July 2018

Bagnall 0-6-2T 'Superb' loco
W&LLR announces visiting engine for upcoming gala
Author/Source:
Editorial
Tuesday, July 31, 2018 - 12:06

Making a triumphant return visit to the W&LLR Steam Gala on 30th August to 1st September will be the locomotive ‘Superb’, kindly loaned to the railway by the Sittingbourne and Kemsley Light Railway in Kent. The Bagnall 0-6-2T loco, built in 1940 for service at the Bowaters paper mill at Sittingbourne, proved a big success on its initial visit to Wales last year.

For this year’s Gala Superb is planned to be used more extensively, including for the first time taking charge of... read the full story

60163 Tornado's Birthday Party
Tornado celebrates tenth birthday in style
Author/Source:
Editorial
Monday, July 30, 2018 - 16:15

The locomotive made its first moves in front of the world’s press on 1st August 2008 and has subsequently become a household name.
 
Since completion in Darlington in 2008, new Peppercorn class A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado has covered over 100,000 miles and seen service on the Network Rail main line and heritage railways right across Great Britain. Highlights have included three Royal Trains including the naming by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in February... read the full story

D3935 Handover
North Norfolk Railway adds sixth loco to collection
Author/Source:
Editorial
Wednesday, July 18, 2018 - 15:32

The engine, which joined the railway on July 12th, is the second diesel loco to join the fleet, along with the NNR's four steam engines. D3935 will be taking over pilot duties at Sheringham station from the Class 11 locomotive 12131.

D3935 was quickly into action during the Railway's highly successful annual Beer Festival [July 13-15] which saw restricted use of platform 2 by service trains. The loco brought trains into platform 1 once the train loco was released outside the station... read the full story

inside connecting rod
P2 No. 2007's Motion Club reaches milestone
Author/Source:
Editorial
Tuesday, July 17, 2018 - 11:28

The Motion Club aims to raise £210,000, through 175 supporters each donating £1,000 (plus Gift Aid) in up to eight payments of £125, to manufacture the motion for new Gresley class P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales.
 
The Gresley class P2 2-8-2 ‘Mikados’ were the most powerful express passenger locomotives to operate in the UK. They were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley in the 1930s to haul 600 ton trains on the arduous Edinburgh to Aberdeen route. Sadly, the design was never fully... read the full story

Paul Middleton, Chris price, Kieran Murray
The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard Season 2
Author/Source:
Editorial
Monday, July 16, 2018 - 12:03

Last March the programme reached over 3.5 million, over three episodes, with 1.5 million viewers tuning in to episode 1 and again over a million in episode 2. Darlow Smithson Productions Ltd (DSP) will be returning to the railway to produce series two, which will include the railways favourite characters, major events, every day running and everything in between.

Chris Price, General Manager at NYMR, said: “The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is currently having an exceptionally busy... read the full story

D821 at Kidderminster
Severn Valley Railway running diesel-only service over fire-risk
Author/Source:
Editorial
Thursday, July 12, 2018 - 10:49

The railway has taken this precaution to try and ease pressure on the already stretched fire service in the area after the on-going hot and dry weather.

Diesel hauled services will continue to take passengers in the SVR's historic carriages, stopping at all heritage Stations, Halts and The Engine House Visitor Centre, until at least Wednesday 18th July where the situation will be assessed.

The decision was made after a number of small fires the previous Sunday resulted in the... read the full story

Aln Valley Railway
Aln Valley Railway awarded major funding
Author/Source:
Editorial
Wednesday, July 11, 2018 - 12:47

The project will see the construction of a platform halt and run-round loop at Greenrigg, approximately half of the way towards its ultimate goal of reaching Alnmouth station. The grant awarded, together with 20% match funding from the sustainable transport charity Sustrans, amounts to £146,600.

The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) grant will cover groundwork costs, track work including buffer stops and railway points, construction material for the platform and the... read the full story

Network Rail workers painting at NYMR
Network Rail workers volunteer at North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Author/Source:
Editorial
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 - 15:29

The volunteers helped with a number of tasks around the site including erecting a large marquee in readiness for a 1960s weekend, painting a wagon, moving sleepers and other materials.

The day was co-ordinated by Simon Wragg, Procurement Manager at Network Rail, who said:

“We are always looking at ways that we can give back to the community and volunteering for local organisations and charities is one way we can do that.

“We are delighted that we have once again been... read the full story

Mid-Norfolk Railway sidings
Mid-Norfolk Railway signs deal with Greater Anglia trains
Author/Source:
Editorial
Friday, July 6, 2018 - 16:11

The £3 million deal will enable to the train operator to store some of its new trains during the testing and commissioning phase before their launch into public service.

The mutually beneficial partnership will also help the Mid-Norfolk Railway to develop and expand. Greater Anglia needs extra stabling facilities during the periods in 2019/20 when it is both operating its existing fleet and receiving deliveries of its new train fleet for commissioning and training purposes.

The... read the full story