safeguarding the provision of steam services between Swanage and Norden – and perhaps beyond in due course. “It is important these three iconic

Maunsell restoration fund launched at steam fair

IN BRIEF ➜ GB Railfreight will soon be taking delivery of a further heritage electric locomotive. The AC Locomotive Group’s Class 86/7 No. 86702 is currently being prepared for duty at the Leicester base of UK Rail Leasings. The loco has been ﬁtted with GSMR equipment, VCB, electric wipers and updated cabs and a repaint into Electric Traction Ltd (ETL) livery, now awaiting decals. ➜ ISAMBARD Kingdom Brunel’s Box Tunnel has reopened following six weeks of work to prepare it for electrification. Six miles of track in the 1841-built tunnel are to be lowered to allow enough space for electrical equipment overhead. Services between Chippenham and Bath have now resumed. ➜HASTINGS Diesels’ Class 201 ‘Thumper’ DEMU No. 1001 was used as depot shunter at Three Bridges on August 11. It shunted Class 700 ‘Desiro City’ trainset No. 700106, currently based at the depot. ➜CLASS 31/4, currently owned by Devon & Cornwall Railways, was moved from Wolsingham, on the Weardale Railway, to Washwood Heath for tests with a view to further use with Class 56s Nos. 56103 and 56312 providing haulage.

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U class 2-6-0s No. 31625 and No. 31806 – from owner John Bunch. The Swanage Moguls Fund was created by the trust to fund the major heavy overhaul of the three locomotives. The £50,000 fundraising drive for No. 31874 was launched at the September 2-6 Great Dorset Steam Fair at Tarrant Hinton. The event, sponsored by our sister title Old Glory, attracted more than 200,000 visitors to the 600-acre site. No. 31874 is now being overhauled in the Swanage Railway’s Herston workshops, and No. 31625 is next in line for restoration. No. 31806 is already hauling trains on the railway. Minus its tender, No. 31625 appeared throughout the popular event,

Southern Railway locomotives remain working in a setting that typifies their use during their former working lives. The locomotives are ideally suited to operations on the Swanage Railway, being both powerful enough to handle five-carriage trains – and longer, if needed – yet also economic to operate,” said Kevin, also a volunteer locomotive fireman on the line. To support the Swanage Moguls Fund, visit swanagemoguls.com where donations can be made and locomotive parts sponsored. You can also donate £5 using a mobile phone by texting ‘MOGULS’ to 70660. ➜ Full coverage of the Great Dorset Steam Fair can be found in the October issue of OldGlory, on sale now.

Wartime buildings to get new lease of life BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Railway Centre has been given a £50,000 grant to restore six Second World War-era buildings. The money, awarded by funding body WREN’s FCC Community Action Fund, will be used for roof repair work on Quainton Road’s prefabricated Romney-style buildings to prevent further deterioration and leaks. It will also provide much-needed extra space to work on and store the museum’s exhibits. Constructed of coloured,

corrugated iron sheet over an oval steel framework, Romney buildings were erected during the Second World War as part of a Government ‘buffer depot’ to store food and bedding for emergencies. Once fairly common, but now a relatively rare sight, they remained in use until the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s. Quainton Railway Society spokesman Andrew Bratton said: “Our Romney buildings are a much loved part of the centre but have fallen into disrepair over the years,

meaning we currently have nowhere to safely restore our exhibits. “WREN’s contribution will help us solve this problem while preserving part of the country’s heritage for generations to come.” Work on the project is expected to be completed by April 2016. WREN is a not-for-profit business that helps benefit the lives of people who live close to landfill sites by awarding grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects.

First loco for Vale of Berkeley Railway THE embryonic Vale of Berkeley Railway has received its first locomotive. LMS English Electric/Hawthorn Leslie 350hp 0-6-0 diesel-electric shunter No. 7069 was delivered to its restoration base, the engine shed at Sharpness Docks, on September 1. No. 7069 was built in 1935 and was sold to the War Department in 1940, becoming its No. 18. It was shipped to France in 1940 for military use during the Second World War, but when that country fell it was taken over by the

Germans. After D-Day 1944, No. 7069 was recaptured by the allies and then used by the French, working at a general reserve munitions depot until 1957 when it was sold to the Chemin de Fer de Mamers à St Calais as its No.7, until 1972 when it fell into disuse. In 1973 it was sold to a locomotive dealer who renovated it but it found no buyer until it was bought for preservation in the UK in 1988. Three sisters had stayed in the UK in 1940 and eventually became BR Nos.120002, being withdrawn between 1956-62.

No. 7069 has undergone a slow restoration at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway before moving to Sharpness, where it will at last be returned to running order. It is also the first item of rolling stock on the VoBR, being set up on the mothballed GWR Sharpness branch. It is also hoped that LMS ‘Black Five’ No.44901 and the National Railway Museum’s LMS 4F No. 4027 will be restored to operational condition at the engine shed in the near future, said a VoBR spokesman.

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Westonzoyland’s first railway gala a success By Peter Nicholson ONE of Britain’s least known heritage railway venues, Westonzoyland Pumping Station museum, on the Somerset Levels, near Bridgwater, held its first gala on the line on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31. The 2ft-gauge railway, which has been used for the conveyance of scrap wood to feed the portable boiler which powers the many stationary engines, has been completely revamped in recent months. Relaying the track with heavier 35lb/yd rail was completed a matter of hours before the event opened. The good attendance produced record takings in the tea room.

The small group, led by Jason Keswick, also completed a new bogie passenger coach in time for the event. It is the Westonzoyland Light Railway’s first such purpose-built vehicle, No. 2002.

Very narrow vehicle

It is a complete rebuild of an old carriage originating from the long-closed Creekmoor Light Railway in Dorset. It has been widened from a very narrow vehicle, redecked, and fitted with air brakes. The original builder was very pleased to see its resurrection after many years out of use, latterly in Cleethorpes. Visiting the WZLR for the event was 4wDH Andrew Barclay No. 555 of 1970.

Barclay No. 555 heads a train including the newly refurbished bogie coach, No. 2002, on the Westonzoyland Light Railway during its first railway gala on August 31. PETER NICHOLSON This was one of seven such locomotives built for the explosives industry in Scotland and retains its original ICI Nobel’s Explosives grey and orange livery. It has been borrowed from the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, where it was regauged from 2ft 6in. It was

acquired by a group of WHHR members along with sister locomotive No. 554. One of the owners, Andy Carter, is also a member of the WZLR railway group. The occasion was possibly the first time one of the modern Barclay diesels has worked on a line in England. Also present was Brian Faulkner’s twin-cylinder 4wP Lister No. 8022 of 1936, making a return visit. Acquired for the weekend was a pair of wooden peat-carrying wagons as used by the Eclipse Peat Co (later Fisons), these coming from the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s short demonstration line at Washford station on the West Somerset Railway. They were hauled authentically by ex-Eclipse resident 4wD Lister No. 34758 of 1949, and by Lister No. 8022, as a demonstration of the trains once so common on the Levels just a few miles away. Smartly turned out Lister No. 8022 of 1936, with owner Brian Faulkner at the controls, heads a pair of peat wagons, as used on the Somerset Levels in the past. These were borrowed from SDRT Washford. PETER NICHOLSON

Design for new Caernarfon station unveiled THE Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway has unveiled the latest design for its proposed new station at Caernarfon. Since the Welsh Highland opened in the town in 1997, when it ran just three miles along the former LNWR standard gauge trackbed to Dinas, the 25-mile line – the UK’s longest heritage railway – has been extended in stages, finally opening to Porthmadog in 2011. Throughout that time, Caernarfon station has been a temporary structure. With the opening of the £1.3 million redevelopment of Porthmadog Harbour station in May 2014, attention is turning to the provision of a station of the high quality that the historic town of Caernarfon deserves. The railway held two public consultation events in the town last year and has incorporated ideas and suggestions made by local residents and visitors into the new design, which will include retail, catering and display areas covering two floors. The development will make use of land already occupied by the railway’s temporary station buildings and car park. Dafydd Thomas, chairman of the Welsh Highland Railway Society and F&WHR infrastructure manager, said:

IN BRIEF Scrapyard open for visits

An artist’s impression of the new Welsh Highland Caernarfon station. F&WHR “The plans for a new Caernarfon station building continue to make progress and the detailed process of gaining the necessary funding is now happening. “In trying to secure the large amounts required – we are looking at about £2 million – potential funders need a lot of detailed information. To that end, we are working closely with architects Purcell and other specialist companies. “The Harbour Trust has been extremely supportive of the development of a new station building from the start, and it is

anticipated that the railway’s passengers who arrive at Caernarfon will use their car park, as many already do.” It is estimated that the new station will help to increase visitor numbers to the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway by an estimated 5000 passengers each year. The project will create new jobs and safeguard existing ones in addition to generating extra traffic and revenue for both the F&WHR and the local economy. It is hoped that work on the new station will start in winter 2016-17.

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CF Booth has said that its Rotherham scrapyard is open for visits on Saturday mornings, despite previous suggestions that the yard was closed. While the rail staﬀ do not work on Saturdays, other staﬀ in the yard are happy to escort visitors on payment of a £10 fee, which is donated to charity. The yard completed the scrapping of the empty shell of Class 37/7 37718 – the ﬁrst locomotive to be scrapped on site this year and the ﬁrst since Class 08 No. 08697 and Class 37/5 No. 37696 were cut up last November 14. ➜ THE Swindon & Cricklade Railway has taken delivery of Ruston Hornsby 0-6-0 shunter No. PWM651 following its return from the Strathspey Railway at Aviemore. The shunter used to be located at the Gloucester and Cardiff area on Western Region Departmental Service before being sold by EWS into preservation. ➜ THE Apedale Valley Railway will be running its military trains for Remembrance weekend on November 7-8. The reproduction First World War trench will also be open. Heritage Railway 29

issue 206 – is the 60ft Cowans Sheldon one from Humberside, which has been declared surplus to requirements by the South Devon Railway after being acquired for a planned remodelling of Buckfastleigh station yard over a decade ago.

The Poppy Line hopes to run steam dining trains over Network Rail metals from Sheringham to Cromer and Norwich, in much the same way as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway services now run over the Esk Valley Line into Whitby.

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NEWS

Steam launches Vatican City’s railtours By Robin Jones

EUROPE’S smallest country has become the latest to start regular public ‘heritage’ railway trips. On September 11, the Vatican opened part of its lavish papal summer estate at Castel Gandolfo 20 miles south of Rome as a museum – and linked it to Rome via a steam train. Seven large rooms in the villa are now home to a papal portrait gallery and pontifical artefacts, but one of the biggest attractions is being able to stand at the window overlooking a large courtyard from where popes blessed crowds every Sunday during their summer holidays. The initiative to open the doors of the summer palace to the public came from Pope Francis himself. He does not take holidays, saying that he prefers to work, and has not used the summer residence, preferring an ordinary guest house. The special trains take visitors on an hour-long trip from the Vatican to Castel Gandolfo on Saturdays. The 55-hectare Castel Gandolfo estate is 25% bigger than Vatican City. Vatican City has a 328-yd track running from a marble station inside its walls to a huge steel gate, outside of which is a junction with the main line. The railway was first opened in 1933 and was used by popes for visits to Italy, and for freight, but was never open to the paying public until now. The last time a pope used it was in 1962, when John XXIII travelled to Loreto in the Marche region of central Italy. Indeed, the Vatican shunned railways until the 1920s. The 19th-century Pope Gregory XVI described steam locomotives as a hellish invention.

Spondon track gift helps three heritage lines THE Lincolnshire Wolds Railway has taken delivery of two lorryloads of sleepers and chairs, which will provide around 800 yards of track, including two turnouts, recovered from from the British Celanese site at Spondon, near Derby. These track materials are intended for the planned threequarters-of-a-mile extension south of Ludborough to Pear Tree Lane crossing. Two other railways have also benefitted from this generous donation. The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has received 350 yards of track, three turnouts, and other items destined for a variety of projects at Wirksworth. One turnout has already been relaid leading into the planned third road in the maintenance shed there. The Great Central Railway’s Mountsorrel Railway branch received 200 yards of track and, two turnouts, currently being relaid at its Nunckley Hill depot.

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Antonio Paolucci, head of the Vatican Museums, said: “Francis said, ‘I won’t go to Castelgandolfo because I have too much to do at the Vatican’ and so he told me to open the palace and the grounds to the public.” The inaugural trip on September 11 was hauled by 1910-built Ansaldo

(Genova) 2-6-0 No. 625.017, which took 30 seconds to run the full length of the Vatican railway, but trips thereafter will be diesel hauled. Tickets, which include visits to the Vatican Museums and the Vatican Gardens, cost 40 euros each, with discounts for families and students.

Above: With a deafening whistle and a plume of smoke, Ansaldo (Genova) 2-6-0 No. 625.017 departs from Vatican City’s station on Friday, September 11 to inaugurate a weekly train service to the papal summer estate in Castel Gandolfo. ALESSANDRA TARANTINO/ AP/PRESS ASSOCIATION

Ropley station has a matching holiday park!

The luxury wooden chalets overlooking the railway are painted in matching Southern Region corporate livery. ROBIN JONES THE Mid Hants Railway’s Ropley station has mushroomed into a holiday village Southern Region style. The station, including the new Up platform waiting room unveiled in May, is immaculately turned out in Southern green and cream livery. Immediately alongside the station on the northern side is a new chalet village carrying exactly the same colours. As the Mid Hants has long been branded as the Watercress Line, the chalet park is called Watercress Lodges.

The new shelter at Ropley was erected over 50 weeks by volunteers and includes Victorian decorative cast-iron canopy columns from Ringwood station, which closed in 1967, and an original clock from Aldershot station donated by South West Trains. ROBIN JONES

No – the heritage railway has not gone into property development, and despite their close similarity, the two are totally separate businesses. The holiday park was built by enterprising neighbouring farmer Chris Graham, who opened six of the luxury wooden lodges overlooking the railway last year. The venture proved so successful he has expanded it with campsite facilities. A separate charity which organises holidays for disabled people, has just opened a seventh purpose-built chalet on the site.

The railway is accessed by a footpath directly from the chalet site, and holidaymakers can take advantage of special cut-price travel on it. A week’s rover ticket can be bought by chalet park users for the cost of two day’s travel, allowing them to ride between Alton and Alresford as often as they wish. Mid Hants general manager, Colin Chambers, said that the chalet park had taken off well in its first year.. ➜ For details of the chalet park, visit www.watercresslodges.co.uk

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Heritage Railway 33

NEWS

Brits to enjoy return of giant steam locomotive By Geoff Courtney

BRITISH railway enthusiasts will have the opportunity to travel behind Europe’s mightiest preserved tank locomotive – a 2-12-4 behemoth

weighing nearly 150 tonsm – following its eagerly-awaited return to the main line for the first time in more than four decades. The engine, which boasts a tractive effort of 85,652lb-ft – more than twice

that of a Princess Coronation and A4 combined – is No. 46.03, which was built by H Cegielski of Poland in 1931 for the Bulgarian state railway BDZ. As a member of the largest and most powerful class of tank engines to

ever operate in Europe, and indeed possibly the continent’s most powerful steam locomotives of any type, it hauled heavy coal trains on mountainous lines with gradients of up to 1-in-36. The entire class of 20 was taken out of service in the early 1970s, but instead of being scrapped No. 46.03 was placed in storage, where it languished at various depots.

Good condition

Pressure from tourist operators led BDZ to investigate the possibility of a restoration, and with the locomotive being found to be in good condition, work started 18 months ago at the BDZ works in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. By May this year the restoration was complete, a short timescale that was helped by the fact that the 2-12-4 had been repaired only six months before its withdrawal more than 40 Giant at rest: Bulgarian 2-12-4T No. 46.03 at Vakarel station after its loaded test run from Sofia on May 26. The mighty locomotive is set to become a star on the European preserved locomotive scene, following a major restoration completed in just 14 months. YOLI79BG

Whistle to remember Roy A CEREMONY has been held to celebrate the life of Wells & Walsingham Light Railway founder Lt Cdr Roy Francis, who died in January. A whistle board dedicated to him was unveiled on a bridge over the 10¼in-gauge railway. Whenever a train passes the sign, on what is the world’s smallest public railway, it will toot its respect to Lt Cdr Francis. The sign reads “may his spirit be etched in steam and smoke in the Norfolk sky”. The memorial was unveiled by his long-time friend Lady Leicester, who had presented him with his Arctic Star and Ushakov medals. Lt Cdr Francis served in the Arctic Convoys and on four occasions vessels he was aboard were torpedoed... all before his 21st birthday. His son Rowan said: “Dad has been buried in the family plot at Forncett St Peter, but his heart was always up here, so we felt it would be a very fitting memorial to have a whistle board built so that every time the trains that he loved so much go past he will be remembered.”

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NSE resurfaces after 11 years NETWORK SouthEast has been reborn in deepest Oxfordshire. And there to witness the great occasion were none other than the operator’s former director Chris Green and Southern Region general manager Gordon Pettitt. They witnessed the first run in preservation of the only complete and original 4CIG EMU set to survive. Unit No. 1753 is also the only remaining Phase One 4CIG, a type once so commonplace that they would not merit getting a camera out of a linesider’s bag. The set has been out of sight for so long that many wrongly thought it had been broken up. However, looking just as if it was pulling into Brighton station more than a decade ago, the sole-surviving Phase One 4CIG EMU was driven for the first time in preservation – into its dedicated new siding at a private railway site in the south Midlands. Still carrying Connex livery and in as-withdrawn condition, the now historically priceless unit was powered by a Class 73 electro-diesel and driven within station limits, carrying passengers for the first time since its last revenue-earning trip on February 5, 2004. Chris and Gordon witnessed the celebratory banner-breaking ceremony and welcomed the unit

The only complete 4CIG EMU back in traffic after 11 years at a private site near Bicester. ISSIE BARRINGTON into the platform, driven for the occasion by owner Neil Bird. Chris said: “We have a main line unit here. We have a VEP – now we have a CIG!” Gordon added: “This is what preservation is all about.” Since moving from its former storage site, No. 1753 (originally No. 7327 and later No. 1127) has finally been recoupled back as a unit and all four coaches emerged from sheeting for the first time since leaving Shoeburyness in 2005. In association with site owner Coulsdon Old Vehicle & Engineering

Society, unit custodians the Network SouthEast Railway Society staged the preservation launch gala weekend for members and their guests. In recognition of all his work and enormous financial input to preserve No. 1753 with the long-term aim of live electric operation, Neil Bird was presented with an inscribed picture by Chris. “This is the beginning of the next chapter in 1753’s preservation story,” said Neil. NSERS hopes to be able to run the unit on a third-rail 750v DC line in the future.

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IN BRIEF

Making the grade: Bulgarian giant 2-12-4T No. 46.03 climbs the gradient past Pobit Kamak station on a loaded test run on May 26. The preserved locomotive, one of the most powerful tank engines ever to operate in Europe, has recently returned to the main line for the first time in more than 40 years after a major restoration by the state railway BDZ, and will next year haul a train of British enthusiasts during the ‘Black Sea Express’ tour. IVO RADOEV years ago. Its first test run was on May 25 on a 15-mile round trip from Sofia to Volujak, and the following day it completed a 320-ton loaded test run from Sofia to Vakarel, a return journey of about 32 miles. Photographer Ivo Radoev, who recorded the train climbing towards Pobit Kamak and Vakarel stations during its May 26 loaded test run, told Heritage Railway: “It was one of the most spectacular sights I have ever seen, and the noise was fantastic. It

was a real pleasure to listen to this steam engine, and the echo in the woods around Vakarel. It could be heard from a very long distance – probably more than a mile.” Stephen Wiggs, chairman of the UK-based New Europe Railway Heritage Trust, which supports preservation in the former Communist bloc, said: “Hats off to the Bulgarians for restoring this amazing loco.” British enthusiasts will be able to

savour the pleasure of being hauled by the mighty tank engine next year, during a ‘Black Sea Express’ tour to Bulgaria. The trip, organised by King’s Lynn-based Railway Touring Co, runs from September 8-18, with No. 46.03 in operation on September 14 and 15. Hauling the historic royal train of King Boris III, the mighty locomotive will run from Dimitrovgrad to Momchilgrad on the first day and Momchilgrad to Septemvri on the following day.

Power boost for Glyn Valley Chirk revival ONE of two groups seeking to rebuild the Glyn Valley Tramway has been given a major boost by Scottish Power. The energy giant agreed to help the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust, completing a schedule of works throughout September. The company’s help will provide access to the trackbed of the original 2ft 4½in-gauge line, running from Levers Bridge, near Chirk, through Baddies Wood to the trust’s planned first terminal point at Chirk station. Scottish Power workers have excavated mains services and identified new pole positions. The line’s 33kv track will be isolated and

earthed, before tree clearance work starts to allow the new cabling to be installed. Trust secretary David Cooper said: “Without the overwhelming commitment of Scottish Power/Manweb there was no way that the GVTT could ever have undertaken the work that is now scheduled. “Their contribution just cannot be calculated, for without them all that would have been possible would have been a short 500-metre line running to and fro between the Ty Ririd cutting and Chirk station. “When phase one is completed, a running track of more than one mile

will be established with hopefully more to come in the years ahead.” The official felling programme involves the removal of some 450 trees. It started earlier in the year and was then halted for the bird nesting season, but will begin again after the work at Levers Bridge has been completed. It could be finished by early 2016, subject to the weather, and followed by tree planting. The trust was formed in 2008 with the aim of rebuilding the eastern section of the tramway, but to a gauge of 2ft 6in, because no 2ft 4½in-gauge locomotives and stock are readily available.

Green light for new Page’s Park station... but more needed THE Leighton Buzzard Railway has received planning permission for its new station at Page’s Park. The Museum Gateway ‘Double Your Money’ appeal – in which a supporter promised to match fund donations up to £50,000 – launched in March and has proved so successful that the railway now has £220,000 of the £300,000 needed to build the new structure. The benefactor has now come up with a second matched-funding

offer as a final push to raise the balance. He will now match further funds raised up to £40,000, but the money must be raised within three months. Work on building the new station may begin in the new year. Chairman Terry Bendall said: “£40,000 is a very significant sum for a relatively small railway such as ours. “While the lion’s share of what has been raised so far has come

from members’ own pockets, we shall be intensifying efforts to seek support from the local community.” ➜Anyone wishing to help the railway raise the money is invited to download a donation form at www.buzzrail.co.uk/static/news.html Alternatively, cheques payable to the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway Society can be sent to Page’s Park station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4TN.

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➜ THREE men who targeted cyclists on the Bristol to Bath Railway Path, which runs alongside the Avon Valley Railway, have been jailed for 30 months at Bristol Crown Court after pleading guilty to a spate of robberies. Guleed Mahad Ali, Ahmed Saed and Guled Osman Ali, all aged 20, grabbed or punched walkers and cyclists as they passed by before stealing their wallets and telephones, Crown Prosecutor Gregory Gordon said. Judge Alistair McGrigor said the men had operated as “a pack”. ➜ THE opening of Daventry’s third rail terminal has resulted in the further use of Class 37/7 No. 37714 as heavy shunter in the new container yard, including the haulage of trains between DIRFT2 and the new DIRFT3 sites. The earlier terminals are now identiﬁed as Daventry (Tesco) and Daventry (Sainsbury). ➜ DERWENT Valley Light Railway volunteers Rob Cropp and Mike Sugden have completed their restoration of a Victorian railway coach built at Holgate carriage and wagon works in York around 1890. ➜ FREIGHTLINER’S veteran Class 86/5 No. 86501, introduced to service as E3140 in March 1966, was moved to LNWR Crewe on August 8. There, a decision will be made whether to restore it to the Class 86/6 speciﬁcation and ﬂeet number 86608. ➜ WORK continues at Nemesis Rail’s Burton-on-Trent site to prepare Class 47/3 No. 47375 for a future in Hungary operating with Continental Railway Solution, a travel company set up in February 2014 to oﬀer rail excursions in Hungary using diesel traction. No. 47375 has recently undergone test runs on site and news is awaited of both its transfer to Hungary and progress on the other two 47s that are to be similarly converted. ➜ CLASS 33/0 No. 33008, previously namedEastleigh, was transferred by road to the East Somerset Railway on August 19. At Cranmore it will undergo repairs, including bodywork attention.

Bridge damaged in car crash A MAN was taken to hospital after a car crashed through a Mid-Norfolk Railway bridge and landed near the running line. Emergency services were called at 1.34am on September 9 to the bridge at Hardingham, which suffered substantial damage through the impact. The man did not have lifethreatening injuries. Railway chairman Barry Woodgett said: “I think it is the first time it has happened here. It is something we could do without and will need a lot of work.” There were no delays to services because of the crash. Heritage Railway 35

NEWS

Ravenglass celebrates 15 inch gauge centenary By Fred Kerr

THE Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway celebrated the centenary of its conversion from 12in gauge to its present 15in gauge when it ran a shuttle service over the bank holiday weekend of August 29-31, using Bassett-Lowke locomotives as occurred on the line’s reopening day in 1915. The line has had a chequered history since its opening in 1875 as a 3ft-gauge line connecting the hematite ironstone quarries around Boot to the standard gauge line at Ravenglass, then operated by the Furness Railway. Passengers were carried from 1876 until 1908, making it the first public narrow gauge line in Britain. The line was declared bankrupt in 1897, but continued operating until 1913 when falling demand for iron ore and reduced passenger numbers made the operation uneconomic. Salvation came from the efforts of two modelmakers, Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke and Robert ProctorMitchell, who converted the line

between 1915 and 1917, with the first section from Ravenglass to Muncaster opening in 1915. Initial services operated with BassettLowke’s scale model 4-4-2 Sans Pareil, but locomotive and rolling stock was augmented in 1916 when, following the death of RER supporter Sir Arthur Heywood, the stock of his Duffield Bank line came to Ravenglass. Included in the stock was 0-8-0 Muriel, which was extensively rebuilt in 1927 and now operates as 0-8-2 River Irt. The ‘new’ line was geared towards passengers but operated freight services, moving granite from Beckfoot quarries to Murthwaite crushing plant; the passenger service was extended to Dalegarth in the mid-1920s which remains the line’s eastern terminus to the present day. Passenger services ceased during the

Second World War, and afterwards the line was bought by the Keswick Granite Company to service its quarries. However, they closed in 1953 and the line was sold in 1960 to the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway Preservation Society. The RERPS created a private company to own and operate the line, while it continues to act in a support role to the RER in such ways as raising funds to buy new locomotives (for example 2-8-2 River Mite in 1967) and promoting the line through the media. Since being bought in 1960, the line has grown to become a popular visitor attraction in the western Lake District, using one-third scale locomotives. It has a fleet of eight steam locomotives and nine internal combustion locomotives, although not all are available at one time due to regular

“The RER celebrated its history with the centenary celebration centred around the re-creation of the ﬁrst train in 1915”

maintenance and overhauls. The latest development has been the construction of a fully fitted workshop on the site of the former Furness Railway goods shed that had provided a workshops facility, albeit a basic one compared with the new facility. The RER celebrated its history with the centenary event centred around the re-creation of the first train in 1915 by operating a Ravenglass to Muncaster shuttle service operated by Bassett-Lowke 4-4-2 No. 30 Synolda and No. 32 Count Louis working in top ‘n’ tail mode. Throughout the weekend the shuttle operated five round trips each day while the scheduled service of 13 round trips every day (four diesel and nine steam) between Ravenglass and Dalegarth was also operated. The event also included visitors from the Kirklees Light Railway (2-4-2 Katie), Perrygrove Railway (Alan Keef 2-6-2T Lydia and Nemeth 0-4-0 Soony) which operated a shuttle service from Ravenglass up the goods loop, while Lydia operated a round trip to Dalegarth.

Alan Keef 2-6-2T Lydia eases out of Ravenglass with the 4.50pm service to Dalegarth. RER0-8-2 No. 3 RiverIrt runs through Muncaster with the 2.25pm Dalegarth Ravenglass.

Guest Engineering and Maintenance 2-4-2 No. 14 Katie is piloted by Nemeth 0-4-0 Soony through Ravenglass yard on the goods loop.

36 Heritagerailway.co.uk

Bassett-Lowke No. 32 CountLouis powers away from Ravenglass with the 5.20pm shuttle to Muncaster. Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway

Bassett-Lowke 4-4-2 No. 30 Synolda climbs away from Muncaster with No. 32 CountLouisproviding rear-end support as they return to Ravenglass.

RER-built 2-6-2 NorthernRock arrives from Dalegarth as 2-8-2 No. 9 RiverMite waits to depart for Dalegarth. Write to us: Heritage Railway, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ.

Heritage Railway 37

NEWS

Does a steam loco lie buried with Nazi gold?

By Robin Jones

TWO men who claim to have found a Nazi train possibly laden with stolen gold and valuables worth up to £30 billion in a tunnel in Poland sparked an international media frenzy in August. Andreas Richter, from Germany, and Piotr Koper, from Poland, have appeared on Polish TV claiming the train lies buried near Walbrzych, where tales of the Nazis secreting a train full of gold from the advancing Soviet Army in 1945 have circulated since the end of the Second World War. During the war, the Nazis constructed a system of underground tunnels in the mountainous region of Walbrzych and the city of Wroclaw. However, it has since been said that the train is buried in the ground, not in a tunnel, as believed by those searching for it over several decades. The claims have been given credence by a Polish military radar scan of the site, which appeared to show the outline of a train. Poland’s Deputy culture minister, Piotr Zuchowski, said he was shown a blurred image from a ground-penetrating radar that showed the shape of a platform and cannons; part of a cache of weapons that may have been carried by the train. He has said he was “more than 99% certain” that the train exists. It is said that Walbrzych regional authorities will carry out a search using military explosives experts, because of

the deathbed claims of a person who helped load the train in 1945 that it was rigged. However, it has also been said that the train may contain nothing of value at all. The World Jewish Congress said that any gold, precious stones or other valuables that are rediscovered could have been stolen from Polish Jews by Nazi officials and should be returned to their next of kin. It has also been speculated that Vladimir Putin might start legal proceedings to claim any valuables as war reparations.

‘Locos in amazing places’

Koper said the find was based on information from witnesses and on their own research. Police are now patrolling the wooded site to protect it from treasure hunters. Meanwhile, the two men are reported to have found a 2km-long tunnel near the village of Walm, 12 miles from Walbrzych, using a 90-year-old railway map. However, while there has been global speculation about the train’s cargo, nothing has been said about the locomotive that may have been hauling it when it disappeared, and which may also be buried beneath the ground. As such it would be of immense heritage value. Berlin-based enthusiast and railway writer Rabbi Dr Walter Rothschild, a supporter of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, said: “There are several publications referring to locomotives

Class 57 0-10-0 No. Tw 1-90 at Koscierzyna in northern Poland in May 2005. Could a long-lost sister locomotive be buried with the Nazi gold train? WASSEN/CREATIVE COMMONS and stock which ended up, after the war, in the most amazing places – Dutch DC electric multiple units in the Soviet Zone of Germany; locomotives from France in Germany and from Germany in Belgium and from the Netherlands in Poland. “There are no records available for most of the journeys that brought these engines to where they were eventually found when things went quiet – there are records of where they were found (Class 05 4-6-4s on a siding in Husum!) but not how they got there, who drove them and following what instructions. We have accounts of ‘evacuation trains’ which simply set off into the blue and zigzagged through what is now Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and ended up in Germany. “For years locos stood in rows rusting away until it was decided which could be returned to their official new owners (for example, Germandesigned locos that had been built in France under the occupation were claimed by France); Poland and Austria simply absorbed German locos into their stocks; sometimes locos were exchanged and sometimes specific amounts of scrap were exchanged for locos. Research still continues. There

are books such as Heim ins Reich and Fremdloks bei der Reichsbahn with illustrations and lists – but also gaps. “So it is totally feasible that several engines and trains ‘vanished’. Any look at photos of marshalling yards in 1945 filled with burnt-out, twisted wreckage will demonstrate why one cannot find official withdrawal dates for certain carriages and wagons.

Educated guess

“There were many different types of Panzerzug as the Wehrmacht captured and reused trains built by Poles, Czechs, Russians (broad gauge) etc. “So one can make only an educated guess. Frequently used for these trains were the Prussian G10 0-10-0s of Reichsbahn Class 57. They were light (important if so much additional weight was to be added) and an 0-10-0 could go pretty well the same speed in both directions, had a reasonable coal and water capacity and a wide route availability. “Some Class 52 Kriegsloks were later also armoured but I would lay my money – if anything at all is found and if it is a train with a loco and not formed of motorised draisines, which would be easier to work into a lengthy tunnel – on a Baureihe 57.”

Colour-Rail passes 60 000 pictures mark JUST six years after launching its www.colourrail.com website to allow enthusiasts and commercial users to buy downloads and prints online, Heritage Railway contributor Colour-Rail has just added the 60,000th image. A new service for modellers now provides high-resolution scans to enable them to enlarge parts of pictures to see enough detail to allow them to produce accurate models. Although well known for the sales of duplicate colour slides for nearly 40 years, these have become a victim of so-called progress as it became increasingly difficult to obtain suitable film, and so production ceased in 2014. During those four decades, more than 15,000 different slides were issued but it has taken a fraction of that time to place online four times as many pictures and at least 400 more are added on the 15th of each month. Around 50 new collections have been received expanding the coverage, not only of the traditional steam subjects, but also modern traction, and particularly pictures of railway infrastructure including stations, signalboxes and sheds. With the earliest image dating from 1900, the archive now covers 115 years of railway history. The prime purpose for the existence of Colour-Rail is to provide a good long-term home for railway images, regardless of their age and that is one reason why the archive now contains many thousand black-and-white views, as well as the traditional colour pictures.

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One of more than 500 views added to www.colour-rail.com on September 15 is this end-of-steam scene at Woking, where BR Standard 4MT 2-6-0 No. 76066 is pictured passing with freight on June 3, 1967. Note the neatly painted replacement smokebox numberplate with the shed allocation applied directly to the door instead of with the traditional plate. Post Office barrows adorn the platform. A GRAY/COLOURRAIL 30742 Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway

PRIVATE COLLECTOR wishes to buy Railwayana

I wish to purchase whole or part collections of RAILWAYANA and other transport items. Payment is always prompt and in full. Cash is available if preferred. Collection arranged from any location.

DISCRETION ASSURED AT ALL TIMES For an informal discussion please phone

01704 840726

Heritage Railway 39

NEWS

Royal Train depot could be demolished

By Robin Jones The interior and exterior of the beautifully-restored Hawksworth Observation Saloon No. W80976W. WSRA

Luxury GWR saloon officially launched THE West Somerset Railway Association has launched Hawksworth Observation Saloon No. W80976W into traffic. This inspection carriage has been painstakingly restored to its original glory and is now available for limited hire for up to 20 friends, family, guests for days out, celebrations or business meetings. It was one of seven 52ft engineers inspection saloons built to GWSR chief mechanical engineer Frederick Hawksworth’s designs in 1948. Intended to run as a solitary vehicle, or at the end of a train without any risk of interference, no gangway was provided and instead the saloons were provided with three end windows. Despite the fact they were built in the first year after nationalisation, all received chocolate and cream liveries. No. W80976W, allocated to Taunton, is still carrying this delivery today.

PROPERTY developer St Modwen wants to build up to 375 homes and a supermarket on the site of the London & Birmingham Railway, later the LNWR’s Wolverton Works, the oldest continuously open standard gauge railway works in the world, as part of a £100 million redevelopment scheme. The works was opened in September 1838 and has been the home of the Royal Train for over 150 years. This was first housed within the main Works’ trainsheds and then moved in 1889 to a huge two-road building for a century before it was converted into flats nearly 10 years ago. The Royal Train has been based in a modern brick shed built in 1988 in the north-west corner of the Works in its own secure compound. However, St Modwen has now submitted a planning application to Milton Keynes Council to knock down all structures on the site apart from a small section of the lifting shop building. The plans were submitted following consultation with the council, Wolverton and Greenleys Town Council and the local community. The scheme also involves the construction of a new 30,000 square metre purpose-built railway works for current lessee Knorr-Bremse. If the planned development goes ahead, only half of the 38 acre current works

site will accommodate rail-related operations, but the main line connection will remain. As we closed for press, it remained unclear as to whether a replacement facility for the Royal Train will be provided on the site. If the scheme is given the green light, then redevelopment of the site could begin next year.

Historical concern

If the planning application is successful – and a decision is set to be made by the council on November 5 – it is proposed to deliver the development in phases, with the foodstore being brought forward first in 2016/2017. The new commercial buildings, the new housing and heritage centre will follow in subsequent years. Following local concern about the historical importance of the site, a heritage centre is to be incorporated in the lifting shop building as part of the development. St Modwen claims the scheme will regenerate Wolverton Works and support hundreds of current and future rail-related jobs for the town in the regeneration scheme. The developers commissioned a report from a heritage specialist company that said the demolition of existing buildings would not represent a loss in historic terms, as many of them are derelict or not

economically viable to repair. Yet the whole of Wolverton Works is a conservation area, along with the adjacent LNWR-built housing estate. While some of the works’ buildings are beyond economic repair, Knorr-Bremse has been spending heavily on repairing the trainsheds used and upgrading the facilities contained within them. These are being used for anti-corrosion work and new paintshops have also been installed. Objectors said the only public consultation of the scheme was a nine-hour display of just eight panels in a local church hall on December 4 supported by a dedicated website that attracted less than 400 visitors, according to the planning application. There were also concerns voiced by Milton Keynes Museum that the proposed Wolverton Works heritage centre would clash with plans of its own dedicated Wolverton Hall of Transport gallery, which will tell the important Wolverton story as the world’s first railway town, and for which a sizeable Heritage Lottery Fund grant is now being sought. Organisers of an abortive public open weekend, which had been planned for the works in 2010 but subsequently cancelled are to ask St Modwen if they can hold a final open day on the site, if planning permission for the scheme is given the green light.

Debut appearance

It was acquired by the association three years ago and restored to its original condition. It is maintained by a team of craftsmen at West Somerset Restorations, a commercial arm of the group. It was launched into service at Bishops Lydeard on September 8, and will be in use during the line’s October 1-4 autumn steam gala. Passengers can travel in it on payment of a supplementary fare. The gala will feature a first-ever appearance on the Minehead Branch by GWR 2-8-0 No. 2857, from the Severn Valley Railway. It will be accompanied by Bridgnorth shedmate GWR 4-6-0 No, 7812 Erlestoke Manor, which will be making a return visit to the WSR. Home-based locomotives due to be in action are No. 4160, making its last gala appearance before heavy overhaul, No. 4936 Kinlet Hall, No. 6960 Raveningham Hall, and No. 7828 Odney Manor.

40 Heritagerailway.co.uk

LNER B1 4-6-0 No. 61306 Mayflower passes Leamington Spa with Steam Dreams’ ‘Cathedrals Express’ to Stratford-upon-Avon on August 22. ANDREW BELL Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway

Heritage Railway 41

NEWS Victorian survivor: GWR Dean goods 2301 class No. 2483 rests at Llanidloes station on August 29, 1949, with an afternoon southbound train for Brecon on the former Mid-Wales Railway. The 0-6-0 was built at Swindon in May 1896, one of a class of 260, and withdrawn from Oswestry (89A) in September 1952. A Mid-Wales Railway handlamp from the signal department at the station has surfaced after more than 50 years and is set to threaten the record price for the category at auction on October 17. BEN BROOKSBANK, CREATIVE COMMONS

Antique steam-era ﬁnd eyes auction record

By Geoff Courtney

THE record price for a railway handlamp, currently standing at nearly £7000, is under threat following the unearthing of a rarity from the MidWales Railway. David Lewis, who runs twice-yearly railwayana auctions at Crewe Heritage Centre, was offered the lamp for sale after its owner had seen publicity on another rare lamp in Heritage Railway. The lamp carries a Messenger & Sons of Birmingham manufacturer’s brass plate, is fully titled Mid-Wales Railway Company, and bears another brass plate identifying it as coming from the signal department at Llanidloes, a station on the line between Moat Lane Junction and Builth Wells. David said it was believed one other Mid-Wales Railway lamp had survived, but this new find was the only one with brass location and full title company plates. The owner contacted him after reading an article in Heritage Railway on a Furness Railway lamp from Windermere Lakeside station that was sold at Crewe in April for £5400. “It has caused a bit of excitement in the lamp collectors’ circle as it is a very special lamp indeed, and may be a

contender to break the record price,” he said. This, he added, was currently £6850, achieved by a Bristol & Exeter Railway example. “The family selling the lamp told me their grandfather acquired it more than 50 years ago, but they don’t know where from. He lived in the area and it seems possible he had obtained it from a local source, as he had other railwayana from the area that he had collected over the years,” said David. Llanidloes station, on the northern part of the Mid-Wales Railway, opened in 1864 and was initially planned to be a junction for a line to Aberystwyth, and the station building was thus built to a grand scale, with an imposing Georgian-style facade. The

Nantwich signalbox on the move NANTWICH signalbox has been given a new home at a railway training facility in Crewe. The Friends of Nantwich Signal Box group was given just days to find a new location for the structure in Wellington Road before it was demolished by Network Rail. The group hoped that the signalbox could be relocated to land owned by Morrisons supermarket in Nantwich or to the car park at the town’s Methodist church, which already has a miniature railway, but both

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plans collapsed. However, OSL Rail Limited has now offered the signalbox a new home at its Weston Road base. It will be moved there within the next six months, with the cost of relocation met by Network Rail. It will be used to train OSL apprentices. The group is still hoping that Morrisons will lease it the land at the rear of the Methodist church so that a replica signalbox, made to scale to complement the miniature railway track, can be built there.

proposal for the Aberystwyth branch foundered, but Llanidloes retained its grandeur, with four platforms and a two-road locomotive depot that remained open well into BR days as a sub-shed to Oswestry (89A). With freight providing the main revenue and passenger traffic of secondary importance, the Mid-Wales Railway soon encountered financial problems, and in 1888 Cambrian Railways took over working the line, followed by amalgamation in 1904 and absorption into the GWR in January 1922. Llanidloes station, along with the entire 56 miles of the line from Moat Lane Junction in the north to Talyllyn Junction in the south, was closed to passengers by BR in

December 1962, although freight continued between Moat Lane Junction and Llanidloes for another five years. The imposing station building was restored and survives as a business centre, while the trackbed became a bypass for the town. In its later years of operation the line’s mainstay locomotives were Ivatt Class 2MT 2-6-0s, of which 24 were allocated to Oswestry and its subsheds of Llanidloes and Moat Lane in the summer of 1960. Such comparatively modern motive power may have seemed far removed from the venerable former GWR locomotives that had previously worked the route, but even in 1960 the 60-mile journey between Moat Lane Junction and Brecon via Talyllyn Junction took up to 2¾ hours, a rather leisurely average of just over 21mph. The lamp is being sold at a railwayana auction at Crewe Heritage Centre on October 17, starting at 10.30am. Free transfer by Routemaster bus is available from Crewe railway station. ➜ See Geoff Courtney’s railwayana column on pages 72-73 for further highlights of the auction.

West Somerset Railway reunion function for Seventies pioneers THE West Somerset Railway is planning a reunion lunch for original volunteers and staff who helped to reopen the line during the years 1971-79. A buffet lunch will be held in the Beach Hotel opposite Minehead station on Thursday, October 1, during the line’s October 1-4 autumn steam gala, with at least six engines in action. WSR general manager Paul Conibeare said: “It is nearly 40 years since the first train left Minehead for a round trip to Blue Anchor and back on Good Friday 1976 and we would like to welcome back those pioneers who worked from 1971 to 1979 to restore

the line from Minehead stage by stage until trains began running to and from Bishops Lydeard in the latter years. We will offer two-day tickets to all of those who wish to attend so that they can also travel the line and in their mind’s eye compare the current line with what it was like in the first decade of revival.” Any volunteers from the early era including members of support groups such as the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust and the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group who would like to attend should notify John Simms via [email protected] or 01643 700382 by September 28.

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Above: Lord Faulkner gets a guided tour of the new Bill Ellesmere Paintshop on August 15. G/WR Right: Volunteers at work in the new paintshop at Winchcombe station. G/WR

Winchcombe’s new paintshop opened by Lord Faulkner HERITAGE Railway Association president Lord Faulkner of Worcester has formally opened the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s new state-of-the-art carriage workshops at Winchcombe. The Bill Ellesmere Paintshop was built with the aid of a £144,000 legacy left by a former volunteer in the line’s carriage and wagon department. Bill, who died in 2013, specifically wished that the money should be used to improve the railway’s workshops where the ever-growing fleet of railway carriages necessary for the expanded operations to Broadway and other rolling stock are restored and maintained. The paintshop can house a 60ft railway carriage with room to spare, as well as providing carpentry and upholstery shops. At a ceremony on August 15, during which a commemorative plaque was unveiled in the lobby of the newly expanded buildings, G/WR plc chairman Alan Bielby paid tribute to Bill and to many other supporters of the railway who have left sums of money to help the line grow and develop. “That kind of generosity has enabled the railway to achieve remarkable things over the years. This building and its superb facilities, which are the envy of the heritage railway

Lord Faulkner unveils the plaque to officially open the new paintshop. G/WR movement, will live on as a reminder of Bill to future generations who will take this railway on to even greater achievements,” he said. Lord Faulkner, deputy speaker of the House of Lords, said that the building is a “triumph for railway volunteers.” He added: “There are more heritage railways in the UK than anywhere else in the world. Railways such as the

G/WR, which ranks among the finest in the country, are significant contributors to the country’s tourist economy.” Colonel Michael Bennett, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, and Lord Faulkner accompanied volunteers and guests on a trip by steam train to Cheltenham Racecourse and back.

CCTV installed at tramway Ballater station to be crossing following crash rebuilt in part THE Seaton Tramway has installed CCTV cameras on a busy level crossing following a collision in April. A car driver who failed to stop at a red light on the A3052 level crossing at Colyford collided with double-decker tram No. 9, which sustained damage. The tram driver was shaken but neither he nor any of the passengers were hurt. The incident caused long tailbacks on the A3052. CCTV has now been installed to monitor the crossing at all times. Jenny Nunn, chief executive of Seaton Tramway, said: “The message must be clear to all road users that not stopping at a level crossing when red lights and audible alarms are sounding is not only a dangerous thing to do, but also an offence for which the individual can ultimately be prosecuted” Pc Steve Lee of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Motorists who contravene the warning signs and lights at the Colyford tram crossing not only put their own lives at risk, but also those of their passengers and the occupants of the tram. Enforcement will take place in the locality in the future.”

THE first steps towards the restoration of Ballater Old Royal Station after it was gutted by fire on May 12 are being planned. A structural report said large parts of the building and its roof were completely destroyed. Aberdeenshire Council has said that it is committed to bringing the Grade B listed building back to its former glory, and Marr area councillors have now backed a recommendation, which would see the oldest part of the structure restored. The eastern end of the original structure, housing the royal waiting room and visitor information centre, will be the only part of the original station retained. While decorative panelling and original stained glass windows were badly damaged, the eastern external wall remained intact following the fire. Built in 1866, the station was frequently used by the royal family en route to Balmoral.

Write to us: Heritage Railway, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ.

Heritage Railway 45

Heritage Railway 47

NEWS

GC backer ‘saves’ railway with £350k bridge bail out By Robin Jones A SUPPORTER of the Great Central Railway has paid for a £350,000 project for repairs to a key bridge in order to keep services running... and in the process has ‘saved Santa’. In February, a survey of Bridge 350, which connects the two halves of the brick arch railway viaduct across Swithland Reservoir, found that its condition had deteriorated. As a safety measure, a 10mph speed restriction was imposed on trains running over the viaduct in a bid to protect the integrity of the structure, amidst fears that if remedial work was not carried out in sufficient time, the railway could be forced to suspend its services.

A second opinion was sought from civil engineering consultancy TI – this being in the form of a more detailed study of the bridge which cannot be seen from passing trains. The report’s recommended option involved £350,000 being spent on repairs.

To the rescue

Such a sum would clearly be an ask too big for most railways to find in a relatively short space of time, but one of the line’s sponsors came to the rescue. Michael Gregory, founder of Cromwell Tools – who bought BR Standard 9F 2-10-0 No. 92214 for use on the line and had it repainted in BR Brunswick green, temporarily

masquerading as No. 92220 Evening Star – offered to pay the sum out of his own pocket. As a result, the repair work has now begun, with a pontoon being constructed beneath the bridge to allow contractors to proceed. The job will be done at a steady pace so as not to interrupt revenueearning services, said general manager Richard Patching. It is likely to be completed next year. “Without the backing of Michael Gregory, I don’t know what we would have done,” said Richard. “If we had not done anything, the deterioration of the bridge would have eventually closed the railway. “Because we can start on the work straight away, we have managed to

save the Santa programme. “The work will be done over the next few months on non-running days so that it does not affect our commercial income.”

Biggest bridge

Michael’s intervention will also mean that the railway can concentrate on raising funds for its biggest bridge of all – the crossing of the Midland Main Line at Loughborough and the associated embankment works needed to relink the GCR to its northern counterpart, the GCR (Nottingham). That project has been hampered by the Government’s decision to suspend electrification of the Midland Main Line for the time being.

Twenty years of running to Corfe Castle and Norden THE Swanage Railway has celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first passenger trains to Corfe Castle and Norden. The hot and sunny morning of Saturday, August 12, 1995, saw the first passenger trains run from Swanage over the section to Norden for the first time since the last British Rail train in January, 1972. The first train to the stations left Swanage at 9.30am, to the sound of bells being rung at the nearby St Mary’s Church, and was hauled by LSWR 0-4-4T No. 30053.

First train

The first train back to Swanage that day was hauled by 1940’s Southern Railway unrebuilt Battle of Britain Pacific No. 34072 257 Squadron. In the 20 years that followed, around four million passengers have taken the train from both stations to the seaside. Now the line is preparing to run DMU community services across the full length of the branch as part of Project Wareham next June. Volunteer Stuart Vousden drove some of the trains on that first day, and exactly 20 years on – to the day – he drove the first train of the day from

Twenty years on: Driver Stuart Vousden (right), who drove some of the first trains to Norden in 1995, and fireman Paul Williams on August 12. ANDREW P M WRIGHT Swanage to Corfe Castle and Norden. The rebuilding of the two-and-a-half miles of line from Harman’s Cross to Corfe Castle and Norden took seven years and £360,000 after the tracks were lifted for scrap by British Rail during the summer of 1972. By the end of the first week of extended train operations in August 1995, 20,000 passengers were carried to Corfe Castle and beyond to Norden where Purbeck District Council had built a successful park and ride car park.

LSWR M7 No. 30053 hauls the first heritage era passenger train from Swanage into Corfe Castle on August 12, 1995. ANDREW P M WRIGHT

Swanage Railway general manager Matt Green said: “The amount of effort that goes into extending a preserved railway is huge, so to achieve the extension to Norden against all the odds – including fighting off a proposed bypass on the disused line through Corfe Castle – is incredible.”

Lasting memorial

The cost of relaying the line from Harman’s Cross to Corfe Castle and

Norden (£360,000), was almost five times the original cost of building the entire 10 mile branch line from Wareham to Swanage in 1883-1884. Matt said: “It’s fantastic so many of those people who helped with the opening of the line to Corfe Castle and Norden 20 years ago are still with the Swanage Railway today. “For those who have moved on – or have sadly died – the railway stands as a lasting memorial to their determined efforts.”

Railway author dies following cycling accident SCOTTISH railway author George O’Hara has died following a cycling accident. An accomplished cyclist who raced for more than 50 years – and for nearly 20 years held the record for cycling from Glasgow to Oban and back – he was also an author and publisher of books on shipbuilding and railways. He was an authority on Scottish branch lines and the last days of steam. A member of the Scottish Railway

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Preservation Society, his books included Scottish Urban and Rural Branchlines, British Railways Scottish Region Colour Album No.1, BR Diesel Traction in Scotland and BR Steam in Scotland.

Glasgow-born

Born in Glasgow on July 27, 1946, George became a marine engineer but his interests in transport extended way beyond ships. He was educated at Whiteinch

Primary and Drumchapel’s Kingsridge Secondary School before taking a job as an office boy with ship and insurance broker Roxburgh, Colin Scott & Co, prior to starting an apprenticeship as a ship draughtsman with Clyde shipbuilders Charles Connell Ltd. He later held posts in engineering and construction at Chevron, Shell Expro, Mobil North Sea and AMEC. He also worked as a structural engineer at Phillips Petroleum in

Norway and became a chartered engineer with the Institute of Marine Engineers.

Family man

He died following a road accident involving a lorry while he was out cycling. At the time, he was researching his next book, on British industrial heritage. He is survived by his wife Beatrice, their son Kenneth, daughter Elaine and grandsons Lewis and Brodie.

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Duchess hit by gauging issues

LMS Princess Coronation Pacific No. 46233 DuchessofSutherland heads the Euston-Penrith leg of Steam Dreams’ ‘Lakes Express’ through Harrow & Wealdstone on September 14. DAVID STUBBINGS

STANIER 4-6-2 No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland’s brief visit to south western routes was cut short when the engine was declared out of gauge west of London. In the first instance, the 4-6-2 was booked to work a ‘Cathedrals Express’ from Rugby to Bath and Bristol via Reading on September 3, but was taken off the ‘Express’ at Hanwell and a diesel substituted. Angered by the lateness of Network Rail’s gauging engineers’ decision, Steam Dreams’ chairman Marcus Robertson could only apologise to passengers as the train recommenced its journey west of London. Faced with a similar situation on September 10, when the Duchess was due to work another ‘Express’, this time from London Victoria to Cardiff via Reading, Gloucester and Chepstow, Marcus cancelled the train because as he said: “I could not face going to Victoria knowing that the 4-6-2’s availability was in doubt”. In the event, the 4-6-2 returned north from Euston at the head of the first leg of Steam Dreams’ four-day ‘Lakes Express’ visit to the Lake District on September 14.

West Somerset dispute – now charity watchdog is asked to intervene By Robin Jones

A FORMAL complaint about the actions of the West Somerset Railway Association has been made to the Charity Commission. The complaint, lodged in early September, is the latest round in a dispute between the association, several of its members and West Somerset Railway plc, following the group’s submission of a rival bid to buy the freehold of the Minehead branch from Somerset County Council, which subsequently withdrew the offer to sell. Paul Whitehouse, the former Chief Constable of Sussex Police, and barrister Robin White, have filed the complaint on behalf of the ninemember Reform Group which has challenged the association’s chairman and officials over its management.

The complaint alleged that the association has been brought into disrepute “not only in Somerset, but throughout the heritage railway movement”.

Memberships

It cites the expulsion of Reform Group members Ken Davidge, Jeff Price as well as Paul Whitehouse and Robin White on June 5, claiming that their memberships were terminated without following the provisions of the association’s articles, and because “they disliked the criticism of their actions being made by these four members”. The complainants claim that this action was also contrary to the Charity Commission’s clear advice on membership. As we reported in issue 205, the association successfully defended

itself, at a hearing at Bristol Civil Justice Centre on July 21, against a bid by Paul Whitehouse to get an injunction to stop him being expelled – but was left with a £16,971 legal bill. His Honour Judge Denyer turned down the application for an injunction on the grounds that such an action should be activated by the Charity Commissioners, and that body had not been given sufficient notice. However, the judge said that the reasons given by the association for the termination of Paul Whitehouse’s membership were “woefully inadequate”. After that hearing, association chairman Peter Chidzey said that the organisation were pleased that the judge ruled in favour of the charity on a substantive point of law, adding: “We are disappointed that such a case should ever have been brought and

equally sad that as trustees we felt that we had no option but to terminate the memberships of four individuals, something that is fortunately very rare.”

No response

As we closed for press, no response from the Charity Commission had been received by the complainants. Meanwhile, as part of its move to strengthen its board through a formal restructuring process, West Somerset Railway plc has been seeking new volunteer directors in the areas of volunteer development, marketing, inward investment, safety audit and human resources. Railway chairman John Irven said: “Significant progress has already been made in appointing existing volunteer board members to new director portfolios.”

Spartan fundraising campaign launched A MAJOR fundraising campaign to keep a heritage railway’s first ever steam locomotive on track as an expensive inspection looms was launched last week. The Swindon & Cricklade Railway has set up The Spartan Appeal, aiming to raise £60,000 to fund the upkeep of 1953-built Polish Tkh 0-6-0T No. 3135 Spartan, which arrived from the Spa Valley Railway last December. Before it arrived, the Swindon line had to hire steam locomotives for its services, not having one of its own. Trustees’ chairman Dave Griggsby said: “Spartan is the first steam locomotive the railway has ever owned, and has been hugely popular

with passengers since its arrival. “However, although we have paid off a significant proportion of the purchase price, we still need a substantial amount to finish paying for it. As with all historic vehicles, the purchase price is just the beginning. “If we are to continue to offer a steam experience on Wiltshire’s only standard gauge heritage railway, we must have money in the bank to fund this key event.” The locomotive has around three years left on its boiler certificate. Anyone who wishes to donate is invited to visit: www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org or telephone 01793 771615.

Visiting GWR 0-6-0PT No. 6435 approaches Furnace Sidings during the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway’s steam gala on September 12, while another visitor, GWR 0-6-2T No. 5637 waits to come off shed. EDWARD DYER

Write to us: Heritage Railway, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ.

Heritage Railway 49

NEWS IN BRIEF ➜ ON August 15, Coun Peter Murphy, chairman of Watchet Town Council and mayor of Watchet unveiled a stone sculpture by local artist Dave Milton. It was funded by the Friends of Watchet Station to commemorate the history and heritage of their station. The sculpture has inscription plates depicting the stations along Brunel’s line to Watchet when it opened in 1862. ➜ THE Mayor of Havant, Coun Leah Turner, was due to oﬃcially open the newly refurbished Hayling Billy Line signal together with a new pathway from the trackbed of the LBSCR branch to Havant Road on September 23. The signal dates back to 1950 when the line linked the mainland with Hayling Island. The work cost £19,800 – paid by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a £300 local community grant. ➜ YEOVIL Railway Centre celebrated the centenary of Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1398 of 1915 Lord Fisher with two days of themed activities on September 5-6. The locomotive moved to the centre in 2011. ➜ WE have been asked to point out that accident damage repairs to Class 31 No. 31203 were undertaken by Nemesis Rail at Burton-upon-Trent, not in Derby, as stated last issue. ➜ CUMBRIA Police are investigating a burglary at the Furness Model Railway site in Barrow Park. The burglary, in which internal doors were damaged but only an item of low value stolen, is believed to have taken place between 5pm on Sunday, September 6 and 1.30pm on Thursday, September 10. ➜ THE October 15-18 Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre near Leamington is shaping up to be the largest to date, with more than 50 specialist suppliers booked to attend. The Coventry Society of Model Engineers will be operating its popular 5in gauge outdoor track. ➜ THE Yorkshire Wolds Railway has launched a £30,000 Treble the Track fundraising eﬀort to extend its running line at Fimber Halt on the trackbed of the Malton & Driﬃeld Junction Railway from the current 300ft to 900ft. Supporters are invited to sponsor either a sleeper without ﬁxings for £30, or one with ﬁxings for £50. Packages for whole panels are available. More details can be found at yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk or telephone 01377 338053.

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High Court bid to save Manchester’s heritage

By Robin Jones

A FORMER president of the Institute of Civil Engineers has launched a legal challenge over Network Rail’s £85 million Ordsall chord route, which will cut off the historic main line connection to the original Manchester station. Network Rail wants to build the chord to increase capacity of lines in the city and to Manchester Airport, while boosting capacity. Mark Whitby, however, has lodged his legal challenge claiming that the decision-making process was flawed. He has hired solicitors to show in court that transport secretary, Patrick McLoughlin, should have refused permission for the scheme because of the damaging impact on listed buildings. Grade I listed Liverpool Road station, the eastern terminus of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway, the world’s first inter-city line, is now part of the Museum of Science & Industry. Special trains can still access the station via the national network. The Ordsall chord comprises a new 350 yard section of line to the northwest of Castlefield Junction. Linking the Castlefield Junction line with the Deal Street Junction line, Manchester’s three main stations will be connected for the very first time, facilitating new fast services between Manchester Victoria and Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester and to the city airport, Hull and Newcastle. It is a key part of the £600m Northern Hub plan to improve links to cities around Manchester. The challenge was scheduled to be heard in the High Court on September 24-25. Mark – who resigned as a consultant on the project two years ago when he saw the scale of damage to heritage, and is funding his lawsuit out of his own pocket, has argued the new line could be moved further west. He has drawn up plans for an alternative route, which he said will protect L&MR engineer George Stephenson’s brick viaduct over the River Irwell as well as the station in the

A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado at Liverpool Road station after arriving with the Royal Train carrying Prince Charles to the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester on February 4, 2010. ROBIN JONES museum, but would cost £20 million more. He said that the Ordsall chord scheme failed to take into proper account the effect on statutorily protected structures. Mark said that in terms of world history, the site is as important as Runnymede, where Magna Carta was signed. Last year, a public inquiry at which Mark outlined his viaduct plan ruled in favour of the Network Rail scheme, finding that the alternative would hamper the restoration of industrial land. Also in 2014, the museum withdrew its objection to the scheme after Network Rail offered £3 million in funding to upgrade its facilities. Mark said: “I’m here to stop it and to get them to think properly.” He said that he cared “enormously” about Manchester’s heritage.” He is being backed by Sir Neil Cossons, former chairman of the Science Museum and of English

Heritage, said that the future of Manchester’s world-class heritage is “the business of us all”. He added: “Neither the city council nor Network Rail are absolved from their responsibilities to these precious assets. The Ordsall chord is crucial but thoughtful planners and good designers can reconcile these voices of the past with the needs of tomorrow. Liverpool Road station and its environs deserve better.” He said that Network Rail should have taken lessons from the magnificent upgrade of King’s Cross station and designed the Ordsall chord to respect “the extraordinary historic importance of the Liverpool to Manchester railway complex.” Instead, he said, Network Rail merely opted for the cheapest and easiest option. “There is still time to get it right,” he added. A spokesman for Network Rail said that it remained committed to the Northern Hub, in which the Ordsall chord will play a key part.

The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre has completed the renovation of Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire six-wheeler No. 1076, built in 1890 at Gorton. Used on joint services with the LNWR, mainly on the Manchester South Junction & Altrincham Railway, it was taken into Great Central stock, transferred to the LNER in 1923, and renumbered 51076. Withdrawn in the Thirties, it was used as a camping coach and ended up as a workman’s mess room at Victoria Dock, Hull. It arrived at Quainton Road in 1971. It will now join the Quainton Road vintage train which includes a varnished teak London, Chatham & Dover Railway four-wheeler of 1880 and GNR six-wheeled brake built 1889. It will be in use at the steaming day on October 11. ANDREW BRATTON Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway

Trio bade farewell

Final farewell to Roger Barker: LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 SirNigelGresley is pictured in a familiar location on August 29. The headboard gives it away, as it was the run (the 12.45pm from Whitby) on which the locomotive’s late custodian’s ashes had been placed in the firebox of ‘his’ engine near Goathland summit. He had requested this location where the ashes of his partner Marj Hamilton had been similar placed a few years ago. Members of both their families and officers of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust were on the train. The weekend of September 19-20 marked the engine’s last appearance before disappearing into the workshops for its next major overhaul. PHILIP BENHAM

At its last gala appearance before overhaul, GWR 2-8-0 No. 3802 departs from Berwyn on the Llangollen Railway on September 13. JOHN WHITEHOUSE

Baldwin 4-6-0T No. 778 passes The Clay Pipe on September 13 hauling its last train under its current boiler ticket. CLIFF THOMAS

New Thuxton signalbox opens on Mid-Norfolk A NEW signalbox has been opened on the Mid-Norfolk Railway as the culmination of a five-year project. The construction of a passing loop at Thuxton on the MidNorfolk Railway began in 2008-09. Giving great operational flexibility, it allowed the railway to operate the timetables it does today. At that time, the MNR ran as an 11 mile single line, limiting services to a two-hourly departure from Dereham. A passing loop halfway along the line allowed hourly departures from either end. Until recently, the line loop has been controlled from a small

cabin, next to the signalbox. The cabin, which opened in September 2010, was meant to be only a temporary solution until the signalbox opened, however, it took another five years for this to happen. With the help of a sizeable donation from a member, and a lot of hard work from volunteers, the box was finally ready to switch over. On Sunday, July 19, signalman, Richard Waterhouse, signalled the last train from the old cabin before it was disconnected. Over the next 48 hours, volunteers from the line’s signal and telegraph department worked round the

THREE locomotives bowed out for their 10-year overhauls in September. A special weekend was held on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on September 19-20 to mark the withdrawal of LNER A4 Pacific No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. The locomotive has been running reliably on the line, its last few weeks being marred only by a minor derailment in the yard at Grosmont. No damage was sustained and the A4 was quickly returned to traffic. There was a flurry of excitement when it appeared that No. 60007 might be called to substitute for No. 60009 Union of South Africa at the Borders Railway royal opening (see Main Line News) but in the end No. 9 was able to fulfil its planned duties. At the end of the Leighton Buzzard Railway’s Steam Up weekend on September 13, the Greensand Railway Museum Trust’s Baldwin 4-6-0T WDLR No. 778 (No. 44656 of 1917) was withdrawn at Stonehenge Works and prepared to be sent to Alan Keef Ltd of Ross-on-Wye. At the Llangollen Railway’s September 12-13 autumn steam gala, GWR 2-8-0 No. 3802 made its final gala appearance before overhaul.

clock to connect up the new signalbox. On Tuesday, July 21, the 10.30am Dereham to Wymondham Abbey service became the first to be signalled through Thuxton from the new box, the design of which was based on the box donated from East Winch. The new box contains the original East Winch floor, which was located on the Dereham to King’s Lynn line. Attention is now moving on to Phase 2 of the project with work taking place at Garvestone, nearly a mile out from Thuxton signalbox, to give the signalman advanced indication that a train is approaching.

Write to us: Heritage Railway, Mortons Media Ltd, PO Box 43, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ.

Farewell to Sittingbourne’s first chairman

SITTINGBOURNE & Kemsley Light Railway pioneer Malcolm Burton passed away on August 16 at the age of 85. In the 1950s and 1960s he was a leading member of the Locomotive Club of Great Britain, organising railtours around the Southern Region. He was well known for getting rare steam locomotive classes to haul trains over rare branch lines including many final trains. In 1969 he was a leading figure in the preservation of the Bowaters papermill railway at Sittingbourne and became the SKLR’s first chairman and general manager. He spent much of his life in Gillingham. Heritage Railway 51

LNER V2 2-6-2 No. 60955 recently ex works from Darlington, heads the 9.50 am summer Saturdays only Edinburgh to Leeds near St Boswells on August 14 1965. MAURICE BURNS

LNER A3 Pacific No. 4472 heads the ‘Flying Scotsman Anniversary Special’ up the now-reinstated 1-in-70 towards Falahill, returning from Inverkeithing to Northallerton via the Waverley route on April 16, 1966. MAURICE BURNS

would get their railway back. Now that has happened, and the Borders Railway has become the biggest roll-back of a Beeching recommendation to date.

The last and first steam on the line

One the day of the official opening by the Queen, steam returned to the northern section of the Waverley Route in the form of John Cameron’s A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa. It had been 48 years since the last steam ran over the route. Several steam specials were run over the line in the mid-Sixties. To celebrate the third anniversary of his purchase of LNER A3 Pacific No. 4472 Flying Scotsman on April 16, 1966, Alan Pegler organised the ‘Flying Scotsman Anniversary Special’ which was hauled throughout by the locomotive from Northallerton to Inverkeithing via Newcastle returning via Edinburgh, Galashiels and Carlisle to Newcastle and Northallerton. By then, BR’s last working A3s had been withdrawn from St Margarets shed in Edinburgh, where some of their last duties had been working over the Waverley route. BR made a point of organising farewell tours over the line to mark the end of various notable LNER types but the Scottish Locomotive Preservation Fund’s tour of June 5, 1965 with No. 60052 Prince Palatine saw the engine fail at Carlisle after its southbound run via Newcastle and A4 No. 60027 Merlin substituted for the return trip over the Waverley route.

LNER A2 Pacific No. 60528 TudorMinstrelclimbs towards Riccarton Junction with the Altrinchamian Railway Excursion Society’s ‘Waverley Special’ from Manchester Exchange to Carlisle and Edinburgh Waverley on April 23, 1966. ROGER BASTIN

LNER A4 Pacific No. 60019 Bittern, then recently purchased by Geoffrey Drury, pauses for water at Hawick, while working the RCTS ‘Waverley’ from York via Newcastle and Carlisle to Edinburgh on November 12, 1966. MAURICE BURNS

Another attempt to stage an official farewell to BR’s A3s over the Waverley route on December 11, 1965 saw neither of the A3s available and so A2 No. 60528 Tudor Minstrel did the honours throughout. The next year was the last of steam working over the line on a regular basis and the pace of railtour action accelerated with No. 4472’s trip being followed a week later by Tudor Minstrel again working northbound, this time from Manchester Exchange to Carlisle and Edinburgh Waverley with the Altrinchamian Railway Excursion Society’s ‘Waverley Special’ on April 23. The Warwickshire Railway Society ran its ambitious three-day June 24-26 ‘Aberdonian’ with Flying Scotsman again working northbound from Hellifield to Carlisle and Waverley on June 24. The last railtour appearance by an LNER V2 2-6-2 was when No. 60836 worked northbound on September 3 with the South & West Railway Society’s ‘Granite City’. A2 Pacific No. 60532 Blue Peter worked the last southbound railtour on October 8 with BR Scottish Region’s ‘Blue Peter Excursion’ but preserved steam made another appearance when A4 Pacific No. 60019 Bittern, recently purchased by Geoffrey Drury worked northbound on November 12 with the RCTS ‘Waverley’ throughout from York via Newcastle and Carlisle to Waverley, returning via Newcastle to York. The last steam railtour to work over the Waverley Route was when LNER B1 4-6-0 No. 61278 headed the Scottish Region’s ‘Last B1 Excursion’ on December 3, 1966 from

Edinburgh via the Glasgow & South Western Railway route to Kingmoor, returning to Waverley via Galashiels. From mid-1967, steam facilities in Scotland were largely eliminated and although both the London Midland and Eastern regions retained steam allocations, there was a concerted effort not to use steam power on workings into the Scottish Region. Kingmoor shed at Carlisle retained a substantial allocation of BR Standard Britannia Pacifics throughout 1967 and although these were only normally rostered to work south from the city they did very occasionally venture north. As late as November 1967, No. 70011 Hotspur found itself on a northbound freight over the Waverley Route but this was topped by what is regarded as the very last steam train over the line later in the month when No. 70022 Tornado deputised for a failed Sulzer Type 2 diesel on the 7.44pm CarlisleEdinburgh semi-fast on November 14, 1967, just a month before the closure of Kingmoor shed, and withdrawal.

The long road back

Following the withdrawal of passenger services, the section of the Waverley route from Newtongrange remained open for goods traffic as far as Hawick until April 28, 1969; the stretch from Lady Victoria colliery to Newtongrange lasting until December 20, 1971, and the final section, Newtongrange to Millerhill closing on June 28, 1972. However, the parcels office at Hawick remained open so that British Rail vans could still carry parcels, but only by road. Heritage Railway 53

LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 UnionofSouthAfrica approaches Tynehead with the Borders Railway reopening train conveying Her Majesty The Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank on September 9. JULIE RODGERS

The first bid to revive the Waverley Route came from the preservation sector, when a holding company under the name of the Border Union Railway Company was founded to negotiate with British Rail for the purchase of the line, in the aftermath of the last train. One of the directors and the main protagonist was the late TV presenter Bob Symes, The company planned to run services using imported German Pacifics, but claimed that British Rail placed insurmountable obstacles in the way and no local authorities offered financial backing. The scheme died in early 1970. In the late Nineties, there was talk about reopening the southern section from Carlisle as far as Riccarton Junction to extract timber from Kielder Forest, but again it came to nothing. In January 1999, the Campaign for Borders Rail was formally launched at a Burns Supper in Melrose station, and collected thousands of signatures on a petition pressing for a rail route to the region to be relaid. An independent study published in February 2000 stated that the reopening of the Borders rail link could be financially viable, and on June 1, 2000, the Scottish Parliament debated whether to rebuild the entire Waverley Route. Campaign for Borders Rail’s UK parliamentary officer, Nick Bethune, said: “The original Scottish Borders Railway feasibility study carried out by consultants Scott Wilson for the Scottish Executive in 2000 was very downbeat about the line’s tourist potential despite the Borders being renowned for Sir Walter Scott’s home at Abbotsford, several historic abbeys and delightful scenery. “It said that ‘existing tourist attractions are not likely to benefit from the proposed rail service’ and that ‘south of Gorebridge the line runs through moderately attractive scenery and that some tourists will travel on the line ‘for the ride’ but there is no reason to believe they will spend significant amounts of money in the Borders.” In 2002, the Waverley Trust Group was

No. 60836 heads the last railtour to be hauled over the Waverley route by an LNER V2 2-6-2 ; the South & West Railway Society’s ‘Granite City’ on September 3, 1966, seen near Riccarton Junction. ROGER BASTIN

launched to promote a community railway to and through the Scottish Borders and argued the case for a more innovative and tourist-friendly railway than that proposed by the promoter. The WRT’s research – in conjunction with CBR ultimately led to the Tweedbank terminus being redesigned (lengthened) to accommodate tourist charter trains. On January 6, 2005, marking the 36th anniversary of the last passenger train, a rally was held calling for the Waverley Route to be rebuilt. Six months later, a Scottish Parliament committee supported reinstatement of the northern 35 miles from Edinburgh to Galashiels. In June 2006, the Scottish Parliament gave the green light to the Waverley Railway Bill to restore the rail link between Edinburgh and Tweedbank. On March 27, 2007, work began to examine the formation of the old line before its

rebuilding. On March 4, 2010, Scottish transport minister, Stewart Stevenson, visited Galashiels to cut the first sod of the new railway and thereby activating the Act of Parliament under which the railway has been rebuilt. In December 2012, Network Rail appointed BAM Nuttall as the main contractor for the Borders Railway. In August 2013, it was reported that developers and property buyers alike were driving a housing boom along the Borders Railway corridor, with the number of new homes built in Midlothian more than doubling in the space of a year. New houses completed in 2012 rose to 916 from 451 the year before. Summarising its successes, CBR said that in addition its core achievement – the return of a railway from Edinburgh through Midlothian to Tweedbank, local rail campaigners, notably

LNER B1 4-6-0 No. 61278 heads the Scottish Region’s ‘Last B1 Excursion’ on December 3, 1966 towards Whitrope summit, returning to Waverley via Galashiels; the last steam railtour to work over the Waverley Route before closure. MAURICE BURNS

56 Heritagerailway.co.uk

LNER V2 2-6-2 No. 60955 pauses at Galashiels on August 14, 1965. MAURICE BURNS

CBR, Waverley Route Trust and Stow Station Supporters Group, can take credit for some important successes, a number of which were achieved in the face of official resistance. These include creating the Borders Railway’s name in 2003, and in 2011 persuading Parliament to include a station stop at the original North British Railway’s EdinburghHawick branch station at Stow. In 2013, CBR successfully campaigned for the requirement for new ScotRail operator Abellio to allow steam-hauled tourist trains to fit in with scheduled public passenger services, and cut maximum waiting times at the A7 pedestrian crossing from Gala railway station from 90 to 30 seconds thereby improving convenience and safety for rail passengers. The following year CBR successfully lobbied for the first train of the day to Edinburgh being retimed to make a connection with the 6.25am departure from the capital to London. It also persuaded Transport Scotland to refurbish the Borders Railway’s Class 158 DMUs by improved window-seat positioning and increasing luggage-cycle carrying space. CBR’s next objective is to see the railway extended to Galashiels and Hawick through to Carlisle, a completing new Waverley Route.

Waverley legend takes her first trip

Abellio Scotrail’s series of steam trips over the new railway had been sold out well before it opened for the start of the regular public halfhourly DMU services, with ticket sales being handled by Guildford-based Steam Dreams. Scottish Borders Council leader, David Parker, opened the new Tweedbank terminus to the public on Saturday, September 5 – and immediately vowed to continue to campaign for the line to be extended the full length of the Waverley Route to Hawick and Carlisle. That day saw a select group of lucky local residents who had been awarded ‘golden tickets’ to travel over the line for a sneak preview. They travelled on three trains leaving Tweedbank, Galashiels and Stow, each carrying 160 passengers. Many have special links to the line having campaigned for its return or been involved in the old Waverley Route. Others making the trip were nominated by the public or won competitions. However, they were not the first passengers on the reborn line. Among those was veteran campaigner and Waverley Route legend Madge Elliot, 87, who was given a special ride over the line from Tweedbank to Newcraighall during

The new Galashiels station, south of the original site is to a rather smaller scale. On September 10, No. 60009 became the first steam departure from the town since 1967. MAURICE BURNS

driver training trips on Sunday, July 26, with her family. Madge fought hard to save the route before it closed. She spearheaded a petition to keep the line open and in 1968 – along with son Kim and MP David Steel – hand delivered it to Prime Minister Harold Wilson. When final closure was scheduled for Monday, January 6, 1969, Madge and her campaign group continued their protest by having a simulated coffin placed aboard the last train to leave Hawick station travelling to St Pancras. The coffin was emblazoned with the words ‘Waverley Line – Born 1848, Killed 1969 – aged 120 years’ and was addressed to the then minister of transport, Richard Marsh. She was later awarded an MBE, for 28 years of tennis coaching in Hawick, and on June 4, saw Freightliner Class 66 No. 66528 Madge Elliot MBE named after her at a ceremony at Waverley station. After her trip, Madge told BBC Scotland: “I never had any doubt it would come back again.

“ ‘Waverley Line – Born 1848, Killed 1969 – aged 120 years’ and was addressed to the then minister of transport, Richard Marsh” It was such a daft thing to do, to close our railway. “The scenery is absolutely beautiful. We can attract visitors from all over the world to this part of the country.” Scotland’s infrastructure secretary, Keith Brown, who also travelled the day said: “Madge Elliot is a legend of the Borders and the railways, and it is absolutely fitting that she be the first member of the public to travel on this line as she was so instrumental in having it reinstated.”

Open to all

The first fare-paying passengers for the 55minute journey were carried on September 6, on the 8.45am service from Tweedbank to Edinburgh on Sunday, some queueing for hours for a place on the historic journey. Crowds gathered to watch Class 158 vehicles Nos. 158701/716/727 pull up and depart. First in the queue for tickets were Andrew Whitworth, from Harrogate, and Miles Glendinning, from Edinburgh.

Andrew said: “It’s righting a wrong, because the line should never have been closed back in 1969.” The first public southbound train was the 9.11am Edinburgh to Tweedbank and long queues formed well before departure time. It was formed of three Class 170 DMUs. Coun Parker, who also rode on the first train out of Tweedbank train, said: “We always said that this was the beginning, Tweedbank was only ever going to be the first stop on this railway. All of us now need to come together again, redouble our efforts and get this line down to Hawick and Carlisle. “The fact that we sold out all the steam trains before the line even opened just shows how much appetite there is for a railway. “We’ll only ever realise the proper economic benefits when we get to Hawick and Carlisle and I’m convinced we can make that happen.” Edinburgh City council leader Coun Andrew Burns said: “It will play an important role in increasing connectivity to and from the capital, providing a convenient route for visitors and commuters. “Not only will it ease the journey for those working in and out of the city but, with the last train leaving Edinburgh just before midnight, it will allow those from Midlothian and the Borders to enjoy everything the city has to offer.” An Abellio Scotrail spokesman said that more than 2500 journeys were made on the Sunday. “The level of interest in the Borders Railway has been remarkable, with thousands of people turning up to travel in recent days, particularly at weekends with families making a day of it,” he said. “On Monday (September 7), the first day of commuter services, numbers varied but proved popular; for example 220 people travelled to Edinburgh on the 07:28am from Tweedbank.” As it turned out, demand for seats in the first week proved so heavy that extra coaches were added to the timetasbled trains in a bid to silence public criticisms about under-rovision.

Campaign to continue

South of Scotland MSP, Claudia Beamish, who, with support from the Campaign for Borders Rail, successfully campaigned for the platforms to be redesigned to accommodate 12-coach tourist charter trains, said: “In the face of opposition from policy makers, the CBR stood firm in its belief that reopening this line would be good for the Borders but good for Scotland too. Heritage Railway 57

“There is enormous untapped potential to attract tourists to use the new line and experience the Borders like never before. “I am determined to continue to try to convince those in my own party and the Scottish Government of the importance of getting the line extended through Hawick to Carlisle and will be glad to work on this with CBR.” Nick Bethune added: “The Borders Railway should be recognised as one of the greatest achievements of grassroots rail campaigning in British history.” CBR chairman, Simon Walton, said: “It’s very encouraging that Scottish Borders Council, led by Coun David Parker, is already pushing strongly for a major feasibility study to examine all the opportunities for passenger and freight traffic that an extended railway would provide. “The physical obstacles to extending the line to Hawick initially are far fewer than had to be overcome in construction between Edinburgh and Tweedbank; such as the massive multimillion pound structure needed to burrow under the Edinburgh city bypass. “A reinstated railway through to Carlisle would provide a strategic diversionary route, relieving pressure on the busy West Coast Main Line.”

Along the route

From Edinburgh, Borders Railway services run on the East Coast Main Line for three miles to Portobello Junction, where they diverge to call at Edinburgh Crossrail stations at Brunstane and Newcraighall. A new alignment is followed through the

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Credit: PECHRISTENER/CREAT IVE COMMONS

“... one of the greatest achievements of grassroots rail campaigning in British history.” Midlothian station at Shawfair, built ahead of a new development that the railway will serve, before moving on to the original trackbed of the Waverley Route just beyond the A720 Edinburgh city bypass. Eskbank station has been constructed on a new site beyond the original one. Afterwards comes Newtongrange station, where visitors alight for Scotland’s National Mining Museum at the former Lady Victoria Colliery.

Gorebridge station has been built on the site of the original. The line’s summit is reached at Falahill, beyond which it runs down the valley of the Gala Water. As stated above, the 1849 Stow station has been renovated, while Galashiels has a new station with a bus interchange. Tweedbank serves a community that was not there when the line shut, and also serves a hinterland of the central Borders region.

Much of the new route is single track but could be doubled at a future date. There are large stretches of double track through the stations at Shawfair and Stow and a third double-track loop south of Gorebridge.

Blazing a trail

If the Borders Railway proves successful in the long term, it could pave the way for similar reversals of major Beeching cuts . The Government has been looking at the problem of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Dawlish sea wall route since it was partially washed away in February last year. The line was rebuilt at a cost of £35 million, and reopened two months later, but the loss of services had a damaging impact on business during that period. One favoured option is the reinstatement of the Southern Railway’s Exeter-OkehamptonTavistock main line, part of which survives as the Dartmoor Railway. Closed in 1968, advocates say that the reconnection of communities in central and west Devon to the rail link will, as with the Waverley revival, not only provide an alternative to the scenic but susceptible coastal route, but bring multiple economic benefits to local communities. The Dawlish problem will not go away. Around 9.30pm Sunday, September 13, an Arriva Cross Country service broke down after its electrics failed when it was hit by a massive wave on the same stretch of track between Dawlish and Teignmouth that had previously been washed away. It took several hours to evacuate passengers from the train. Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, called on Holyrood to reconsider a feasibility study into a Perth-Kinross-Edinburgh line. She said: “The reopening of the Borders Railway only demonstrates the opportunity to consider further potential lines and stations being reopened and to this end, I believe a new feasibility study into a direct PerthKinross-Edinburgh line should be considered.” Undoubtedly, the clamour for more trunk routes to be restored will intensify in the wake of Scotland the Brave’s lead.

A view from the footplate of No. 60009 at Tweedbank. Further south is the still-abandoned trackbed towards Carlisle, over which campaigners hope tracks will one day be laid. MAURICE BURNS

Proud owner of No. 60009, John Cameron chats to the passengers of the first public train on Sept ember 10 . MAURICE BURNS

To celebrate the opening of the Borders Railway, a chocolate replica of No. 4472 FlyingScotsman was created by chocolatier Ruth Hinks from Cocoa Black in Peebles. Produced for the railway, the model took more than 400 hours to design using 50 different chocolate-making techniques. Weighing in at more than 75kg, it contains 400,000 calories. Ruth said: “TheFlyingScotsman is an iconic symbol of the nation’s railway heritage. In creating this chocolate showpiece, we hope to rekindle the beauty and romance of Scottish rail travel.” Pictured are: Ruth Hinks, Tracey Logan, the chief executive of Scottish Borders Council, David Johnstone of sponsors Morrison Construction and Coun David Parker, leader of Scottish Borders Council. SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL Heritage Railway 59

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Steam Dreams announces Flying Scotsman booking STEAM Dreams has reached agreement with the National Railway Museum and Ian Riley Engineering to to book Flying Scotsman for 12 trips next year. Sidelined for a decade suffering from various mechanical problems, and currently reaching the end of an extended multi-million pound overhaul in Riley Engineering’s

workshops, No. 4472 – in its BR-era identity as No. 60103 – will make its Steam Dreams’ debut working a ‘Cathedrals Express’ from York to Newcastle, on May 10. That trip is to be followed by what promises to be one of Steam Dreams’ most high-profile trips in its 15-year history when the A3 takes a ‘Cathedrals Express’ down the East

Work in progress onFlyingScotsman’s boiler dome sieve. NRM

Coast Main Line from York to Edinburgh on May 14, where passengers will stay in Scotland’s capital city for three nights. During that time, they can take the opportunity to cross the Forth Bridge behind the A3 on May 15 on what could be one of the highlights of main line steam in 2016 – the sight and sound of Flying Scotsman

crossing this famous bridge, which is now a World Heritage Site. The 4-6-2 returns to York on May 17, followed by a one-way ‘Cathedrals Express’ trip to London on May 19, the outward journey to York being diesel hauled. Included in the 4-6-2’s Steam Dreams’ programme is an excursion from Waterloo to Salisbury on

FlyingScotsman in its wartime black livery and still carrying Thompson number 502 at Ian Riley’s Bury workshops. NRM

ul

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May 21, Victoria to Norwich on May 25 and Paddington to the West Somerset Railway on May 28.

Delighted chairman

On each of these three trips, local passengers seeking a shorter day out can opt for a Salisbury to Southampton circular trip, an Ely-Norwich round trip or Bristol to Taunton and Bishops Lydeard. A cream tea will offered on each journey. On June 1, Flying Scotsman will head a two circular trips along the Surrey Hills route. Finally, the 4-6-2 will add other parts of the UK to its portfolio, besides Scotland, featuring two Steam Dreams’ holidays by steam – the ‘Cambrian Coast Express’ – steam to Shrewsbury and return from North Wales, plus the A3 will depart Euston with next year’s ‘Emerald Isle Explorer’ as far as Holyhead for the Irish Sea crossing. Steam Dreams’ chairman Marcus Robertson says he is really delighted to be able to offer passengers a chance to experience the engine that has kept the British steam flag flying around the world since 1923. “It’s an oft-quoted fact that Flying Scotsman is the world’s most famous locomotive and research that we have carried out with both domestic and overseas passengers has revealed that this is overwhelmingly true! I feel that Flying Scotsman will turn out to be the most popular

FlyingScotsman’s backhead with new manifold valves. NRM locomotive we’ve ever had.” Currently in the penultimate stages of overhaul at Riley Engineering, Bury, the A3 – still in its wartime black livery after its repainting for its ill-fated public launch four years ago – is set to undergo test runs on the East Lancashire Railway in December. During January 9-10 and 16-17, it will haul regular East Lancashire trains as well as a dining service. On January 23, the 4-6-2 is booked for a test run from Manchester to Carlisle for the Railway Touring Company and thereafter will be seen across the country under the auspices of Ian Riley, who is managing the engine commercially for a two-year period under agreement with the NRM. It is to be officially launched into traffic in BR Brunswick green with a

‘Lizzie’ set to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday THERE will be a second major steam celebration for the Queen next year, when Britain’s longest-serving monarch celebrates her 90th birthday. On the day, Thursday April 21, her locomotive namesake, Stanier 4-6-2 No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth will be making a special trip centred around London Victoria and Windsor – details yet to be released – to mark the great occasion. This event will form the centrepiece of the 4-6-2’s early spring season working Steam Dreams’ ‘Cathedral Express’ excursions and it promises to be a day to remember.

Rare opportunity

The availability of ‘Lizzie’ is based on an agreement with the owning society’s chairman Clive Mojonnier and Steam Dreams’ Marcus Robertson booking the big red engine for the whole of March and April, a move which will provide a rare opportunity for enthusiasts and the general public to experience the pulling power of the 4-6-2. Steam Dreams’ programme begins on March 1, with the traditional St David’s Day visit to Cardiff and Swansea provisionally starting from Paddington and travelling via Lydney and Gloucester. On March 17, No. 6201 will head out of King’s Cross to York and from

Southend to Oxford and Worcester on March 19.

Long association

The 4-6-2 is booked for a classic LMS trip working out of Euston to Chester on April 1, followed by a trip from London to Salisbury, Bath and Bristol via Guildford and Chichester on April 13. ‘Lizzie’ then heads a luncheon train for Oxford by way of Paddington and through the Chilterns, Bicester and Banbury on April 17. Then on April 21, ‘Lizzie’ joins the 90th birthday celebrations. Two more trips are earmarked for the 4-6-2 before the engine returns to the Midlands. The first takes a ‘Cathedrals Express’ to Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, the latter on Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23, and finally a diesel-hauled ‘Express’ from Rainham and stations across Kent to west London, where ‘Lizzie’ takes over for the run to Gloucester on April 28. Steve Newell, Steam Dreams’ operations manager, said that he is looking forward to working with a national icon inspired by the highlight of marking the Queen’s 90th birthday. “Her Majesty has a long association with the locomotive that goes far beyond its naming. It did of course signal the start of the jubilee celebrations on the Thames and has hauled the Royal Train.”

No. 60103 FlyingScotsman at King’s Cross on January 14, 1963 – its last scheduled run for BR as the previous year it was announced that it would be scrapped. Ffestiniog Railway saviour the late Alan Pegler then stepped in and bought it outright, and it passed into public ownership again when the National Railway Museum purchased it in 2004. PETER BRUMBY/NRM high-profile King’s Cross-York run on a date to be arranging in February. February also sees the start of the NRM’s Flying Scotsman exhibition, which will run until June, and will feature cab visits Flying Scotsman will also visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from

March 12-20, and will be in light steam for a special free event at Locomotion in Shildon from July 23-31 alongside other star guests. The A3 will also headline the Severn Valley Railway’s September 22-25 autumn steam gala. Its visit is seen as a major coup for the line.

DukeofGloucester goes to Tyseley SEEMINGLY set for an agreed heavy overhaul at LNWR Crewe, plans for unique BR 8P threecylinder 4-6-2 No. 71000 Duke of Gloucester were dramatically changed when, following an internal strategic review of its current workload, it was decided that the works could not include it in its present busy schedule. At present Crewe is finishing the overhaul of Bulleid 4-6-2 No. 34046 Braunton and has Collett 4-6-0 No. 5029 Nunney Castle, Bulleid Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35028 Clan Line and A2 4-6-2 No. 60532 Blue Peter on its collective hands for attention. Trevor Tuckley, chairman of the 71000 (Duke of Gloucester) Steam Locomotive Trust, revealed that he received the news in a phone call from Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust supremo Jeremy Hosking, while on holiday. “As you might imagine, I was taken aback,” he said, “but it soon became clear that not all was lost. “Mr Hosking not only apologised, but he said that his organisation would cover the cost of moving the Duke – and two 40ft

containers housing tools and parts, to wherever it was decided to move the 4-6-2, with the assistance of Crewe’s Mike Hart and Steve Latham.”

At ease

As we closed for press, Trevor revealed that the engine was to be moved to Tyseley. He said that he had just arrived home after a meeting with Bob Meanley and Michael Whitehouse at Tyseley on Thursday, September 10. He said there had been an excellent discussion and that he felt at ease with the arrangement, which will take the Duke to the West Midlands, possibly in time to display it during Tyseley’s popular open weekend on October 24-25. It was agreed that the trust could mount a display stand if it so wished. At a later date, the Duke’s support coach would also go to Tyseley to be assessed and refurbished to main line standards. Trevor said he thought the engine’s boiler would be out of its frames by the end of the year.

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How Union of South Africa won race to haul Royal train JOHN Cameron’s A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa finally made its date with the Queen for the official opening of the Borders Railway on September 9, despite fears that it would miss the big day. As reported in our last issue, doubts about the A4’s availability for royal duties arose when it was taken off a Down ‘Royal Duchy’ at Newton Abbot, because hotboxes were detected. As a precaution, the A4 ran light to the South Devon Railway’s workshops for inspection that same afternoon. Having dropped the centre wheels set out the following day, the boxes were crated and sent back to Crewe for further inspection and remedial action. Returned to Buckfastleigh in the company of Crewe-based engineers on Saturday, August 29, the boxes were fitted and back in place on August 31. When South Devon trains had ceased running on the Tuesday, the A4 used the line to clock up 20 ‘test’ miles before being prepared for its journey back to Crewe via Plymouth and Bristol. Why Plymouth? The engine needed turning before heading for Bristol and an overnight stop. The move took place on Thursday, September 3, just after 7pm, the A4 travelling via Totnes to Lipson and Mount Gould Junctions to turn, then to Bristol via Newton Abbot, Exeter and Taunton. Arriving at Crewe the next day, after travelling via the Severn Tunnel, Maindee Junction, Abergavenny, Hereford and Shrewsbury, the A4 was checked and given a fitness-to-run exam, eventually reaching Newcastle’s Tyne Yard on Monday, September 7.

LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 UnionofSouthAfricaand its support coach approach Hood Bridge en route from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back to the main line from the South Devon Railway on September 3. D W V HUNT Standby engine A1 No. 60163 Tornado, given a fitness-to-run exam on the Nene Valley Railway on the Sunday, departed for York via Peterborough, Newark and Doncaster for an overnight stop in the National Railway Museum’s yard, the two engines joining up in Tyne Yard. The engines and support coaches then set off for Edinburgh’s Millerhill depot arriving just 24 hours before the official opening of the Borders Railway on September 9. It was a close-run thing! When news broke that Grosmont based A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley had been withdrawn from its role of standby for sister engine No. 60009 Union of South Africa for the royal opening, the usual rumours started. The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust had been approached as it became known that No. 60009 was in trouble.

No. 60007’s marketing director Tod Slaughter expressed his delight that the A4 would be getting a final main line run before its ticket ran out in September after duty on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway weekend of 19-20. It had been planned for No. 60007 to meet No. 60009 in Tyne Yard. However, as the A4 was not a registered DB Schenker engine, inspectors were sent to Grosmont to carry out an audit beginning the previous Thursday – but it soon became apparent that the necessary paperwork-driven inspection would not be completed in time for the locomotive to travel. Much to the disappointment of the late Roger Barker’s successor, Darren Crone, Sir Nigel Gresley remained at Grosmont. He was quick to point out that the A4 was not declared a failure but it simply

lost out against the audit clock. He said No. 60007’s engine’s boiler was in excellent condition and it seemed a shame that it had to be taken apart once the heavy overhaul was started. Answering to another rumour that the A4 had failed because of a derailment, Darren said it was the tender that came off the track in Grosmont yard days after it was decided that the engine would not be travelling to Edinburgh. “The shed staff were really efficient, they rerailed the tender in little or no time. I was impressed.” So, instead of taking part in the opening of the new Borders Railway celebrations, Sir Nigel Gresley will have worked out its time heading trains on the NYMR. Sister A4 engine No. 4464 Bittern will not be far behind when it leaves the Mid Hants Railway for LNWR Crewe in December and a heavy overhaul. So, it was left to Union of South Africa after all to head the Royal Train on Wednesday, September 9 and it becomes the latest royal engine on the network. With Sir Nigel Gresley and Bittern sidelined, Union of South Africa will carry the A4 flag on the main line for at least two years. Union of South Africa also headed the first sell-out Abellio/Scotrail ‘tourist train’ on Thursday, September 10, but it was hoped that Tornado would work at least one of the trains before it returned south to fulfil a VSOE Pullman train commitment on September 23. Bearing in mind that the ‘tourist trains’ are booked to operate into October, it may be that another standby engine is needed after Tornado returns to Southall.

Hall and pannier duo on Lickey WELL known for its rambles on rails with two pannier tanks running around the Midlands, Vintage Trains has come up with a new version on a theme, a GWR Hall accompanied by a pannier for its ‘Lickey Rambler’ outing. Departing Tyseley Warwick Road on Saturday, November 7, behind GWR 4-6-0 No. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall, backed by 0-6-0PT No. 9600, the ‘Rambler’ heads down the North Warwickshire line to Stratford-uponAvon for a photo opportunity. The train then reverses via Bearley Junction and runs back up the line to Birmingham Snow Hill where the ‘Rambler’ sets off for Worcester, heading down Old Hill bank and passing Stourbridge Junction, Kidderminster and Droitwich en route. Following a break in the cathedral city, the train reverses at Norton Junction, gaining the Midland Bristol-Birmingham line for Bromsgrove, where the combined tractive effort of 4-6-0 and 0-6-0, some 49,000lbs at 85% should be more than sufficient to lift nine coaches up the

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1-in-37 bank to the summit at Blackwell. Passing Barnt Green and Kings Norton, the ‘Rambler’ continues via Selly Oak and Five Ways before running into the New Street passenger stop, and from there to Tyseley. As reported previously, on Saturday October 3, Castle class 4-6-0 No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe heads Vintage Trains’ ‘Cotswold Explorer’ from Tyseley to Oxford.

Golden Valley

Travelling via Kidderminster, Worcester and Cheltenham, the ‘Explorer’ heads up through the Golden Valley where the 4-6-0 will show its mettle, tackling Sapperton’s curving bank and mile-long tunnel, emerging on recently redoubled track via Kemble and Swindon. Picking up Brunel’s original main line, the Earl will show its paces along the Vale of the White Horse towards Didcot. Turning left at Foxhall Junction, the ‘Explorer’ heads for Oxford via Radley. Rood Ashton Hall is down to work

GWR4-6-0No.5043EarlofMountEdgcumbepassesHattonNorthJunctionwithVintage Trains’last‘ShakespeareExpress’oftheseasononSeptember6.NEVILLE WELLINGS the ‘Oxfordshire Explorer’, starting out from Tyseley Warwick Road on Saturday, November 21. Picking up at Snow Hill, Stourbridge Junction and Worcester Shrub Hill (water stop), the ‘Explorer’ heads off down the Cotswold line via Evesham and Moreton in Marsh to Oxford. On

arrival, passengers are given the option of exploring the colleges or taking a coach ride to Blenheim Palace. Vintage Trains completes this year’s programme with pre-Christmas visits to Lincoln on December 5 (No. 4965), York on December 12 (No. 5043) and Chester on December 19 (No. 4965).

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BR Standard Britannia Pacific No. 70000 Britannia crosses St Pinnock Viaduct with the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Royal Duchy’ to Par on September 6. CLASSIC TRACTION

SEE CLASSIC TRACTION ON THE NATIONAL NETWORK By Fred Kerr

THE current main interests are the twists and turns in the history of the Class 37 fleet, with Colas Railfreight obtaining a fleet of 10 locomotives to service its latest contracts, including Network Rail’s Infrastructure Monitoring Services. The company had obtained Nos. 37116/175/219/421 that have recently been overhauled at Barrow Hill and Nos. 37057/207 were recently purchased from the Harry Needle Railway Company. It has since been reported that No. 37254 has been bought from the owner based at the Spa Valley Railway and negotiations are taking place with the owners of Nos. 37146/188/263. Recent observations have seen No. 37057 (green) and No. 37116 (blue) operating in non-Colas livery but it is uncertain whether this is a temporary plan or a nod to the retention of ‘heritage’ liveries. During August, Colas Class 37s were noted on Network Rail services, while at the beginning of September Colas Railfreight hired Class 37/6 No. 37601 to provide driver training between Bristol and Exeter, using Colas vehicles previously transferred from Rugby. Another Class 37 operator is Direct Rail services, which has been using them on Cumbrian Coast and

East Anglian services. The Cumbrian services were intended to be locomotive and DVT, but early operations saw problems resulting in top-and-tail workings being operated. These appear to have been resolved at the beginning of September and the locomotive and DVT combinations appear to have become the norm with Nos. 37401/02/09/23 dedicated to these services. The East Anglian services continue with top-and-tail operation on a dedicated diagram, for which Nos. 37405/419/422/425 are based at Norwich and used for stock move contracts when necessary.

Overhauled

The class looks set to be increased in January when Class 37/7 No. 37800 begins a three-year contract. Details remain confidential but the loco is currently being overhauled at the Leicester base of UK Rail Leasings, where it has been fitted with GSMR, OTMR and TPWS equipment. Its engine is being rebuilt and it will receive full Europhoenix livery as applied to Class 37/7 No. 37884. Electric traction has also been attracting attention with the recent spate of problems that has beset the operation of Class 92s on the Serco Sleeper service using the West Coast Main Line – leading to the regular use of Class 86/1 No. 86101 and Class 87 No. 87002 –

despite both locomotives being hired for empty coaching stock duties only. The problems are thought to be related to combinations of equipment sensitivity and variable voltages but at the beginning of September they were replaced by Freightliner Class 90s; whether the contract is for a fixed period or open ended until the problems can be resolved has not been confirmed. In the meantime, the Class 92s have been reallocated with Nos. 92010/18/32 being based at Polmadie to work both Serco ECS (thus releasing hired Class 47s) and Network Rail’s Mossend-Carlisle service while Nos. 92014/023/028 have been placed in store. Progress continues with the conversion of locos to create Class 73/9 with No. 73966, the first of the Sleeper-dedicated series, now at Craigentinny CS for static training, then trials with Class 67s on sleeper services. There have been suggestions that the sleeper series may have had the third rail electric equipment removed, making the class simply a diesel-electric rather than an electro-diesel design, but there had been no confirmation of any specification changes as we closed for press. HNRC continues to increase its fleet with recent purchases of Class 08/09 shunters and the

unexpected acquisition of Class 20 No. 20087, currently resident on the East Lancashire Railway. More surprising, however, is the recent purchase by HNRC of Class 31 locomotives with the pair of Network Rail examples (Nos. 31285 and 31465) and the purchase of No. 31235, currently located on the North Norfolk Railway. The company has noted it will increase its stock of Class 31s once suitable examples become available, but these sales confirm that there is still a role for the locomotives despite some examples nearing 55 years old.

That time of year

The sighting of Class 67 No. 67003 on crew training duties at Shirebrook on August 31, in preparation for Rail Head Treatment Train services, is a reminder that it is that time of year again. DRS has five Class 20s (Nos. 20302/03/05/08/09) readied for use on RHTT duties. It will be of interest to see which companies are awarded the contracts and what heritage traction will be used to service them. The pair of Network Rail Class 86/9s, Nos. 86901/2, currently awaiting scrapping in Booth’s Rotherham scrapyard, appear to have been reprieved with their possible use as part of the ‘Super 86’ project in Hungary being investigated. Heritage Railway 63

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Steam Dreams rings the changes for Christmas AS WELL as some old favourites, Steam Dreams will also be visiting pastures new this Christmas... with itineraries including visits to Chester, Bath and York. A definite ‘first’ – a visit to the West Somerset Railway on November 26 with LMS 4-6-2 No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth or more likely B1 No. 61306 Mayflower – will give passengers the chance to visit the parish church at Dunster for a carol service, followed by tea and cake at the nearby castle. Alternatively, passengers may stay on the train to Minehead and browse the railway’s own Christmas market. The trip to Bath on November 29, originally scheduled for the big red engine, may see a change at the front end. Motive power will probably now be provided by either BR 4-6-2 No. 70000 Britannia or Mayflower. This train is being run as a luncheon

trip, a service that is gaining in popularity since it was first introduced last year. The ‘Brit’ is also in the frame for the next trip, to Chester, on November 21. On December 2, residents of Horsham and stations around Surrey can join the B1 for a day out travelling to Oxford and carols in Christ Church Cathedral.

Carnforth pool

Modern traction will be the order of the day on December 5 as a ‘Cathedrals Express’ heads out of London for Carlisle and its seasonal market. Steam drawn from the Carnforth pool will probably take over the final leg over the Settle and Carlisle line from Hellifield. ‘Lizzie’ or the B1 are in the frame for a trip to Cheltenham’s Regency Festive Market on December 9. Routed via

Swindon and the Golden Valley, alternatively passengers can travel on to Worcester. Salisbury has been developing a new Christmas market, so it’s the destination for a trip with Mayflower on December 12. Departing Ashford (Kent) in another ‘first’, it sees the ‘Express’ calling at Maidstone East, Charing, Borough Green and Wrotham as it heads for the Wiltshire city of ‘New Sarum’. Britannia or Mayflower will head down the East Coast Main Line on December 16 for a visit to York and its St Nicholas Fayre. This trip is followed by the penultimate seasonal ‘Express’ running from Southend to Winchester on December 19. Steam Dreams finally closes its festive season with its traditional ‘White Cliffs’ luncheon train from Victoria via Bromley South, Maidstone East to Ashford and then returning

along the coastal line with Britannia leading the proceeding. Steam Dreams’ marketing manager Claire Newton said: “It is always a wonderful time of the year for all of us at Steam Dreams and it has been fascinating to see the number of Christmas markets that have sprung up in recent years.

Something diﬀerent

“There’s no doubt that some of the older markets have become overcrowded, so our new destinations will provide passengers with the chance to experience something different.” Claire added that Britannia and Mayflower are definitely booked for the festive programme but it seems – at this time – that the overhaul of ‘Lizzie’ could be delayed until the New Year. “If this proves to the case we will add a ‘Black Five’ or two to help ring the changes!” she said.

Whitby extra running boosts NYMR and tourist economy RUNNING regular steam trains over the main line does pay, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has reported. A year since the extra platform at Whitby station was unveiled, 120,000 passengers have travelled to the resort using NYMR services – an increase of 10% on the previous year. The additional platform and improved trackworks has enabled the railway to increase its daily services from three to five in and out of Whitby. Before the improvements, access in and out of the station was

constrained due to the layout of the track and as a result of having to share a single platform with Northern Rail’s Esk Valley service that runs on the national network between Whitby and Middlesbrough. Without these restrictions, the NYMR has been able to give more choice and more opportunities for people looking to visit the moors and coast by heritage steam train. NYMR managing director Philip Benham said: “The figures paint an upbeat picture of the growing popularity in taking a step back in time by using our services for a day

out at the seaside or on the moors. “To think that the line was closed 50 years ago, it is testimony to all who have been involved in its resurgence that we are now celebrating such a positive milestone.” It is estimated that the NYMR attracts £30 million per year to the local economy. With daily services operating for most of the year, coupled with special events, the railway attracts almost 350,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most popular steam railways in the world. The additional platform at Whitby is

expected to generate a further £3.5 million per year of economic benefit to local tourism. Such figures will be a boost to the hopes of other heritage lines that intend to run services on the adjacent main line. As we exclusively revealed last issue, the North Norfolk Railway wants to run a dining train from Holt over the bittern line to Cromer and Norwich. Next June is the target date set for the start of trial heritage DMU services from Swanage to Wareham, as the Swanage Railway’s Project Wareham nears completion.

Bells and Two Tones sold

LMS Royal Scot 4-6-0 No. 46115 ScotsGuardsman emerges from Blea Moor Tunnel with Statesman Rail’s ‘Fellsman’ on August 26. ROBERT FALCONER

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BELLS and Two Tones Fire and Rescue Limited, the people whom locomotive owners and rail tour promoters rely on to supply water at main line locations en route, has changed hands. Mike and Gill Hebard have retired and sold the assets and goodwill of the company to colleague Ewan Dunsire. In a statement advising of the change, the firm reminded customers that due to Mike’s love of railways he charged discounted prices (subsidised by his company’s other interests, producing training films for national fire and rescue services) which, at times, lost the company money or at best it broke even. The statement continued by saying that as of October 1 normal pricing as applicable to other clients – the film and television industry – will unfortunately have to apply, but it is necessary in order that Bells and Two Tones Fire & Rescue Limited survives. Under the former ownership the company supplied water to locomotives and coaching stock,

working railtours on the national network via road tankers. Geographically, tankers carrying 2200 or 4400 gallons travelled the length and breadth of the country from St Austell, west to Carmarthen and as far north as Dundee. Its customer base included DB Schenker, the Steam Locomotive Operators’ Association, Locomotive Services, Steam Dreams, the Railway Touring Company, Vintage Trains, UK Railtours, West Coast Railways and many more. A relevant sales pitch aimed at train operating companies, tour promoters and locomotive owners suggested that because the road tankers were fitted with high pressure fire pumps it allowed locomotive tender tanks to be filled quickly, thus enabling trains to depart on time and to adhere to timings issued by Network Rail. It seems obvious that cost factors will be increased to allow the existing well-tried water supply service to continue.

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No. 34067 Tangmere at Weymouth on September 5.

Tangmere hits the buffers!

LMS ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 No. 44871 passes Mallaig Junction, Fort William with West Coast Railways’ ‘Jacobite’ on August 19. MARK FIELDING

‘Golden’ autumn for Railway Touring Company THE Railway Touring Company’s autumn programme begins with two north-south trips booked to run on the same day, Saturday, October 3. Heading north, ‘The Tynesider’ departs Cleethorpes behind 4-6-0 No. 45690 Leander bound for Newcastle and Morpeth. Picking up at Grimsby, Barnetby, Scunthorpe and York, the train provides a rare opportunity to travel from north-east Lincolnshire to Tyneside.

Trip to Paris

At the other end of the country, ‘The Dartmouth Express’ is diesel hauled from Poole to Westbury, stopping at Bournemouth, Southampton and Salisbury en route to Kingswear via Westbury, where steam comes on for the remainder of the trip travelling via Taunton, Exeter and Newton Abbot. This trip is booked for ‘Brit’ haulage, but it is likely that this will change. RTC’s ‘golden’ moment takes to the rails on Friday, October 9 when the ‘Golden Arrow’ steams out of London Victoria for Dover to begin a three-day trip to Paris.

Having crossed the channel by ferry, passengers board SNCF stock hauled by French 4-6-2 No. 231K8 to Gare du Nord. Saturday is a ‘free’ day, with the ‘Golden Arrow’ returning on the Sunday. Motive power is booked for Tangmere or Britannia on this side of the channel. On Saturday, October 10, ‘The Hadrian’ runs with diesel haulage from Leicester to Carlisle, calling at Loughborough, East Midlands Parkway, Alfreton and Sheffield. Traction changes at Hellifield where steam takes over the final leg over the Settle and Carlisle line. A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa is booked for this trip. The first of the autumnal ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ trips is dated for Saturday, October 17 and follows its usual format with electric traction from Euston, but this time it changes to steam haulage at Crewe where 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman takes the ‘Express’ to Carlisle via Shap. Returning over the Settle and Carlisle line, steam comes off at Lostock Hall where electric class 86 Les Ross takes charge for the journey back to London.

It’s back to the West Country on Saturday, October 24, when the ‘Dartmouth Express’ departs Slough for Kingswear, calling at Reading, Newbury and Westbury, and running via Taunton, Exeter and Newton Abbot for Paignton and Kingswear. ‘Brits’ No. 70000 Britannia or No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell provide possible motive power for this trip.

Stoke bank

Saturday, October 31 sees RTC’s ‘White Rose’ running from King’s Cross to York and return behind LNER A4 Pacific No. 60009 Union of South Africa. Picking up at Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough, the ‘Rose’ provides three hours of leisure time in the city before heading back to London via Grantham and Stoke bank with the hope of a 20-mile speedy descent. November starts with an RTC annual, ‘The Tin Bath’ and a double header with Ian Riley’s two ‘Black Fives’, Nos. 44871 and 45407, the pair of 4-6-0s taking the train from Preston to Sheffield via the Hope Valley and returning via Copy Pit on Sunday, November 1.

IT IS difficult not to keep Bulleid 4-6-2 No. 34067 Tangmere out of the headlines these days since the SPAD incident at Royal Wootton Bassett on March 7 this year. Since then the 4-6-2 was taken out of service with wheel flats and, as reported last month, the Bulleid failed working the return leg of the ‘Royal Duchy’ on Hemerdon bank, August 2, and was again taken out of traffic for front end repairs. The 4-6-2’s latest escapade was running into the buffers at Weymouth when arriving with the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Royal Wessex’ from Three Bridges on September 5. In acknowledging the incident, Network Rail said: “There was no damage to the buffers or rails”... but what of the engine? Compared with the Norwich incident when the Thompson Society’s B1 No. 61264 hit the buffers several years ago, causing considerable damage to the engine, the 4-6-2’s jolt at Weymouth could have resulted in at least some stays being sprung. As it was, Tangmere worked a ‘Dorset Coast Express’ on September 9 but was declared unavailable on August 5 for the ‘Dorset Coast Express’ and for ‘The Pembroke Express’ on August 23. More recently it was unavailable to work RTC’s ‘Cheshireman’ from Bristol to Chester, Carnforth’s ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 No. 44932 coming south to head the train on September 12. The Bulleid was towed back at the rear end of the ‘Royal Wessex’ on September 5, but because of engineering work on the RomseyLaverstock-Andover route, the train was reversed at Eastleigh, returning the ‘Wessex’ back to Three Bridges via Fareham and the Portsmouth direct line. Tangmere’s next trip was booked for September 19, heading for Bishops Lydeard from Paddington with RTC’s ‘West Somerset Steam Express’.

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland steam programme gathers pace THE fact that the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s former Great Northern Railway (I) Q class 4-4-0 No. 131 pulled its first ‘local train’ at the Whitehead engineering base on July 25 was a positive indication that the group’s steam line up is gathering pace. When No. 131 obtains its main line certification later this year it will become the society’s fourth operational locomotive. Appearing as part of the society’s annual Food and Folk Community

Festival, the 4-4-0 was coupled to a pair of carriages to demonstrate the engine in action. Having made its first main line move to Carrickfergus on the evening of February 22 after main line services had ceased running, the 4-4-0 still needed the required electronic systems to be fitted and, more importantly, a tender. On its trial run and again on July 25 the engine was coupled to a tender borrowed from 4-4-0 No. 171 Slieve Gullion.

Plans are in hand to construct a suitable tender for No. 131 using the frames of a scrapped former GNR(I) 0-6-0 tender engine. This development follows certification of WT 2-6-4T No. 4, which made its main line debut on June 26 when the LMS-built engine worked one of the railway’s popular Steam & Jazz trains. Capable of speeds up to 80mph, No. 4 is based at Dublin’s Connolly shed and has proved its worth working between Dublin and Belfast.

Other engines now in operation include ex GNR(I) V class 4-4-0 No. 85 Merlin, which is based at Whitehead and Dublin & South Eastern Railway K class 2-6-0 No. 461, which is now operating out of Dublin. A fifth engine, the S class 4-4-0 No.171 Slieve Gullion, was delayed entering traffic because of the failure of Rail Restorations North East, that company going into liquidation during its contracted overhaul of the 4-4-0. Heritage Railway 65

MAIN LINE NEWS

WITH FULL REGULATOR

LOCOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE THEN AND NOW By Don Benn THIS month I move into new territory in a number of ways. To start with I am covering the work of GWR engines for the first time; secondly, the work of a Hall class 4-6-0, these rarely being reported on; and lastly, with the Welsh Marches route or, as I always knew it in my days at Paddington, the North and West line. What isn’t new is covering a train provided by the excellent Vintage Trains, a tour provider that has consistently offered ‘pure’ steam trips and suffered less than others through the recent hiatus. This is partly due to being in control of its own rolling stock and normally using its own small pool of locomotives. The one downside for me is that joining one of their trips involves a long journey, nearly always by car, to the starting point at Tyseley Warwick Road. However, this is a small price to pay for the consistently excellent performances I have enjoyed.

North & West route

Its interpretation of the latest ORR rules has been very strict and although I can understand this under the current circumstances, maybe some sensible leniency towards the more serious and responsible element of the enthusiast sector might be appropriate. So, on the morning of Saturday, August 29, after the usual motorway trek, we found ourselves parked at Warwick Road with plenty of time to spare. I was heartened to see our driver for the day, Ray Churchill, parking in front of us. Our chosen train was ‘The Welsh

Marches’, headed by Hall class 4-6-0 No. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall (or is it No. 4983 Albert Hall?) and although this is subject to a 60mph speed limit, the main interest lay in the hill climbing on the North and West route. As the schedule was the same as that for

TABLEONE:GLOUCESTERTOSEVERNTUNNELJUNCTION Date Train Loco Load Driver Fireman Recorder Position Weather

Saturday 29th August 2015 Vintage Trains. The Welsh Marches Hall Class 4-6-0 No.4965 Rood Ashton Hall 8 coaches plus water carrier, 313½ tons tare, 350 tons gross Ray Churchill Alastair Meanley Don Benn 8 of 9 Warm and sunny, almost calm

miles Gloucester 0.00 Over Junction 1.51 Oakle Street 5.30 Grange Court 7.42 Westbury on Severn 8.76 Newnham Tunnel 10.96 Newnham Summit 11.65 Awre 14.14 Lydney 19.34 Woolaston 22.01 Tutshill 26.56 Chepstow 27.30 Portskewett 31.87 Caldicot 33.90 Severn Tunnel Junction 34.61

Sched mins secs 0.00 00 00 02 36 06 36 08 47 10 14 12 29 13 07 14.00 15 38 19.00 21 03 23 52 28 27 28.00 30 04 35 31 39 00 39.00 41 43

*brakes or speed restriction

66 Heritagerailway.co.uk

Saturday 23rd March 2013 Vintage Trains. The Double Headed Haulage Hall Class 4-6-0s No. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall and No. 4936. Kinlet Hall 10 coaches, 352 tons tare, 380 tons gross Ray Poole and Jim Clark Alan Rawlings

No. 5043, a 75mph engine, lost time on the fast sections was inevitable. This wasn’t helped by a number of extra speed restrictions due to the wider cylinders on No. 4965, those at Ashchurch and Cheltenham causing the greatest loss of time. But with a good load of eight plus the GUV water carrier giving a total of around 350 tons, I was eager to see how the Hall would perform on the climbs. Our fireman as far as Hereford was Alastair Meanley, who provided the steam for Ray Churchill to use to good effect. We were away on time for the usual crawl up to the main line, but we were stopped by signals before getting to Small Heath and so we lost nearly three minutes to the first stop at Birmingham Snow Hill, where more passengers joined.

Severe gauging restriction

speed 24 52½ 60 57 59½/61½ 58 56½/63 60/55 60 56/62 54 *32 57/59 sigs *18 sigs *14

Sched mins secs 0.00 00 00 04 25 08 56 10 56 12 18 14 31 15 09 17.00 17 26 22.00 22 49 25 26 29 50 31.00 31 14 36 11 39 51 41.00 42 05 *brakes or speed restriction

speed 36 62 6 66 58 *56/65 62/55 60/63 62/66 *54 *39/62 61 sigs *23 25

The next section to the water stop in the Up goods loop at Droitwich was taken steadily with adverse signals from a preceding train and then a severe gauging restriction in Old Hill (Heathfield) tunnel – the highlight being the dash past the Severn Valley Railway at Kidderminster where speed reached 62mph before the engine was eased to comply with the engine speed limit. With the various checks we had lost just over three minutes from Snow Hill and we were five minutes late. The water stop was protracted and it wasn’t until 10.56am that we pulled away, now 12 minutes late, on the planned nonstop run to Hereford. In theory 121.35 miles would be easily timed in 156 minutes, but in practice

not so – due to the overall 60mph limit and the slow section from Severn Tunnel Junction onto the North and West route at Maindee North Junction and then the hill climbs on the route northwards from there. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to this part of the day with eager anticipation as none of my previous runs with Halls, all in the 1960s, had been very inspiring. This long nonstop section was, of course, made possible by having REG (the water carrier) with its 3000-gallon water capacity to supplement the 3500 carried in the Hall’s tender. This would not have been my longest nonstop run with steam though, as the rebuilt Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35022 Holland America Line was twice booked over the 122.65 miles from Waterloo to Yeovil nonstop in 1965, without carrying any extra water and there were no water troughs on the Southern. We made a good start from the Droitwich water stop, reaching 62mph before slowing for the speed restrictions past the lovely lower quadrant semaphore signals at Worcester Shrub Hill 10 minutes late. Then, as we had lost our path, we got stopped by signals before Abbotswood Junction to allow a northbound train on the main line to cross our path. Despite running at around the 60mph limit we were losing more time when a gauging check down to 33mph at Ashchurch intervened, followed by a recovery to 59mph and another, much more severe gauging check down to 5mph at Cheltenham, meaning we were 21 minutes late at that point.

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Opposite left: GWR 4-6-0 No. 4965RoodAshtonHall departs from Birmingham Snow Hill with Vintage Trains’ ‘Welsh Marches’ to Hereford on August 29. DEREK PHILLIPS Left: No. 4965 passes Droitwich Spa. ALAN WEAVER Below left: Nos. 4965 Rood AshtonHall and No. 4936 KinletHallat Newport March 23, 2013. Note the 4000 gallon tender with No. 4936. ALAN RAWLINGS Below: GWR 4-6-0 No. 6000 KingGeorgeVat Pontypool Road on the LCGB ‘Welsh Borderer’ on October 14, 1972. DON BENN

The booked average speed of 72.7mph from Ashchurch could not, of course, have been kept anyway. A lively 63½mph at Churchdown and an unchecked run slowly past Gloucester took us onto the nice stretch of line along the Severn Estuary towards Wales, still 22 minutes late. This stretch of line is gently undulating but includes two short climbs, the first at 1-in-264/311 to a summit after Newnham Tunnel and the second for two miles at 1-in-186 to Tutshill, just short of Chepstow.

Good handling

No. 4965 sounded nice pulling swiftly away from Gloucester and was up to 60 very quickly, carrying the first climb up through Newnham Tunnel at a minimum of 56½mph and quickly regaining 60mph or slightly more afterwards. Despite this good handling of the engine we had lost over a minute to Awre and two minutes to pass our second heritage railway of the day at Lydney, again not surprising as the schedule from Awre had demanded 62.4mph. The next summit at Tutshill produced a minimum of 54mph followed by the speed-restricted passage of Chepstow and then a recovery to 59mph before more checks at Severn Tunnel Junction. The details of this run are shown in Table One together with a run from 2013 timed by Alan Rawlings, which took two Halls, Nos. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall and No. 4936 Kinlet Hall to Newport on another Vintage Trains excursion. The two runs are quite similar and Alan comments: “The

journey was managed nicely to time and the log shows the lively running between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction on the outward leg. “The line along the north side of The Severn is relatively flat, apart from a short climb through Newnham Tunnel and a rather more challenging couple of miles of 1-in-186 up to Tutshill. That said, the schedule to Severn Tunnel Junction demanded a brisk pace and speed was kept well up to the ruling loco limit, straying over it a bit just to gain some impetus for the short climbs.” Bearing in mind we only had one engine, I think No. 4965 definitely had the better of things over this stretch. On my run we were checked all the way to Maindee East Junction before turning north to join the Marches line and one of the highlights of the day, the ensuing 42.21 miles to the break at Hereford, which included the climbs to Pontypool Road and Llanfihangel. By now we were nearly 28 minutes late at Maindee North Junction, but Ray Churchill set about time recovery as best he could. This part of the day is shown in Table Two, set against a run with No. 6000 King George V from the very early days of the return to steam on the main line, on the LCGB ‘Welsh Borderer’ from October 14, 1972. At that time the engine was kept at Hereford and the running shows the tentative approach to matters then, still with the overall 60mph speed limit and a light load that didn’t stretch the King in any way. It was still a novelty then and much valued but shows just how far main line steam has come since. Back on

TABLETWO:MAINDEENORTHJUNCTIONTOHEREFORD Date Train Loco Load

Driver Fireman Recorder Position Weather

Saturday 29th August 2015 Vintage Trains. The Welsh Marches Hall Class 4-6-0 No.4965 Rood Ashton Hall 8 coaches plus water carrier, 313½ tons tare, 350 tons gross Ray Churchill Alastair Meanley Don Benn 8 of 9 Warm,sunny and calm

Maindee North Jct Caerleon Ponthir Llantarnam Cwmbran§ Chapel Lane Panteg Junction Pontypool Road

miles Sched mins 0.00 0.00 00 1.55 03 3.03 04 4.25 06 5.87 08 6.78 10 7.30 11 8.78 13

secs 00 02 56 39 46 06 01 10

Little Mill Junction Nantyderry Usk Viaduct Penpergym Abergavenny Llantilo MP 20 Llanfihangel Pandy Pontrilas St Devereux Tram Inn Red Hill Tunnel ‡ Rotherwas Junction Hereford

10.37 12.93 15.00 15.52 18.21 19.96 21.03 22.28 24.66 29.72 33.18 35.57 38.93 41.03 42.21

49 32 42 20 09 17 51 50 24 35 15 43 13 35 07

§ named Lower Pontnewydd in 1972 ‡ Red Hill Junction on the 1972 run

16.00 14 17 19 20 24.00 23 25 26 28 31 37.00 36 40 45.00 42 45 48 53.00 51

*brakes or speed restriction

Saturday 14th October 1972 LCGB The Welsh Borderer King Class 4-6-0 No. 6000 King George V 9 coaches , 303 tons tare, 325 tons gross

Don Benn Cloudy, cool

speed Sched 17 0.00 39 47½ 46 9.00 43 40 38½/36½ 49 17.00 32.00 63/*52 60/*58 65½ 57/54½ 55½ 46.00 43 38½ 37 63½/*58 55 66.00 58 57½ 53/61 56 82.00

mins 00 04 07 11 14 16 17 21 33 36 39 41 42 45 47 49 51 54 60 64 66 70 73 76

secs 00 31 03 36 43 04 13 46 41 17 15 41 18 18 38 25 17 17 07 27 55 00 47 40

speed 22½ 31/38½ 34 sigs 11 30 33½ 33 56½ 46 56½ 55 51 37 35½ 35 55½ 48½ 56 54 *43 51

*brakes or speed restriction

Heritage Railway 67

MAIN LINE NEWS TABLETHREE: HEREFORDTOWOLVERHAMPTON

Date Train Loco Load

Driver Fireman Recorder Position Weather Hereford Shelwick Junction Moreton on Lugg Dinmore Dinmore Tunnel North Ford Bridge Leominster Berrington Wooferton Ludlow Bromfield Onibury MP 20¾ Craven Arms Wistanstow MP 16¼ Marsh Brook Woodlands Xing Little Stretton Summit Bridge Church Stretton All Stretton Leebotwood Dorrington Condover Bayston Hill Sutton Bridge Junction Coleham Abbey Foregate Junction Upton Magna Walcot Wellington Ketley Junction New Hadley Oakengates Tunnel South Telford Madeley Junction Shifnal Cosford Albrighton MP 148 Codsall Bilbrook Oxley North Junction Wolverhampton

Saturday 29th August 2015 Vintage Trains. The Welsh Marches Hall Class 4-6-0 No.4965 Rood Ashton Hall 8 coaches plus water carrier, 313½ tons tare, 350 tons gross Ray Churchill Dean Morris Don Benn 8 of 9 Warm,sunny and calm

miles sched mins secs speed 0.00 0.00 00 00 1.73 4.00 05 24 43½ 4.24

8.00 08 13

7.54 8.21

11 34 12 34

60/62 50 34½

No. 4965 brings the empty stock into Hereford for the return working on August 29. DON BENN

10.24 15 11 12.65 17.00 17 32 15.83 20 23 19.05 24.00 23 49 23.54 28 33 25.81 30 46 28.20 33 12 30.31 35 27 31.11 39.00 36 10

62/58½ 63½ 58 63½ 55 63/58½ 61 53½ 61

32.66 38 10 34.81 41 28 35.69 45.00 42 28

*37 45 51

the 2015 train, there was quite a lot of noise from up front as Rood Ashton Hall accelerated her 350 tons well to reach 47½mph in the foot of the slight dip after Caerleon and then stormed the six miles of 1-in-120/106/95 to the summit just before Pontypool Road at a very good minimum of 36½mph. Remember, this is a Class Five-rated engine on a good load. We then ran nicely up to the limit over the undulating stretch to the Usk Viaduct to start the 7.28-mile climb to Llanfihangel in good style.

36.24

43 05

48

Continuous roar

37.04

44 04

46½

37.49

44 49

45½

38.30

45 40

57

39.35 46 42 41.74 49 07 44.75 55.00 52 05 46.74 54 14 49.23 56 00

62½/64½ *58/61 *58/61 53 55½

50.25 63.00 58 36

*28

50.51

59 39 64 40 51.00 67.00 67 39

sigs stop *0

54.38

62½

72 45

*17

56.90 75 17 60.82 81.00 80 10 61.90 81 39

54/43½ *40 46

62.63 63.78 64.21

82 35 84 04 84 40

46½ 45½ 44

64.70 85 16 65.83 89.00 86 49

45½ 56

67.85 88 48 71.31 96.00 92 18 72.68 93 52 74.16 95 39 75.65 97 13 76.35 97 58 77.91 99 40

58/61 54½ 53 47½ 57 54/58 54

80.26 111.00 104 20 *brakes or speed restriction

68 Heritagerailway.co.uk

We were still doing 55½mph at Abergavenny after over three miles of 1-in-154/181/153, having regained a minute on the schedule and then the roar from up front became continuous as we hit the steeper final four miles to the top of the toughest climb on the route. Speed only fell slowly from 38½ to 37mph over the final mile and a quarter of 1-in-95 to the summit bridge, a very fine effort throughout. The equivalent drawbar horsepower over this final stretch was around 1250, a very good figure for a Class Five engine. The descent past Pandy to the River Monnow was taken at a maximum speed of 63½ with much braking to keep the speed down and then the slightly uphill stretch past Pontrilas to the minor summit at Red Hill tunnel produced a minimum of 53mph. We ran quietly into Hereford having taken 51 minutes and seven seconds for the 42.21 miles from Maindee North Junction, a gain of two minutes on the schedule. It was all very satisfying and I had time to thank Ray Churchill and Alastair Meanley before they shunted the stock back to the sidings to prepare for the return journey via Shrewsbury. For the return run Dean Morris replaced Alastair Meanley as fireman and we then had to tackle the long uphill piece of the route that climbs for virtually all of the 37.49 miles from Hereford to before Church Stretton – though none of it is as steep as the earlier climbs south of Hereford. We were booked to take 111 minutes for the 80.26 miles nonstop to Wolverhampton and details of the running are shown in Table Three. My task, while sitting on the east, non-milepost side, was made easier as

the decimal miles sheet I was using (from the Rail Performance Society database) started from zero at Hereford, so all I had to do was to establish the exact distance on my GPS to the first known point and then I could time with certainty where we were. This went a bit awry after Shrewsbury, where it took me a while to find a definite timing point as I was still the wrong side for the mileposts and the mileage distance chart had changed. We got away from Hereford well, up the tricky climb past the site of Shelwick Junction, where speed was 43½mph. We then stormed away to reach 62mph up the long section of 1-in-1100 to beyond Moreton-on-Lugg before hitting the short, sharp 1-in-100 through Dinmore tunnel, where speed

We attacked the final 1.8 miles of 1-in-112 to the summit bridge beyond Little Stretton at a very good minimum of 45mph, possibly the best overall climb of the day. It was time for the fireman to take a breather as we ran easily down to Shrewsbury to pass Sutton Bridge Junction nearly five minutes inside the schedule and seven minutes early to be stopped by signals at Coleham, awaiting a path round to the Wolverhampton route. Then followed the last section of decent running, downhill or level until after Upton Magna, followed by a 10-mile climb to just before Telford with gradients varying from 1-in-120 to 1-in-220. The Hall did well here again with lots of noise, especially after recovering from a restricted 40mph through Wellington, after which speed was sustained at 44-46mph to the top of the climb. After that it was easy running down past Shifnal before the final climb at 1-in-100 to Milepost 148, topped at 47½mph.

Superb value

Ray Churchill and Alastair Meanley on No. 4965 at Hereford on August 29. DON BENN was pulled back to 34½mph. For the next 20 miles through Leominster, Woofferton and Ludlow to Onibury it was a question of No. 4965 keeping the train moving as close to the loco limit as possible over the mainly uphill route before the first section of the 10-mile climb to Church Stretton summit. The 1-in-112 before Craven Arms pulled the speed back to 53½mph before recovering to 61 past Craven Arms itself, where we had gained nearly three minutes on the schedule and then being reduced by brakes to 37mph at Wistanstow, possibly for a restriction under the bridge there. Recovery up the 1-in-105/130 to beyond Marshbrook was noisy and we topped the first section of the climb at 45mph before recovering to just over 50 down the short 1-in-110 after Marshbrook, accompanied all the while by lots of noise from the Hall.

We had run so well that arrival in Wolverhampton was nearly seven minutes inside schedule and nine minutes early as we had left Hereford two minutes before time. It was then a question of sitting back and taking in the varying sights and sounds of the convoluted route round Birmingham via Walsall, Washwood Heath and Bordesley to arrive back at Warwick Road 13 minutes early after an excellent 259½ miles of pure Hall haulage! It was superb value in today’s climate of uncertainty of route clearance, last minute changes and diesel assistance that pervades the scene. My thanks go to all those at Vintage Trains, especially to Ben Mason for his help with my queries and, of course, to the enginemen who got the best out of Rood Ashton Hall. I have to apologise for a couple of errors that occurred in Table One in the last issue. This covered the run with No. 46115 from Hellifield to Appleby and in my haste to get the article to the editor by the deadline I copied two times incorrectly. My thanks to Alan Rawlings for spotting these and if anybody would like a copy of the corrected log, please make contact via the editor.

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Heritage Railway 69

TOURS

LMSPrincessCoronationPacificNo.46233DuchessofSutherlandapproachesHorton-in-RibblesdalewiththeRailwayTouringCompany’s‘CumbrianMountainExpress’on August15. BEN COLLIER

September THUR 24: ‘Cathedrals Express’ Victoria, Redhill, Worcester and return. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 61306 Mayflower. SD

SAT 26: ‘Welsh Marches Express’

Tyseley, Gloucester, Hereford and return via Wellington. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. VT

SAT 26: ‘Cotswold Venturer’

Paddington, Oxford, Worcester and return via Cheltenham. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: TBA. RTC

SAT 26: ‘Silver Jubilee Talisman’

King’s Cross, Darlington, Newcastle and return. Steam hauled: King’s Cross, Newcastle, York. Loco: No. 60163 Tornado. A1T

SUN 27: ‘Cathedrals Express’ Paddington, Kingswear and return. Steam hauled: Westbury, Kingswear and return. Loco: No. 4936 Kinlet Hall. SD

The information in this list was correct at the time of going to press. We strongly advise that you confirm details of a particular trip with the promoter concerned.

70 www.heritagerailway.co.uk

TUES 29: ‘Cathedrals Express’

Banbury, Swindon, Westbury, Kingswear and return. Steam hauled: Westbury, Kingswear and return. Loco: No. 4936 Kinlet Hall. SD

October SAT 3: ‘Cotswold Explorer’

Tyseley, Cheltenham, Swindon, Oxford and return via Worcester. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. VT

SAT 3: ‘Dartmouth Express’

Poole, Westbury, Kingswear and return. Steam hauled: Westbury, Kingswear and return. Loco: No. 70000 Britannia. RTC

SAT 3: ‘Settle-Carlisle’

Cleethorpes, Settle, Carlisle and return via Durham. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 45231, 46115 Scots Guardsman, No. 45690 Leander, or 45699 Galatea . WCR

SAT 3: ‘Lune Rivers’

Carnforth, York and return. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 45231, 46115 Scots Guardsman, No. 45690 Leander, or 45699 Galatea . WCR

SAT 3: ‘Settle & Carlisle’

King’s Cross, Doncaster, Settle, Carlisle and return via Durham. Loco: D9009 Alycidon (Doncaster, Carlisle and return). UKRT

FRI 9: ‘Golden Arrow’

Regular steam

SAT 10: ‘Cathedrals Express’

MON -FRI: ‘Jacobite’

SAT 10: ‘Hadrian’

SUN, WED, THUR TO OCT 18 (except 11): ‘Borders Steam Express’

Victoria, Dover. Loco: No. 34067 Tangmere. RTC

Warminster, Ely and return. Steam hauled: Warminster, Ely, Hanwell. Loco: No. 61306 Mayflower. SD

Fort William, Mallaig and return. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 45407, 44871 or 62005. WCR

Leicester, Hellifield, Carlisle and return via Durham. Steam hauled: Hellifield, Carlisle, York. Loco: No. 60009 Union of South Africa. RTC

Edinburgh, Tweedbank and return. Steam hauled: Edinburgh, Tweedbank. Loco: No. 60009 Union of South Africa. ASR

SUN 11: ‘Golden Arrow’ Victoria, Dover, Victoria. Loco: No. 34067 Tangmere. RTC

SAT 17: ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’

Euston, Shap, Carlisle and return via Settle. Steam hauled: Carnforth, Carlisle, Farington. Loco: No. 46115 Scots Guardsman. RTC

SAT 17: ‘The North Eastern’

Sheffield, Derby, Newcastle and return. Steam hauled: Derby, Newcastle and return. Loco: No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland. PMRT

SAT 17:

Scarborough, Preston, Chester and return. Steam hauled: Preston, Chester and return. Loco: No. 45231, 46115 Scots Guardsman, No. 45690 Leander, or 45699 Galatea . WCR

SUN 18: ‘Cathedrals Express’ Paddington, High Wycombe, Stratfordupon-Avon and return. Steam hauled throughout. Loco: No. 61306 Mayflower. SD

A1T ASR BEL

PMRT

PTH RTC

SD UKRT VT WCR

A1 Trust bookings through UK Railtours Abellio ScotRail bookings through Steam Dreams Belmond British Pullman 0845 077 2222 Princess Margaret RoseTours 01773 743986 Pathfinder Tours 01453 835414 Railway Touring Company 01553 661500 Steam Dreams 01483 209888, 0845 310458 UK Railtours 01438 715050 Vintage Trains 0121 708 4960 West Coast Railways 0845 850 4685

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Heritage Railway 71

UNDERGROUND STEAM

STEAM TWILIGHT AT

WATFORD

METROPOLITAN

A dazzling display of steam and professionalism by footplate crews, combined with unpredicted late summer sunshine, made this year’s much-anticipated steam forays on the London Underground another magniﬁcent success. However, the Watford 90 weekend may have seen the last steam specials to run into the town’s Underground station, reports Robin Jones.

T

he professionalism and expertise of the Flour Mill workshop at Bream in the Forest of Dean was again praised after steam returned to London Underground metals in magnificent style. With only days of the eagerly awaited Watford 90 series of trips from Harrow-on-the-Hill and Watford to Chesham on September 12-13 to go, Flour Mill staff worked round the clock to rectify an historic fault with the regulator of Metropolitan Railway E class 0-4-4T No.1. The regulator was taken apart five times at the locoomtive’s Buckinghamshire Railway Centre home fin the 10 days before the weekend specials, and after each time it was reassembled, the 1898-built locomotive had to be steam tested

again, but came up trumps at the 11th hour. Following on from the stupendous success of the award-winning Metropolitan Railway 150 celebrations in 2013, running steam trains on the Underground between timetabled everyday electric services has become somewhat of an annual feature, and a very popular one too. However, it very nearly did not happen this year. As the preserved Cravens tube stock unit was making its way back over the Central Line from the Epping Ongar Railway’s End of Tube gala last September, a shoebeam fractured and part of it fell onto the track. For reasons of safety, London Underground immediately banned the movement of all heritage stock over its system until an inquiry

Met No. 1 approaches Rickmansworth with the 3.10pm from Watford on September 13. JOHN TITLOW

72 Heritagerailway.co.uk

into the incident was held. As a result the plans to run steam through the tunnels between Ealing Broadway and High Street Kensington this summer were postponed. The recommendations from that inquiry have now been implemented, and Watford 90 was allowed to go ahead.

Station anniversary

As with Met 150, the train included the Bluebell Railway’s Chesham set, four coaches that ran on the Underground branch until the early Sixties, along with restored Metropolitan Railway Jubilee coach No. 353, Met milk van No 3, and vintage Metropolitan Bo-Bo electric No. 12 Sarah Siddons, which was tucked in behind No. 1 on the outward journeys. Providing traction in top-and-tail mode for the return trips was the Flour Mill’s maroon-liveried GWR prairie L150 (5521), which is now in a sub class of its own because of its cut-down cab that allows it to negotiate tube clearances. The weekend marked the 90th anniversary of the opening of Watford’s Metropolitan Line station in Cassiobury Park Avenue. It was opened on November 4, 1925, with Met electric rather than steam services to Baker Street – and the first locomotive to haul a passenger train into it was none other than Sarah Siddons. For the first few months, the LNER ran steam services to Marylebone. However, patronage was disappointing because the station lies a mile from Watford town centre. For the September 12-13 series, between 11am until 4.30pm, the normal passenger services between Chalfont and Latimer and from Chesham were suspended. Timetabled trains to and from Chesham were diverted to Amersham instead, from where a replacement bus service

Above: The special vintage pop-up tearoom at Watford station. ROBIN JONES Left: One of the iconic scenes from the first Steam on the Met series between 1899-2000 was the sight of steam locomotives crossing the bridge over the Grand Union Canal while running out of Watford Metropolitan Line station. On Sunday, February 13, Metropolitan Railway E class 0-4-4T No. 1 raises a head of steam as it heads its train towards Croxley. This view will be lost when the Croxley Link reroutes the line into Watford High Street. JOHN TITLOW Below: Met No. 1 approaches Chorleywood with the 3.10pm from Watford on September 12. JOHN TITLOW

Heritage Railway 73

GWR prairie L150 departs from Chesham with a flourish at the head of the 4pm to Harrow-on-the-Hill on September 12. ROBIN JONES

operation to Chesham. The first train each day ran from Harrow at 11.01am to Chesham and back to Watford, arriving at 12.30pm. The next service was a Watford-Chesham round trip, leaving at 1.10pm and returning at 2.30pm. The third service ran from Watford at 3.10pm and returned from Chesham to Harrow, arriving at 4.41pm. A novel idea for the weekend and a first for the Underground steam series was a vintage pop-up tearoom on the platform at Watford Station. The organiser London Transport Museum teamed up with ‘Tea Darling’, a firm that arranges quirky and tailor-made vintage tea parties, to create the ‘instant’ tearoom, where, for a special supplement, steam train passengers were able to sip tea brewed in beautiful teapots on the platform and enjoy Victoria sponge cake served on ornate crockery. A live gramophone played while the kettle boiled to recreate the

Prairie L150 passing Rickmansworth with the 4pm from Chesham on September 13. JOHN TITLOW

Metroland atmosphere of a bygone era of suburban London.

Superb weekend

Andy Barr, head of heritage operations at the Covent Garden museum, said the weekend had been “absolutely superb”. He praised the work carried out by Flour Mill steam driver Geoff Phelps and backed up by Dennis Howells, the owner of 0-6-0PT No. 9466, in ensuring that No. 1 was ready to steam, after their 11th-hour marathon efforts to solve the regulator problem. “Without the work they did Met No. 1 would not have run,” he said. “The locomotives performed absolutely magnificently.” As it was, No. 1 turned in a superb performance belying its vintage. It easily hauled the consist up the 1-in-66 gradients from Chalfont & Latimer and Chesham and the 1-in-105 between

Rickmansworth and Chalfont. Despite having Sarah Siddons coupled immediately behind, traction from the electric locomotive was not needed on most of the trips, the exception being when No. 1 had to slow down for a quarter of a mile at two points to minimise the fire risk. An emergency team had been placed on standby in case of any problems and quickly dealt with two very minor incidents. Andy said the 12-mile, 40-minutes each way route presented the steam drivers with several challenges, not least of all the 10mph restriction on entering Chesham because it was a terminus. Despite climbing the gradient into the town, the locomotive had to reduce speed, without coming to a stop. The trips had many echoes of the original Steam of the Met series, which began in July 1989 with steam trips to mark the centenary of the line from Rickmansworth to Chesham in

In a delightful scene that could have come straight out of a Metroland guide of the Thirties, the driver of GWR 2-6-2T L150 (5521) waves back at two young fans on the platform of Chorleywood station on September 13. JOHN TITLOW

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Met No. 1 stands at Watford waiting to depart with the 3.10pm to Chesham on September 12. ROBIN JONES

July, and which ended up running into Watford, behind both No. 1 and No. 9466. The series ran until 2000.

Station bypass

Andy and his team are now planning another series of steam runs on the Underground for next year, and they are in the process of preparing proposals for the system’s management. However, the Watford 90 trips may well have been the last steam specials into Watford Underground, although the museum team may consider one more event there. In 1994, the old ambition to extend the Metropolitan Line into Watford town centre was revived by London Regional Transport with proposals to run the line to Watford Junction. Now the station is due to be bypassed by the Croxley Rail Link, which involves connecting the Metropolitan Line to the disused Watford & Rickmansworth Railway line and reinstating the 1¼-mile Croxley Green branch to Watford High Street.

That line, opened in 1912, was closed by British Rail in 1996 due to low passenger numbers. On July 24, 2013 the Secretary of State for Transport issued a Transport and Works Order granting the necessary planning permissions, access rights and land transfers for the link, which will see Watford Met station close to passengers. The new arrangement will see the lines under Network Rail control, but with London Underground running the electric services over them. However, the line into the station is likely to remain operational as a siding. London Transport Museum’s next venture onto the rails is a special trip by one of the new S7 tube sets from Moorgate to Amersham and Watford and back on September 25. It will be the first time that a S7 unit has taken passengers to Amersham, and it is being held in conjunction with the release of the museum’s new OO gauge model of the stock produced by Bachmann, as reviewed in issue 104 of Heritage Railway.

Cheap Evening Return Tickets, a 1960 poster by Victor Galbraith. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

Night Shift – London After Dark LondonTransportMuseumhasopenedamajornew exhibitionabouttransportinthecapitalatnight. NightShift–LondonAfterDarkseesthemuseum’s curatorsdelvedeepintothehistoryoftravelafterdark, reflectingonthecapital’sglitteringnightlife,aswellasthe darkerwartimeyears. FromTubeshelteringintheSecondWorldWartothe 1980sclubbingscene,throughtohard-hittingsafety campaignsandthenewpossibilitiesofneonlighting,the exhibitionexploresLondon’snighttransportfromthe spreadofelectricpowertothepresentdayandbeyond. Theexhibitionfocusesonsixkeyareas:pleasureseekers andshiftworkers,brighterLondonafterWorldWarOne, theblackoutintheBlitz,theboominprosperityinthe Fiftiesandbeyond,thegrowthofthenightclubanddisco sceneandthe24-hourcity. Archiveposter,photographsandworksofartcombinein anin-depthportrayalofthenocturnalsideofthecity’s transportnetworks. TheexhibitionattheCoventGardenmuseumrunsuntil April10.Foradvancebookinginformation,call0207565 7298

The first night bus outside Piccadilly Station in 1913. LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM

With the current isolated from the adjacent power supplies, the group of volunteers and drivers who made Watford 90 possible stand in Ruislip depot at the end of the weekend’s successful trips. ANDY BARR

Geoff Phelps, who helped get Met No. 1 into running order at the 11th hour, on the footplate of L150 at Chesham on September 12. ROBIN JONES Heritage Railway 75

RAILWAYANA

BY GEOFF COURTNEY

Industrials ﬁght their corner at Stoneleigh THE LMS may have held sway at Great Central’s September 5 Stoneleigh auction, with the only five-figure realisations and four nameplates in the top eight, but the industrial sector refused to be bullied into submission. Top of the tree was City of Lichfield from Princess Coronation No. 46250, which was no surprise, although its £20,000 realisation was below estimate. Next up were Ayrshire Yeomanry from No. 45156, one of only four ‘Black Fives’ named (£15,500), Kimbolton Castle from LNER B17 No. 61633, which exceeded expectations at £9400, Frilford Grange (GWR No. 6815 – £9200), and Jackdaw from GWR Bulldog No. 3447 (£9000). Bringing up the main line nameplate rear were Dorney Court (GWR Saint class No. 2940), Samson (originally fitted to LMS Royal Scot No. 6135 and subsequently to Jubilee No. 45738), Baroda (fellow Jubilee No. 45587), and Hatherton Hall (GWR No. 4932), this quartet selling for £7000, £6500, £6400 and £6000, respectively. Two nameplates failed to sell – Chirk Castle (GWR No. 5025), and Vindictive (LNWR Claughton Class No. 13/LMS No. 5999). Leading industrial realisation snapping at the heels of the big boys was £4300 for a Lowca Engineering Co of Whitehaven worksplate from a standard gauge Class D 0-6-0T named George Peace. It was delivered new in 1906 to Manchester Collieries Ltd and

withdrawn from the NCB’s Gin Pit in Tyldesley, Lancashire, in the 1950s and cut up in 1957. Industrial nameplates had their day too, with a trio selling for £2600 apiece – Irene, with its worksplate, rebuild plate and owner’s plate (1907 Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST which worked at a Widnes copper works all its life, being withdrawn in 1964), Roanhead (another Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST, built in 1915 for Roanhead mines in

➜ Hornby scaled the heights in a Lacy Scott & Knight railwayana and model trains sale at bury St Edmunds on August 15, thanks to an o-gauge LMS no. 6201 PrincessElizabeth selling for £1350. At £1200 came a 3½in-gauge live steam 0-4-2 numbered 15399 and named Dorena, and at £720 apiece two further o-gauge models, a bassett-Lowke LMS no. 6232 DuchessofMontroseand pre-war Hornby no. 6201 PrincessElizabeth, the second model of this LMS Pacific to feature in the top four. Prices exclude buyer’s premium of 17½% (+VAT). ➜ A SELEcTion of o-gauge, kit-built locomotives dominated a Thomson roddick & Medcalf model railways, railwayana and collectable toys auction in carlisle on August 21, with pride of place going to LnEr A4 no. 60023 SeaEagle(£950) followed by Standard class 5MT no. 73138 (£780). Equal third at £720 were LMS duo Princess coronation no. 46220 Coronation and ‘black 5’ no. 45157 TheGlasgowHighlander, and then came a clutch at £600, comprising two further LMS examples, no. 46203 PrincessMargaretRose and no. 48198, and a pair of Standards, nos. 75027 and 92203. Prices exclude buyer’s premium of 17½% (+ VAT). ➜ ogAugE models headed the realisations at a Sheffield Aucti gallery trains and toy vehicles sale on August 27, with the top prices being £720 for LnEr A2 no. 60500EdwardThompson,£55 for WD 2-8-0 no. 90523, and £500 for gWr no. 5901 HazelHall. T prices exclude buyer’s premium of 17½ % (+ VAT). The models were part of a large and much-admired collection owned by the late ray Housley, whose passion was for heavy haulage, plant, cars and steam models. ray, who spent all his working life in the family recycling business, displayed the mod in his Sheffield home, and such was its size that it took up more than three rooms. ➜ ToP price at ryedale’s railwayana, toys and collectables sale o August 9 at Kirkbymoorside, north yorkshire, was £520 for a br north Eastern region double-sided station master enamel sign. The price excludes buyer’s premium of 15% (+ VAT).

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Cumbria and withdrawn in 1962), and Earl Roberts (WD 4-4-2T No. 72400, built in 1908 and withdrawn in 1946). Main line steam was outfought in the worksplate category by a diesel, thanks to a 1958 English Electric/Vulcan Foundry example from Class 23 ‘baby Deltic’ D5906 fetching £3000, more than seven times its top estimate. BR steam worksplates were led by £2700 for an LNER Darlington 1937 plate from V2 No. 60809 The Snapper,

e East Yorkshire Regiment, The Duke of ork’s Own – introduced by auctioneer ike Soden as “the slapper”, a slip of e tongue that brought the house own – and this same loco also jointly pped the smokebox numberplate art at £3700, a realisation matched y 70042 from Britannia Lord Roberts. The main line was also humbled in e cabside numberplate arena, for the ading price of £3400 was achieved by 902-built Welshpool & Llanfair Light ilway 2ft 6in gauge 0-6-0T No. 1 The rl, which morphed into GWR No. 822, realisation overshadowing the £3000 for a cabside from GWR No. 5025 Chirk Castle. Other successes included a stunning 3½in-gauge live steam model of GWR No. 1019 County of Merioneth (£5000), a South Eastern Railway 18in longcase regulator clock from Walmer station near Deal, Kent (£3200), totem station sign Peterborough East (£2800), and headboard ‘The Palatine’ and signalbox nameboard Shap (£2200 each). Prices exclude buyer’s premium of 10% (+ VAT). Of the day, Mike said: “Brilliant. Some of the prices, such as the Britannia smokebox and the ‘baby Deltic’ worksplate, were exceptional. “Modern traction worksplates have a strong following, and we had an excellent selection of industrial nameplates and worksplates. Totems were also really good.”

The hunt is on as east meets west WEST meets east at David Lewis’s auction on October 17, when LNWR nameplate Hydra takes on LNER’s The Badsworth. The former is from Precursor 4-4-0 No. 617, a 1905 Crewe product that was numbered 5300 by the LMS and withdrawn as No. 25300 in July 1940, by which time only seven of the original 130 members of the class remained in service. On t’other side of the country, The Badsworth adorned another 4-4-0, Gresley D49 class No. 62739, built at Darlington in May 1932 and withdrawn from Scarborough (50E) in October 1960. The Yorkshire hunt that gave its name to the locomotive was one of the oldest in the UK, with records going back to before 1730.

Smokebox numberplates include 30802 from SR King Arthur Sir Durnore, and there are the chimneys from LMS pair No. 46201 Princess Elizabeth, one of two Princess Royal class Pacifics preserved, and Coronation Class No. 46256 Sir William A. Stanier, F.R.S., the latter being a double chimney. Another smokebox is 51230, from a Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway ‘Pug’ 0-4-0ST, built at Horwich in 1906 and withdrawn from Agecroft (26B) in 1958 after more than a half century’s service, while from the same company comes an 1890 timetable poster. The auction is being held at its usual Crewe Heritage Centre venue, with added attractions including main line locos on

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BY GEOFF COURTNEY

‘Brit’ takes on the LMS and LNER

IN A three-way battle for top honours at Great Northern’s October 3 sale, a Britannia Pacific takes on the LMS and LNER, while the latter also expects to triumph in the smokebox numberplate category. The ‘Brit’ contender is Earl Haig from No. 70044, built at Crewe in June 1953 and withdrawn from Stockport Edgeley (9B) in October 1966. Its competition comprises Kolhapur, from preserved Jubilee No. 45593, a December 1934 product of the North British Locomotive Co in Glasgow that was withdrawn in October 1967 from Leeds Holbeck (55A), and Sansovino from Gresley A3 No. 60053. Named after the winner of the 1924 Derby, No. 60053 emerged from Doncaster in December of that year and was withdrawn from Heaton (52B) in May 1963 after a main line career of nearly 40 years. Star smokebox numberplate is 60082 from another LNER A3, Neil Gow, and the LNER also features strongly in the worksplate selection – albeit wearing a BR cloak – thanks to two Darlington plates, a 1948 example from A1 No. 60139 Sea Eagle (works No. 2058) and a 1949 plate from classmate No. 60144 King’s Courier (works No. 2063). The LMS also gets a look-in with an LMS rebuilt 1932 plate from Patriot No. 45504 Royal Signals; electric traction is represented by a Gorton 1951 plate from Class EM1 No. 26029/76029; and diesels by a plate from D235/40035 Apapa. Other items from named locomotives include the driver’s seat from another preserved LMS engine, Princess Royal class No. 46201 Princess Elizabeth, and the tender plate from Princess Coronation No. 46243 City of Lancaster. There’s also a Furness Railway platform seat believed to be ex-Coniston, a selection of Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway cast iron signs, and a Victorian platform ticket machine in working order. The auction, at Poynton Leisure Centre near Stockport, starts at 11am.

RAILWAYANA

Canadian province takes centre stage at Solent’s October sale THE LMS will take centre stage at Solent’s October 24 sale, with nameplate Quebec topping the bill, aided and abetted by a selection of the company’s worksplates, including examples from 1918 (from a former Midland Railway 0-6-0), 1927 and 1928, the latter two from ‘Crab’ Class 6P5F 2-6-0s. Quebec was carried by No. 45555, which entered traffic in June 1934 – one of no fewer than 82 Jubilee class 4-6-0s built that year at Crewe, Derby and by North British in Glasgow – and was withdrawn from Crewe South (5B) in August 1963. Fello class member No. 45 feature in the au its tenderplate a chimney go und hammer. Another locomotive item the regulator handle from LN A1 No. 60121 Silurian, while e record and repa from No. 72005 Macgregor may

Standard class enthusiasts. Still on the ‘namer’ theme, a selection of models includes 3½in-gauge live steam LNWR Improved Precedent 2-4-0 No. 619 Mabel and O-gauge SR No. 910 Merchant Taylors and LMS No. 46158 The Loyal Regiment. The LBSCR also weighs in with a variety of lots, including a 1908 Brighton worksplate from I4 class 4-4-2T No. 35/SR No. 2035, handlamps from Brighton, Glynde and Shoreham, departure board enamels, and even a ship captain’s chair for those restful moments surrounded by one’s railwayana collection. The auction, at Wickham kicks off at 10am

Platform for success at Bloxham A GREAT Eastern Railway platform seat, comprising the two ends and wood, was the headline lot at Great Central Railwayana’s August 8 sale at Bloxham. It realised £440, followed by an LNER 12in-dial dropcase clock in need of restoration (£360). Close behind were a BR Scottish Region warehouse enamel sign and a Midland Railway block bell

from New Mills Goods Junction, Derbyshire, at £340 and £320, respectively. The prices exclude buyer’s premium, which has been recently increased to 15% (+VAT). Great Central’s sales at Bloxham feature second-tier items which don’t make the company’s flagship auctions at Stoneleigh or its internet Railwayana.net sales. Up to 1000 lots are featured, all with no reserve.

oach leads from the front as steam follows TEAM had to make way for rolling stock at a Vectis model train sale at Thornaby on ugust 14, when a 3½in-gauge LMS passenger coach outsold all else by etching £1000. Modelled on a late 920s/30s 57ft non-corridor lavatory and rake, the carriage was fitted with electric

lighting and mounted on a display with a watchman’s hut and figure and a three-arm signal. Next up came a 3½in-gauge model of preserved LMS ‘Black 5’ No. 5305 carrying the name Alderman A.E.Draper (£ 50), and a 3¾in gauge No. 6000 King Geor e V,

constructed in wood with brass fittings and mounted in a display case (£750). On the OO-gauge front, LNER V2 No. 4771 Green Arrow, a Hornby limitededition 1938-88 jubilee commemorative three-rail model, went for £560. Prices exclude buyer’s premium of 20% (+ VAT).

Heritage Railway 77

NEWS FOCUS SPECIAL

LNWR Coal Tank 0-6-2T No. 1054 pilots WR 0-6-0PT No. 1501 away from Peterborough Nene Valley with the last train of the gala on September 13, past Woodstone Wharf signalbox. This was once the site of the city’s LNWR locomotive shed, not demolished until 1964. In the background is the East Coast Main Line.

NENE VALLEY GOES BACKTOITSROOTS The Nene Valley Railway has just seen its ﬁrst visits by pre-Grouping locomotives in the preservation era. Brian Sharpe reports on a weekend when two historically appropriate engines worked the line’s services.

A

LTHOUGH the Nene Valley line is firmly in Eastern Region territory, it was built by the London & Birmingham Railway becoming a London & North Western Railway cross-country main line, later part of the LMS, but closed completely by BR in 1972. Since its reopening in 1977, it has seen visits by many famous Pacifics; LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado spending a couple of weeks on the line in August before leaving for its royal train standby duty in Scotland. However, it had never seen any preGrouping power until GNR N2 0-6-2T No. 1744 arrived also in August. The GNR built the Fletton branch which connected the East Coast Main Line with the NVR line at Longueville Junction and also took over the

78 Heritagerailway.co.uk

Stamford & Essendine Railway with its branch from Stamford to Wansford, so GNR engines were no strangers to the line. For the railway’s September 12-13 steam gala, an even more appropriate visitor was 1889-vintage LNWR Coal Tank 0-6-2T No. 1054. Although trapped at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway owing to a ban on road movements at Keighley and Ingrow, it proved possible to move small locomotives out of the yard at Haworth and the coal tank’s visit to LNWR territory was reinstated at the last minute. Also visiting for the event was SVR-based Hawksworth large 0-6-0PT No. 1501, and Hunslet 0-6-0ST Ring Haw which once worked at nearby Nassington quarry.

GNR N2 0-6-2T No. 1744 departs from Wansford past the LNWR signalbox which once also controlled departures on the GNR branch to Stamford. Heritage Railway 79

NEWS FOCUS SPECIAL

A DECADE OF

DOCKSIDE

DELIGHTS T

p yp y situated in an area that has seen railway usage since 1846. The first line to reach the site of Preston Dock was opened by the North Union Railway (later jointly operated by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway and the London & North Western Railway) to serve Victoria Quay on the River Ribble. The present route runs from the exchange sidings at its eastern extremity (from where a steeply-graded connection runs to the main line station at Preston), over a one-and-a-half mile course to terminate at the Riversway museum and workshop complex at the line’s western end. Much of the course hugs the bank of the River

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, y most striking feature from the visual point of view is the swing bridge necessary to carry the permanent way over Albert Edward Dock (opened in 1892), a unique feature on a British preserved railway. It should also be mentioned that although the dock closed for commercial use in 1979, the railway still fulfils a useful weekday function in conveying bitumen tanker traffic from the main network (via the exchange sidings) to the Lanfina refinery close to the western terminus. The exchange sidings can also, when needed, fulfil the function of a run round loop during RSR operating days.

g of the Ribble Steam Railway as a preservation venue go back to 1999 when it was decided to move the collection of items previously accommodated at Steamport, in Southport, to alternative accommodation. An agreement was reached with Preston Borough Council that year, allowing for the relocation of most of the exhibits to the Dockside venue and, following a six-year period of preparation, the official opening took place in September 2005. A special gala to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this event was held on the weekend of September 5-6, but with only two steam locomotives in operation. However, the autumn gala staged the following weekend, saw

two further working steam locomotives added to the proceedings. Despite its relatively short running line, the RSR boasts impressive workshop and museum facilities and an extensive collection of locomotives, both steam and internal combustion, and rolling stock. From the point of view of main line steam, the LMS (in whose territory Preston lay) design school is represented by Ivatt 2MT 2-6-0 No. 46441. This loco was completed a little over two years after Nationalisation and allocated to Lancaster Green Ayre where its duties included passenger workings from Morecambe to Lakeside (Windermere) via Ulverston. Latterly shedded

Above: Bagnall 0-6-0ST Courageous was the prototype of its class and spent all of its normal working life in its native Staffordshire at the Stoke-on-Trent premises of Birchenwood Gas & Coke Co where it bore the name BirchenwoodNo.4. Following withdrawal from service in May 1973, the engine was initially purchased for preservation by Sir William McAlpine and based at Market Overton but was sold to the North Norfolk Railway where it was dismantled in readiness for an overhaul that never took place. After passing through the hands of other owners, the engine (now in a derelict condition with several fittings missing) was moved in 2009 to the RSR and restored to working order at Riversway, making its first test run there on January 29, 2014. Seven sister locomotives, Nos. 2682, 2838-40, and 2891-3 were delivered new to Preston Corporation in 1942-8 for working on the Albert Edward Dock railway system and it was decided to restore No. 2680 in the guise of one of these locomotives, namely Courageous (No. 2892). For this reason, the restored locomotive now sports a pair of tank-mounted ladders, new nameplates (but not worksplates), a ‘halo-pattern’ spark arrester and, most unusually for an industrial locomotive, steam train heating (which was used on the Preston Dock system to assist the ripening of bananas in its Geest vans following unloading from ships in the dock). ANDREW SOUTHWELL Heritage Railway 81

at Carnforth and withdrawn from BR service in 1967, the engine was last steamed in preservation in 2002 and it is currently to be found in the museum building. Two other LMS locomotives are normally based on the RSR. These appropriately are both former L&Y representatives, the larger of the two is 1896-built Aspinall Class 27 0-6-0 No. 1300, currently on loan to the East Lancashire Railway. The other specimen is one of the same designer’s ‘Pug’ 0-4-0STs No. 19, built in 1910 and sold out of service by the LMS in 1931. This locomotive is now a static exhibit in the care of the L&Y Trust.

Industrial service

A major ‘celebrity’ normally resident on the RSR is Furness Railway 0-4-0 No. 20 which, despite early obsolescence in its original form, was sold to Barrow Haematite Steel Co Ltd in 1870 and, after conversion to a saddle tank and a further radical rebuild over four decades later, remained in industrial service until 1960. This locomotive spent 23 years on static display at the George Hastwell Special School in Barrow, prior to transfer to Steamtown, Carnforth and eventual restoration to its original appearance at Marconi Marine, Barrow, over a two-year period between December 1996 and December 1998.

The work was undertaken under the auspices of the Furness Railway Trust, in whose ownership the locomotive remains, and included the construction of a new boiler and tender. The loco is currently on loan to the Locomotion museum at Shildon and by way of reciprocal loan, the National Collection’s sole surviving standard gauge LNWR locomotive of John Ramsbottom design, 1865 vintage 0-4-0ST No. 1439, has been based at Riversway on display since January 2009. Despite two rebuilds at Crewe (in November 1887 and December 1898) and the fitting of a new Bagnall-built boiler in 1935, No. 1439, which had been sold by the LNWR to Kynoch Ltd of Witton, Birmingham in 1919 following a previous loan to this concern, retains many of its distinctive original features. The boiler fitting was considered of sufficient significance to warrant a feature in The Locomotive magazine at the time, owing to the retention of a cylindrical firebox configuration. The original features include the ‘H’ section wheel spokes and lift-up smokebox door, although Ross ‘pop’ safety valves have replaced the Ramsbottom variety and the buffer head diameter is now somewhat greater than originally envisaged. The remaining two ex-main line steam

locomotives normally based on the RSR are of GWR origin and owe their survival to having passed through the ownership of Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry following withdrawal by BR. Another Furness Railway Trust-owned locomotive, 5600 class 0-6-2T No. 5643, spent its entire revenue earning career, following its entry into service in October 1925, working in South Wales. Here it replaced locomotives of the same wheel arrangement mainly constructed by private builders, such as Kitson, Sharp Stewart and Robert Stephenson, for several of the pre-grouping independent South Wales Railway companies. Withdrawn from service from Barry shed in July 1963, No. 5643 spent 42 years out of operation before its first test steaming on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway in November 2005. Following replacement of a cracked regulator casting, the locomotive hauled its first passenger train in 43 years on the same line on September 1, 2006, after which it spent seven months on the Llangollen Railway. Having seen operation at Preston docks in more recent times, No. 5643 is currently on loan to the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway where it has been throughout the 2015 season. Hall class 4-6-0 No. 4979 Wootton Hall has been owned by the Furness Railway Trust since 1994 and following periods in store at Fleetwood, the Lytham Motive Power Museum and Appleby Heritage Centre, it arrived at the Furness Railway Trust’s new workshop at Riversway in October 2014. Wootton Hall has never steamed in preservation and is very much a long-term restoration project although many previously missing fittings, such as the steam manifold, blower valve and air pump lubricator bottle, have been sourced and put into storage for safe keeping. Work has also started on removal of the badly wasted water tank and coal enclosure in the tender, which it is intended will be restored first and then available for hire to other venues while restoration of the locomotive is undertaken.

Outnumbered

TheoldestlocomotiveinthemuseumatRiverswayison-loanex-LNWRRamsbottom0-4-0STNo.1439of1865 vintage.Thislocomotivewasbuiltwithacylindricalfireboxaspartoftheschoolofdesignthatallowedforequal frameoverhangatbothends,enablingtherearcoupledaxletobeplaceddirectlyunderthefirebox(outside cylinderedapplicationsofthesameprincipleincludedthesolitaryManningWardleAclass0-4-0ST;SirArthur Heywood’slocomotivesandtheFurzebrookTramway’sSecundus).Thisviewshowsthatthelocomotivehas retainedmostofitsoriginalfeatures,butthelaterWebb-patternchimneyandRoss‘pop’safetyvalves(fittedin 1935)canalsobeseentoadvantage.InadditiontothoseclassmembersconstructedfortheLNWR’sownuse between1863and1892,fivewerebuiltin1872fortheL&Yandaderivativedesign,apparentlywithsmaller wheels,wasconstructedinMarch1873byWalkerBros.ofWigan(No.463)forDouglasBridgeColliery. Theproductionofthislocomotivemayhavebeenfacilitatedbypublicationofthegeneralarrangement drawingoftheLNWRclassinTheEngineermagazineaspartofitsPortfolioseries.No.1439hasalift-upsmokebox doorwiththreehinges,andcylinderendcoverswithcommonsteamchest.Thesmokeboxfrontplateextended upwardsandsidewaysto‘front’thesaddletankwasafeatureadoptedbytheGWR(albeitinconjunction withaconventionalpatternsmokeboxdoor)onmanyofitsinsidecylindersaddle tanklocomotives,notably the850class. AclassicRamsbottomfeaturefoundonNo.1439isthedoubleriveted‘butt-strap’methodofjoiningthesaddle tankplates.JointsofthistypewerealsofoundontheSpecialTank0-6-0STsandsundrysaddletankconversionsof theperiodfromoldertenderenginesontheLNWR.Theclassic‘H’sectionspokesfoundonseveralsmaller wheeledLNWRclassesarestillpresentonNo.1439.The‘4ft.Shunters’asNo.1439anditsclassmateswere known,werethefirststandardclasstoincorporatethisfeatureontheLNWRsystem.Thebalanceweightis producedbyapartialinfilloftheappropriategapbetweenthespokes.

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While the main line steam locomotives are important in creating public interest in the Ribble Steam Railway, they are heavily outnumbered at Riversway by their industrial counterparts. The most extensively represented manufacturer amongst the industrial steam locomotives in the railway’s collection is the Kilmarnock-based Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. Most of the company’s products on site are, as to be expected, outside cylindered 0-4-0STs of typical Kilmarnock appearance with flat sided saddle tanks, domes set well back on the boiler barrel, cast iron wheel centres with ‘I’ section spokes and horizontal or slightly inclined cylinders. Six specimens falling into this category and dating from 1908 to 1953 can be found on the RSR, although only the largest, No. 6 (2261 of 1949) was in steam for the autumn gala. The remaining Barclay steam locomotives comprise: 1924 vintage outside cylinder 0-6-0ST Niddrie, a fireless 0-4-0 Heysham No. 2 built four years later, and a crane locomotive currently awaiting transfer from the Chasewater Railway. Fourcoupled outside-cylindered Glenfield No.1 (880 of 1902) spent all of its industrial career a stone’s throw from its birthplace at the Glenfield and Kennedy works in Kilmarnock. The locomotive is something of an engineering wonder for all those fascinated by steam driven

1906-built E. Borrows 0-4-0WT TheKing (No. 48) is representative of a St Helens’ design school dating from the 1860s that was produced by four builders (the other three being J. Cross & Co, H. W. Johnson & Co. and Kerr, Stuart) over a period of close to six decades. One of the distinctive features of the design was that the eccentrics were located between the frames and the wheels to allow space for the water tank. Three Borrows-built representatives of the design school survive (two on the RSR), along with one of the Kerr Stuart examples.

machinery as in addition to its conventional chassis it has independent engine units for both lifting and slewing the crane jib. Initially rescued in the 1960s by Oxford Polytechnic Transport Society, which succeeded in carrying out restoration work on the mechanical components and some improvements to the lubrication, Glenfield No.1 passed into private preservation at Market Overton in Rutland before becoming a static exhibit at Carnforth by the early 1980s. After a further spell in storage, the engine spent the period from 2006-2013 at Statfold Barn near Tamworth prior to transfer to the Chasewater system for storage on November 6, 2013. Another Kilmarnock-built engine of note is Grant Ritchie 0-4-0ST No. 272 of 1894 undergoing restoration to working order after a long period out of use in a Scottish scrapyard.

As with No. 1439, the L&Y Trust’s Aspinall ‘Pug’ No. 19 is a main line locomotive that owed its survival to being sold into industrial service. Owing to the costs involved, the locomotive is not considered a priority for restoration to working order and it remains on static display.

Avonside Engine Co is represented by two members of the B3 class 0-6-0ST with 14in by 22in outside cylinders and 3ft 3in wheels, Lucy and M.D. & H.B. No.26, (Nos. 1568 of 1909 and 1810 of 1918) – the former currently displayed in the Riversway museum.

Post war

The post First World War phase of this manufacturer’s period of steam locomotive construction is exemplified by No. 1883 of 1922, a 16in by 24in outside cylindered 0-6-0ST with 3ft 9in wheels and full length flat-sided saddle tank currently awaiting restoration to working order. The other major Bristol-based steam locomotive manufacturer active during the 20th century was Peckett & Sons and five of this company’s products are currently to be found

on site, one of which, No. 2003 of 1941 John Blenkinsop, is on loan from the Middleton Railway for future display. The inter-war Hunslet school of inside cylindered 0-6-0ST is another area of extensive coverage on the RSR, with two examples of the 16in by 2in design introduced in 1923 – Kinsley (1954 of 1939) ex-South Kirby Colliery and Glasshoughton No.4 (3855 of 1954) exGlasshoughton Colliery, being augmented by no less than four Austerities by the same manufacturer dating from between 1943-1953. Of these, only No. 3155 of 1944 Walkden is currently in working order, having been loaned to the Spa Valley Railway for the 2015 season, but No. 3793 of 1953 Shropshire is of particular interest, having once worked on the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway under WD control. Heritage Railway 83

Right: As part of the Ribble Steam Railway’s 10th anniversary celebrations, on September 14, Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 2680 Courageous worked the regular bitumen train. It is seen hauling the empties from Riversway station to the exchange sidings with Sentinel diesel No. 10282 Enterprise providing air braking and rear-end assistance. The loaded train was worked back in two portions. FRED KERR

Below: After the departure of the bitumen train, the two Bagnall 0-6-0STs shunted the prototype Deltic out of the museum as far as Strand Road crossing. FRED KERR

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Ex-Corby steelworks outside cylindered Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0ST Linda (3931 of 1938) approaches the swing bridge from the eastern side on the riverbank stretch of line with a train of BR Mk. 1 carriages. Numbered 21 at Corby, this locomotive received a new boiler and axleboxes under British Steel Corporation ownership in 1970 prior to acquisition for use on the Swanage Railway. After a period out of use at the Gwili Railway, the engine passed to a new private owner and was delivered to the RSR where it returned to steam in May 2015.

Another postwar industrial specimen, Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns 0-4-0ST Agecroft No. 2, can be seen on display in the museum. Local industrial steam locomotive building interest is maintained by the presence of two 0-4-0WTs constructed by E Borrows & Sons of St Helens in 1906 and 1909. Two high pressure geared industrial locomotives constructed by Sentinel Waggon Works of Shrewsbury complete the industrial steam line-up, the newer of which, No. 9373 of 1947 St Monans is currently under restoration to working order. Non-steam motive power receives its due level of coverage in the Ribble collection with examples of the BR 03, 05 and 14 class diesel shunters to be found alongside purely industrial representatives from manufacturers such as John Fowler, Hudswell Clarke and Sentinel (two of the latter’s three examples having been built for use on the Preston dock system in

pre-preservation days). There is also a 1958 vintage German built BR railbus E79960 on loan from the North Norfolk Railway. On August 9, 2012, local interest was enhanced by the arrival, on loan from the NRM, of Preston-built prototype English Electric Deltic of 1955, an exhibit which has proved popular in the museum, particularly as it has been possible for visitors to enter the loco’s cab. Among the other non-steam motive power units in the collection are two battery electric loco, one of which, English Electric No. 788 of 1930 is another Preston-built product.

Much to offer

The major stars of the 2015 autumn gala were Bagnall sisters Courageous and Princess (respectively Nos. 2680 and 2682 of 1942), the latter on loan from the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. They were joined by the Barclay locomotive and ex-Corby steelworks and

The workshop facilities at Riversway are extensive and can handle most of the tasks necessary in the restoration and maintenance of the line’s locomotives and rolling stock. In this view, Andrew Barclay outside cylindered 0-6-0STNiddrie (1833 of 1924), formerly employed at Niddrie Collieries, Lothian keeps WD Austerity 0-6-0ST Shropshire(3793 of 1955) company whilst both are undergoing extensive overhauls.

Swanage Railway Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0ST Linda (3931 of 1938), taking turns on what for the most part were doubleheaded passenger workings using the line’s available BR Mk. 1 carriages. These workings provided many photographic opportunities, especially in the vicinity of Lockside Road crossing, the swing bridge and the riverbank stretch of line. The Ribble Steam Railway’s first decade of public operation has certainly proved to be a very productive affair and this railway has much to offer both casual visitors and dedicated enthusiasts alike. The system’s only major limitation at present, apart from its relatively short length (a difficulty faced by other venues), is that it is not yet possible for passengers to alight at the eastern terminus. Future plans exist for a platform adjacent to the exchange sidings and Odeon Cinema complex and it is only to be hoped that these come to fruition in the coming years.

0-4-0WT Windle was built by E Borrows & Sons of St Helens (No. 53 of 1909) for the Pilkington Bros factory in its native town. Withdrawn from service in 1961 and acquired for the Middleton Railway, the locomotive starred on a TV programme Fred the Fugitive Engine before once again falling into disuse. It was transferred to the RSR in 2010 where it is under restoration to working order in the Riversway workshops. Heritage Railway 85

PLATFORM

READERS’ LETTERS AT THE HEART OF THE HERITAGE RAILWAY SCENE STAR LETTER

To name or not to name? THE article by Geoff Courtney in issue 205 on the removal of steam locomotive nameplates by British Railways, and their sale while the engines were still in service, reminds me of what was a difficult time for BR owing to what I shall diplomatically describe as ‘souvenir hunters’. From about 1962 until the end of steam in 1968, there was almost a mania among enthusiasts for removing from locomotives such items as nameplates, smokebox numberplates and worksplates, and BR decided to remove them, especially nameplates, for safekeeping. Ironically, it was the enthusiasts who were creating a demand for these relics, and this led to a decision by BR to sell them on the open market, even if the locos from which they were removed were still in service. Some classes, such as the Princess Coronations and A4s, had nameplates that were very difficult to remove, but others were far easier. I recall that at the time there was no appetite within BR to name the new diesels and electrics – although there were of course exceptions, especially within the Western Region – but there was a noticeable change of heart in about 1975, when a naming committee was formed. The names of eminent personalities became popular, and in 1979 I attended a ceremony at Euston, where I was then based, when Class 86 electric No. 86232 (formerly E3113) was named Harold Macmillan. The politician himself performed the naming and we all thoroughly

LNER Class B1 No. 61017 Bushbuck, seen here at Pontefract Baghill station on March 23, 1958, was one of the locomotives whose nameplates were sold by BR while it was still in service. The 4-6-0 was built at Darlington in January 1947 and withdrawn from York (50A) on November 15, 1966. NEVILLE STEAD COLLECTION/NORMAN PREEDY enjoyed lunch with him in the chairman’s mess afterwards. Another ceremony I remember was in 1981, when No. 86102 (ex-E3150), was named Robert A Riddles after the designer of the Standard

locomotives. We had lunch with him too, and he was an interesting man with a great sense of humour. Locomotive names today have become heavily commercialised, but in the days of steam, and

subsequently in the earlier days of modern traction, they had a certain cachet and in some cases romanticism. David Ward, Whittlesford, Cambridgeshire

Officials ‘excluding membership’ over duck controversy DAVID McIntosh said in his letter in the July issue that he respects the views of ‘long-term supporters’, of which I am presumably one, having been a member of the Gresley Society for more than 25 years. I must say though that the Gresley Society has not treated its members with respect over the Gresley statue, and I feel the comments he makes in his letter cannot go unchallenged. The first I was aware of the council’s decision was via a rail-related forum. I understand there was a small insert in the spring issue of the Gresley Observer (the society journal) advising members of the council’s decision. It wasn’t in mine: I would be interested in what it said. Perhaps he could forward me a copy. The sea change in the council from overwhelming enthusiasm to utter horror about the duck being present looks sinister. He says it was down to pressure by the president and vicepresidents (including the grandsons) and “senior officers at other related organisations” but we have not been told who these other people are, and why they outrank the council (which originally approved the with-mallard design unanimously) and members

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(who likewise approved the design, at our November AGM where the maquette was presented). So, while the council rejects any comments from strangers for its retention, they willingly accept the word of strangers to remove it. Council member Chris Nettleton is quoted in the Burton Mail as saying: “The people who wanted the duck to stay were so bitter that they went to the press and broke the code of secrecy.” Was the council really intending to keep the removal of the mallard a secret? This is madness.

Not consulted

I am also unhappy at the disrespect Mr McIntosh’s letter shows towards a contributor to the statue project who expressed his disagreement with the decision. Incredibly, contributors were not consulted about the removal of the mallard either. The Gresley Society has behaved indefensibly badly, in my view, in taking the public’s money for one thing and delivering something quite different. This is not the august society I joined. I fear for the future of the Gresley Society when the chairman is so dismissive of the views of ‘strangers’

who have shown an interest in the statue. Vice-president Tim Godfrey clearly shares David McIntosh’s views of the public, and has also done our reputation immense damage with his outburst in The Scotsman, which, in a story about the campaign to save the mallard, reported: “...Sir Nigel’s grandson, a duck breeder based in Shropshire, has hit out at the move. “It’s a statue for a man, not a stupid duck,” said Tim Godfrey. “I think the Flying Scotsman was just as important a locomotive as the Mallard – are they going to have a little Scotsman with a kilt and wings sitting on his shoulder?” Mr Godfrey said the campaigners have “no business” calling for the duck to be put back in. “They are not members of the Gresley Society. They are not contributing to the cost of the statue. “So if the general public, who have no interest in it whatsoever and who think they know better than we do, if they don’t shut up God knows what will happen. It’s a load of rubbish.” This last comment about the general public must rate as a good contender for most arrogant quote of year. How on earth are we to sustain Sir Nigel’s legacy and fulfil our mission statement (“The advancement and education of

the public in particular by the promotion of interest in the life and works of Sir Nigel Gresley”) if we actively exclude all but the current, inner circle of Gresley enthusiasts, aka ‘long-term supporters’?

Members of tomorrow

Finally, David McIntosh has said elsewhere with reference to the statue that “we have never regarded small children as a target market for our work.” Surely the children of today could be the members of tomorrow so we must nurture them. We are all getting older and if any present members of the society are still about in 25 years; time I will be surprised, and with no new blood the society will also die. Every other preservation movement is aware of furthering the younger support except us, where it would appear we are actively discouraging interest. I sincerely hope the Gresley council can somehow find the courage of its earlier convictions when it approved the with-mallard statue design, and restore the mallard and the reputation of the Gresley Society. Ron Vale, Gresley Society member, email

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Gresley Society could ‘sink without trace’ over mallard statue controversy GRESLEY Society members have been told by council (the society’s ruling body) that the ‘duck controversy’ over the proposed statue of Sir Nigel Gresley is the fault of the council subcommittee which worked tirelessly for more than a year to translate the germ of an idea into a full-blown, accepted by the necessary authorities, proposition . The subcommittee’s crime? “Inexplicably” not consulting the Godfrey brothers (Sir Nigel’s grandsons) about the statue’s design. As the two surviving members of that subcommittee, we strongly contest this interpretation of the situation. Sadly, Andrew Dow, who lead the subcommittee is no longer here to join us in this. Firstly, the ‘controversy’ – i.e. a significant and ongoing amount of bad press and bad feeling towards the Gresley Society – has been caused by council’s inept (not to say partisan) handling of the project since the Godfreys made their objections known. To decide to remove the mallard from the statue four months into an international fundraising appeal featuring the with-mallard design was bad enough. But to do it without consulting rank and file society members (in whose name the statue will be erected) nor the people who had already contributed to the fund, was a huge mistake. No wonder people are upset. Subsequent statements by senior council members and Tim Godfrey himself have just made matters worse. Berating anyone who disagrees with the decision to remove the mallard, and saying the public have no interest in the statue, is no way for a (once) respected organisation to behave.

Public memorial

Which brings us to the second point of contention. Council members – as evidenced by their stated disregard for public interest in the statue, and their devotion to the Godfreys – appear to have forgotten that the statue was supposed to be a public memorial to Sir Nigel. Not a family tribute. The council’s agreed goal was for a public statue, in a public place, paid for (as much as possible) by the public. The with-mallard design was approved by council last summer before planning consent was sought, and apparently endorsed by members at its AGM that autumn. We say

“apparently endorsed” because no words of dissent were offered to any of the subcommittee members, all three of whom were present – even by the member of the Godfrey family who also attended the meeting. We have learnt over recent weeks how close a friendship council members enjoy with the Godfreys. If any of them were at all concerned about the presence of the mallard, why did they not pick up the phone and have a chat about it? Council members were happy with the original statue design until the Godfreys intervened. Now, council is telling us what a terrible idea the mallard is, as if it is some sort of satanic figure. They must be seeing something they didn’t notice before.

Prime position

With a project of this size and complexity, the proposed statue was never going to please everybody. If, at the outset, we had been asked to consult the family, we might still be working on it, since other family members supported the original design. Added to that there was a great deal to do in finding and commissioning the sculptor, negotiating with Network Rail for a prime position, getting the essential consent from Camden Council, organising a new website, as well as delivering publicity and infrastructure for the fundraising appeal. A year’s solid work before the Godfreys stepped in and demanded changes. Of course, the mallard was only one area of contention. The cut of Sir Nigel’s suit, lack of tie pin, hand in pocket and the magazine in his left hand were other dislikes. Interestingly, the magazine he is holding is a copy of Locomotive dated July 15, 1939 on the front cover of which is, you’ve guessed it, a picture of Mallard. So, a mallard at his feet and Mallard in his left hand, the juxtaposition is inspired and the insult that the Gresley Society has levelled at Hazel Reeves by rejecting her design is without compare. To blame the subcommittee for the mess the Gresley Society now finds itself in is like the captain of the Titanic saying the engine room crew were responsible for hitting the iceberg. Rather than looking for scapegoats, council should concentrate on getting the society out of dangerous waters before it sinks without trace. Dennis Butler, Nigel Dant, ex-Gresley Society subcommittee.

Society ‘out of touch with reality’ SO, according to the chairman of the Gresley Society, a statue of an elderly gent in a crumpled suit is likely to be “eye-catching” and would “fulfil our mission”?

Comment would be utterly superfluous. He needs to resign to create space for somebody more in touch with reality. John Partridge, Child Okeford, Dorset

Gresley A4 Pacific No. 4468 Mallard on display in the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum on August 6. ROBIN JONES

Art, aesthetics and locomotive design

WITH reference to David Holt, while I agree that a good deal of 20th- and 21st-century Modernist ‘works of art’ are rubbish, I couldn’t help detecting a note of Philistinism in his letter. If David Holt knew anything about art, he would appreciate that just as much skill, imagination, expertise and effort is needed to create a great painting or sculpture as the design of a brand new steam locomotive. The work of the old masters is testimony to that. Many 19th- and early 20th-century engineers were well schooled in the humanities as well as the study of their chosen engineering professions. Many had a well-developed sense of aesthetics and artistic presentation as a result. A visit to the National Railway Museum will demonstrate this well, with perhaps Patrick Stirling’s famous single-wheeler as a fine example. In the same context, let’s not forget the beautifully proportioned locomotives of S W Johnson on the Midland Railway as well as the Brighton locomotives of William Stroudley. Many other late-Victorian and Edwardian locomotive designers had the same talent for fine outlines and presentational panache.

It should also be borne in mind that what constitutes beauty in design will change over the course of a few decades. Although City of Truro is rightly admired today as a thing of beauty, this was not always so; Churchward’s locomotives in the early Edwardian period were regarded by many of his British contemporaries as visual horrors. I would also take issue over the claim that a locomotive represents a nation’s entire engineering history. Churchward was heavily influenced by locomotive practices outside the UK. Although the double frames of Truro are a mid-Victorian hangover, the Belpaire firebox was a Belgian invention and the tapering boiler barrel American in origin. Superheating, which was just beginning to be used on some British locomotives at this time, was a German invention. Knock the worst manifestations of modern art by all means but don’t run away with the idea that art, aesthetics and fine engineering have no connection. Dick Hayball, Burbage, Hinckley

Should we ‘disfigure’ engines to beat fire risk?

I HAVE just returned from an excellent trip to Wolstzyn in Poland. Talking there with Howard Jones about the risk of lineside fires he highlighted three features of their locomotives that virtually eliminate the risk despite the much hotter, drier summers and the extensive woodland on the line to Miedzychod, ending up with a cab and tender full of leaves and branches! The engines have spark arrestors, water feed into the smokebox and water feed into the ashpan. With the

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problems we are now seeing in the UK with main line steam bans owing to the fire risk, should we be modifying our main line engines with similar features? It may mean some extra plumbing and a loss of ‘authenticity’ but the benefits would surely outweigh the cost if the measures were effective in preventing steam bans and the addition of diesels to ‘steam-hauled’ trains. Dave Turner, Chellaston, Derby Heritage Railway 89

UP & RUNNING

BRIAN SHARPE’S FULL LISTING OF OPERATIONAL LINES AND MUSEUM VENUES SOUTH EAST Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre

Narrow gauge, ¼ mile, Arundel, West Sussex. Tel: 01798 831370. Running: Wed-Sun.

Bentley Miniature Railway

Narrow gauge, one mile, Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum, East Sussex. Running: Suns.

Bluebell Railway

Standard gauge, 11 miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 2QL. Tel: 01825 720800. Engines: 263, 178, B473, 323, 592, 847, 30541. Running: Daily.

East Kent Railway

Standard gauge, two miles, Shepherdswell, Dover. Tel: 01304 832042. Running: Sep 27.

Eastleigh Lakeside Railway Narrow gauge, 1¼ miles, footplate experience. Running: W/Es.

Hastings Miniature Railway

Narrow gauge, 600 yards, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex. Running: W/Es.

Hayling Seaside Railway Narrow gauge, one mile, Hayling Island, Hants. Running: W/Es + Weds.

Isle of Wight Steam Railway

Standard gauge, five miles, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight. Tel: 01983 882204. Engines: 8, 11, 24, 41298. Running: Sun, Wed, Thur + Sep 26, 29.

Kempton Steam Railway Narrow gauge, ½ mile. Hanworth. Tel: 01932 765328. Running: Suns.

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Kent & East Sussex Railway

Standard gauge, 10½ miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Tenterden, Kent. Tel: 01580 765155. Engines: 32670, 32678. Running: W/Es + Sep 30.

Lavender Line

Standard gauge, one mile, footplate experience, wine and dine, Isfield, East Sussex. Tel: 01825 750515. Running: Suns.

Mid Hants Railway

Standard gauge, 10 miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Alresford, Hants SO24 9JG. Tel: 01962 733810. Engines: 34007, 850, 925, 45379, 92212, 4464. Running: W/Es + Sep 29, Oct 1.

Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

Narrow gauge, 13½ miles, footplate experience, New Romney, Kent. Tel: 01797 362353. Running: Daily.

Royal Victoria Railway Narrow gauge, one mile, Netley, Southampton. Tel: 02380 456246. Running: W/Es.

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway

Narrow gauge, 1¾ miles, Sittingbourne, Kent. Tel: 01795 424899. Running: Sep 26, 27.

Spa Valley Railway

Standard gauge, five miles, footplate experience, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Tel: 01892 537715. Running: W/Es.

SOUTH WEST Avon Valley Railway

Standard gauge, three miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Bitton, Bristol. Tel: 0117 932 7296. Engines: L150, L92. Running: Suns + Oct 3, 17.

Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Standard gauge, 6½ miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Bodmin, Cornwall. Tel: 01208 73666. Engines: 6435, 4247, 4612, 30587, 5619, 6412. Running: Daily to Oct 4, Oct 6-8, 10, 11, 14, 18, 21.

Dartmoor Railway

Standard gauge, seven miles, Okehampton, Devon. Tel: 01837 55164. Running: W/Es.

Dartmouth Steam Railway Standard gauge, seven miles, wine and dine, Paignton, Devon. Tel: 01803 555872. Engines: 7827, 5239, 4277. Running: Daily.

Devon Railway Centre

Narrow gauge, ½ mile, Bickleigh, Devon. Tel: 01884 855671. Running: W/Es.

East Somerset Railway

Standard gauge, two miles, Cranmore, Somerset. Tel: 01749 880417. Engine: 46447. Running: W/Es, + Weds to Oct 14.

Helston Railway

South Devon Railway

Standard gauge, seven miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Buckfastleigh, Devon. Engines: L92, 3205, 6412. Running: Daily.

Swanage Railway

Standard gauge, six miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Swanage, Dorset. Tel: 01929 425800. Engines: 30053, 31806, 34070, 80104, 30120. Running: Daily.

Swindon & Cricklade Railway

Standard gauge, three miles, footplate experience, Blunsdon, Wiltshire. Tel: 01793 771615. Running: W/Es.

West Somerset Railway

Standard gauge, 20 miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG. Tel: 01643 704996. Engines: 3850, 4160, 7828, 6960, 5541, 2857, 4936, 7812. Running: Daily except Oct 5, 9, 12, 16, 19.

EAST ANGLIA

Standard gauge, Helston, Cornwall. Tel: 07875 481380. Running: Thurs, Sun.

Bressingham Steam Museum

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Bure Valley Railway

Narrow gauge, one mile, Woody Bay, north Devon. Tel: 01598 763487. Running: W/Es, Tues - Thurs.

Moors Valley Railway

Narrow gauge, one mile, Ringwood, Hants. Tel: 01425 471415. Running: W/Es.

Plym Valley Railway

Standard gauge, 1½ miles, Marsh Mills, Plymouth. Running: Sep 27.

Seaton Tramway

Narrow gauge, three miles, Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon. 01297 20375. Running: Daily.

Narrow gauge, one mile, Diss, Norfolk. Tel: 01379 686900. Running: Daily.

Narrow gauge, nine miles, footplate experience, Aylsham, Norfolk. Tel: 01263 733858. Running: Daily.

Colne Valley Railway

Standard gauge, one mile, footplate experience, wine and dine. Castle Hedingham, Essex. Tel: 01787 461174. Running: W/Es to Oct 11.

For more details when planning your day out, visit the HRA website: http://heritagerailways.com

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EVENTS

Heritage Railway 93

EVENTS

Heritage Railway 95

UP & RUNNING

Visiting for the Kirklees Light Railway gala weekend of September 12/13, was Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway 2-8-2 RiverMite,seen on the turntable at Clayton West. DAVE RODGERS

NORTH WEST East Lancashire Railway

Standard gauge, 12 miles, footplate experience, Bury, Lancs. Tel: 01617 647790. Engines: 80080, 13065, 12322. Running: W/Es + Sep 23-25.

Eden Valley Railway

Standard gauge, two miles, Warcop, off A66 Cumbria CA16 6PR 01768 342309. www.evr-cumbria.org.uk Running: TBA.

Heaton Park Tramway

Standard gauge, half mile, Manchester. Running: Suns pm.

Isle of Man Steam Railway Narrow gauge, 15½ miles, Douglas, Isle of Man. Tel: 01624 662525. Running: Fri - Mon.

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Standard gauge, 3½ miles, near Ulverston, Cumbria. Tel: 01539 531594. Engines: 42073, 42085. Running: Daily.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Narrow gauge, seven miles, Ravenglass, Cumbria. Tel: 01229 717171. Running: Daily.

Ribble Steam Railway

Standard gauge, one mile, Preston, Lancs. Tel: 01772 728800. Engine: 5643 Running: W/Es to Oct 4.

For more details when planning your day out, visit the HRA website: http://heritagerailways.com

96 Heritage Railway

Stainmore Railway

Standard gauge, ½ mile, Kirkby Stephen East Station, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4LA. Open: W/Es. Running: Dec 5.

West Lancashire Light Railway Narrow gauge, Hesketh Bank, Lancs. Tel: 01772 815881. Running: Suns.

NORTH EAST

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Weardale Railway

Standard gauge, five miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Keighley, West Yorks BD22 8NJ. Tel: 01535 645214. Engines: 43924, 90733, 1054, 5820, 75078, 4936. Running: W/Es + Oct 9.

Kirklees Light Railway

Narrow gauge, four miles, Huddersfield, West Yorks. Tel: 01484 865727. Running: W/Es.

Standard gauge, five miles, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham. Tel: 01388 526203. Running: W/Es.

Wensleydale Railway

Standard gauge, 22 miles, Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire. Tel: 0845 450 5474. Running: W/Es + Weds from Sep 30 - Oct 11.

WALES Bala Lake Railway

Aln Valley Railway

Lincolnshire Wolds Railway

Narrow gauge, 4½ miles, Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd. Tel: 01678 540666. Running: Sep 26, 27, 29 - Oct 1, Oct 3, 4.

Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society

Standard gauge, 1½ miles, Ludborough, Lincolnshire. Tel: 01507 363881. Running: Sep 27, Oct 11, 31.

Middleton Railway

Narrow gauge, 3½ miles, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan. Tel: 01685 722988. Running: W/Es, Tues - Thurs.

Standard gauge, half mile. Lionheart station, Alnwick, Northumberland. Running: Sep 27.

Standard gauge, 15 miles, Tata Steelworks, Scunthorpe. Tel: 01652 657053. Running: Sep 26

Bowes Railway

Standard gauge, one mile, Springwell, Tyne & Wear. Tel: 01914 161847. Running: TBA

Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway

Narrow gauge, two miles, Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire. Tel: 01472 604657. Running: W/Es.

Derwent Valley Railway

Standard gauge, ½ mile, Murton Park, Layerthorpe, York. Tel: 01904 489966. Running: Sep 27.

Elsecar Railway

Brecon Mountain Railway

Standard gauge, 1½ miles, Hunslet, Leeds. Tel: 0113 271 0320. Engine: 1310. Running: W/Es.

North Tyneside Railway

Standard gauge, two miles. North Shields. Tel: 0191 200 7146. Running: December.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Standard gauge, 18 miles, wine and dine, Grosmont, North Yorks. Tel: 01751 472508. Engines: 45428, 75029, 76079, 61994, 63395, 31806. Running: Daily.

South Tynedale Railway

Standard gauge, one mile, Elsecar, South Yorks. Footplate experience. Tel: 01226 746746. Open: Daily. Running: W/Es.

Narrow gauge, 3½ miles, Alston, Cumbria. Tel: 01434 382828/381696. Running: W/Es, Tues, Thurs.

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Standard gauge, three miles, near Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Tel: 01913 887545. Running: Suns.

Standard gauge, five miles, Embsay, Yorks.. Running: W/Es + Tues.

Tanfield Railway

Cambrian Heritage Railways

Standard gauge, ¾ mile, Llynclys station & Oswestry station. Tel: 07527 107592. Running: (Llynclys) Sep 26, 27.

Corris Railway

Narrow gauge, ¾ mile, Corris, Machynlleth. Tel: 01654 761303. Running: Sep 27.

Fairbourne Railway

Narrow gauge, two miles, Fairbourne, Gwynedd. Tel: 01341 250362. Running: W/Es, Tues - Thurs

Ffestiniog Railway

Narrow gauge, 15 miles, Porthmadog, Gwynedd. Tel: 01766 516000. Running: Daily.

Gwili Railway

Standard gauge, two miles, Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthenshire. Tel: 01267 238213. Running: Suns, Weds, Thurs + Sep 22, 26, Oct 10.

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EVENTS

Heritage Railway 97

UP & RUNNING Llanberis Lake Railway

Narrow gauge, three miles, Llanberis, Gwynedd. Tel: 01286 870549. Running: Sun - Thurs + Sep 25.

Llangollen Railway

Standard gauge, 10 miles, footplate experience, wine and dine, Llangollen, Denbighshire. Tel: 01978 860979. Engines: 5199, 6430, 5542. Running: Daily to Oct 4, then W/Es.

Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

Standard gauge, two miles, Blaenavon, Torfaen. Tel: 01495 792263. Running: Oct 30, 31.

Rhyl Miniature Railway

Narrow gauge, Rhyl, North Wales. Running: Sep 26, 27.

Snowdon Mountain Railway Narrow gauge, 4½ miles, Llanberis, Gwynedd. Tel: 01286 870223. Running: Daily.

Talyllyn Railway

Narrow gauge, 7½ miles, footplate experience, Tywyn, Gwynedd. Tel: 01654 710472. Running: Daily.

Vale of Rheidol Railway Narrow gauge, 11¾ miles, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Tel: 01970 625819. Engines, 8, 9. Running: Daily except Oct Fris.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Narrow gauge, one mile, Porthmadog, Gwynedd. Tel: 01766 513402. Running: W/Es, Tues, Thurs.

Welsh Highland Railway Narrow gauge, 26 miles, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 01766 516000. Running: W/Es, Tues - Thurs

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway Narrow gauge, eight miles, Llanfair Caereinion, mid-Wales. Tel: 01938 810441. Engines: 822, 823. Running: W/Es.

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is now open to the public with GEC 0-4-0DM No. 5576, obtained from Lindholme prison in April 2013, giving footplate rides on a short length of track at Fimber Halt. BRIAN SHARPE

IRELAND Cavan & Leitrim Railway

Narrow gauge, ½ mile, Dromod, County Leitrim. Tel: 00353 71 9638599. Open: Sat-Mon.

Downpatrick & County Down Railway Standard gauge, four miles, Downpatrick, County Down. Running: December.

Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway Narrow gauge, two miles, Bushmills, County Antrim. Tel: 0282 073 2844. Running: W/Es.

Waterford & Suir Valley Railway

Narrow gauge, two miles, Kilmeadan, County Waterford. Running: Sep 26, 27.

West Clare Railway

Narrow gauge, Moyasta Junction, Co Clare. Running: Daily.

SCOTLAND Almond Valley Railway

Narrow gauge, ¼ mile, Livingston, West Lothian. Tel: 01506 414957.

Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Standard gauge, five miles, Bo’ness, West Lothian. Tel: 01506 822298. Engine: 62712. Running: W/Es + Oct 13-15.

Caledonian Railway

Standard gauge, four miles, Brechin, Angus. Tel: 01356 622992. Running: December.

Keith & Dufftown Railway Standard gauge, 11 miles, Dufftown, Banffshire. Running: Sep 25-27

Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway

Narrow gauge, one mile, Leadhills, South Lanarkshire. Tel: 0141 556 1061. Running: Sep 26, 27.

Royal Deeside Railway

Standard gauge, one mile, Milton of Crathes. Kincardineshire. Running: Sep 26, 27.

Ayrshire Railway Centre

Standard gauge, 1⁄3 mile, Dunaskin, Dalmellington Road (A713), Waterside, Ayrshire. Running: Sep 27.

Strathspey Railway

Standard gauge, 10 miles, Aviemore, Inverness-shire. Tel: 01479 810725. Engine: 46512. Running: W/Es, Wed, Thur.

For more details when planning your day out, visit the HRA website: http://heritagerailways.com

Railway Museums Beamish

County Durham. The Living Museum of the North. Open: Daily.

Cambrian Railways Museum Oswestry station. Open: Tues-Suns. Tel: 01691 688763.

Col Stephens Railway Museum Tenterden Station, Kent. Open: W/Es. Tel: 01580 765155.

Conwy Valley Railway Museum Betws-y-coed, Conwy. Open: Daily. Tel: 01690 710568.

Crewe Heritage Centre Vernon Way, Crewe. Open: W/Es + B/H. Tel: 01270 212130.

Head of Steam

North Road Station, Darlington. Open: Wed-Sun. Tel: 01325 460532.

98 Heritage Railway

Museum Of Scottish Railways Bo’ness. Open: Daily. Tel: 01506 825855.

Irchester Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Near Wellingborough, Northants. Open: Suns. Tel: 01604 675368.

Kidderminster Railway Museum Kidderminster, Worcestershire. Open: SVR operating days. Tel: 01562 825316.

Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon Co Durham. Open: Daily. Tel: 01388 777999.

London Transport Museum Covent Garden Piazza. Open: Sun-Thurs. Tel: 0207 379 6344.

Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust

Manchester Museum of Science & Industry Castlefield, Manchester. Open: Daily. Tel: 0161 832 2244.

Washford, Somerset. Open: Weekends. Tel: 01984 640869.

Midsomer Norton

STEAM – Museum of the GWR

Silver Street, Midsomer Norton. Open: Suns/Mons. Tel: 01761 411221.

Swindon, Wilts. Open: Daily. Tel: 01793 466646.

Monkwearmouth Station Museum

St Albans South Signalbox & Museum

National Railway Museum

Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Sunderland, County Durham. Open: Daily. Tel: 01915 677075.

Leeman Road, York. Open: Daily. Tel: 01904 621261.

Penrhyn Castle Industrial Railway Museum Bangor, Gwynedd. Open: Daily except Tues.

Shillingstone Station Shillingstone, Dorset. Open: Sat, Sun and Wed. Tel: 01258 860696.

St Albans City station. Tel: 01727 863131.

Cultra, Co Down. Open: Tues-Sun.

Vintage Carriage Museum Ingrow, West Yorks. Open: Daily. Tel: 01535 680425.

Yeovil Railway Centre

Yeovil Junction, Somerset. Open: Certain Sundays and special events.

Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway

Heritage Railway 99

WEB WATCH

To advertise on this page contact Helen Tel: 01507 529310 or email [email protected]

Heritage Railway 101

STAYAWHILE

Bronte Hotel

Haworth

The Bronte Hotel is situated on the edge of Haworth village, within easy walking distance of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. The railway has been the setting for many films and TV programmes over the years, including the 1970 adaptation of The Railway Children, starring Jenny Agutter and Dinah Sheridan. You will find Mr Perks’ (Bernard Cribbins) Oakworth station very much the same as in the movie. A short walk over Haworth station’s foot bridge and you will find the village’s well maintained park with children’s play area, and it’s a great

CARMARTHEN PEMBROKE BORDERS

opportunity to enjoy the gardens before arriving at the village’s cobbled main street with its many shops & cafes. At the top of the hill you will find Haworth Parsonage, once the home of literary greats the Bronte sisters – Charlotte, Emily and Anne – and now the home of the Bronte Parsonage Museum. Throughout the year many events are held in the village and on the KWVR railway, with a

CORNWALL/DEVON BORDER

1940s weekend, steam galas and Christmas events just a few of the treats. This family run (for 29 years) friendly hotel offers en-suite accommodation, two lounge bars, an excellent

FFESTINIOG/WHR

restaurant, traditional Sunday lunches, bar meals and snacks, while there’s ample parking on site. For details call 01535 644112, email [email protected] or log on to www.bronte-hotel.co.uk

LLANGOLLEN

B&B Trawsfynydd, Snowdonia 17th Century farmhouse. En-suite converted farm buildings, excellent garden railway. Central for the narrow-gauge railways. Llamas.

Tel: 01766 540397 www.oldmillfarmhouse.co.uk

MID NORFOLK

CUMBRIA

102 Heritagerailway.co.uk

Old Mill Farmhouse ‘Fron Oleu’ means ‘light on the hill’ and the late-afternoon sun bathes the fields and garden in a beautiful golden glow.

‘Trawsfynydd’ means ‘across the mountains’. Whichever way you travel, the road rises as it threads its way to Trawsfynydd, which is set on a hill 600ft above sea level and completely encircled by the glorious mountain ranges of Snowdonia. The name was given to the village by the Romans. ‘Light on the hill, across the mountains’ Trawsfynydd has been an important resting place for travellers since the Bronze Age when, owing to its proximity to the ancient trading route, travellers to and from Ireland came enroute to Wiltshire which, in those days, was the cultural centre of Britain. The many cairns, megaliths, roundhouses and hut enclosures in the area provide evidence of prehistoric settlements while three miles north of the village, at Tomen y Mur, Roman remains can be seen.

Fron Oleu Farm at Trawsfynydd lies midway between Porthmadog and Dolgellau, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. It was once the home of the village corn miller and dates back to the early 1700s. It is central for attractions, convenient for mountain bikers – only a few minutes north of Coed y Brenin visitor centre and bike trails – and has safe bike storage. Our llamas and small animals keep everyone entertained, our chickens provide us with free range eggs for breakfast, and our garden railway is a great favourite with guests. Accommodation in the Old Stables and Haybarn Comprises: Three double rooms, two twin rooms and two family rooms (one with a wet room – suitable for wheelchair users – and the other one with two bedrooms). Ample car parking in the courtyard. Our guest rooms are well heated and all on

the ground floor. Each room has its own TV, hospitality tray and en-suite bath or shower room. Individual front doors allow freedom of access, without disturbing other guests, so late arrivals are no problem. It’s also useful if the dog needs to go out in the middle of the night! Full Welsh breakfast is served in the farmhouse between 8am and 9am. Breakfast trays are available for guests who wish to be out and about earlier.

Old Mill Farmhouse Fron Oleu Farm

Trawsfynydd Gwynedd LL41 4UN email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0) 1766 540397 Mobile: 07769 538101 OS Grid Ref: SH 7135

■ Old Mill Farmhouse – a totally non-smoking establishment. ■ Your PET friendly accommodation. ■ B&B accommodation near Coed y Brenin mountain bike trails and Antur Stiniog’s downhill trails, zip wire & ‘Bounce Below’. ■ Safe bike storage.

NORTH NORFOLK

BRIDGE COTTAGES

• Very comfortable cottages • Beside NNR • Quiet rural location • Holt Station 5 mins • Short breaks • Open all year

www.bridge-cottage-holidays.co.uk

Tel: 01263 577847

NORTH YORKSHIRE

WEST SOMERSET

BLUE ANCHOR

Spacious bungalow on beach by Blue Anchor Station. Two bedrooms, sleeps 4. Fully equipped kitchen, TV, patio, BBQ.

01984 634242 www.blueanchor-beach-bungalow.co.uk

WEST SUSSEX

WORTH VALLEY

Bronte Hotel Haworth

YTB ★★★

Short walk to K&WVR line, ample free parking. Comfortable lounges and restaurant.

Double rooms from £45, Singles from £25, En-suite available.

Tel: 01535 644112

email [email protected] www.bronte-hotel.co.uk

Heritage Railway 103

EXPRESS GOODS CLASSIFIED

Contact Helen Martin on 01507 529310 • [email protected]

BOOKS

DAYS OUT

BARRY JONES

Specialist in the sale and purchase of secondhand railway and steam road transport literature.

DVD

Railway timetables, posters, maps, publicity photographs and official items. Model railway and railway collectables always sought.

28 Marine Crescent, Worthing BN12 4JF

Tel: 01903 244655 Email: [email protected]

DVD

EVENTS ENGINEERING

FOR SALE

104 Heritagerailway.co.uk

WANTED

MODELS

RAILWAYANA

WEB DIRECTORY PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIALIST PAINTS

Deadline for the next issue of Heritage Railway is Friday October 9 On Sale Thursday October 22

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THE MONTH AHEAD

NER Q6 0-8-0 No. 63395 is back in service on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is seen on arrival at Pickering. MAURICE BURNS

The height of the autumn gala season The autumn gala season is in full swing from September into October, with events large and small, up and down the country every weekend; in some cases the enthusiast is spoilt for choice at this time of year. As always Heritage Railway will be bringing you all the action.

SPECIAL EVENTS September

25-27: Barrow Hill Roundhouse: Barrow Hill 50 ■

This three-day event, supported by Heritage Railway’s publisher, Mortons, will see an unprecedented line-up of LMS steam power, many of which, including No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, will be in steam.

25-27: North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Autumn Steam Gala ■

The star of this year’s three-day event will be SR Maunsell U class 2-6-0 No. 31806 from Swanage which will join the home fleet of ‘Black Five’ No. 45428, NER Q6 0-8-0 No. 63395, and BR Standard 4MTs Nos. 75029 and 76079, plus possibly another visiting engine.

26, 27: Avon Valley Railway: 1940s Weekend 26, 27: Bure Valley Railway: Steam in Miniature 26, 27: Colne Valley Railway: Days Out with Thomas ■

Issue 208 is out on October 22 Catch up with the latest news, views and great features every four weeks. 106 Heritagerailway.co.uk

26, 27: East Lancashire Railway: September Diesel Gala ■ 26, 27: Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Multiple Memories ■ 26, 27: Foxfield Railway: Autumn Steam Gala 26, 27: Lynton & Barnstaple Railway: Autumn Gala 26, 27: Middleton Railway: Autumn Gala 26, 27: Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway: Birthday Celebration 26, 27: Sittingbourne & Kemsley Railway: End of Season Gala 26, 27: Vale of Rheidol Railway: Enthusiasts’ Weekend 27: Lincolnshire Wolds Railway: Steam & Diesel Day

October

1-3: Severn Valley Railway: Diesel Enthusiasts’ Gala ■ 1-4: Great Central Railway: Autumn Steam Gala ■

This will be a four-day event which will see the welcome return to service of GWR 4-6-0 No. 6990 Witherslack Hall for the first time in 15 years. Six other locomotives from the home fleet – Nos. 48624, 92214, 45305, 777, 46521 and 47406 – will work an intensive service of passenger and freight trains, travelling post office trains, with doubleheaders and more than 80 movements per day.

1-4: West Somerset Railway: Autumn Steam Gala ■ The four-day event marks the 40th anniversary of the opening of the railway.

KEY ■ Major or featured galas

Visiting engines will be GWR 2-8-0 No. 2857 and 4-6-0 No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor, joining GWR 2-6-2T No. 4160 and 4-6-0s No. 4936 Kinlet Hall, No. 6960 Raveningham Hall and No. 7828 Odney Manor.

3: Bodmin & Wenford Railway: China Clay Day 3, 4: Cholsey & Wallingford Railway: 1940s Weekend 3, 4: Colne Valley Railway: Days Out with Thomas ■ 3, 4: East Lancashire Railway: Days Out with Thomas ■ 3, 4: Lavender Line: Gala Weekend 3, 4: Ribble Steam Railway: Diesel Gala ■ 4: East Anglian Railway Museum: Small Trains Day 4: West Lancashire Light Railway: Autumn Steam Gala 9-11: Ffestiniog Railway: Victorian Weekend 9-11: Keighley & Worth Valley Railway: Autumn Steam Spectacular ■

Star guest for this year’s event is GWR 4-6-0 No. 4936 Kinlet Hall, which will line up alongside SR West Country Pacific No. 34092 Wells, BR Standard 4-6-0 No. 75078, 4F 0-6-0 No. 43924, WD 2-8-0 No. 90733, USATC S160 2-8-0 No. 5820, LNWR 0-6-2T No. 1054 and Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T Nunlow. Taff Vale Railway O2 0-6-2T No. 85 will be in light steam in Haworth yard after overhaul. There will be an intensive service from 8.30am with freight trains, express trains and doubleheaders.

■ Diesel and/or electric galas

10: Gwili Railway: Steam Gala 10, 11: Bodmin & Wenford Railway: Victorian Gala 10, 11: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway: Autumn Diesel Weekend ■ 10, 11: Nene Valley Railway: Mixed Traffic Weekend 11: Colne Valley Railway: Colne Valley at War 16-18: Peak Rail: Railways in Wartime 16-18: Swanage Railway: Autumn Steam Gala ■ Another feast of Southern steam power is lined up with King Arthur 4-6-0 No. 777 Sir Lamiel joining the home fleet of M7 No. 30053, U 2-6-0 No. 31806, No. 34070 Manston, Standard 2-6-4T No. 80104 and summer visitor LSWR T9 4-4-0 No. 30120. There will be an intensive timetable of both passenger and freight trains, and on display will be newly repainted U class 2-6-0 No. 31625 raising money for the Swanage Moguls Fund.

17, 18: Avon Valley Railway: End of Season Gala 17, 18: Spa Valley Railway: Thumper, Shunters and Brakevans. ■ 18: Tanfield Railway: Coals to Newcastle

RAILWAYANA October 17: David Lewis, Crewe Heritage Centre

■ Thomas and family events Find us on www.facebook.com/heritagerailway