The Railway Magazine Archive - July 2012 - Full Edition

THE RM’s VERY FIRST ISSUE Two magazines for the price of one!

The July 2012 £4.10

EXCLUSIVE E XCLUSIVE

Interview with the head of

First Great Western

‘Deltic’ debut on the North Norfolk Where to go on holiday

SSee ee pages p ages 43-51 43-51

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IMMINGHAM CENTENARY · RAILWAY BIDS TO BAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

EDITORIAL

Editor: Nick Pigott Deputy editor: Chris Milner Designers: Tim Pipes, Kelvin Clements Reprographics: Jonathan Schofield Group production editor: Tim Hartley Publisher: Dan Savage Editorial assistant: Sarah Wilkinson Sub-editor: Nigel Devereux Chief correspondent: Phil Marsh Steam News: Cliff Thomas Classic Traction: Peter Nicholson Operations News: Ashley Butlin Metro News: Paul Bickerdyke World News: Keith Fender By post: The Railway Magazine, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: 01507 529589 Fax: 01507 528980 Email: railway@mortons.co.uk © 2012 Mortons Media ISSN 0033-8923

READER SERVICES

General Queries & Back Issues: Tel: 01507 529529

ADVERTISING

Divisional Advertising manager: Tracey Glover-Brown Advertising: Carol Woods, cwoods@mortons.co.uk Tel: 01507 524004 By post: The Railway Magazine advertising, Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

Greater Anglia Class 90 No. 90009 – sporting Diamond Jubilee nameplates and a Union flag – near Marks Tey with an express from Norwich on May 7. ANTONY GUPPY

Celebrating our second Royal Diamond Jubilee!

Editor’s Comment

PUBLISHING

Subscription manager: Paul Deacon Circulation manager: Steve O’Hara Marketing manager: Charlotte Park Production manager: Craig Lamb Publishing director: Dan Savage Commercial director: Nigel Hole Business development director: Terry Clark Managing director: Brian Hill Published by: Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR

SuBSCRiPTiON

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EDiTORiAL CONTRiBuTiONS

Accepted photographs and articles will be paid for upon publication. Items we cannot use will be returned if accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope, and contributors wishing material returned by registered or recorded delivery must clearly state so and enclose sufficient postage. In common with practice on other rail periodicals, all material is sent or returned at the contributor’s own risk and neither The Railway Magazine, the Editor, the staff nor Mortons Media Ltd can be held responsible for loss or damage, howsoever caused.

The opinions expressed in The RM are not necessarily those of the Editor or staff.

This periodical must not, without the written consent of the publishers first being given, be lent, sold, hired out or otherwise disposed of in a mutilated condition or, in any unauthorised cover by way of trade or annexed to or as part of any publication or advertising, literary or pictorial matter whatsoever.

This issue was published on Wednesday June 6, 2012.

The next issue will be on sale on Wednesday July 4, 2012.

The Railway Magazine sold on average 36,523 copies per issue from Jan-Dec 2011, as independently confirmed by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).

I

n this, Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee year, many of the nation’s publishers are catching the mood of the occasion by issuing commemorative gifts and souvenirs – but The Railway Magazine can go one better than that. For we’re one of only a handful of surviving periodicals that was also publishing in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year!

To mark this remarkable jubilee 'double', we are giving away free with this issue a reprint of that very first edition... all 96 editorial pages of it, just as it would have appeared to our very first readers 115 years ago.

Only the advert pages have been removed, although a small miscellaneous selection has been left in to give a flavour of 19th century values.

Issue No. 1 contains a feature on Victoria's jubilee train, an article on the Great Central main line to London (then in the process of construction, now long-closed, of course) and an interview with the general manager of the Great Western Railway – which is mirrored in this July 2012 issue by an interview with one of his 21st century counterparts, the managing director of First Great Western.

There are many other gems, including a

gripping piece of fiction – The Slip Coach Mystery: a thrilling tale of derring-do aboard a speeding train.

This is undoubtedly the most unusual – and most valuable – item The RM has ever given away free of charge; we are reliably informed that if you wanted to read this same material in an original loose copy (always assuming you could find one that hadn’t been stitched into a bound volume, of course), you would have to pay in the region of £60-70.

With a total 216 pages of reading matter, it really does amount to TWO magazines for the price of one! n connection with the gift, I had been looking forward immensely to following in the footsteps of our illustrious founding editor, G A Sekon, by “calling in” at Paddington to interview today’s Great Western managing director, Mark Hopwood.

Unfortunately, illness in the form of an eye operation intervened and in the event I had to spend the time in hospital.

Luckily, deputy editor Chris Milner was able to stand in for me and the results of the interview are on pages 14-16. We hope you find it an interesting comparison with the railways of 1897. lthough nothing can replicate the thrill our founding editor must have felt at launching the title all those years ago, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have guided it through its centenary (1997), the Millennium (2000/01), the Queen’s Golden Jubilee (2002) and now this.

History indeed!

I

A

NICK PIGOTT, Editor

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 3

Features

14 Putting the ‘Great’ back into Great Western

Chris Milner meets FGW MD Mark Hopwood and draws some interesting comparisons with the GWR’s then general manager in the July 1897 issue, which was also a diamond jubilee year.

18 Immingham Dock Centenary

26 Newer than Evening Star

43 Railtour Guide 2012/3

32 Extra Time

55 Panorama

Many believe Evening Star was the last steam loco built in Britain, but Robert Pritchard explains how active steam loco construction has been since 1960.

In this month’s Practice & Performance, John Heaton explains the background and necessity of recovery time.

Robert Humm looks at the history and development of Immingham docks, once called“Fay’s Folly”, but which has developed into Britain’s busiest bulk cargo port.

ROARING BACK: The RM talks to FGWs MD - p14

NOT SO OLD: Steam locos built after Evening Star - p26

Our bi-annual guide to rail-based holidays and excursions offers some great ideas for your next trip.

Our monthly showcase of the best in railway photography contains a mix of artistic and thought-provoking images.

PADDING OUT: Recovery time explained - p32

Contents

July 2012. No. 1,335. Vol 158. A journal of record since 1897

Headline News

On the cover

MAIN IMAGE: FGW HST power car No. 43186 stands at Paddington’s platform 1 on May 4, having been vinyled in a special Diamond Jubilee livery. See also page 11.

THE RM’s VERY FIRST

The

Two magazines for the priceISSUE of one!

July 2012 £4.10

ALISDAIR ANDERSON

Epping Ongar heritage line opens - see page 9.

GBRf wants to build new Class 66s; Photography ban proposed; Epping Ongar line opens for business; Steam loco repatriation; Tram-train trial approved; Blackfriars fully reopens; No discretion in penalty fares jungle; Public square named after Gresley; Memorials to rail staff and Forth Bridge riggers unveiled; Euro‘piggyback’trial.

EXCLUSI E XCLUSIVE VE

INSET 1: ‘Deltic’No. 55019 visits the North Norfolk - a first for the class. STEVE ALLEN INSET 2: GWR 4-6-0 No. 4953 Pitchford Hall breaks through the barrier at North Weald.

Interview with the head of

First Great Western

‘Deltic’ debut on the North Norfolk Where to go on holiday

SSee ee page p ages 43-51 43-5

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IMMINGHAM CENTENARY · RAILWAY BIDS

TO BAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

CLIFF THOMAS

Track Record The Railway Magazine’s monthly news digest 87 Traction Update

Scrapped, sold or repainted? Full details here.

88 Network

£8million upgrade completed at Loughborough; Silent track at Blackfriars; Oban Sunday trips return.

90 Freight 91 Narrow Gauge

Mixed gauge meetings at Carrog; Amerton secures future.

Island Line class O2 Calbourne on tour - see page 66.

An Isle of Man steam railway pairing of Beyer Peacock 2-4-0T Nos. No 8 Fenella and No. 4 Loch at Keristal with a train for Port Erin on April 17.

ROBIN STEWART-SMITH

93 Miniature 95 Metro

64 Steam & Heritage

Engineers clash with Edinburgh council; Nottingham’s new tram design unveiled; Manchester tram retired.

74 Railtours

Royal Oak restored; Swanage gala success despite setback.

Cheltenham returns to steam; Calbourne a big hit at Bodmin; Bulleid moves to Severn Valley.

Taking stock of the main line fleet; Security issue over ‘Lizzie’s Thames pageant role; Statesman sellout.

80 Traction & Stock

Refresh for ex-Silverlink 321s; Shuttle train refurbished; Colas revive Fertis Class 56; Merseyrail confirms EMU replacement plans.

96 Classic Traction

100 World

Last two EE locos working in Poland;‘Kingston Flyer’ success; CN to buy new locos; CAF EMUs for Latvia.

102 Operations

A round-up of news from train and freight operating companies.

Regulars The Railway Magazine is the

UK’S TOP-SELLING RAIL TITLE! Subscribe today and save money on every issue Call 0844 411 1111 or see page 40 for our latest offers

Panorama: The RM’s photographic showcase see page 55.

12 Multiple Aspects

12 Railways in Parliament 40 Subscriptions Offer 53 Platform A selection of your lively and topical letters.

60 Meetings Details of railway society meetings near you.

60 100 Years Ago A look back to what Britain’s senior rail title was reporting 20, 50 and 100 years ago.

62 Reviews A selection of the latest book and DVD reviews.

109 Heritage Diary

A comprehensive listing of dates when heritage railways and steam centres will be open.

113 Reader Services 114 Prize Crossword 114 Where Is It? June 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 5

HeadlineNews CALL FOR MORE LENIENCYTO BE SHOWN OVER PENALTY FARES

‘Innocent passengers treated like criminals’ A REPORT from the transport watchdog Passenger Focus says there is growing evidence that passengers are being given penalty fares or unpaid fares notices unfairly.

The watchdog says it has no issue over action taken against passengers who deliberately avoid payment in order to cheat the system, but that passengers with no previous record of ticketless travel who may forget a railcard once or are caught out by incorrect information from rail staff, should be treated more leniently.

The report criticises lack of discretion and consistency by rail staff, particularly to the extent of punishment. Passenger Focus (PF) says

HS2tobeequipped with ‘sliproad’-style accelerationtracks THE High Speed 2 line from London to Birmingham is to be given the railway equivalent of‘slip roads’to enable trains to accelerate and decelerate alongside the fast tracks without affecting the schedules of through expresses.

The special lanes, which will only be necessary once the line has been extended beyond Birmingham to northern cities, were outlined by HS2’s chief engineer in response to an MP’s question. See Railways In Parliament, page 12.

Mid-Hants takes on more apprentices THE Mid-Hants Railway is to employ another four apprentices thanks to an increase of £154,000 in the Skills for the Future grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The railway is already running a scheme covering 10 apprentices, partfunded by a grant of £180,000 made in 2010. The 'Skills for the Future' programme seeks to rectify the shortage of training in heritage skills.

Colas buys Pullman Rail COLAS Rail has acquired Cardiffbased engineering firm Pullman Rail. Based in the former freight loco section of Canton depot, Pullman Rail specialises in the repair and overhaul of passenger stock, freight wagons and bogie and wheelset overhaul.

The sale will allow the company to expand, while giving Colas a maintenance base in South Wales.

Colas Rail has recently started a contract to move timber from Baglan Bay to Chirk.

6 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

it has found that the same offence can attract no action in one area but could lead to a penalty fine in another, along with a criminal conviction.

Examples quoted by PF include a passenger who left her ticket on the train as she knew her station was unstaffed, but was caught in a ticket check and offered an out-of-court settlement of £85 for a £2 fare.

In another example, a passenger bought an advance ticket with a railcard for £10 and was given a £260 penalty fare simply for leaving her railcard at home.

There have also been cases where, due to late arrivals at stations, passengers have not been able to pick

up booked tickets from a machine and been hit with an unpaid fare notice.

Probably the worst cases are those in which passengers find themselves ‘piggy-in-the-middle’ where a journey with more than one operator has resulted in a penalty fare because one operator considered the ticket of another to be invalid.

Saying that prosecution no longer seems to be used as a last resort, PF wants a formal right of appeal against any decision and wants fines dropped if a customer can show proof of purchase. It also criticises the fact that passengers’ personal details are not taken in a discreet way and could compromise personal security.

EMT services hit by strikes

SIX one-day strikes, called by the Aslef rail union in May, disrupted East Midlands Trains services and could be repeated depending on the results of a ballot on May 30 by RMT union members.

At the heart of the dispute is a decision by the company to reduce pension contributions for staff from July. EMT claims that an independent valuation of its pension fund show a surplus, and that reducing the level of the joint contributions will save drivers around £500 per year.

However, Aslef says the reduction will have long-term implications for all staff and their pensions.

The strikes have led to reduced Sheffield-London services and no services on many of the rural routes, which have had replacement bus services.

‘McNulty cuts will turn stations into vandals’paradises’, warn rail unions FOUR trades unions joined forces at the end of May to stage a week-long joint ‘Action for Rail’ campaign against what they fear will be major cuts to the passenger network.

Aslef, RMT, TSSA and Unite, plus the TUC, are protesting against Government plans to give train operators greater freedom over fare-setting and train schedules. They fear this will lead to closure and reductions of unprofitable services in rural areas.

More than 100 Liberal and Labour MPs have signed a Parliamentary early day

Crossrail work makes rapid progress MAJOR signs of Crossrail progress are now visible all over the Greater London area. Right: GBRf No. 66719 with 66720 on the rear, with a rake of JNA hoppers forming a trial spoil train from Westbourne Park to Northfleet on May 14. Dr IAIN C SCOTCHMAN Below: Believe it or not, this is where Old Oak Common engine shed and turntable used to stand! It is now a manufacturing plant for concrete tunnel segments. NICK PIGOTT

motion against the cuts proposed by the McNulty value-for-money report, which the Government commissioned.

TUC deputy general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The vision of a rail industry with deserted stations, closed ticket offices and trains with no staff is one that appeals to train operators seeking to cut costs and maximise profits – but train passengers are appalled.”

The unions claim that leaked DfT emails indicate that agreement has already been reached with one train operator, London Midland, to completely

close or severely reduce opening hours at ticket offices at 86 of its 90 stations, leaving many permanently deserted and passengers at the mercy of muggers and vandals.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: “Using McNulty as cover, the Government is hell-bent on a policy of vandalising and de-staffing the railways regardless of the consequences. Operators stand to pocket millions of pounds in additional profits from ticket office closure programmes while passengers will be left to take their chances in a criminals’ paradise.”

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Olympic flame travels by steam THE visit of the Olympic flame to many parts of the UK began on May 18. On day six of its travels, the flame was carried on the footplate of GWR 4-6-0 No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor along the Severn Valley Railway from Bewdley to Kidderminster by Olympic torch bearer Chris Stokes, who is seen with SVR Holdings chairman Nick Paul at Kidderminster. On day 10, the flame was carried by the Ffestiniog Railway from Blaenau to Porthmadog. The next day it went on the Great Orme Tramway and the Snowdon Mountain Railway, carried by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington. Pictures: BOB SWEET

NYMR volunteer killed in accident A VOLUNTEER guard has been killed in an accident at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Former policeman Robert Lund, 65, lost his life during a shunting operation at Grosmont station on May 21 when he became trapped between two carriages.

NYMR general manager Philip Benham said: "The railway will be conducting its own investigation alongside those of the BT Police, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and the Office of Rail Regulation to determine any action that might be needed to prevent a recurrence."

Mr Lund’s family paid tribute, saying that he was a reliable and caring husband and father and a keen railway enthusiast.

Rail Regulator to hit freight operators with huge new levy THE Office of Rail Regulation is proposing to levy a charge on operators moving power station coal, iron ore and spent nuclear fuel – which could amount to an additional £60million a year.

The Rail Freight Group says the proposals could have major repercussions for the stability of rail freight, for investor confidence, and for the prospects of continued growth.

Glasgow line bids to ban photographers PROPOSED changes to bylaws governing Glasgow’s subway system would see all forms of informal or casual photography banned, as well as audio and visual recordings.

The subway, the third oldest in the world, is a tourist attraction used by hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.

Strathclyde Passenger Transport is consulting on a new set of bylaws and it appears that the crackdown will apply to all parts of the underground system,

including trains and areas owned by SPT, even above ground.

Many Railway Magazine photographers have contacted the magazine to say they fear this could be the thin edge of the wedge leading to a ban on photography at all main line railways if the changes are allowed to go through, and The RM will be writing to SPT to object to the bylaw clause and hopes that other readers will do the same. Representations close on June 15.

Piggyback trailer trial

EUROTUNNEL subsidiary Europorte has undertaken the first trial of unaccompanied lorry trailers from Europe to the UK. A trial of transporting goods for Vauxhall Motors took place on May 21/22 and involved two P400 lorry trailers placed on specially designed wagons being moved from Antwerp to Barking using HS1.

Europorte has been working with Ewals Intermodal and other agencies to get approval for the wagon, and the expectation is that, by September, three trains a week will be running from Europe to Barking, eventually increasing to five. The wagons are also adaptable to carry flatbed trailers or individual containers as per a conventional wagon.

While the piggyback concept of

Said RFG chairman Tony Berkeley: “The rail freight sector has been growing successfully in recent years and customer and investor confidence is strong. These proposals risk destabilising this and turning customers back to road, with its simple and straightforward pricing structure.

“Why does the ORR believe that causing a 10% drop in traffic complies

with its duty to promote rail freight? It needs to look for different ways of achieving its objectives that are less damaging.”

The RFG feels that ORR may be giving undue weight to its duty to have regard to the funds available to the Secretary of State at the expense of its duty to promote the use of the railway for the carriage of passenger and freight.

First main line steam over Peak Rail link

PEAK Rail received its first through steam excursion on May 27 when BR Standard No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell hauled a Railway Touring Company tour from Peterborough to Rowsley South. The loco is seen at Matlock traversing the link from Network Rail to Peak Rail. It was later turned on the turntable at Rowsley. Picture BRIAN SHARPE

Escalator over line at Lincoln?

A trailer being lifted off at Barking.

CHRIS MILNER

trailers on trains is common in Europe an the USA, it has taken time for the idea of unaccompanied trailers on trains to catch on in the UK.

REMOVAL of the footbridge at Lincoln’s busy High Street level crossing a few years ago has – not surprisingly – led to a big increase in misuse as people rush to get across after the warnings have started or hurdle the barriers.

Now Network Rail wants a footbridge there again and at the nearby Brayford Wharf level crossing – and it could even take the form of an escalator.

Developers planning new buildings either side of the line say one could be provided at the High Street for £3.8m, including lifts.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 7

HeadlineNews

Tram-train pilot gets funding

By Paul Bickerdyke

A‘TRAM-TRAIN’pilot scheme in Sheffield is to go ahead after the Government announced that it will give £58million to the project. The money will be spent on vehicles and infrastructure and services should be running between Sheffield and Rotherham by 2015.

The tram-train scheme will use the metals of both Sheffield Supertram and Network Rail. The idea is for three services an hour to run between Sheffield Cathedral and a new stop at Rotherham Parkgate retail centre.

Tram-trains will use the Supertram route as far as the Carbrook stop, where a connecting line will be built to join up with Network Rail’s freight-only line into Rotherham Central station. From there, they will head north and branch off into a new terminus at Parkgate. Along the way, tram-trains will share the route not only with trams, but with passenger and freight trains – a first for the UK. The 400 metres of new line will be constructed between Carbrook and Meadowhall South (where an additional platform will be built) and there will then be 750V dc overhead electrification of the

route from there to Parkgate. A lowered platform extension will be needed at Rotherham Central.

Seven vehicles will be acquired for the project, with Vossloh already chosen as lead bidder to supply them. The vehicles will need to be more heavily engineered than regular trams to be able to run on Network Rail lines.

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “This is great news for passengers in South Yorkshire and could potentially benefit people across the country wherever tram and rail networks exist together. Tram-trains have already proved hugely popular on the Continent.”

The pilot scheme is a partnership between the DfT, Network Rail, Northern Rail, South Yorkshire PTE and Stagecoach Supertram. It will run for an initial two years to explore the practicalities and gauge passenger perception.

■ BIRMINGHAM STATIONS LINK TO GO AHEAD: Construction of a Midland Metro extension linking Snow Hill and New Street stations in Birmingham is due to start early next year with an expected completion date in 2015. Balfour Beatty has been named preferred bidder for the building contract.

Blackfriars platforms completed THE rebuilt Blackfriars station opened for business fully on May 20 following a threeyear operation to reverse its track layout, writes Phil Marsh.

The through lines now run on the eastern side of the station (where the bay platforms used to be) and a new set of bays has been constructed on the west.

Southeastern services to Sevenoaks began using the new platforms from May 21.

These, along with First Capital Connect services and the return of weekend and late evening services through the core St Pancras-Blackfriars section, means an extra 727 trains serving the station every week – a 40% increase in the number of trains using the station.

As previously reported, the station has also been provided with longer platforms, an

Hitachi works ‘will go ahead’ FEARS that Hitachi may not construct a train-assembly plant at Newton Aycliffe have been allayed by the Japanese company.

Hitachi says it intends to go ahead even though the British Government’s requirement for Intercity Express trains (IEPs) has fallen from 1,600 to just 450 since the project was first mooted in 2007.

The company has taken out advertisements pledging to build the AT100 commuter EMUs, which would be successors to the Class 395 ‘Javelins’, currently in service with Southeastern.

Model sold for £140,000 A 7¼ inch gauge live steam model of LMS Pacific No. 6230 Duchess of Buccleuch sold at auction on April 25 for a record £140,000.

8 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

entrance on the south bank of the Thames and an overall roof stretching the full width of the river and surmounted by solar panels.

The work was necessitated by the need to relieve congestion caused by two flat junctions, one serving the Moorgate branch (which has been eliminated by closure of the branch), and another to the south of Blackfriars station, where the Thameslink routes to the south diverged.

The bridge has been widened with four new ‘ribs’ on each of the five spans, carefully linking in with the original 1880s Victorian structure.

Blackfriars is the first station to span the Thames and, already, 35% of its passengers use the new south bank entrance. The 4,400 panels on the roof provide 50% of the station’s power.

the new bay platforms on May 10 with eMu No. 319422 acting as a test train. PHiL MArSH

Penrhyn expatriates back on home soil

THREE ex-Penrhyn quarry locos, whose repatriation from the USA has been reported in the last two issues of The RM, have all returned ‘home’.

First to arrive was Julian Birley’s Hunslet 0-4-0ST Winifred (pictured right) and an expectant group gathered at the Bala Lake Railway on April 27 to greet it, only to hear that the container was still at Southampton. It arrived the next day and was drawn onto Welsh metals for the first time since 1965 by ex-Dinorwic Hunslet 0-4-0ST Alice. The other two, Martyn Ashworth’s Avonside 0-4-0ST Ogwen and Graham Morris’ Andrew Barclay 0-4-0WT Glyder (both of which originally worked for Durham Water Board before being sold to Penrhyn) were delivered to Beamish on May 1.

The three were among a batch of six Penrhyn locos bought by American antiques dealer C B Annette in July 1965 after seeing an item on BBC TV six months earlier.

Vintage locos arrive from South America A CONSIGNMENT of German-built narrow gauge steam and diesel locomotives from South America has been shipped to Britain (see picture above, right).

Included in the shipment are a 600mm gauge loco by Ruhrtaler (D60 No. 3526 of 1957) and an Orenstein & Koppel 610mm gauge loco, No. 25996 of 1960. Other O&Ks are 600mm No. 11009 of 1925, delivered to Testamentaria Romana, Peru; O&K No. 9922 of 1922, ordered

by German agent Gildermeister for delivery to Peru, and O&K No. 10701 of 1924, also delivered to Testamentaria Romana, Peru.

In 2000, all four O&K locos were preserved in a park at Chucarapi, Peru, having worked in the town and it is assumed that the Ruhrtaler loco also came from this location.

They have been imported by an international haulier and are now for sale. Interested parties should contact The RM. Picture: cOLiN tYSON

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

DON’T MISS OUR NEW‘BOOKAZINE’

THE Railway Magazine is delighted to announce that an enlarged, updated and revised version of the named trains series that appeared in the magazine over the winter of 2011/12 has been produced in book form and is now available.

‘The Encyclopaedia of Titled Trains’ contains 116 pages with no adverts and incorporates almost 100 extra names it was not possible to include in the original series due to lack of space.

In addition, some 75% of the illustrations are all-new, making

this a totally different product… the first time that every British titled train from the 1840s to the present day has been included between a single set of covers.

At just £6.99 and printed on high-quality art paper, the book is remarkable value for money and is a valuable reference source.

Supplies are limited as the book is available in the High Street only through branches of WH Smith. Make sure you get your copy while stocks last. For further details, see page 17.

Essex railway becomes Britain’s newest steam line

By Cliff Thomas

GWR ‘Hall’ No. 4953 Pitchford Hall pushed through a banner at North Weald station on May 24 to formally proclaim the Epping-Ongar Railway as Britain’s newest steam heritage line.

The ceremonial arrival (see picture on front cover) took place on a specially arranged preview day for press and invited guests. Formal opening to the public followed the next day at the start of a gala to mark the line’s return to operation and the running of steam over its metals for the first time in preservation. It was also the first regular operation of steam-hauled passenger services on the line since 1957.

Railways first reached Ongar in 1865, but the line eventually became part of the London Transport network. The section from Epping (which remains a Central Line station on the outer reaches of the Underground system) through North Weald to Ongar closed in 1994.

After several low-profile years, preservationists began a DMU operation

in 2004, but it was discontinued at the end of the 2007 season.

At the end of that year, Roger Wright became the line’s sole owner and a decision was taken that no further trains would run until the line had been transformed into a steam and diesel heritage railway. Major refurbishment and infrastructure development followed, culminating in the purchase early this year of No. 4953 Pitchford Hall and GWR Large Prairie No. 4141 from Dr John Kennedy. Already on site is ex-industrial Hawthorne Leslie 0-6-0ST Isabel (3437/1919), bought for the EOR in 2010.

The Prairie was still under overhaul at Llangollen on the opening day, so Hugh Shipton’s Pannier No. 6430 from the LR was sent to top and tail with the ‘Hall’.

The line operates from Ongar at its eastern end, past long-closed Blake Hall station, through North Weald to a present limit of operations near Coopersale, in Epping Forest. Track remains in situ beyond, almost up to Epping station. While there is virtually no possibility of the EOR returning to

North Norfolk runs its first-ever‘Deltic’ COVER STORY: The first ever‘Deltic’locomotive to operate on the North Norfolk Railway starred in a diesel gala over the weekend of May 25-27. No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier hauled more than a dozen trains over the three days, working hard up the 1-in-80 of Kelling bank.

The Class 55 is due to remain on the NNR for several more weeks and additional runs are expected, although dates had not been finalised when we closed for press. Check www.nnrailway.co.uk or call 01263 820800 for information.

Memorials unveiled

A MEMORIAL to railway workers, many of whom gave their lives in the service of the industry over the last 150 years, has been unveiled at the National Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire.

The memorial is in the form of a Stanier 8F locomotive and carries the coats of arms of the Big Four, BR’s lion & wheel emblem and the current double arrow logo. The service to unveil it was attended by more than 1,000 people, including former BR chairman Sir Bob Reid.

ON May 18, Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, unveiled twin memorials in North and South Queensferry to pay tribute to the thousands of ‘briggers’ who contributed to building, maintaining and restoring the Forth Bridge.

Each memorial consists of a 7ft upright bronze section built into a stone base. The upright bears the names, ages and occupations of 73 men who died during construction.

An ex-Great Western loco in an ex-Great Eastern and London Underground station!

‘Hall’ No. 4953 Pitchford Hall at Ongar on the opening day, May 24. CLIFF THOMAS

Epping station itself, the long-term ambition is to build a new platform there, with a footpath link to the Underground station. Meanwhile, a

heritage bus links Epping and North Weald, the journey being included in the price of a train ticket.

Further details: www.eorailway.co.uk

Museum launches appeal to return steam to the Underground THE heritage railway movement is being asked to take on its biggest challenge in the heart of London – the return of steam-hauled passenger services to the Underground, writes Robin Jones.

London Transport Museum is launching a £250,000 appeal to finance the overhaul of 1898-built Metropolitan Railway E class 0-4-4T No. 1 so that it can haul the Bluebell Railway’s woodenbodied rake of coaches through the Metropolitan Line tunnels.

A series of steam-hauled passenger trips is being planned to mark the 150th anniversary of the Met next year and tickets will be on sale to the public.

The Covent Garden-based museum is not, as widely believed, part of London Underground but is a separate charitable organisation under the Transport for London banner and largely has to find its own funds.

No. 1 is based at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, but is currently being rebuilt at Bill Parker’s Flour Mill workshops at Bream, in the Forest of Dean.

On February 26, Mr Parker oversaw a

successful trial steam run from Earl's Court via the District Line to Edgware Road with ex-London & South Western Railway Beattie well tank No. 30587 (RM April).

Prior to that, the last non-preserved steam on the sub-surface sections of London Underground had been an engineers’ train hauled by 0-6-0PT No. L94 (ex-GWR No. 7752) on June 6, 1971.

The re-creation of the first journey between Paddington and Farringdon is planned for January 13, 2013.

■ ALL those making a donation to London Transport Museum’s Met No. 1 restoration fund (see story above) will get the chance to win a pair of tickets to travel on the inaugural passenger journey on January 13.

To make a donation or to find more information, visit www.ltmuseum.co.uk/collections /projects/met-1 or email supportus@ltmuseum.co.uk

Railway crime continues to fall

THE long-term downward trend in crime on Britain’s rail systems has continued with a 9.1% fall in notifiable crime in 2011/12 – the eighth successive annual decrease.

Figures published by BT Police show that violent crime fell by 2.9%, while robberies were down 9.6% and vandalism (criminal damage) by 21.6%. Theft also fell.

■ One trend still sadly rising, however, concerns the number of people hit by trains, which has doubled since 2011. In the first 120 days of this year, there were 147 incidents, many of them suicides.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 9

HeadlineNews Crossrail seeks interest for concession operation

EXPRESSIONS of interest to operate the Crossrail operation as a concession are being sought by Transport for London.

The winning concessionaire would initially take over the service between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield using the Class 315 fleet, with this service being split off from the next Greater Anglia franchise from September 2014.

Titfield Thunderbolt Live!

THE North Norfolk Railway is marking the 60th anniversary of the Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt between June 22-24 with a live re-creation. Station names will be changed to those in the film, and many of the events will be re-created.

The film itself will have two special screenings on June 22 at Sheringham Little Theatre at 14.30 and 19.00.

Network Rail boosts York

NETWORK Rail has announced that the rail operating and training centre to be built on land within the engineers’turning triangle south of York station will eventually control all operations on the East Coast Main Line, but that the triangle will not be removed until a new turning facility has been established elsewhere in the city.

Exbury line founder dies

LEOPOLD de Rothschild, owner of the Exbury Park Railway, died on April 19 aged 84. A member of the Rothschild banking family, he served as a trustee of the National Museum of Science & Industry and as a member of the National Railway Museum Advisory Committee.

The 12¼”gauge line opened to the public in August 2001, since when more than 550,000 people – including the Queen – have ridden it.

ELR’s Graham Vevers dies

GRAHAM Vevers, marketing director of the East Lancashire Railway, died on April 9. He was 69 and had been suffering from cancer.

Graham was one of the stalwarts of the ELR, joining at the start of the project in the 1960s and serving in various volunteer capacities and the railway will miss his input and energy.

TfL wants longer trains for Gospel Oak

TRANSPORT for London is looking to acquire up to eight three-car DMUs for its Barking to Gospel Oak service.

The current fleet of eight Class 172 two-car units are badly overcrowded at peak times.

TfL says it may consider 4-car DMUs in lieu of 3-car and wants the longer trains from 2013.

Chiltern’s cunning plan

ACTOR Tony Robinson, who played Baldrick in the TV comedy Blackadder, has been coaching Chiltern Railways staff to inject a little humour into their station and train announcements.

Book winners

THE six winners of the book‘Do Not Alight Here’(see May issue, p60), drawn at random, were: Philip Edwards, Glossop, Derbyshire; Mr I G Sutton, Western Park, Leicester; Mr G Coupe, Blackburn; Peter Draper, Norwich, Norfolk; Mr S Masters, Reading, Berkshire; David Soule, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire.

Off the Tracks

A TV and advertising campaign has been launched by Network Rail to warn of the dangers of trespassing on lines or jumping over crossing barriers.

10 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Freight loco crisis could see more 66s built

A DEEPENING loco crisis within the rail freight industry could lead to one company seeking derogation to allow a new batch of Class 66s to be built.

The expansion plans of GB Railfreight are being severely hampered by the lack of spare 66s within the UK market. GB needs up to 20 new locos within the next 18-24 months.

Speaking to The RM at the recent Multimodal trade show, GBRf managing director John Smith said he is unhappy at the way rival companies – DB Schenker and Freightliner in the main – are sending surplus Class 66s to work in Europe rather than making them available for secondary lease in the UK. The Euro exodus is also hitting relative newcomers like Colas Rail, which has only five Class 66s but has recently won a new aviation fuel contract in Scotland to add to the timber trains it runs from Scotland, Ribblehead and Teigngrace.

Said Mr Smith:“Out of 451 Class 66s built for the UK, 87 have been exported.

That’s one in five of the class and once there’s a wholsesale improvement in business in Europe, they are unlikely ever to return.”

He says he doesn’t want to go down the road of other types of loco such as GE’s‘Powerhaul’(Class 70) or Vossloh’s

‘Eurolight’because they would bring a whole new maintenance regime, not to mention a massive and costly drivertraining exercise. Additionally, the reliability of the 70s is under question at present given recent loco fires. The first Vossloh locos (ordered by DRS) won’t arrive in the UK until autumn 2013 and are in any case untried.

“That leaves the option of Class 56s – 30-something year-old locos that are fuelinefficient and expensive to operate and maintain,” adds Mr Smith.“We are therefore giving serious consideration to applying for a derogation that will allow another batch of Class 66s to be built.”

The operator currently has 46 Class 66s, of which 32 were new. The remaining 14 were acquired from Freightliner, DRS and Colas in a shuffle of the class in 2010/11.

Rebuilding Class 56s with, for example, an MTU4000 power unit and new electrical equipment, has at the moment, been ruled out as not cost-effective.

Derogation would be required because of changes to emission rules and crashworthiness standards since the 66s were built. Should it be granted, the newbuild locos would include better cabs.

Although EMD’s Ontario plant has closed, the locos could be assembled virtually anywhere, added Mr Smith.

Many British railway companies are capturing the mood of the nation this summer by commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with special events or train liveries. This pictorial news round-up presents a selection of some of the higher-profile events.

Criticism for rail industry after 700 passengers stranded

THE trapping of 700 passengers for three hours in a train that was partly in a tunnel has led to a number of recommendations being made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

The failure of the 16.40 BrightonBedford service, formed of a pair of Class 377/5 EMUs, initially at St Pancras when the overhead electrification tripped out, and later partway out of a tunnel at Dock Jct North, occurred on May 26, 2011.

It took three hours to get the failed train to Kentish Town to get the passengers off – including two hours to get a rescue unit to the scene and a further 50 minutes to couple up and move off. The situation was exacerbated because the failed unit had no working air-conditioning, toilets or public announcement system.

Some passengers forced open external

doors for ventilation or started to walk back to St Pancras. Many others used Twitter to tweet their concerns, but the RAIB inquiry found that they were not acted upon by First Capital Connect.

RAIB also found that the train driver had been given inadequate support to deal with the many tasks evolving from the incident.

Its report criticised a failure of communication between all parties – First Capital Connect, Network Rail and its signallers, BT Police and the ambulance service.

RAIB recommends that TOCs and Network Rail review and revise procedures for stranded trains, and FCC reviews its management procedures for emergencies.

The cause of the failure was foliage in one of the pantographs.

First Colas Rail 56 enters traffic

COLAS Rail’s first Class 56, No. 56094, made its debut on May 24 with No. 47739 dead in tow. It is seen near Nottingham, with 6M08 17.20 Boston Docks to Washwood Heath steel before later failing with an air leak.

PAUL A BIGGS

‘Royal’Oyster ‘Royal’Oyster card issued

TRANSPORT for London has issued a collector’s edition Oyster card to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

The card features a portrait of the monarch and is available in a limited run of 250,000 from Underground stations in Zone 1, Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and TfL travel information centres.

Tornado to haul ‘The Elizabethan’

THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is to re-create ‘The Elizabethan’ express to celebrate the Jubilee.

‘The Elizabethan’ was one of the premier trains on the East Coast Main Line in the post-war period and this unique railtour on July 25 will feature the trust’s Pacific, No. 60163 Tornado, and ‘Deltic’ No. D9009 Alycidon.

No. D9009 will take the train from King’s Cross to Edinburgh, picking up passengers at Peterborough, York and Darlington. After a break in the Scottish capital, Tornado will head the train back to London.

It will be the first time a Brunswick Green-liveried Peppercorn A1 will have departed Edinburgh Waverley since the 1960s.

For prices and booking details, contact 01453 835414/834477 or www.a1steam.com

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

DIAMONDJUBILEEPICTURESPECIAL Right: First Great Western’s Class 43 power car No. 43186 in its Jubilee colours and lettering, passing Langstone Rock, Dawlish, on May 7 with the 10.00 Paddington to Paignton service. DANIEL PHILLIPS

Below, left: The colourful side of c2c Electrostar No. 357006 at London’s Fenchurch Street station. ANTONY GUPPY

Below, centre: One of two London Underground Jubilee Line trains to be vinyled for the diamond jubilee, seen at Dollis Hill on May 18. RICHARD TUPLIN

Below, centre, upper: The nameplate on c2c EMU No. 357006. BRIAN MORRISON

Foot of page, left: No. 90009 in ex-works condition at Norwich on April 30.

Another picture of this locomotive appears on page 3. TONY MILES

Above: Richard Jewson, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk, with Andrew Goodrum, customer services director of Greater Anglia, after the naming of No. 90009 on April 30. TONY MILES Below: DB Schenker’s contribution to the festivities has been the naming of No. 67026 Diamond Jubilee and the application of special Union flag vinyls.

It is seen near Barrow-upon-Trent on March 29. PAUL BIGGS

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 11

Multiple Aspects with Lord Berkeley

We don’t need a new airport – just more links to Old Oak interchange

N

OW that Doug Oakervee has been appointed chairman of HS2 Ltd and Alison Munro re-appointed chief executive, the team is getting set to prepare the massive amount of documentation needed to get a hybrid Bill authorising its construction and operation through parliament.

There’s a lot to do.

TfL and the London Borough of Hammersmith (LBH) have already made some sensible suggestions for improving the London end by reducing demand for interchange at Euston through diverting the WCML suburban services directly onto Crossrail via Old Oak Common (OOC).

We need a proper two-track link between HS2 and HS1 without interfering with the North London Line so that this link could be used both for international services and new routes across London – Kent to WCML or GWML, for example. No doubt we will be told that there is no demand; but

that is why the Thameslink tunnel was closed by British Railways all those years ago and look at it now!

However, other links being proposed to connect with the OOC station would further enhance its role as a west London interchange – it is interesting to link this to the renewed lobbying for a third Heathrow runway, with both BAA and BA saying that the UK will become an economic backwater unless this happens, regardless of the damage done to air quality and from noise in the highly-populated areas around.

They say that the lack of direct flights to new locations – and lack of a hub airport – is a major drawback. But they would say that, wouldn’t they?

The LBH has done some work to demonstrate how many existing airports could, with some comparatively small changes to rail infrastructure, be linked directly to OOC, in less than an hour, by rail. These include London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, London Stansted, London Southend, Birmingham and Manston.

Taking all these together, there is plenty of air capacity to enable new direct flights to anywhere in the world with comparatively smaller developments at these airports to cater for the necessary growth.

Of course, it may not help changing aeroplanes much, but two hours between airports using OOC as an interchange is not bad; the real losers will be the duty-free shops at Heathrow, which might lose trade when people are waiting there between flights.

There is also still a lot that can be done to reduce demand for short-haul flights; HS2 will, of course, help in the UK, but I was surprised how far into the continent rail remains competitive in time. I was in Geneva recently, with a ticket to Paris and London on the train, when a suicide west of Geneva put it all out of action. I had to book a flight to get home; timing was convenient, but I still gained less than two hours over the train in getting to central London.

This is the change that is happening with the widening net of high-speed

Railways in Parliament

Acceleration and deceleration ‘slip roads’ for HS2 DAN Byles (North Warwickshire) asked the Secretary of State for Transport whether the chief engineer for HS2 Ltd, Professor Andrew McNaughton, was outlining Government policy in his recent iRail 2012 Distinguished Lecture.

During the lecture, entitled ‘Designing High Speed Rail for Britain’ at the Derby College Roundhouse, he predicted up to 30 trains per hour on HS2 in the future and additional acceleration lines alongside those tracks already planned at the Birmingham Interchange station to allow future HS2 trains to get up to speed before joining the main track.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “Government policy on the capacity and line of route of the new high-speed railway was set out in my decisions in January.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I expect the network to be capable of accommodating 14 trains per hour initially, rising to 18 trains per hour with the opening of the second phase of the network to Leeds and Manchester.

“Where intermediate stations such as Birmingham Interchange are included on the high-speed route, it is necessary to include deceleration and acceleration tracks to minimise the effect of stopping

12 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

trains on non-stopping services. The design for the Birmingham Interchange area has not changed since public consultation in 2011.”

Open access competition

CRAIG Whittaker (Calder Valley) asked the Secretary of State, with reference to her proposal not to expand open access competition, what mechanism she plans to put in place to offer services on rail lines where franchised service operators traditionally do not wish to operate but open access providers do.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers said: “Future franchise specifications will allow franchised operators greater flexibility to develop their services to meet customer demand, which could include introducing franchised services on routes where they have not previously operated.”

Olympic Games impact

ALOK Sharma (Reading West) asked what assessment had been made of the likely effect of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics on the extent of crowding on commuter services on the Great Western line in and out of London Paddington.

Mrs Villiers replied: “At the time of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, normal rail services will be supplemented with additional trains to meet extra

demand. These additional services have been specified by the Olympic Delivery Authority as part of its responsibility for planning transport to address expected demand for games-related travel.

“Separate from these Olympic Gamesspecific arrangements, the Government has agreed funding under its HLOS programme for an additional 46 carriages on First Great Western services operating into London Paddington.“These extra carriages will enable lengthening of existing services, significantly increasing their capacity. The extra carriages are planned to come into service in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.”

Free travel for volunteers

DEBBIE Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) asked the Secretary of State if she will meet the Association of Train Operating Companies and London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to discuss discounted travel for Games Maker and London Ambassador volunteers.

Mrs Villiers said:“All volunteers are entitled to free travel on public transport in London (zones 1-6) in order to get to their shifts during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. All potential volunteers were advised that no other transport costs to or from London would be provided.”

lines on the continent; soon, not only Amsterdam but Cologne, Frankfurt, Strasbourg, Basel, Zurich and Geneva will be as quick and easy to get to by rail as air – city centre to city centre. And with OOC (an interchange not only with high-speed rail but other air services), I cannot see why London should become an economic backwater.

Also, it is really not sensible to plan for a branch of HS2 to Heathrow when passengers can interchange at Old Oak Common onto Heathrow Express trains.

DfT has its wires crossed over IEP

THE DfT’s policy of passenger rolling stock performance still seems to be rather uncertain. Having made strong noises about letting go of the micromanagement of the process of allocating rolling stock to specific trains on specific routes, it did just that in its announcement of May 8: ‘Extra carriages mean more seats for commuters’.

Welcome news indeed, but it would be good to think that, in the future, TOCs had a commercial incentive to run more coaches to meet growing demand and with a surplus of coaches available.

However, the Intercity Express Programme (IEP), seen by officials as the answer to the future of intercity rail travel, still seems stuck with no final agreement, with overall order numbers having reduced from 1,600 to less than 450 coaches. Of this smaller number, there is a sub-set of IEPs with auxiliary diesel engines to drive them between Cardiff and Swansea, because the DfT still resists putting the wires up there, even when they will electrify many of the Valley lines as well as Cardiff to London.

There is even talk of a rolling programme of electrification – with the Midland Main Line next – and the rail freight sector is lobbying for these main line electrification projects to be ‘freight compatible’ by adding in loops, chords and short links to make electric traction for freight viable.

Within this welcome scenario, it is unthinkable that Swansea to Cardiff will remain without wires for long, so why not announce it now and cancel the bimodal version of the IEP? Answer? Too much embarrassment for the DfT to change the Hitachi order yet again, whilst the industry prepares to live with the results of such stupidity for a generation or more.

berkeleyafg@parliament.uk ■ (The independent views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The RM or the Rail Freight Group, of which Tony Berkeley is chairman).

FOCUS ON FGW

Putting the ‘Great’ back into Great Western A busy moment at Didcot Parkway on May 16. Two FGW 125 sets pause with fast up and down London Paddington services as Class 180 No. 180106, on crew-training duties, waits to proceed east on May 16. FRASER PITHIE

ILLUSTRATED INTERVIEW MR MARK HOPWOOD Managing director, First Great Western

Managing director Mark Hopwood looking out over Paddington station. FGW

14 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

e reprinted first edition of e Railway Magazine (presented free with this issue) contains an illustrated interview with the general manager of the Great Western Railway, Mr Joseph Wilkinson. Although there is no longer a direct parallel with Mr Wilkinson in the railway industry, we felt it would make an interesting comparison to interview the managing director of the Great Western train operating company, Mr Mark Hopwood, to see how the business has changed. As will be seen, there are some interesting comparisons with the Victorian era.

F

IVE years ago, First Great Western had a pitiful punctuality record and the company was being flooded by passenger complaints and poor publicity.

It was an unhappy situation that led to First Group installing Andrew Haines as managing director in September 2007, followed in December 2008 by Mark Hopwood.

Mark’s brief was simple yet tough. In effect, he had to get the ‘great’ back into Great Western.

When G A Sekon interviewed J L Wilkinson, then GWR general manager, in the launch issue of The RM in 1897, much of what is the commuter belt today simply didn’t exist.

As noted by Mr Wilkinson, “the Great Western Railway suburban traffic is yet to be developed.”

It was also a time when Queen Victoria regularly travelled by train between London and Windsor, motorised road vehicles being virtually non-existent.

Today, FGW is a franchise with a mix of all three main passenger types – long-distance, commuter and rural – and this is reflected in the wide variety of the character of the lines it operates.

Reliability

Mark, who had previously been managing director of Silverlink, c2c and Gatwick Express, explained the problems he’d inherited: “The most obvious were poor punctuality, far too many cancellations due to lack of train crew and lack of rolling stock. Some of this was down to failures, some to just not having enough rolling stock or trains in the right place, or crew trained on the right traction.

“There had been a real failure in engaging with stakeholders and to understand what the issues were that were important to them and why. We had not been listening.

“My predecessor Andrew had done a lot of work to get that moving forward and it was my job as performance director to tackle that, then, when I became MD., to drive the business forward in a wider sense.”

The MTU re-engine programme for the HST power cars was taking place part way through Mark’s appointment and was starting to bring reliability improvements to HST services.

“The business is in a very different shape now,” he says. “Not only have we improved performance, but the customer service delivery

Evening rush hour at London Paddington: First Great Western ‘Turbo’ No. 165136 opens its doors to allow passengers to alight after arriving from Reading on March 1. JACK BOSKETT

is better. We have an ethos through the business of putting customers first and have delivered a training programme for staff, which is visible in the way the staff interface with customers.

We’ve run a programme to drive up the engagement of the workforce and for each of the last four years, we’ve seen a successive improvement in engagement score from our annual employee survey.

“Stakeholder support has increased, we were awarded the Train Operator of the Year award in 2009, and have been the overall winner of the community rail awards twice.”

Mark explained: “One of the problems was that there was not enough rolling stock to meet customer expectations, so we’ve found a whole host of innovative ways to increase the size of the fleet and carried on adding trains.

“We are working on our latest programme, which is agreed with the DfT to extend the seven-car HST sets to eight cars by the conversion of buffet cars to standard class carriages.

“Five Class 180s are coming back after East Coast decided they didn’t need them, and as

The attractive station of Great Malvern, dating from 1861, is the setting on May 12 as unit No. 158958 prepares to leave with one of FGW’s more unusually routed services – the 10.50 to Brighton, which starts the day as the 07.23 from Warminster. STEVE BURDETT

well as all the 150s in the west of England, we’ve two three-car 150s on the ReadingBasingstoke route. The 180s will step into Turbo diagrams and the Turbos will lengthen services elsewhere. The five 180s should be in service by July.”

The 180s are getting reliability modifications, a full refresh and the FGW paint scheme. Crew-training is underway.

Mark readily admits that the day-to-day operation of the railway is a still massive challenge. The daily issues facing operating staff include infrastructure reliability (points, signal or track circuit failures), flooding, bridge bashes, cable theft (which is fortunately not as endemic as in some parts of the country), and fatalities.

The big issue, however, has been the reliability of the infrastructure in the Thames Valley from Paddington, through the Slough-ReadingDidcot corridor, which has not been as reliable as FGW would like.

There is an ongoing resignalling project that will see the FGW route controlled from Network Rail’s Thames Valley signalling centre at Didcot.

There are also challenges from major projects including Crossrail, where major work is taking place at Paddington and tunneling is underway at Westbourne Park.

In the 1897 interview, Mr Wilkinson was asked by The RM’s editor whether the GWR would benefit by accessing the City of London via the Metropoilitan Line to Aldgate. He replied: “I have little doubt that when the time comes for further developments in the way you indicate, we shall be prepared with a suitable scheme.”

So, well before the levels of cross-London commuter traffic we have today using the Tube, 115 years ago such a scheme was at the forefront of a railway journalist’s mind.

Major work is taking place to improve capacity and the layout at Reading as part of an £850million project with fly-overs and diveunders. Also on the horizon is the InterCity Express Project (IEP) and electrification.

Recently, doubling of the North Cotswold route was completed, with the south Cotswold July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 15

FOCUS ON FGW A key part of FGW’s routes are its branch lines in Devon and Cornwall. On a beautiful July 17, 2010, FGW Class 150 DMU No. 150233 and Arriva Trains Wales unit No. 150267 pass Lelant with the 2A30, the 14.55 St Ives-St Erth service. This line is used by many park & ride customers to avoid congestion in the town of St Ives.

CALLUM HAYES

route re-doubled over the next two years.

The good relationship with Network Rail, coupled with FGW staff embedded in the major projects allows close working on specification and delivery. This partnership has allowed FGW to devise a solution to some of the Reading problems that will allow the project to be completed in 2016, a year early.

One of FGW’s success stories, with Network Rail, is the re-doubling of the Cotswold Line. Mark said that the company is delighted with the project, adding that in BR days, apart from a couple of HSTs, the line was little more than a DMU shuttle service from Oxford to Worcester. Today it’s close to an hourly service, and soon the vast majority of its services will be HST or Class 180s.

Passengers who decided a few years ago to drive to rival Chiltern Railways stations to use that company’s services are now said to be returning.

In respect of the decision by FGW not to take up the option on extending its franchise, Mark is quick to make a valid and pertinent point: “The DfT has a very transparent process, and while some opposition politicians and parts of the media created a bit of a storm by characterising what we did in a different way, people need to remember that we had an option, and you cannot take action against someone just because they

don’t want to exercise that option. The Department for Transport has had no issue with it at all.”

The decision not to proceed with the franchise option primarily stemmed from the potential disruption that will be caused by electrification, resignalling and the Crossrail project.

Even so, FGW has been shortlisted to bid for the franchise again and is competing with Stagecoach Group, National Express and Arriva in what will be a very tough contest.

Obligation

The issue of the invitation to tender was due in July, so the exact specification was unknown as we closed for press. Unusually for a franchised train operator, FGW owns many HSTs and Mark revealed that if it fails to retain the franchise, there is an obligation to lease them to the winning bidder for three years, if the winner wants them – which they probably will as IEP trains almost certainly won’t be ready in three years.

FGW has a number of branch lines, in the Thames Valley and the South West, which are important to their respective communities.

Said Mark: “They are not difficult to operate but are an important part of the business. We get good levels of punctuality as they are virtually self-contained railways. Provided we have the A member of the train crew prepares to operate the ground frame at Coombe, on the Liskeard to Looe branch. The line to the left climbs to Liskeard station.

KEN BRUNT

16 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

trains and crews where they should be, there’s not a lot of interference from other operators.

We’ve been running these lines at around 95-96% and in some cases 99% punctuality.

“The challenge for the branch lines is that costs are kept under control. As important as many of them are, they don’t, unfortunately all cover their costs. What we have seen is a very good level of growth, particularly on the west of England branches. Those local services are able to offer a real alternative to the car. A lot of places where we have branch line operations are attractive tourist destinations that are very congested.”

Our 1897 interview included some questions about Mr Wilkinson’s background and personal interests – so we, not unnaturally, put the same questions to Mark. His interest in railways includes heritage traction, particularly Class 50s, but he has travelled professionally and socially to see railway operations in other countries including Switzerland, America, Hong Kong and Japan. He commented that the 175th anniversary of ‘The Bristolian’ was fun, as was running preserved steam to Looe.

Away from railways, he volunteers two hours a week on a Sunday as a presenter for hospital radio in Basingstoke.

In summing up, there are some curious parallels between the year of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and modern times. Mr Wilkinson, for example, was of the view that had the broad gauge been retained, London to Bristol in an hour would have been possible.

Whether a steam train could have run at an average speed in excess of what an HST achieves today is debatable, although it is impossible to comprehend what developments would have taken place in steam locomotive design (particularly during the streamlined 1930s) had broad gauge continued, especially if the loading gauge had been raised.

Mr Wilkinson had, after all, commented: “We firmly believe in speed. In these high pressure days, everyone is in a hurry.”

Just what he would have made of life at Paddington station more 115 years later is anyone’s guess!

C P MILNER

BRITAIN’S BUSIEST PORT

Immingham Dock Centenary

O

18 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Opened 100 years ago this July and once regarded as “Fay’s Folly”, the Great Central Railway-built Immingham Dock is now Britain’s busiest bulk-cargo port. Robert Humm recounts its history

capacity. This was compounded by the rapid development of the South Yorkshire coalfield in the area between Worksop and Doncaster. In the early 20th century, several modern collieries had opened – and more were planned – to exploit the thick, deep-level seams being made accessible by new techniques in mining.

Although the GCR was long-established in the area and planned to strengthen its presence by a network of new joint lines, the lack of an adequate port for export coal would entail the diversion of traffic elsewhere; the North Eastern and Hull & Barnsley railways were both building new lines into the district from the north and were able to ship coal through the rival port of Hull, itself rapidly expanding.

Proposals to build a new deep-water port west of Grimsby had emerged as early as 1874

when an upstream site at Killingholme was chosen, but not pursued, by the MS&LR. In 1900, a site immediately west of the existing Grimsby docks was planned by a group of local promoters in association with the GCR but abandoned when it was found that it would require extensive and constant dredging of the approach channel.

Immingham, two miles east of the 1874 scheme, became the preferred site in 1903 and the Humber Commercial Railway & Dock Act 1904 provided the necessary powers to develop it. Strictly speaking, the new Dock Co was a separate legal entity from the GCR, the latter leasing the port for 999 years on payment of a 4% dividend.

Immingham proved to be an inspired choice. It was the point where the Humber

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N July 22, 1912, their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary, travelling aboard a specially-painted white Humber ferry, steamed through the entrance lock of the port of Immingham to inaugurate a new era of east coast commerce. The opening was celebrated by a banquet in No. 2 transit shed, suitably transformed for the occasion, and featured an unexpected knighthood for the Great Central Railway’s ebullient general manager, Sam Fay. Immingham dock was the offspring of the great age of coal. Until its opening, the principal east coast port of the Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway (predecessor of the GCR) had been Grimsby, at the mouth of the Humber estuary. Grimsby, whose Royal Dock dated back to 1852, had served the Great Central well, but its harbour was shared with the booming North Sea fishing industry and there was insufficient room for the grand scheme the GCR had in mind.

Between 1854 and 1910, export coal shipments alone had risen from 47,000 tons to more than 2.7 million tons annually and by the end of the 19th century there was a crisis of

Left: This was the diagram presented with The Railway Magazine’s June 1912 issue and depicts how the Great Central Railway’s Immingham dock complex looked when new.

The key to the numbered components is as follows: 1. Lock gates; 2. Eastern jetty and passenger section; 3. Western coaling jetty; 4. Power station; 5.

Graving dock; 6. General offices; 7. Electric railway; 8. Bonded stores; 9.

Dining rooms; 10. Transit sheds; 11. Grain elevator; 12. Timber quays; 13.

Heavy cargo and quay for pig iron traffic etc; 14.

Coaling quays; 15. Gravity sidings; 16. Storage sidings for coal trains; 17.

Locomotive sheds.

Below: An aerial photo of the same location today.

It can be seen that the general shape of the port and jetties has remained basically the same, but further jetties have been added and the huge marshalling and storage sidings have largely given way to stockpiles of imported coal, although a few reception sidings remain in use among the coal supplies. The lighter coloured area on the right marks the iron ore section.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 19

BRITAIN’S BUSIEST PORT The ceremonial cutting of the first sod was performed

by Lady Henderson on July 12, 1906. Six years later, aptly named GCR Atlantic No. 304 Lady Henderson arrives with the Royal Train. NATIONAL ARCHIVES

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deep-water channel approached the Lincolnentrance lock, measuring 840ft by 90ft and shire shore and little dredging would be capable of handling the largest ocean-going needed. Purchase of 1,000 acres of flat, virtually freighters, which led into a rectangular 45-acre uninhabited, farmland and marshland (much enclosed basin. From the west side of the dock, of it owned by the Earl of Yarborough, a quay for timber, iron and steel and other whose family had been associated with the heavy traffic projected 1,250ft into the main MSLR/GCR since the earliest days) gave the basin, served by 17 cranes of between three and company a free hand to devise the best layout 50 tons capacity. of quays and sidings for the efficient When it was completed, there were discharge of coal direct to the ships, a staggering 170 miles of sidings leaving plenty of space for future capable of holding, between them, industrial development.

11,600 wagons and enabling the The sod-cutting ceremony port to despatch 56,000 tons of took place on July 12, 1906, coal in a single day. The area when 682 guests arrived in four containing the reception sidings, special trains from Marylebone, storage sidings and empty Manchester, Chesterfield and wagon tracks was larger than Cleethorpes. Eight months many marshalling yards. previously, the main contract for The coal was handled at the the construction of the dock up to long south quay, where seven sill level had been awarded to Price, hoists of the latest design, each Wills & Reeve, of Edinburgh, based capable of handling 700 tons an on a plan drawn up by consulting hour were installed. Each hoist was engineers Sir John Wolfe Barry & served by a fan of eight sidings, Sir Sam Fay Partners. The contract price was backed up by further extensive storage £900,484 and the total cost, including sidings. In total, there was accommodation for machinery, track-laying and buildings, was 100,000 tons of loaded wagons. For capacities £2.6million. of specific yard sections, see panel below.

The dock was indeed a colossal undertaking.

Operation of the coal hoists was described A total of 2,500 men toiled for six years to build in the GCR’s classic publicity book ‘Per Rail’: it, and 100 miles of temporary railway were laid “Each hoist is served by a double group of rails, during its construction, upon which ran 30 with an inward and outward gradient. On one contractors’ locomotives and 1,400 wagons. group, the loaded wagons run down to the The material excavated to form the dock basin ship’s side and are there lifted and tipped by (3½ million cubic yards of it, together with mud hydraulic machinery. To avoid the breakage of from the estuarine approach channel) was used coal, the hoist has a system of radial extension to raise the level of the site by five feet and to shutes, which slide the coal into the hold of the form embankments for lines to the coal hoists. vessel. The coal need not be dropped more The dock plan incorporated a single than a foot or two. Wagons are then transferred

to the other set of metals, and so return automatically to the spot where the engine is waiting to pick them up.”

Immingham was not seen as a purely coal port, however. Three rail-served general merchandise transit sheds (later increased to four) occupied the south quay. Behind them was a rail-connected ferro-concrete grain store for handling imported wheat, and served by two moveable elevators. Also in this vicinity was a large bonded store for wine, tobacco and other dutiable goods. Imposing offices for the dock manager and administrative staff were located alongside the entrance lock.

So impressed was the King by what he saw on the opening day that, in a dramatic gesture,

HOW TRAINS WERE WORKED AT IMMINGHAMYARDS IN STEAM DAYS

By BRIAN BELL COAL trains arrived constantly on the line from Ulceby and were dealt firstly at the reception sidings, which consisted of 14 separate tracks capable of holding 1,120 coal wagons. The fully loaded trains, hauled generally by GC Class O4 2-8-0s, would, immediately on arrival, have the loco uncoupled and signalled to run light engine to Immingham engine shed.

Each train would then be thoroughly checked to ascertain which ship each wagon was destined to be unloaded into, then the No. 1 reception pilot engine, another O4 assigned specifically for that type of heavy work, would proceed to re-form the train with other bulk loads designated for the same vessel. Once the 20 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

loaded coal wagons were sorted for loading into their respective vessels, they would be stabled in the nearby storage sidings until ready for later transfer to the appropriate coal hoist. The storage sidings were massive, capable of holding 7,000

loaded coal wagons, and were designed into three groups, known as A, B or C with 12 tracks in each group and all inter-connected with running lines.

The outer western jetty coal hoist system was provided with another set of storage sidings, capable of holding 320 loaded wagons, plus an empties section also capable of holding 320 wagons.

Altogether, eight pilot engines were assigned to work on the docks 24 hours a day, every day, plus another engaged entirely at the mineral quay and the timber yards alongside.

A smaller engine, usually a J94 saddle tank and known as the No. 6 pilot, dealt with general freight traffic unloaded on the transit quay.

The iron ore loading area on April 27 this year. DBS Type 5 No. 66137 waits to depart for Scunthorpe steelworks with a train of imported ironstone while coal wagons wait to be loaded from the stockpiles in the foreground. CHRIS MILNER

whole of the west side of the estate, the west jetty and the south-side coal reception sidings.

Today this is the principal rail access to port. The line met the GDLR at the triangular Immingham East Junction and terminated at a passenger station on the east jetty.

Last of the new lines was the Barton & Immingham Light Railway, the Light Railway Order for which was obtained on July 19, 1907, its purpose being to provide a direct route from Immingham to New Holland and, via the Humber ferry, to Hull. The route commenced at Goxhill station on the New Holland branch and ran seven miles to meet the HCR at Immingham West Junction.

Opened to passengers on May 2, 1911, it had seven trains daily from New Holland Pier to a somewhat windswept terminus close to the west jetty. Intermediate stations on the branch were at East Halton and Killingholme.

The Barton & Immingham lost its separate identity on December 31, 1912, when it became part of the HCR. When the GC obtained powers for the Grimsby District Light Railway, it sensed that something better than a sparse steam-operated service would be required to run between Immingham and the main centre of population at Grimsby. Many of the dockers would be working shifts, as would railway workers –

particularly footplatemen at the proposed Immingham motive power depot. A round-theclock service of electric cars, drawing cheap current from the Immingham power plant, would be the ideal solution.

Thus was born the Grimsby & District Electric Railway – Britain’s only true example of an American-style ‘inter-urban’ electric railway, and radically different from the familiar street tramways in most British cities and towns. Incidentally, the better-known title ‘Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway’ was an invention of the LNER. The electric railway consisted of a single-track parallel with, and on the landward side of, the Grimsby & District Light Railway, although the two lines were completely unconnected.

There were eight passing places, entered by spring-operated points. Track was 65lbs per yard flat-bottom rail on ash ballast.

At the Grimsby end, the line terminated at the Corporation Bridge, a proposal to connect with the town’s own tramway system never being fulfilled.

At the western end, the line was soon extended beyond the inconvenient Immingham Halt, extending to a point in Queen’s Road, Immingham, where the cars reversed for the final stretch to a station adjacent to the dock entrance lock. This awkward arrangement derived from an unrealised scheme to extend the G&DER several miles to Habrough station

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he borrowed a sword from one of his officers, summoned Sam Fay and knighted the GCR general manager on the steps of the dock offices. It was a totally unplanned ceremony.

Because the Great Central’s main lines from Barnetby and New Holland to Grimsby were located well inland, extensive rail access routes were required to serve the new port.

First to be built was the Grimsby & District Light Railway, powers for which were obtained in 1906. In its earliest form, this single-track line from Great Coates, on the west side of Grimsby Docks to the east side of the Immingham estate, was very much a contractors’ branch for the delivery of building materials and the transport of 600 labourers daily from the Grimsby area.

For the first four years it was operated solely

by Price, Wills & Reeves. Workers were carried in a train of ex-Metropolitan Railway carriages, known locally as the “Navvy Mail”. In January 1910, a public service of four return trains daily was introduced by the GCR to supplement the navvies’ trains. The service was operated by a steam railcar running between primitive wooden platforms at Grimsby (Pyewipe Road) and Immingham Halt, the latter being at the contractors’ base camp just outside the dock estate’s eastern boundary.

The second line to be opened was the Humber Commercial Railway (HCR) from a junction immediately north of Ulceby station to the west side of the dock estate. Part of it was brought into use in June 1910 when the first delivery of bunker coal was made, and by time of the formal opening in July 1912, it consisted of 8¼ route miles of double-track serving the

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 21

BRITAIN’S BUSIEST PORT ▲

on the GC main line, and was never eliminated.

Power via three sub-stations was supplied at 500 volts DC, the pick-up being by conventional overhead trolley wire and pole.

The repair shops were located on a spur at Pyewipe Junction.

In its completed form, the line was just under 5½ miles long and services ran 24 hours a day with a reduced service on Sundays.

Eight single-deck bogie electric cars were supplied in 1911 by the Brush Electrical Engineering Co of Loughborough, while Dick, Kerr Ltd, of Preston, provided motors and control equipment. Four ‘long cars’, seating 72 were for workers’ traffic and four ‘short cars’, seating 48, were for ordinary public use. Eight more long cars arrived from 1913-15.

At the time of introduction, the cars were unique in Britain. By comparison with typical lightly-built two-axle street tramcars, they were designed to carry heavy loads at 25mph, have provision for merchandise traffic, and to spend their entire lives in salt-laden open air. That seven of them survived until the line’s closure in 1961 is a testament to their build quality.

By comparison with the rest of the port, the history of Immingham’s main line locomotive depot is strangely under-recorded, even though it was one of the most important depots on the GCR and, later, the LNER and BR. The new 12-road through engine shed was situated parallel to the southern boundary of the dock estate close to Immingham village and, in GC days, ranked third only to Gorton (Manchester) and Darnall (Sheffield).

In BR days it was given the shed-code 40B

Top: There were two stations called Immingham Dock.

One was on the GCR system proper and closed in 1969, the other was on the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway and closed in 1961. The main line station is pictured circa 1952 with A5 Pacific tank No. 69820 waiting with a motley collection of rolling stock.

ROBERT HUMM COLLECTION

Centre: A view of the Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway car sheds at Pyewipe in BR days. R HUMM COLLN. Right: The historic moment as the white-painted PS Killingholme steams into port with the King and Queen on board for the opening. IMMINGHAM MUSEUM

22 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

On April 27, GB Railfreight named Class 66/7 No. 66742 in association with Associated British Ports. GBRf MD John Smith (left) and John Fitzgerald of ABP are seen with ex-MP Michael Portillo, who unveiled the plate. CHRIS MILNER

and, by 1950 had an allocation of 120 locomotives. Most were mixed-traffic and freight classes, the greatest moment of glory being when seven ‘Britannia’ Pacifics (Nos. 70035-70041), displaced by dieselisation of main line services in East Anglia, were exiled there. Closure to steam came in 1966, one of the last steam sheds to survive on BR Eastern Region – but Immingham had by then become one of BR’s largest and most important modern traction depots with an allocation of more than 100 diesels, retaining a large fleet into the 1980s. Among the classes based there in those days were 47, 37, 31, 20 and 08.

The completion of the steam shed and of

the G&DER (both opened to traffic on May 15, 1912) were the final pieces in the Immingham jigsaw. The Great Central, under pressure from the colliery companies, had opened the new port to coal traffic in June 1910, the first ship to enter the enclosed dock being the Swedish SS Max. Once the royal celebrations were over, the port had to get down to the hard work of justifying all the money invested in it. In 1913, the first full year of business, 2¼ million tons of coal were shipped. It was a creditable achievement, though small when compared with the port’s capacity of 18 million tons per year.

The early promise remained unfulfilled and during the First World War, the port became a submarine base and a Royal Naval Air Service station. The export coal trade was severely disrupted.

Even after ownership of the port passed to the London & North Eastern Railway at the 1923 Grouping, Immingham remained in the doldrums for most of the inter-war period. Coal business, which had increased to 3½ million tons during the short-lived post-war boom of the early 1920s, sank back to little more than the 1913 figure by 1932. It is doubtful whether the port made much real profit in its first quarter of a century and it became known in some quarters as “Fay’s Folly”.

To some extent, the loss of basic exports was offset by the development of passenger traffic, the eastern jetty with the advantage of seamless transfer from train to ship becoming a popular starting point for cruises to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Baltic.

With the return of war in 1939, passenger liners ceased to call and the port, with its valuable dry-dock, once more became a focus of naval activity.

Upon nationalisation of Britain’s rail system in 1948, the port ceased to be railway property, but the railways still benefited because the next 50 years saw it transformed into the UK’s premier port by tonnage, handling more than 50 million tons of freight a year (more than 10% of the country’s seaborne trade) and much of that was carried by train.

One of the reasons for the change in fortune was a wise decision to attract chemical, petroleum, metal and other processing industries to supplement (and in due course replace) the export coal trade.

Number 7 coal hoist was the first to go, to make way for a Fisons fertiliser factory. Hoists 5

Giving the appearance of a four-track main line are the Immingham dock departure roads. On the left, DBS loco No. 66015 waits with a train of loaded iron ore while classmate No. 66206 runs past with a consignment of coal on April 27. CHRIS MILNER

their 1912 alignments, though now devoid of rail tracks. A few yards from the tower is the ex-Great Central Railway administrative office, the largest survivor of the original buildings.

The Electric Railway terminus is now a car park.

Rail infrastructure, although reduced since GC days, is more extensive than at any other UK port.

There is rail access to most of the quays, except the south one – the former coal export

quay. Immingham East and West Junctions are controlled by semaphore signals operated from GCR-pattern signalboxes. Most important of the three remaining manual ’boxes is the 91-lever Immingham Reception Sidings No.2, one of the largest traditional signalboxes in private ownership.

Further reminders of the past are Robinson Road (named after the Chief Mechanical Engineer of the GCR) and Henderson Quay

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and 6 were demolished circa 1960 and the remaining four followed not long after, the last being No. 3, which handled its last consignment in February 1973. After that, export coal was handled at an offshore jetty where there was a merry-go-round wagon discharge point. Gradually the whole district between western Grimsby and eastern Immingham filled up with industrial plants, mainly served by spurs off the old GDLR line.

The UK’s accession to the Common Market in the 1970s meant that Immingham was in an ideal position for the new focus on European markets. Construction of the Lindsey and Humber oil refineries (which together supply a quarter of the nation’s requirements) just outside the dock estate, together with the massive Immingham Bulk Terminal for the handling of iron ore and coal, changed the port out of all recognition.

Survivor

Progress meant losses of traditional features. The Grimsby & Immingham Electric Railway was closed in July 1961... despite carrying more than 950,000 passengers a year.

Numerous suggestions were proposed to run it more efficiently, but there was clearly a lack of will by BR to modernise one of its more idiosyncratic properties. ‘Trams’ were out of fashion at the time.

The old steam locomotive shed (recently demolished) was retained for many years as a wagon repair depot with the diesel traction using a three-road steel and glass building, which was later used as a storage point for withdrawn EWS locos. Those were cleared out in 2009 and the structure scheduled for demolition. A remarkable survivor, albeit believed to be in a parlous state of repair, is the steam-age ‘cenotaph’ coaling tower, one of only two remaining in the country.

What other remains of the past are to be seen today? Unfortunately, from a visitor’s point of view, it is no longer possible to wander round the port at leisure as it was 20 years or so ago, but Associated British Ports, through port director John Fitzgerald, approved a guided tour for The RM, organised by the port’s official historian, Gary Crossland.

The great dock basin is very much as the king and queen, whose royal train had been hauled into the docks by Robinson Class C5 No. 364 Lady Henderson, would have seen it in 1912. From the port control tower there are good views of the eastern and western jetties on

Although the basic dock layout has remained much the same, only one large building has remained unaltered throughout the 100 years – the dock general offices, on the steps of which Sam Fay was knighted. It is seen in 1912 and 2010. The upper picture also shows the graving dock and an electric railway car. Pictures courtesy ROBERT HUMM

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 23

BRITAIN’S BUSIEST PORT

Above: Coal as far as the eye can see, lined up in the storage yards at Immingham pending allocation to ships. IMMINGHAM MUSEUM Left: Trains used to be able to run to the end of the passenger jetty to go alongside berthed liners. Taken from the deck of the vessel, this early photograph depicts a Great Central boat train setting off from the wooden-platformed station on the eastern jetty with passengers from the ship. IMMINGHAM MUSEUM

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(Alexander Henderson, later Lord Faringdon, chairman of the GCR – ‘the man who found the money’).

Of the three main rail routes into the port, the former Grimsby District Light Railway remains intact, although appearing relatively little used. A stub end of the Barton & Immingham Light Railway exists to serve sidings at the western end of the port but has been lifted between Killingholme and Goxhill.

Much of today’s rail freight is generated not by exported coal as it used to be, but by imported coal. The Immingham Bulk Terminal, completed in 1973, combined a deep-water jetty with a conveyor belt to onshore stockholding and loading facilities. It was the brainchild of the National Coal Board to build a modern system of loading export coal into bulk carriers, to which iron-ore import handling was added. With the rapid decline of coal mining in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s, the IBT was adapted for coal imports and today, virtually the whole of the former reception yard and storage sidings area is covered in stockpiles of imported coal.

All traffic from the bulk terminal, some 10m tonnes a year, is handled by rail. Combined, the Immingham/Grimsby dock complex is the busiest port in the country with a greater annual tonnage than London, Southampton or the Teesside ports and it is therefore no surprise that the 10-mile section of railway from Humber Road Junction to Wrawby Junction (west of Barnetby) is a virtual bulk-haul conveyor belt, the busiest freight route in the UK with as many as 140 trains a day scheduled to pass Barnetby.

The principal traffics are coal and iron ore to the Tata steelworks at Scunthorpe, coal to the Trent Valley generating stations, oil to generating stations and distribution terminals, finished steel, petroleum coke, animal feeds and an increasing amount of timber and biomass.

Were he still alive, Sir Sam Fay would surely be impressed with the development of his vision into today’s mighty transportation enterprise... the most enduring legacy of the GCR. ■ 24 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

PROGRESS? One hundred years ago, seven purpose-built coal hoists were installed at Immingham to load export British coal into ships by efficient and elaborate means. Today, imported foreign coal is loaded into wagons by scooping it up off the ground with rubber-wheeled grab trucks. Above: ROBERT HUMM COLLN; Below: CHRIS MILNER

POST-1960 BRITISH STEAM

NEWER THAN

I

T was Sunday, January 3, 1960 and the newest member of the Ian Allan Locospotters Club’s Worcester group gazed in wonder at the feast before him inside Swindon Works erecting shop.

Nearby was Vale of Rheidol 2-6-2T Prince of Wales and stretching away into the distance were ‘Warship’ diesels D815 to D826 and 204hp shunters D2128 to D2132 in various stages of construction.

However, all those were eclipsed by the bulk of two almost-complete class 9F 2-10-0s – Nos. 92219 and 92220 – the latter announced as the subject of a naming contest.

As a short-trousered schoolboy, I had not previously seen a steam locomotive being built and I knew I was only just in time because these were to be the last for British Railways – ones for which my Ian Allan ABC stated ‘Engines of this class are still being delivered’.

As is now well known, of course, the winning name was Evening Star and its ultimate preservation was assured from the outset, although Nos. D821, D2128 and 92219 have also survived (the latter somewhat precariously so at the moment).

For many people with a cursory knowledge of railways, No. 92220 was the last of its generation – yet it was not in Swindon that British steam construction finally ceased but in Leeds, where work was to continue for more than another decade. The very last steam 26 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

A surprising number of people still think of Evening Star as the last steam locomotive built in Britain for anything other than heritage purposes. But, as Robert Pritchard explains by way of text and tables, the UK has been surprisingly active in steam construction since 1960. locomotive built for anything other than leisure, heritage or novelty value was in fact demonstrated to the press a little over 40 years ago, on November 26, 1971, and again I was present.

The two sources of steam locomotive production during the 1960s were Hudswell Clarke & Co and the Hunslet Engine Co, located on opposite sides of Jack Lane, in the Hunslet district of Leeds. This article looks at the 17 completely new steam locomotives and 14 rebuilds that these two firms and one subsidiary produced after Evening Star entered BR stock on March 25, 1960.

The last UK-based purchaser of steam locos was the National Coal Board (NCB).

Although this customer was, like BR, a nationalised industry, its locomotives were not in the public eye, so there was no political pressure to dieselise. On the contrary, steam traction helped promote the sale of coal.

NCB locomotive purchases were

determined at a relatively local level and it was the Yorkshire Division’s South Barnsley Area that placed the final order for traditional 0-4-0STs. Five, all of the same design, were supplied by Hudswell Clarke as HC No.1 to HC No. 5 with works numbers 1889 to 1890 of 1960 and 1891 to 1893 of 1961. (Their cylinder stroke was 24 inches, but the diameter alone is usually taken to indicate the relative power of an industrial steam locomotive and those engines had 16-inch outside cylinders.)

Between them, they were employed at Barnsley Main, Barrow, Dodworth, Monk Bretton, Skiers Spring and Wombwell collieries. All five were scrapped during the 1970s and the only one that ever left Yorkshire was HC 1892, which was sold to Titanic Salvage of Ellastone (Staffordshire) in 1977.

Hudswell Clarke did not build any more steam locomotives after that and the firm was eventually absorbed by Hunslet. All other new

EVENINGSTAR Left: Shunting a train of loaded coal wagons near the central watery at Maesteg in a typical colliery scene from the early 1970s is Hunslet 0-60ST No. 3882. Some of the locos built after Evening Star were all-new, but others were rebuilds given completely new works numbers by Hunslet and therefore officially new engines. Most of the remanufactured ‘Austerities’ were fitted with Hunslet’s underfeed stoker and gas producer system, commencing with this one, No. 3882 of 1962, which was a rebuild of Hunslet’s earlier No. 2890 of 1943. At Maesteg, it soon reverted to conventional condition except for the adjustable vent on the smokebox door. This shot dates from April 20, 1973.

All photographs by ROBERT PRITCHARD unless stated.

Above: Asked to name Britain’s last steam loco, most people would probably plump for the loco on the left – 1960-built 9F No. 92220 Evening Star (notwithstanding the recent exploits of Tornado, of course!).

But they’d be somewhat wide of the mark. The last locos built for anything other than heritage, leisure or novelty value were in fact Hunslets and the one illustrated above is a good example. It is ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST No. 3851 an all-new product of the Leeds locomotive manufacturer in 1962. Bought by the the National Coal Board, it worked initially at Nailstone colliery and later at Cadley Hill, where it is posing by the weighbridge on June 2, 1977. The locomotive is now preserved at Snibston Discovery Park, Leicestershire. Swindon-built No. 92220 is pictured at Cardiff Canton depot in the early 1960s. HUGH BALLANTYNE.

was that coal was fed from the bunker through a mechanical stoker, which delivered it to the grate, but below the surface of the fire.

Extra manual raking was sometimes required and care had to be taken to ensure that the fire did not ignite any coal left inside the stoker.

In some locomotives, the secondary air was admitted via holes (actually hollow stays) through the twin walls of the firebox below the level of the saddle tank and it was possible to see the flames through these holes. In others, there were pipes that passed through the corners of the fire and vented the secondary air above it.

The gas producer ‘Austerities’ were also equipped with a Kylpor exhaust system, which

included a chimney-like diffuser finished with a distinctive inward-tapering fibreglass trim.

Another feature was a circular adjustable air vent, which was fitted to the smokebox door and allowed the partial vacuum inside to be matched to the grade of fuel.

While those developments were being perfected, Hunslet bought 15 Army surplus ‘Austerities’ between 1960 and 1963 with the intention of refurbishing them for resale. In the literal, rather than the enthusiasts’ sense, they were rebuilds and that was reflected by the allocation of new Hunslet works numbers – even though some of the locos hadn’t originally been built by Hunslet (see Table 1).

The first five numbers were 3877 to 3879 of 1961 and 3880 to 3881 of 1962 and those

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steam locomotives supplied to the NCB were of Hunslet’s iconic 18-inch (by 26-inch) inside-cylindered ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST design, but not necessarily traditional examples because three completely new ones plus a number of rebuilds incorporated an important improvement – the Hunslet underfeed stoker and gas producer combustion system (GPCS).

This was first tried on an existing NCB ‘Austerity’ in 1961 with the primary intention of producing a clear exhaust, although it was also found to improve performance.

In order to understand the scientific principles of GPCS, it is necessary to take a short chemistry lesson (see optional panel on page 30) A refinement in the Hunslet GPCS system

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 27

POST-1960 BRITISH STEAM ▲

engines were sold to the NCB, with the first going to Cadley Hill in Derbyshire and the others to South Wales, where they worked at Garw, Hafodyrynys, Maerdy, Mountain Ash and Treorchy.

Next came Hunslet No. 3851 of 1962, which was a genuinely new locomotive. It was the last of a stock order for 36 ‘Austerities’ dating back to 1952, so its works number appeared to be out of sequence, but it also featured the new stoker/GPCS combination, as did all future new and rebuild construction.

It went to the NCB at Nailstone, in Leicestershire, but the equipment was soon removed there, presumably because it was non-standard. (It was only really popular in Yorkshire, where dozens of locos of five different classes were retro-fitted.) HE 3851 later became a familiar sight at Cadley Hill, where the steam fleet was kept in good condition until the late 1970s.

The other rebuilds were allocated works numbers 3882 to 3888 and 3891 to 3893, fitting around two more all-new ones, but such locos were by then encountering growing sales resistance, even from the NCB. No. 3882 of 1962 went to Maesteg, where its stoker/GPCS equipment was soon removed; 3883 of 1962 was seen at BR’s Swindon Works with a normal chimney in March 1963 but reverted to the GPCS type for dynamometer car trials at Kingham in April 1963 and eventually went to Glasshoughton

The very last steam locomotive built for use in the UK for everyday revenue-earning work: In 1964, the National Coal Board purchased two completely new steam locos, the last of which was Hunslet No. 3890. It worked at NCB Cadeby, near Conisbrough, Yorkshire, where it was numbered 66 and is seen on July 28, 1972, still fitted with full gas producer system. It deserved a place in the National Railway Museum, but did not fit the acquisitions policy at the time – instead it was rescued privately to become a long-term exhibit at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. It is currently off site for conversion to conventional firing.

TABLE 1 HUDSWELL CLARKE AND HUNSLET STEAM LOCOMOTIVES BUILT SINCE 1960 Hudswell Clarke

HC HC HC HC HC

1889 1890 1891 1892 1893

1960 1960 1961 1961 1961

Std Std Std Std Std

0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc

Traditional 16" design for National Coal Board (NCB).

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Ditto.

Hunslet (including rebuilt locos given a new works number) HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE HE/HT HE/HT HEIHT HE/HT HE/HT HE/HT HE/HT HE/HT HE HE HE HE HE

3851 3877 3878 3879 3880 3881 3882 3883 3884 3885 3886 3887 3888 3889 3890 3891 3892 3893 3894 3895 3896 3897 3898 3899 3900 3901 3902 3903 3904 3905 3906

1962 1961 1961 1961 1961 1962 1962 1962 1963 1965 1963 1964 1964 1964 1964 1965 1969 Cancelled 1967 1967 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1968 1971 2005 2006* 2007* 2009

Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std Std 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 750mm 2’0" 2’0" 2’0" 2’0"

0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 0-6-0ST ic 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 2-6-0+0-6-2T 4c 0-4-2ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-0ST oc

GPCS ‘Austerity’ for NCB Non-GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ AB 2185/1945 for NCB. Non-GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’VF 5280/1945 for NCB. Non-GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’VF 5272/1945 for NCB. Non-GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ RSH 7139/1944 for NCB. Non-GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 2893/1943 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 2890/1943 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 2868/1943 for NCB after trial on BR. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ RSH 7204/1945 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 3163/1944 for NCB (hire 1965, sale 1970).

GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 2897/1943 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 3193/1944 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HE 3192/1944 for NCB. GPCS ‘Austerity’ for NCB. GPCS ‘Austerity’ for NCB (the last all-new standard gauge ‘Austerity’).

GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ HC 1763/1944 for NCB. GPCS rebuild of ‘Austerity’ RSH 7136/1944 sold for preservation.

Intended rebuild (only repaired instead) of ‘Austerity’WB 2774/1945.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR and later ACR NG149.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR NG150.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR and later ACR NG151.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR NG152.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR NG153.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR NG154.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR and later ACR NG 155.

Hunslet Taylor (with Leeds-built boiler) SAR and later ACR NG156.

‘Brazil’ type, exported to Indonesia.

‘Quarry’ type, built at Statfold for stock.

‘Quarry’ type, built at Statfold for stock (*plated 2005).

‘Wren’ class, built at Statfold for stock/sold (*plated 2005).

‘Wren’ class, completed at Statfold on customer’s rolling chassis.

AB = Andrew Barclay RSH = Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns VF = Vulcan Foundry WB = W G Bagnall.

ACR = (Port Shepstone and) Alfred County Railway GPCS = Gas producer combustion system SAR = South African Railways.

28 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

coking plant in Yorkshire; No. 3884 of 1963 went to Cadeby in Yorkshire; No. 3885 of 1965 was at first hired to Coventry Homefire Plant, in Warwickshire, followed by several years stored at Hunslet’s works (with a normal chimney) before being sold in 1970 to work at Gresford colliery in North Wales and later Bold colliery in Lancashire; No. 3886 of 1963 also went to Glasshoughton, while Nos. 3887 and 3888 of 1964 both went to Smithywood The first new steam locomotives to follow Evening Star were products of the Hudswell Clarke works in Leeds. They were supplied to the NCB between September 1960 and September 1961. HC No. 3 (HC 1891/1961) spent its entire life at Skiers Spring colliery, Rockingham (near Barnsley) where it was photographed on September 28, 1972.

coking plant, in Yorkshire, and 3891 of 1965 went to Waterloo Main and later Peckfield, both in Yorkshire.

The NCB did not want the next rebuild (former Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns No. 7136 of 1944), so it became something of a celebrity by being sold – as No. 3892 of 1969 – to the Bahamas Locomotive Society at Dinting in Derbyshire, owners of main line ‘Jubilee’ 4-6-0 No. 45596 Bahamas, which itself had just been overhauled as Hunslet 5596 of 1968. (No. 3892 resides today at Peak Rail).

The last rebuild, which would have been 3893, was cancelled and although the unrebuilt loco was repaired and hired to Coventry Homefire Plant during 1965/66, Hunslet scrapped it in 1970. The original identities of all the rebuilds appear in Table 1.

Meanwhile the last two all-new locomotives were sold to the NCB Yorkshire Division’s Rotherham Area. No. 3889 of 1964 went to Manvers Main, where it remained until 1975 when it was sent south to Cadley Hill, although it did not work there.

No. 3890 – the very last new steam locomotive to be delivered for non-heritage use within the UK – was despatched to Cadeby colliery, at Conisbrough, Yorkshire, on March 27, 1964.

It was in service for eight years (which at least was a longer working life than Evening Star), but was out of use by July 28, 1972. A suggestion to the National Railway Museum that it would be a worthwhile subject for preservation was, somewhat astonishingly, rejected, but it was subsequently saved privately, as were Hunslets 3851, 3879, 3880, 3882, 3883, 3885, 3887, 3888, 3889 and of course 3892 (which had gone straight into preservation), but none of those originally fitted with stoker/GPCS still retains the equipment.

During the time 3882 was preserved on

▲ One of the last industrial locations to use steam regularly in Britain was the NCB Coal Products Division’s Smithywood Coking Plant at Chapeltown, near Rotherham, which continued to do so into the 1980s. HE 3888 of 1964 was a rebuild of Hunslet 3192 of 1944, and was photographed on standby duty in front of the coke ovens on March 21,1975, having spent a few days shunting the coke car when the usual electric locomotive was under repair. Notice the characteristic chimney usually fitted as part of the GPCS system.

HE 3885 with BR coal wagons at Gresford colliery, near Wrexham, on May 29, 1973. It was named Alison there, but subsequently underwent gender reassignment and ended its NCB career as Joseph at Bold colliery, near St Helens.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 29

POST-1960 BRITISH STEAM TABLE 2 OTHER STEAM LOCOMOTIVES BUILT SINCE 1960 (EXCLUDING DUMMIES, MINIATURES AND MODELS) J Vernon [incl parts from 4wPM L 1400511940] J Marshall [incl parts steam pump/comp air winch] D C Potter T L Barber Talyllyn Railway [most parts from AB 2263/1949] Locomotion Enterprises No.1 P Weaver Ffestiniog Railway Locomotion Enterprises No.2 Locomotion Enterprises No.3 British Rail Engineering Ltd (Shildon) National Museum of Wales Shackerstone Railway [frame 4wD RH 235513/1945] Resco (Railways) Ltd [parts RSH 7135/1944] GKN Sankey Ltd, Castle Works Ffestiniog Railway Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester Alan Keef Ltd 30 T Hall [incl parts of J Marshall/1970 loco above] 1859401 Moors Valley Railway [frame 0-4-0DM OK 21160/38] 20 R Booth T D A Civil 1 Century Millwrights [on Metalair wagon chassis] 11003 North Dorset Locomotive Works 698 J J Forshaw Ffestiniog Railway Frank Saxby & Co. 1943 Dorothea Restorations/Alan Keef Ltd C Parmenter/Launceston Steam Railway Roanoke Engineering Great Northern Steam Co Ltd Great Northern Steam Co Ltd Fire Fly Project Winson Engineering 17 Alan Keef Ltd 71 A Gartell [incl. parts from KS 2451/1922] Wilbrighton Wagon Works 2 A1 Locomotive Trust 2195 Severn Valley Railway North Dorset Locomotive Works A Barber Braithwaite/Bressingham Steam Preservation Co Ffestiniog Railway Llangollen Railway A Foulds and R Collins

1969 2’0" 1970 2’0" 1970 1’11½" 1974 1’11½" 1974 2’3" 1975 Std 1978 1’9" 1979 1’11½ 1979 Std 1980 Std 1980 Std 1981 4’4" 1983 Std 1985 7’0¼ 1990 3’0" plateway 1992 1’11½ 1992 Std 1994* 2’0" 1994 2’0" 1995 2’0" 1997 2’0" 1997 2’0" 1998 Monorail 1998 2’0" c.1998 2’0" 1999 1’11½ 1999 2’0" 2001 Std 2004 600mm 2004 2’0" 2004 1’7" 2004 1’7" 2005 7’1⁄4’" 2005 2’3" 2006 Std 2006 2’0" 2007 2’0" 2008 Std 2008 Std 2008 2’0" 2008 2’0" 2009 2’0" 2009 1’11½ 2010 Std 2010 1’11½"

4wVBT scg 4wVBT 2cg 0-4-0VBT vcg 0-4-0ST oc 0-4-2T oc 0-4-0 vc 0-4-0VBT vcg 0-4-4-0T 4c 0-2-2 oc 2-2-0VBWT vc 0-4-0 vc 4wG soc 4wVBT svcg 4-2-2 ic 4wG oc 0-4-4-0T 4c 2-2-0 oc 0-4-0VBT vc 4wVBT 2cg 0-4-0T oc 0-4-2T oc 0-4-2IST oc 0-2-0ST vc 0-4-2T oc 4wVBT vcg 0-4-4T oc 4wG ic 6wG 2vc 2w-2VBT vc 0-4-0VBT vc 0-4-0T ic 0-4-0T ic 2-2-2 ic 0-4-2ST oc 4wG vc 0-6-0T oc 0-4-0VB vc 4-6-2 3c 4w vc 0-4-0TT oc 0-4-0VBT vc 0-4-0STT oc 2-6-2T oc 0-4-0VBT vcg 0-4-0VBT vc

At private site in Gwynedd, N Wales, 14005 Steam Tram Last at Nth Ings Farm Mus., scr 1994, parts to Swift below Yaxham Light Railways, Dereham, No. 1 Last at A Keef, Trixie, Belgium 1977, thence France c.1990 Talyllyn Railway, No. 7 Tom Rolt Darlington RPS, replica of Locomotion (orig built 1825) At private site in Wiltshire Ffestiniog Railway, new double Fairlie, Earl of Merioneth Replica of Rocket (orig 1829), rebuilt at Flour Mill, 2010 Replica of Novelty (orig built 1829), exported c.1981 NRM Shildon, replica of Sans Pareil (orig built 1829) Replica of Trevithick’s 1804 Penydarren locomotive Shackerstone, dismantled c.1985 (later reverted to diesel) NRM York, replica Iron Duke (orig built 1847) Blists Hill, Ironbridge, built to Trevithick design of 1803 Ffestiniog Railway, new double Fairlie, David Lloyd George MoSI, replica L&MR No. 9 Planet (orig built 1830s) Alan Keef Ltd, Ross on Wye, Taffy (*plated 1990) North Ings Farm Museum, Lincolnshire, No. 9 Swift Amerton Working Farm, Staffordshire, Emmet Groudle Glen Railway, Isle of Man, Annie Midland Railway Trust, Golden Valley Railway, Joan Monorail Coll’n, Blaenau Ffestiniog, No.146 Monoloco Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, No. 6 Mr G Bedfordshire Steam Preservation Society, No. 4 Ffestiniog Railway, replica single Fairlie Taliesin (orig 1876) At private site in Surrey, Sue Beamish, replica ‘Steam Elephant’ (orig built c.1815) Launceston Steam Railway, Perseverance (reb 2009/10) At private site in Cornwall Great Laxey Mine, Isle of Man, replica Lewin, 20 Ant Great Laxey Mine, Isle of Man, replica Lewin, 21 Bee GW Society, Didcot, replica of Fire Fly (orig built 1840) Corris Railway, built to Kerr Stuart ’Tattoo’ class design Beamish, replica of ‘Puffing Billy’ (orig built c.1813) Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, Axe Amerton Working Farm, Staffordshire, Paddy Replica A1 with fictitious BR identity 60163 Tornado Replica of Trevithick’s Catch Me Who Can (orig 1808) Gartell Light Railway, Templecombe, 9 Jean Cambrian Railways Trust, Oswestry, Iorwerth Bressingham Live Steam Museum, Norfolk, No.2 Bevan Ffestiniog Rly Lyd, copy Lynton&Barnstaple Manning Wardle Replacement power bogie for railcar GWR 93 (orig 1908) Ffestiniog Railway, Leary

Right: While No. 3890 (see picture on page 28) was the last steam loco built for use in the UK, this was the last built for overseas use. It is 750mm gauge 0-4-2ST HE 3902 of 1971 and it went that year to Trangkil sugar mill, in Indonesia.

Before doing so, it was demonstrated outside the Hunslet works in Leeds, the bright reflection emanating from the camera lights of a Yorkshire TV news team.

AB = Andrew Barclay KS = Kerr Stuart L = Lister OK = Orenstein & Koppel RH = Ruston & Hornsby RSH = Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns g = geared IST = inverted saddle tank sc = single cylinder, etc VBT = vertical boiler tank (including steam trams) vc = vertical cylinder(s)

COAL consists primarily of carbon in various degrees of hardness plus trapped hydrocarbons, all combustible, together with varying types of inert waste that turns either into ash or (if it melts and re-hardens) into clinker, which is worse from a steaming point of view.

Coal can be burned directly in a good supply of air, but it can also be used to generate three types of combustible gas – coal gas (sometimes known as town gas), producer gas and water gas. If the coal is heated in a closed retort without air, a rich mixture of methane and other hydrocarbon gases is released.

In practice, however, coal is slightly wet, and some air (mainly oxygen plus nitrogen) surrounds the lumps, which means that the chemical reactions also yield hydrogen and carbon monoxide gases. The nitrogen mostly remains as a dilutant. What is left is town gas plus a light, brittle, carbon-rich solid residue called coke, which can be burned smokelessly.

If the coke is burned in a reduced supply of air, then, instead of full combustion to carbon dioxide, there is partial combustion to carbon monoxide gas. The combustible carbon 30 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

monoxide is unavoidably diluted by the nitrogen from the air. The mixture is called producer gas.

If water or steam is supplied instead of air, then a different reaction takes place by consuming heat to yield water gas, which is an undiluted mixture of combustible hydrogen gas and more carbon monoxide (C+H2O = H2+CO).

The trick is to supply the hot coal with balanced amounts of air and steam to make producer gas and water gas simultaneously at a steady temperature, which causes less damage to the locomotive firebox and prevents the formation of clinker. This occurs in gas-producer locos, insofar as overall design constraints allow.

A limited but controllable primary air supply is drawn through the ashpan and grate into the burning coal, and steam jets – also adjustable – play onto the fire too. The resultant gases rise and find enough secondary air to complete the combustion process, after which they pass through the boiler tubes as usual.

The suction through the tubes draws mainly secondary air – so the tendency to lift small particles of coal off the fire and pass them out of the chimney as black smoke is almost eliminated.

the South Devon Railway, it was approved to work into British Rail’s Totnes station and was given the TOPS identity 98482, which was partially based on its works number. (It was subsequently transferred to the Mid-Hants Railway, where it was further rebuilt into an 0-6-0 tender locomotive.)

Back in Leeds in the 1960s, the Hunslet company had taken the precaution of retaining its boiler shop and was thus able to accept an order from South African Railways for eight NGG16 class 2-foot gauge 2-6-2+2-6-2 Garratts, the traditional supplier (Beyer, Peacock & Co, of Manchester) having gone out of business.

The engines were allocated the next block of Hunslet works numbers and their boilers were made at Leeds, but the main construction was sub-contracted to Johannesburg-based subsidiary Hunslet Taylor Consolidated (Proprietary) Ltd, (HT), which applied its own worksplates (3894 to 3895 of 1967 and 3896 to 3901 of 1968), the running numbers being NG149 to NG156.

According to Hunslet’s own publicity, its next (and final) Leeds-built steam locomotive was ordered for the Indonesia Forestry Commission. The country of destination was correct but No. 3902, of 1971, was actually

▲

GAS PRODUCER SYSTEMS: How they work

Left: Having been repatriated from Indonesia and preserved on the Statfold Barn Railway, No. 3902 was named Trangkil No. 4 in honour of its former home.

Modifications over the years have included taller safety valve columns, re-gauging from 750mm to 2’0" (about 610mm) and some revision of the livery. This picture was taken on the first regular open day at Statfold, September 19, 2005.

delivered to the 750mm gauge railway at Trangkil Sugar Mill. Despite its smooth welded surfaces, this 0-4-2ST featured only “small modification” of the ‘Brazil’ class design which Hunslet had acquired when the Stoke-on-Trent firm of Kerr, Stuart & Co closed in 1930.

I was fortunate to be invited to watch this new locomotive being demonstrated on November 26, 1971, before it left Britain for 30 years of foreign service.

Although that was the end of UK steam construction for other than heritage or leisure value, the early years of the 21st century brought a new twist. By then the Hunslet Engine Co had left its historic premises at Jack Lane in favour of modern offices elsewhere in the city under the overall ownership of LH Group Services Ltd, and the construction and repair work had been moved to join LH’s other activities at Barton-under-Needwood, in Staffordshire.

LH’s chairman Graham Lee then retired, only to later form Statfold Seed Oils Ltd at Statfold Barn, near Tamworth, Staffs, where he not only established the Statfold Barn Railway, but provided well-equipped workshops in which the next stage in the

remarkable history of Hunslet could continue.

Four brand new 2ft gauge steam locomotives have so far been completed there (continuing the works number series) – Nos. 3903 and 3904 of Hunslet’s 19th century ‘Quarry’-type and 3905 and 3906 of the smaller ex-Kerr Stuart ‘Wren’ class.

They emerged respectively in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, but the first three were plated 2005 to reflect their ordering date and the fourth was completed with a Statfold-built boiler on a rolling chassis that had been under construction at Kew Bridge Steam Museum of Brentford since 1995.

The boiler records were registered under Hunslet’s Leeds address.

Like Morgan sports cars, these new Hunslets are not replicas but traditional products of a long-established builder.

A nice touch took place at Statfold in 2006 when part of the farm’s seed harvest was brought in from the fields by No. 3902, which had been repatriated from Indonesia, modified to 2ft gauge and named Trangkil No. 4.

There have been several other new-build locos and loco-building projects in the UK in recent years, many aimed at re-creating standard gauge working replicas of long-lost main line classes. Most of those were fully described in the ‘Lazarus Locomotives’ series of features in The Railway Magazine between December 2006 and February 2008, but there have been many smaller engines too and Table 2, compiled partly from the excellent records published by the Industrial Railway Society, features a complete list of every one built since the so-called ‘end’ in 1960.

Exciting times lie ahead, with ‘County’, ‘Saint’, ‘Grange’, ‘Patriot’, ‘Clan’ and a host of smaller locos in the pipeline, and there is also Tyseley Locomotive Works’ ongoing ‘Bloomer’ project.

Who would have thought a couple of decades ago that in 2012, there would be more standard gauge steam locomotives under construction in the United Kingdom than diesel and electric locos?! ■

In the year when the new Al Pacific Tornado began its main line career, another new steam locomotive also hauled its first passenger train. This picture shows the latter being run-in on the garden railway at Statfold on March 28, 2009. It was largely built by Kew Bridge Steam Museum of Brentford in London, but the boiler was made at Statfold and the locomotive was completed there. An offer of Hunslet works number 3906 of 2009 was accepted. This is an example of the ‘Wren’ class, for which Hunslet obtained the rights when the Stoke-on-Trent firm of Kerr, Stuart & Co Ltd closed in 1930.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 31

PRACTICE & PERFORMANCE

EXTRA TIME

A

e inclusion in timetables of ‘recovery time’ is a source of much heated debate – and has been for at least half a century. Taking a deep breath, John Heaton FCILT delves into this whole vexed subject.

memorable exchange of views on train performance took place in the columns of Trains Illustrated during 1957 when the doyen of train performance writers, C J Allen, joined battle with that most accomplished of operators, G F Fiennes.

Allen suggested that the way Fiennes advocated large blocks of recovery time was counter-productive to accurate time-keeping.

More than 50 years on, the debate over the most efficient way of using timetable allowances retains its relevance.

In 1957, Fiennes was still a decade from publishing his seminal autobiography ‘I Tried to Run a Railway’ and had yet to cement his redoubtable reputation. Allen adopted an adversarial stance in a situation where establishing common ground might instead have enabled these two giants to distil the essence of the debate. To say the participants “agreed to differ” would be to put a gloss on reality.

Operators have tended to construct main line timetables by using block recovery times and suburban ones by adding a contingency allowance, usually five per cent, to sectional running times (SRTs). The Southern Region of British Railways, and its successors, have used the contingency allowance method even on trunk routes.

Most enthusiasts agree with Allen and most British Railways-trained operators follow Fiennes. Contemporary Trains Illustrated readers certainly supported their columnist, but when I raised the matter recently with a retired Western Region deputy general manager, he responded with an exposition that mirrored the exact position of Fiennes.

32 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Allocation of recovery time is just one aspect of the timetable structure and cannot be discussed in isolation from the compilation process. Before the computer age, scheduled running times between stations were a haphazard affair. It would be a step too far to call it intuitive but it was unarguably empirical, based on guards’ journals, control records and sometimes on reports from ‘investigators’.

With a wide variety of motive power (even within the same class), disparate rolling stock and uneven signal spacing, it was often necessary to assess running times on an individual basis.

Systems of maximum load limits succeeded in classifying many of the variables but could still result in schedules within the same band that could be either excessively tight or slack.

It was obvious that timings must at least cater for average locomotives, with normal coal and competent, rather than ‘crack’, crews.

Advocating realism rather than conservatism, but recognising that one should not plan for failure, Fiennes said: “The timetable must be a promise not a hope.” Allen responded with a log featuring the legendary driver Bill Hoole recouping shovelsful of time with A4 No. 60025 Falcon, a weak argument that Fiennes

eagerly exploited. Allen was on firmer ground when he queried whether it was not block recovery time that was responsible for an express train being timed at an average of 49mph from Peterborough to King’s Cross.

In recent times, modern motive power and standard trains consistently produce predictable performances, so SRTs can be consistently applied.

The difference between a good driver and a poor one is far less than it once was and I recall Exeter driver Butler’s account of his first diesel trip from Axminster up the 1-in-80 to Honiton tunnel. “I just set the power handle on maximum and felt helpless. In the end, I just wanted to kick it.”

There was no room for improvisation.”

That is not to say that every train achieves its SRTs. Clearly there are many factors that could go wrong, including equipment failures and trespass. Professional or defensive driving is now the norm. It is called the former – but amounts to the latter – and is now a significant cause of undetected lost time, since it appears that many running times have not been adjusted in line with new techniques.

Every year seems to introduce a new reason for losing time. On a Swindon-Kemble run in 2006 we ran all the way at a maximum speed of 60mph, losing 4min on schedule. When I enquired why, I was told it was the day that manual track inspections take place. And the same system was still in force when I last visited

“I just set the power handle on maximum and felt helpless. In the end, I just wanted to kick it.”

Top of page: Four of the runs in this article feature Class 50s. On July 28, 1984, No. 50028 Tiger departs from Newton Abbot during the author’s time as area manager. TRACKS NORTH

e world’s longest-running railway series, established 1901

During his BR career, the author was responsible for passenger operations over a section of the East Coast Main Line. In this July 1977 scene, Class 55 ‘Deltic’ No. 55007 Pinza heads through a recently-electrifed Hatfield. COLOUR-RAIL

the line. More frequent running brake tests are now required. First Great Western ExeterPaignton locals make a station stop at St Thomas and then conduct a running brake test when they reach maximum speed near Exminster.

However, the most regular cause of a train exceeding its SRT is engineering work, and probably planned work at that, a conclusion that Fiennes reached back in 1957. The railway is a conveyor belt, a production line in full view of its customers that is subject to continual renewal while offering a continuous service. A timetable must seek to accommodate the effects within the confines of its structure.

instead of the nine that had proved satisfactory for its 1939 equivalent. Perhaps engineers had become dominant by 1957, but no one can deny the arterial main lines were in good fettle.

So it befell that a King’s Cross to Doncaster express of 1974 would have 5min recovery time on the King’s Cross Division and 6min on the Doncaster Division. At that time, a typical temporary speed restriction (TSR) might be 60 chains at 20mph. There were successful attempts to give the line back at higher speeds and to deal in shorter lengths, but, 10 years later, the standard IC125 recovery time was still as high as 4min. One might assume that the superior acceleration of an IC125 would have

enabled the time penalty to have been reduced, but an HST continues to lose time on track authorised for 125mph until it reaches its own top speed, not the 100mph of a ‘Deltic’.

Readers might be surprised to learn that when I worked at Doncaster in 1974/5, my regular train back to Leeds was the 14.20 from King’s Cross. In case anyone thinks that this must have constituted an early finish, it should be stated that this train did not leave Doncaster until 17.17. It did not spend any time in loops or on the slow lines, but was simply a reflection of how long a Class 47 on nine coaches took with seven stops – although station dwell times to leaving Doncaster amounted to 22min.

Suspicion

Planned engineering work is, by definition, predictable. Materials are on order, staff allocated and track possession programmed.

Given the fact that engineers should know the state of their railway, they should be able to smooth the renewal profile and aid the timetable compiler to plan the distribution of recovery time well in advance. So, on the Eastern Region of the 1970s each divisional civil engineer normally had one relaying item in force each week.

There was a suspicion amongst operators that work was sometimes created to prevent pressure on the engineers to release compensating recovery time, although I must admit complicity when responsible for passenger operations on the Newcastle Division in 1982.

We operators guarded the southbound 4min recovery allowance before Northallerton just as jealously as the engineers, as it massaged our minor transgressions out of the punctuality statistics.

Allen was perhaps right that this was the thought process that had led to an express in 1957 needing 19min recovery south of Doncaster

A run with a Brush Type 4 between King’s Cross and Leeds features on the next page. At Doncaster on September 12, 1985, No. 47627 waits time with the 09.23 Newcastle-Penzance. JOHN HENDERSON/COLOUR-RAIL

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 33

PRACTICE & PERFORMANCE

Table 1: King’s Cross To DonCasTer Loco Load* Train Date Recorder/Position

47414 9/300/315 14.20 KX-Leeds April 9, 1975 J Heaton 1 of 10 Schedule E/L/T

King's Cross d

0

Potters Bar

15 [3] 22

Hatfield Stevenage a d Hitchin

T

E/L/T

½L

T

20

2L

29_ 30_ 35_

4L 4L 4L

Sandy Huntingdon a d

½L T T

Peterborough a d

77 82

4L 3½L

Essendine Stoke Grantham a d Barkston S Jct Newark a d

94 104 109 112 118 125 128

3½L 3L 2½L 2½L 1½L 1½L 1½L

Retford a d

146 149 [6] 172

2L ½L

Alternative position of TSRs Newark a 125 d 128 Retford a.

146 d 149 [6] Doncaster a 172

srt+ 5% sch 0

0 20mph TSR 3ch 1½L 16½ 16

31 32 37 [2] 47 58 60

Doncaster a

Actual

2½L 2½L 2½L

1½E

22 sigs 25mph 33½ 34½ 39½

47½ 44 58 55½ 60 57½ 20mph TSR 31ch 81 75½ 85½ 80½ sigs 46mph 97½ 93 107 103½ 111½ 108½ 114½ 111½ 119½ 118 126½ 125½ 129½ 128½ 20mph TSR 4ch 148 147½ 149½ 150½ sigs 177-178 170½ 168½

1½L 1½L 1½L T 1½E

126½ 129½ 147½ 149 20mph TSR 170½

125½ 128½ 147½ 150½ 40ch 168½

T

3½L 2½L 2½L 5½L 5L 4½L 4½L 3L 3L 1½L 1L 1L ½L + ½E ++ 1½E 1L 1L T + ½E **3L

+ If train stands to public time of 150min ++ assumes no sigs and runs in sectional running times from 150min departure to arrive in 167min ** assumes 20mph TSR 40c costing 4½min over sectional running time from 150min departure to arrive in 171½min srt= sectional running time ch= chains *=vehicles/tare/gross tonnes E= Early L= Late T= On Time [x}=min recovery time a= arrive d=depart

34 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

‘Deltic’ No. 55002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry near Abbots Ripton on May 17, 1980. COLOUR-RAIL

Before we look further at this train, younger readers should not be lured into thinking all trains were like this. The 15.55 King’s CrossLeeds ‘Deltic’ was only 32min behind it at Doncaster. And in case older readers go dewyeyed at the prospect of the ‘Leeds Executive’ and its Class 55, they should remember that the dilatory 14.20 and flying 15.55 were the only Leeds Mon-Thur departures from King’s Cross between 13.10 and 17.05.

The 14.20 had the standard 11min recovery time with a wedge of six minutes between Retford and Doncaster. This was the very practice to which C J Allen had objected 17 years earlier. He wondered how a driver could be expected to leave Retford on time and dissipate enough time to hit his path into Doncaster. Or should a driver prepare for this by dissipating time in advance of Retford and arrive there late?

It might be thought that the 14.20 would suffer such difficulties in 1974 but my records show that it averaged ½min early arriving at Doncaster on the 40 occasions I used this train in the 1974/5 timetable. It was more than 4min late on only three occasions and the mode was 1½min early.

There were two keys to this.

The first was the accuracy of relating the recovery time to planned engineering work and the second was the flexibility of the timetable to withstand a train running outside its narrow, pencil path on the train graph. Trains clearly run to wider tolerances and the actual variation on the booked path should more appropriately be drawn with a wax crayon. With just three northbound trains in the ‘mandatory’ timetable through Retford in two hours from 15.00 on a typical 1974 Wednesday, there was scope to draw the train graph with a poker dipped in ink.

I travelled in the cab of the 14.20 from King’s Cross to Doncaster on April 9, 1975 with No. 47414 and its booked nine-coach load

“With just three northbound trains in two hours, there was scope to draw the train graph with a poker dipped in ink!”

No. 50045 Achilles passing Shaldon, Teignmouth, on July 15, 1989 with the 09.05 Brighton-Plymouth. TRACKS NORTH

weighing about 315 tonnes gross. We encountered three 20mph TSRs costing 6min, the Doncaster Division restriction being fortunately just north of Newark station, so it did not inconvenience stopping trains as much as through ones. We then had 5min in hand to offset signal delays that cost 3½min. With time regained at stations and by the loco, we stood 1min outside Doncaster to arrive the normal 1½min early. Table 1 shows the schedule, the actual running and the effect of a notional schedule based on SRTs plus five per cent contingency.

It is apparent that the contingency schedule would also have resulted in a 1½min equally early arrival, but 2min before the actual one.

Before the supporters of Cecil J Allen are too exultant, look at the foot of the table to see what would have happened if the Doncaster division TSR had been say 20mph for 40 chains at Ranskill.

Excessive

A train running to the contingency schedule would have had to stand time at Retford and have arrived at Doncaster both 3min late and 1min later than the actual train on block recovery. Contrary to Allen’s suggestion, the intermediate timings were actually more accurate using the block recovery pattern of this train than if it had run to the contingency schedule.

In May 1975 the schedule had another 4min recovery time added but the train was accelerated by 6min, presumably in response first to extra planned work and then to rationalisation of excessive station times, possibly due to altered Post Office requirements. Its Doncaster arrival averaged 1min late over 28 occasions (but it was still 100 per cent within 10min by modern punctuality criteria).

Here was evidence to support Allen against Fiennes; more recovery time allowed, deteriorating punctuality. However, the operators could certainly not be accused of inertia, as the allowances varied from year to year. For instance, in 1978 there was just one

TABLE 2: SALISBURY TO EXETER ST DAVID’S Loco Load* Train Date Recorder/Position

50006 9/300/315 13.10 Waterloo-Exeter S D 11/2/87 J Heaton 5th of 10

50002 9/300/315 13.10 Waterloo-Exeter S D 16/2/90 J Heaton 4th of 10

Miles 0 00 1.96 12.64 12.64 21.69 21.69 28.45 28.45 34.51 37.21 39.06 39.06 47.88 47.88

Timing Point SALISBURY d Wilton Jct Tisbury a d Gillingham a d Templecombe a d Sherborne a d Yeovil Jct a d Crewkerne a d

WTT 14.37 14.40½ 14.52 14.53 15.03½ 15.05 15.13½ 15.14½ 15.22½ 15.24 15.29 15.31 15.40 15.41

SRT+5% 14.37 14.40½ 14.52 14.53 15.03½ 15.05 15.13½ 15.14½ 15.22½ 15.24 15.29½ 15.31½ 15.41 15.42

Actual 14.38½ 14.41½ 14.52½ 14.53½ 15.03 15.04½ 15.11½ 15.13 15.20½ 15.24 15.30 15.31½ 15.41 15.43

WTT 14.41½ 14.44½ 14.55½ 14.57 15.07 15.08½ 15.16½ 15.17½ 15.25 15.26 15.32 15.34 15.43½ 15.44½

55.86 60.98 60.98 71.15 71.15 75.76 75.76 84.98 86.73 87.84 87.84 88.61

Chard Jct Axminster a d Honiton a d Feniton a d Pinhoe Exmouth Jct Exeter Central a d Exeter St David’s a

15.50 15.55 15.57 16.08 16.10

15.51 15.56½ 15.58½ 16.10 16.12

15.51½ 15.55 15.57 16.08 16.10

[3] 16.25 16.27 16.29 16.30 16.34

16.24½ 16.26½ 16.29 16.30 16.34

16.22½ 16.25 sigs 16.28 16.30 16.33

15.53 15.57½ 15.59 16.11 16.13 16.18 16.19 16.27½ 16.29 16.31 16.33 16.36

Block+ 14.41½ 14.44½ 14.55 14.56½ 15.06 15.07½ 15.15 15.16 15.23 15.24 [2] 15.31½ 15.33½ 15.42½ 15.43½

Actual 14.44 14.47 14.56 14.57 15.07 15.08½ 15.16½ 15.17½ 15.25 15.26½ 15.34 sigs 15.36 15.43½ 15.44½ 20mph TSR 15.52 15.58½ 15.56 16.03 15.57½ 16.04 16.09 16.15½ 16.11 16.16½ 16.15½ 16.22 16.16½ [3] 16.22½ 16/27½ 16/30½ 16/29 16/32 16.31 16.33½ 16.33 16.35 16.36 16.37½

*= Vehicles/tare/gross tonnes a= arrive d= depart [x]= x min recovery time Block+ is a notional timetable based on block recovery time SRT+5% is a notional timetable if the WR had converted to sectional running times plus 5 per cent contingency

8min block between Retford and Doncaster.

Five years later I timed a superb HST journey from King’s Cross to York that took 118min and where the 9min recovery time exactly counterbalanced 2x20mph TSRs, the details of which were shown in Keith Farr’s article in The RM of October 2006.

On stretches of line where the renewal programme straddled a station stop, it became normal practice to show different working and

advertised times. So, if work was progressing from Newton Abbot to Taunton, recovery time needed to be shown only approaching Exeter St David’s. When re-laying was on this stretch it was compensated by the extra time. If it was beyond Exeter, trains could leave Exeter 2min early on the working time, observe the relaying restriction and still be on time by Taunton. The options were: ■ no working/advertised differential and trains July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 35

PRACTICE & PERFORMANCE running late at Taunton when the engineering work was east of Exeter ■ double recovery allowances with trains standing time at Exeter when there was no engineering to the west ■ many different dated timetables to cater for the alterations.

Some observers decry such differentials, saying it dilutes operational discipline and causes passengers to believe a punctual train is late.

However, provided it arrives by the advertised departure time, most people do not notice.

The principle is entirely separate from different public and advertised times at termini, which is simply a recovery or performance allowance moved to the terminating station where it does not consume scarce line capacity on congested station approaches. Caution must be exercised in this respect though. There have been occasions where the differential for Leeds and Newcastle terminators has been so excessive that the next train appears to overtake it.

Pathing difficulties constitute another cause of extra time being added to schedules. To minimise pathing problems the Eastern Region in the 1970s discouraged a response to the market’s demand for InterCity trains to arrive in London before 10.00. In 1974, there were no Class 1 trains that started from north of Grantham and passed Hitchin on the up between 06.29 and 09.18, the latter being the 06.00 from Cleethorpes due into King’s Cross at 09.51. By 2007 there were eleven, the 05.05 from Leeds arriving at 07.30.

On a journey with the 06.28 Cambridge to King’s Cross, we were held at Woolmer Green for a King’s Lynn express to pass and at Potters Bar for the 05.30 Leeds-King’s Cross to pass, resulting in 4min pathing. On the modern railway, more trains result in more conflict at junctions, be it at Woolmer Green or Reading, and therefore more pathing time. My correspondent Paul Walker has remarked that some of the weekend schedules of PaddingtonCheltenham trains were faster because there

‘Extra time’ systems in France work differently. That country’s TGV No. 951 at St Pancras on March 21. PHIL MARSH

were fewer trains about.

In the meantime, the Southern Region and its successors have continued with the five per cent contingency allowances above SRTs and minimising fast line TSRs. Restrictions on the slow line and those on branch lines are usually at lower speeds and have a marginal effect, especially if located near points where acceleration or braking is taking place. If connectional and turnround times are realistic, minor delays soon work their way out of the system.

Taking the South Western main line from Waterloo to Basingstoke of 1987, there were 15 trains booked to pass Surbiton on the fast line in 42½min from 17.25. Clearly, block recovery time would cause the path of one train to shuttle back into the other. By adding five per cent contingency, the trains could be equally spaced on paper. If a TSR is in force, drivers will run as best they can, regardless of what the timetable dictates but signal checks will inevitably occur to trains in the queue as the

Table 3:Yeovil JcT To exeTer cenTral Loco Load* Train Date Recorder/Position Miles 0.00 8.81 0.00 2.64 7.99 10.29 12.78 0.00 3.63 8.38 9.14 10.50 0.00

Timing Point YEOVIL JCT d Crewkerne a d Hewish L C Chard Jct Axe L C Axminster a d Seaton Jct Honiton TEP Honiton TWP Honiton a d

WTT 0 10 11

4.61 0.00 3.73 0.00 2.23 3.66 5.49 7.24 8.35

Feniton a d Whimple a d Crannaford Broadclyst Pinhoe Exmouth Jct EXETER CENTRAL a

5 6 5 6

8½ 13 15

12 14

5½ 7 9

50029 50002+9/300/310 19.15 W'loo-Ex S D July 27, 1989 J Heaton 9 of 11

50048 + 50017 9/300/310 19.15 W'loo-Ex S D August 2, 1990 J Heaton 5 of 11

M 0 10 10 5 8 10 13 13 4 10 11 13 13

S 00 16 53 00 58 30 08 57 16 02 02 02 31

M 0 8 9 3 7 8 11 11 3 6 7 9 10

S 00 22 03 42 11 37 08 56 26 58 33 24 01

5 5 5 5 2 3 5 6 8

18 30 17 22 49 54 09 24 27

6 6 4 4 2 3 4 6 7

17 28 27 40 34 28 45 08 42

*= Vehicles/tare/gross tonnes a= arrive d= depart Ave= average MPH Miles figures are rounded from miles and chains. Averages calculated on m c

36 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Ave 26½L 51.5 31.7 80.9 90.0 56.7 51.0 49.4 45.8 40.9 52.2 42.3 47.4 79.6 87.6 84.0 32.6

Ave 8½L 63.2 42.8 92.2 96.3 59.3 63.3 80.7 78.4 44.2 20mph TSR 44.0 50.2 52.0 95.8 85.3 75.9 42.6

leading ones obey the restriction. This soon becomes cumulative, as a Paddington-Reading run in August 2007 showed. An unplanned speed restriction was in force at Southall and the 17.03 from Paddington lost 4½min, because it had suffered adverse signals caused by the 17.00 departure observing the slack before the 17.03 itself had to observe it.

The argument was different again on single lines and was nowhere better demonstrated than west of Salisbury in the mid-1980s, where the Southern Region authorities applied the five per cent contingency as far as the outskirts of Sherborne and the Western Region then applied block recovery allowances. At the time, I chaired a working party charged with improving punctuality on the line.

One initiative was adopted after analysing lost time during a period when a 20mph TSR was in force. This cost nearly 4min to a Class 50 on 315 tonnes. However, the 07.00 WaterlooExeter St David’s was booked to cross the 09.38 Exeter-Waterloo at Honiton and delayed it there by 4min.

Domino effect

The Western had written in four minutes approaching Pinhoe to compensate, but too late in the journey for the 09.38, now four minutes late from Honiton, the TSR meant it was nearly 8min late by Gillingham and delayed the 11.10 Waterloo-Exeter. The domino effect continued, affecting the 12.17 Exeter-Waterloo, the down Fridays-only Portsmouth-Penzance and the 14.17 up, punctuality collapsing entirely if there was any other mishap.

The working party prevailed on the Western to change to the contingency allowance method, which improved events, except westbound if the delay was west of Honiton, but at least that was soon absorbed. It was also deemed expedient to avoid Honiton crosses where possible, therefore the 09.38 was retimed to 10.20. So, the only occasion I was instrumental in altering recovery time, I changed it in favour of a contingency allowance.

Table 2 shows two down Class 50 runs from the period, one before the recovery system was altered and one after. Notional schedules have been compiled showing what might have happened if the recovery system for each train had been the opposite type. The first run would have had to stand waiting time at Axminster and Honiton if altered to contingency but would probably have arrived at Exeter St David’s on

Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance approaches Silk Mill crossing, Taunton, on August 18, 1984, with a Paddington to Plymouh service. TRACKS NORTH

time. The second shows a pattern that is less discernible in the first example; that the contingency system resulted in more accurate presentation on the single line sections.

Table 3 shows two actual runs in the same schedule in very different circumstances. In the first, No. 50029 was hauling a very dead No. 50002 entering Honiton tunnel at around 45mph compared to the combined effort of almost 80mph by Nos. 50048 and 50017 in multiple. The pair then proceeded to reach all but 100 mph after Chard Junction and Crannaford.

Timetabling and operating sometimes fail to gel.

Nowadays, there is also a new form of allowance, unknown to Fiennes and Allen, usually shown in diamond brackets and known as ‘performance’.

The old timetable structure did not allow for any events other than planned engineering work. What are the chances of meeting some minor mishap from Edinburgh to King’s Cross?

Nowadays there are occasions when there is no planned engineering work, so should the timetable reflect raw SRTs? It does not imply passive acceptance of the woolly thinking ‘within 10min’ punctuality so-called standard to say that there must be some recognition of reality.

The performance allowance era has broadly coincided with ‘black box’ data recorders. The latter has eliminated drivers regaining time by over-speeding, which was at one and the same time endemic and controlled. Most drivers were experienced and knew where they could ‘pinch a bit’. There is now no scope to ignore even minor over-speeding, and disproportionate resources are devoted to controlling the situation.

Current operating companies believe that punctuality is more important than journey times, so extra minutes are not only tolerated, they are encouraged, because job security is predicated on time-keeping and every extra minute makes this more easily obtained. It might be thought that the issues covered by the Allen/Fiennes debate are no longer relevant on the current railway, which seems to delight in adding ever-increasing amounts of extra time.

Passengers on the 08.24 Newcastle-Paignton of 2007 could cycle the last leg from Torquay

faster than the 12min advertised for the 2.14mile run. But extra time can become a curse of its own. There is no point in arriving early at Reading on the up Berks & Hants. Even if a platform is available, it is unlikely there will be a path across Westbury Line Jct. Some cynics suggest there will not be a path even if you do arrive on time and my last journey with the 14.15 Paignton to Paddington gave credence to this view. We passed Southcote Jct on time with 4min pathing to come and arrived in Reading 2½min late.

I am advised by Alan Varley that the system in France is different again.

Running times for passenger trains are composed of the basic running time plus a margin for engineering work (almost always 2.5min per 100km) and another allowance for contingencies (2min per 100km but can be as low as 0.5min). Basic electric timings also include an element that takes a pessimistic view of the voltage.

Extra time can be added for exceptional engineering work or pathing. TGVs are timed at the SRT plus a 5-7 per cent contingency allowance with the estimated effect of actual

“Providing a train arrives by its advertised departure time, most passengers do not notice it’s late”

engineering work being added separately. The allowances are distributed with the intention of promoting economic running and not in the block recovery time system.

British Rail believed in the formula that a one per cent improvement in journey time would yield a one per cent improvement in revenue, yet, instead, operators such as GNER went to the wall chasing impossible growth targets on low profit margins by pursuing yieldmanagement solutions to load factors.

National Express then followed the same path to oblivion. If GNER had concentrated on tightening running schedules whilst maintaining punctuality, it might have found many of its new passengers at standard fares.

In the end, it appears that events have won the argument for C J Allen. The density of trains on most main lines, especially in the vicinity of London, increasingly resembles the Southern Region – and what works there should be tried elsewhere. That is not to say that Allen was right at the time, since Fiennes’ arguments were compelling for the East Coast Main Line for over 30 years and he would no doubt have adjusted to changed circumstances.

But one senses that it is often now less a matter of how little time needs to be added to run a punctual railway, more how much can be added; a concept against which it is likely that Allen and Fiennes would have been able to forge a formidable alliance. ■

Pounding northbound at Arlesey is Class 47 No. 47547 on June 3, 1978. COLOUR-RAIL

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 37

38 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

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Former New Zealand Railways ‘Ab’ class Pacific No. 663 has arrived at Waipara on the Weka Pass Railway with an excursion from Christchurch on April 10, 2010. CHRIS MILNER

RAILTOuRERS’GuIDE SUMMER 2012

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44 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Classic vintage steam on the Isle of Man, with No. 8 Fenella hauling a mixed train being passed by at Santon No. 12 Hutchinson with the 13.50 Douglas to Port Erin service on April 18. ROBIN STEWART-SMITH

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German Pacific No. 03 1010 at speed with a main line excursion.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 45

RAILTOURERS’GUIDE SUMMER 2012

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S you’d guess from the name, we reckon to know the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway as well as anyone and better than most.

Our experience does extend to pretty well all of the railways in India, particularly the narrow gauge, and dates back well over 30 years.

In addition to our advertised tours, we are currently planning a tour for early 2014 covering the Kangra Valley line (a long narrow gauge line in northwest India through lush green valleys, with the high Himalayas alongside) and Tipong colliery in north-east Assam, home to two of the Darjeeling‘B’s and a lovely little Bagnall tank. Of course, we will pay a visit to the Darjeeling as well.

All these railways usually lay on something a little special for us, too!

In January this year, we sponsored the first broad gauge WP Pacific-hauled excursion to leave Delhi for the new Rewari Railway Museum – a magnificent day out.

On the subject of the Darjeeling, we always include our exclusive‘Dining Special’.

It’s a world-class experience, blasting up through the forests at dusk behind a 100plus-year-old British-built steam loco with a superb three (or more!) course dinner, well

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Thomas Cook

European Rail Timetable - more than just Europe!

S

INCE celebrating its 1,500th monthly edition a year ago, the European Rail Timetable has seen its new Beyond Europe section become a permanent feature, incorporating six different areas of the world outside Europe on a rolling basis.

The special summer edition not only has the new summer schedules for Europe, but this year also includes all six of the Beyond Europe sections, making it a bumper 640 pages of worldwide train times.

There’s also a bonus three-page section covering South America.

On the European front, there are exciting changes including a new rail link to Warsaw airport; new, fast intercity trains in the Ukraine, giving best-ever timings between major cities; and a new EuroCity train from Berlin to Gdynia.

This summer will also see extra seasonal trains running from Budapest to Pula, from Moscow to Split in Croatia and Bar in Macedonia. In fact, the new schedules see changes to most of the 50,000 trains shown in the timetable.

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A special two-page London 2012 feature also shows how to get to the various Olympic venues and includes detailed timings for extra rail services running during the Olympic period.

With more than 5,000 locations shown for Europe alone, the European Rail Timetable is ideal for the rail traveller, whether travelling point-to-point or exploring Europe at leisure, perhaps with an InterRail pass. Speaking of InterRail, this Europe-wide pass is celebrating its 40th anniversary this summer and Thomas Cook is marking the occasion with a special page in the timetable showing a timeline of InterRail’s history.

The expanded summer edition also includes a feature on European Rail Passes, outlining the Europe-wide schemes as well as many passes covering individual countries or smaller areas and even city passes.

The monthly editions of the timetable have special features in alternate publications, the subject for the July edition being Tourist Railways, featuring a selection of steam, heritage and tourist railways throughout Europe, including detailed timings where possible.

■ Timetables can be pre-ordered online at: www.thomascookpublishing.com.

46 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

lubricated by the excellent local Kingfisher beer. All our Darjeeling tours carry a complimentary year’s membership of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society for those who don’t already subscribe.

We have always said we will only take you to places we know intimately – this also covers the USA, where we have really good friends on most of the Colorado narrow gauge lines.

We are welcomed at Union Pacific’s wonderful steam centre at Cheyenne, where they keep the world’s largest working steam locomotive – the magnificent‘Challenger’ 4-6-6-4 weighing about 500 tons.

Come and see it this September!

We’re ATOL-registered and fully bonded, so you can book with us with total confidence.

A ‘B’ class loco in action at Tipong colliery.

Steam in Hungary is just one of the attractions of an Inside Track holiday.

InsideTrack

Old favourites combine with exciting new adventures

SINCE 1986, Inside Track has offered a range of hotel-based, escorted holidays with an emphasis on nostalgic transport.

Our holiday itineraries combine travel by coach, train, boat, tram and anything else that moves and incorporates visits to museums, steam railways, scenic, cultural and local attractions.

In 2012 we will be running even more holidays than ever, though more is still not very many.

We remain committed to staying small enough to give that personal service to each and every one of our customers. Each holiday is accompanied by a representative who works solely for Inside Track and has numerous years of experience – your satisfaction is our foremost aim.

This year, we’ve a couple of dozen UKbased holidays on offer ranging from

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four days up to eight in duration.

Old favourites such as Scotland, the Isle of Man and North Wales are there and we’ve cooked up some new ones as well as taking in exciting events such as the Great Dorset Steam Fair.

Moving abroad, there are a number of adventurous holidays all of which start

by Eurostar from London except, not surprisingly, our 13-day all-Ireland extravaganza.

We find steam in Holland, France, Germany and Luxembourg as well as a little bit further afield in Hungary.

Another exciting addition to this year’s programme is a trip that includes accompanying the start of the annual Tall Ships race, aboard a privately hired ship, sailing out of St Malo on our Brittany-based trip.

That is just a taste of what Inside Track is all about and of what we are offering in 2012. So, to find out more why not send for the brochure – after all, it’s free and a cracking read to boot!

Mallet No. 99 5906-5 takes the Harzgerode line at Alexisbad with an Inside Track charter train.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 47

RAILTOURERS’GUIDE SUMMER 2012

PTGTours Limited Rail and culture in a worldwide paradise FOUNDED in 1998, this established Oxfordshire-based company offers general interest‘rail interest ‘rail and culture’ holidays from the UK, using rail travel as a theme.

Comfort, enjoyment, leisurely days and friendship are the secrets of its success.

The huge success of this company can also be judged by the fact that in 2011, every one of their 30 advertised tours operated.

PTG Tours specialise in countries and areas not covered by other operators – Douro Valley (Portugal), Bulgaria, Slovenia, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Estonia, Cuba, Alaska, Peru and Madagascar, to name but a few. The company is one of the only rail holiday companies that are both ATOL-bonded and members of ABTA. A regular tour is the renowned Vintage Port holiday, which celebrates its 34th running in 2012. This tour is centred on the beautiful Douro Valley in the north of Portugal, famous for its port wine and stunning scenery.

PTG also offer river cruises with seven nights spent on the modern Douro Cruiser. Both are superb ways to see this unique landscape – a World Heritage Site.

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48 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

We are very excited about the PTG programme for 2012, which will include the first rail-based holiday to the unique and fascinating island of Madagascar (featured in The RM recently) Other highlights include Sicily, Sardinia, Latvia, Harz Mountains, Cuba, Alaska, Australia and Peru.

For 2013, new destinations include Sri Lanka, Morocco, Lithuania, New Zealand and Equador.

Another special destination on offer is Slovenia; its beauty has drawn comparisons with Switzerland, a country twice its size but with many similarities. It is imbued with fantastic, scraggy mountains, turquoise rivers and silver lakes, vast subterranean caves and just enough medieval castles to conjure up a fairy tale or two. PTG’s Vintage Slovenia trip in September visits many of the stunning scenic railway lines as well as Ljubljana and Bled.

For steam enthusiasts, PTG is the only company now running rail holidays to Cuba, where this paradise island is traversed using a private railcar.

Visits are made to see the last steam workings at the sugar mills and included are several main line steam runs.

As the visit is made during the sugar cane harvest, several‘real’workings are expected to be witnessed; maybe for the

last time. The next tour departs the UK on February 25, 2013, and readers are urged to visit Cuba now before increased numbers of Americans result in added investment and the loss of the unique‘lost world’experience.

PTG is also the UK agent for two Spanish luxury rail cruises – the‘El Transcantabrico’and the‘Al-Andalus’– and

will offer the best prices (as well as ABTA/ATOL protection) for both of these legendary trains.

Locally-based tour reps and Englishspeaking staff accompany all tours. n For a free copy of PTG’s colour brochure, see their advert in this magazine or contact PTG Tours on 01235 227288 or visit their web site at: www.ptg.co.uk.

Baldwin 2-6-0 No. 1429 of Marcelo Salado mill works a tourist train in Cuba.

Far Rail Argentina: mission accomplished!

THERE were four years of planning and three attempts with different people, who all failed to arrange our demanding programme. Political changes brought new people into the offices; a Chilean volcano eruption covered parts of the line with ash, the airport at Bariloche was closed.

We had to handle new challenges all the time and several times we started from scratch, explaining again that we’re not interested in sitting in the train watching the countryside, taking an occasional picture just by chance.

Instead, we wanted to recall the times of the good old Ferrocarriles Argentinos, including freight wagons and the name of the state railway written on the tenders of the locomotives.

Finally, contacts in Argentina were able to arrange our desired programme.

Río Negro’s governor was killed at the end of 2011, the airport of Esquel closed in March – but we overcame all this.

On March 7, 2012, I arrived well before

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A dramatic shot of steam near El Maitén, in Patagonia, Argentina.

the group in El Maitén – a huge and fantastic looking cloud formation welcoming me. At that time, I didn’t know that this monster cloud would cause a huge rain storm. This weather disaster caused two fatalities, some families lost their homes and national roads no. 23 and 40 (we needed both for our tour) were partly washed away, as well as the railway being damaged at several sections. The locals said it was the worst rain storm for decades.

A test railcar was sent out after the storm and interruptions were found.

However, there was also good news: three larger sections (more than 160 miles) had not been affected by the rain – and luckily, in every section, there was one serviceable locomotive.

The day before the group arrived, we discussed all the possible challenges and found solutions: they would‘overhaul’ (with paint and oil) some freight cars and we developed a new itinerary that offered

as many photographic opportunities as the planned programme. Surprisingly, the emergency timetable worked almost like Swiss clockwork.

The weather and the light conditions were excellent and that’s why the longplanned and instantly-changed tour turned out to be an excellent travel experience and produced wonderful photographic results.

A new attempt in 2013?

Bernd Seiler

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 49

RAILTOURERS’GUIDE SUMMER 2012

RailwayTouring Company:

The unique Railway Holiday Company

U

nique in as much as nearly all our steam-hauled trains both at home and abroad are operated by us solely for our customers. On our trains you have access to all the best seats, best spots at the photo runpasts because there is only our group on the charter trains.

We also are the largest operator of steam-hauled main line trains in the UK with a trip almost every week throughout the year and then in July, August and September we offer six special steam-hauled trains per week.

Our major UK tour is of course the Great Britain, next year for the second time our train splits north of Edinburgh and rejoins in Glasgow giving our customers the chance to sample the West Highland main line and the Highland main line on the same trip, as well as Cornwall, Wales and Cumbria.

We are finalising operations of our own luxury train in South Africa and we hope to operate a train known as the ‘Drakensburg Express’featuring predominantly steam haulage in the Durban, Ladysmith, Pretoria area of South Africa. More information should be

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available in October.

This year we have introduced a number of completely new tours. These include‘The Black Sea Express’– main line steam in Bulgaria;‘Bella Italia to Capri’– Sorrento, Naples, and the wonderful Island of Capri;‘Morocco’– Marrakech, Casablanca, the Sahara Desert, where not many people have travelled by train; ‘Autumn in New England’- the legendary destination in the USA for spectacular foliage colours.

New Zealand features again with a mammoth steam tour in conjunction with Main Line Steam Trust.

We have also retained the ever popular destinations in our programme. However whilst the title may be the same, the tour itinerary invariably changes; it will differ from year to year. Don’t miss out because you think that you have seen it all before!

Consider Switzerland, the magical mountain destination; Sardinia, the island paradise with enchanting narrow gauge railways; Norway, boasting the splendour of its ords and glittering coastline; India with its narrow gauge trains to colonial hill stations; and Peru, for the Andes and Inca cultural wonders.

Increasingly we are able to offer overland tours for those who prefer not to fly to a destination. This applies to tours in

A Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn train from Zermatt to Brig near Tasch on June 3, 2007.

the UK and to mainland Europe. We have a variety of interesting tours in Scotland, and‘Snowdonia & the Northern Fells’ increases in popularity. Our tours in Switzerland and some to other countries in Eastern & Western Europe begin with a journey by Eurostar train.

Travelling by train is the emphasis of all of our tours and often provides journeys through breathtaking scenery that is normally unreachable. Many of our tours use specially chartered trains just for our group providing a calm

environment for travel in the comfort of your own seat. They also allow more time for photography, leisurely lunches, and to chat to fellow travellers. However our tours are much more than just rail travel.

They include quality hotels, good food, exciting excursions, wonderful attractions, meeting new people and making new friends.

We look forward to welcoming you on one of our tours soon and we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the best for 2012.

FfestiniogTravel:

Avoid the summer crush and holiday by train this autumn

I

f you are looking for a rail adventure this autumn then consider Argentina – Ffestiniog Travel have reduced the price of this 20-day tour to £5,650per person - a saving of £600pp for those sharing a room!

The tour, which departs on November 10, 2012 now offers even more value for money with a content rich with railway treasures. Experience a journey that takes in the majesty of the high Andes and the wilds of Patagonia, riding on remarkable railways, such as the‘Tren a Las Nubes’and includes a private steam charter on the ‘Old Patagonia Express’from Esquel to El Maiten with a special, privileged visit to the locomotive works which houses the remains of many of the 79 original locos purchased for the line. There will be time to explore the cities of Buenos Aries, Cordoba and Bariloche to get a real taste of Argentina’s landscape and culture.

Closer to home Ffestiniog Travel’s annual escorted tour to the Harz Mountains departs on 16th October - eight days travelling the network’s entire 140km of track. Two other Connoisseur tours may tempt rail devotees - Les Petit Trains de France, departing September 7, 2012, is a 17-day tour which includes travel on three

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50 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

The old ‘Patagonia Express’ on its way from Esquel to El Maitén, in Argentina.

different gauges in steam, diesel and electric trains and a chance to run the narrow gauge‘CF de la Vallée de l’Ouche’ for a day. The Best of Benelux tour is just that – also departing on September 7, 2012 it showcases the best of Belgium,

Holland and Luxembourg, rich in steam transport, heritage railways and awe inspiring lines.

You can view these tours in full at www.ffestiniogtravel.com If you are looking for holiday ideas

beyond autumn 2012 Ffestiniog Travel’s pre-brochure highlighting their Christmas Tours and 2013 tour programme is now available. If you would like to request a copy call 01766 772030 or email info@ffestiniogtravel.co.uk.

Voyagers: Footplate rides on theWolsztyn experience

I

N addition to our world famous footplate courses on scheduled commuter passenger trains between Wolsztyn and Poznań in Poland, we offer footplate rides for those who would just like to experience steam at speed.

With government cuts possibly affecting steam services in 2013, book now for this autumn whilst there still is 200 miles of steam each day.

We offer short courses – either mid week or at the weekend – or full weeks with 500 miles on the footplate.

At Jaworzyna Śląska you may drive a 2-8-2T around the depot (shunting wagons), giving you a real experience of precise loco movements. Alternatively, why not take our 0-8-0 narrow gauge loco for a 30-mile trip through the Polish countryside.

In addition to our footplate courses, we can organise full touring holidays for groups (a group is eight persons or more). These holidays would be tailored to your requirements, staying in quality hotels and include the best of Polish sightseeing and railway attractions.

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With our full-time presence in Poland for the last 16 years, our knowledge and contacts cannot be bettered.

There are still four long-distance steam specials during 2012 and tickets for travelling on these may be booked through us, with payment made by credit card on our web site. Your train ticket will be with our representative on the footplate.

Steam special dates: July 7: Poznań-Ustka-Poznań (steam outward electric return).

July 28: Poznań-Pila-NakloGniezno-Poznań August 11: ‘Piast’ PoznańZbąszynek-Międzychód-Sieraków and return.

September 8: Poznań-Leszno-GłogówZielona Góra and return.

n For full details of all our activities visit: thewolstynexperience.org. For bookings on footplate courses and travelling on special trains contact Nigel Fitt at Voyagers, 30 Maids Cross Hill, Lakenheath, Suffolk IP27 9EJ. Tel: 01842 860436 or email: info@thewolsztynexperience. org and for arranging a group visit, please discuss with Trevor Jones by calling 01628 524876

Polish 2-8-2T Tkt48-18 on a shunting course at Jaworzyna Śląska. NIGEL FITT

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 51

NEW

BOOKAZINE

WEST COAST is a biography of the West Coast Main Line, Britain’s busiest railway route, and produced to mark the 175th anniversary of its first section, the Grand Junction Railway, which opened between Warrington and Birmingham on July 4 1837.

This magnificent trunk route runs from London’s Euston station to Glasgow Central, a distance of around 400 miles.

Its story is also that of some of the world’s greatest railway engineers: locomotive pioneers George and Robert Stephenson, international railway builder extraordinaire Thomas Brassey, Francis Webb the ‘King of Crewe’ and Sir William Stanier, whose Pacifics designed for the London Midland & Scottish Railway were among the finest locomotives built anywhere in the world.

The story begins with the invention of the steam locomotive by Richard Trevithick and looks at its early development and the opening of the Liverpool & Manchester railway, which sowed the seeds for the West Coast Main Line.

It looks at the legendary Races to the North in which railway companies on the east and west coast routes competed with each other to see who could get from London to Scotland in the quickest time, and the great switch from steam to electric traction in the Sixties.

The story ends by looking at today’s luxury Virgin Trains Pendolino services, which cover the route in just four hours and 30 minutes.

The 132 pages are packed with historical drawings and photographs to illustrate the narrative.

from E E FR AY to p p s’ a ay TOD t rail k o a o pl ! ns b ogle re gre lisher o t r o o ub Go e ‘M re or any m way p nsuk h t l o oad pp st plus m o.1 rai morto l n Dow pple A oast UK’s N zn.to/ m C A e the West om th tp://a fr ht view azines ? Visit k le boo Kind ta Go

ONLY

£6.99 West Coast bookazine is available now from WH Smith or you can order your copy direct from Mortons Media by calling 01507 529 529 or visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk

Readers’ Platform

Send your letters to: e Railway Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR. email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Arrogant railways ‘are damaging the heritage movement’ I FOUND your article ‘Going Lineside’ (April) most interesting.

The replies given by the railways to the survey were quite revealing as to their attitude towards photographers. It was fairly easy to read between the lines as to the importance given to this issue by the various managements.

There are some who obviously welcome photographers and the ensuing goodwill. There are those who had given serious thought to the matter and come to an understandable conclusion based on safety aspects. And finally there were those with an arrogant and cavalier attitude towards photographers.

The latter railways are damaging the preservation movement, which can ill-afford bad feeling in these stringent financial times.

I have over the years applied for a pass on the West Somerset Railway and complied with all conditions.

This year, however, the usual renewal letter was quickly superseded by a

demand for a Personal Track Safety course to be attended. The way in which this was notified was, in my opinion, high-handed and left a rather sour taste.

When I had the temerity to question the move, the response rather confirmed my suspicions. I feel that at a cost of £50 plus licence fee, the decision was probably driven on a commercial basis – a good way of earning a quick buck from those who will stump up.

Other societies I belong to have also shown excellent consideration for safety but still encourage lineside photography.

I have for a good few years promoted the WSR in my business premises and encouraged visitors. I can assure the railway that I will not be doing so from now on.

Photographers can give very good free exposure to railways. They can also do the opposite.

PHILIP MINTON SMITH Milborne St Andrew, Dorset.

Alan Pegler: ‘My greatest contribution to rail heritage was the support coach!’

IN June 2000, Railfilms undertook a video interview with Alan Pegler in relation to our programme ‘Ffestiniog Story’.

The interview concluded with a few general questions and in particular I asked Alan what he would want to be remembered for; what did he regard as his contribution to railway preservation?

The answer I fully expected was his involvement in saving 4472 and his commitment to saving the FR. But no. Alan's response took us by surprise in that he regarded his main

contribution to the world of preservation as being his invention of the ‘support coach’ for main line steam operations.

Thinking about this today, I can see his point, for it has been proved that there is indeed a need for the experts, spares and support to be as close to the action as possible.

Alan was a remarkable man who led a remarkable life – an inspiration to us all with his unequalled enthusiasm.

NICK DODSON Managing Director, Railfilms Ltd

‘Top Gear’ topped by S&D caravan train!

MANY readers will have watched the BBC Top Gear programme featuring a ‘train of caravans’, broadcast in July 2011 and repeated in Best of Top Gear on April 15. But the concept is nothing new!

In 1955, the decision was made to swap one of the Somerset & Dorset rosters undertaken by footplate staff based at Branksome in return for a turn that had been allocated to Bournemouth (Central) shed. It was not much of a ‘swap’ as far as the Branksome men were concerned; giving up a run with a passenger train over the S&D in exchange for a shunting turn with elderly M7 0-4-4T No. 30040 in Poole yard – but that’s how fireman Peter Smith came to be featured in the Bournemouth Echo.

The newspaper’s photographer

Engine crews used to ask us for the score NICK Pigott’s article ‘Playing to the whistle’ (March), brought back vivid memories of football matches played at Walsall FC’s old ground – Fellows Park.

In the early 1950s, I was in heaven for a couple of hours, standing on top of a typical Third Division ash bank equipped with a few, little-needed, crush barriers.

One had only to turn round to

went along on February 11, 1959, to record the unusual load pictured above. The largest caravan manufacturer in Britain at the time was Bluebird, based at Parkstone, near Poole, and in this scene, 30 caravans, each loaded on a Lowfit wagon, had been assembled to form the first such bulk load to travel by rail from Poole. All were destined for the firm’s main distributor, Trailways, in Scotland.

The photo will surely bring a wide smile to Jeremy Clarkson’s face with the thought of hundreds of caravans being transported the length of Britain by rail each year, instead of cluttering the network of the nation’s roads!

But that was in the days when our railways were geared up to handle such traffic.

MIKE ARLETT, N Bradley, Trowbridge see a procession of freights hauled by the ubiquitous ex-LNWR 0-8-0s or a motley section of elderly 0-6-0s.

Those were interspersed by passenger services to New Street and Dudley – normally a Coal Tank or Class 2 Fowler Tank in charge.

The engine crews or the guard would shout asking what the score was – in those days it was generally bad news. I thoroughly enjoyed Nick’s contribution as something out of the usual.

DON WOODMAN, Lazonby, Cumbria.

The ‘Flying Scotsman’ maintained its cachet

IN early 1948, ‘The Flying Scotsman’ included within its rake the ‘Silver Princess’, a stainless steel prototype carriage designed by American trainbuilder Budd and promoted in Britain by Pressed Steel, which went on to build many conventionallybodied DMUs for BR in the 1950s. It is seen passing Hadley Wood as part of the down ‘Scotsman’ in January 1948. A 1st/3rd composite, it was later converted to all 1st class and ran on the London Midland Region as No. M7585M, although by then its silvery metalwork had been painted over by conventional BR livery. Photographs of it in crimson lake or ‘blood & custard’ would be welcome.

IT was good to see the account (June) of ‘The Flying Scotsman’ train and I’d like, if I may, to fill some gaps concerning the suggestion that it lost its cachet against the streamliners in the 1930s.

The streamliners were certainly fast but that was achieved by operating them with a small number of shorter than normal carriages.

The ‘Flying Scotsman’, on the other hand, could often be as much as double the weight of the ‘Silver Jubilee’!

The ladies’ retiring room (called that rather than boudoir), was added in 1928 and a cocktail bar in 1932.

The bar proved so popular that it was turned into a buffet in addition to the restaurant triplet. The LNER

called this coach a ‘hotel on wheels’.

No other train had the cachet of the ‘Scotsman’ to justify such facilities.

In 1938, the entire set was renewed with much fanfare and a matching set of teak carriages, pressure ventilated, was provided to dedicated diagrams.

Small wonder that the streamlined services were disbanded after World War Two and that the ‘Scotsman’ was restored to non-stop operation – until BR switched that mantle to the ‘Capitals Limited’ (later renamed ‘The Elizabethan’) while also pinching the entire train! Only then did ‘The Flying Scotsman’ lose its cachet and become a conventionallyequipped stopping express.

STEVE BANKS, Banbury, Oxon

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 53

Readers’ Platform

Send your letters to: e Railway Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR. email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Non-tilt ‘Pendolino’ ran at 125mph

THE recent series on titled trains was most interesting. With regard to the panel on named freight trains, we have in the Stephenson Locomotive Society collection this photograph of LNER K3 No. 58 on display in Hunslet goods yard, Leeds, in May 1935. The circular headboard states ‘Express Goods Service West Riding-London 4¾ hours Nightly’.

I am unable to advise whether the headboard was used in service or was simply an advert for the exhibition.

K GREENWOOD, Stephenson Loco Society, Holcombe, Somerset.

A COMMENT made in the February news item entitled ‘Alstom and Angel push Pendolino as alternative to IEP’, stated that the ‘Pendolino’ would be limited to 110mph without tilt on the East Coast Main Line.

On two test runs in March, No. 390055 cruised effortlessly at 125mph, without tilt or TASS in use, and easily matched existing ECML high-speed timings.

I know, as I was there!

CHRIS GIBB, Chief Operating Officer, Virgin Trains

I proposed to my wife on a DMU!

MANY people, when they talk of the ‘romance of railways’, tend to conjure up images of the ‘Orient Express’ or the ‘Canadian Pacific’, but for my fiancée and I, it is the humble East Midlands Trains ‘Sprinters’ shuttling between Nottingham and Matlock that set our pulses racing every time!

For it was on one of these (No. 153319 to be precise) that my beautiful lady agreed to become my wife!

Frances and I have always shared a love and enthusiasm for railways, and back in the autumn we took a trip from our home town of Belper up to Matlock for a day out. After a look around the shops and a walk in the park, we climbed aboard the unit for the journey home.

We still had a few minutes before the train was due to depart and began talking and thinking about how good such simple pleasures in life can be.

Suddenly, I took her hand, looked into her eyes and, right there in the aisle, down I went! I was pretty sure she’d say yes, but still could hardly believe what I was doing! I was on one knee on a busy train in the middle of the day!

However, my impetuous gesture was rewarded as she brushed a tear from her eye, grinned from ear to ear and replied that nothing in the word would make her happier.

The old lady in the seat behind us nearly choked on her sticky bun when she overheard us.

MATT St LAWRENCE, by email.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ■ Due to a last-minute picture swap (June, p38), the caption to the old photo (Tyseley) got left in by mistake; The picture depicts Newport Ebbw Jct. ■ Diesel unit No. 150125 is named The Heart of Wessex Line (April, p83).

■ The ex-LNWR swing bridge at Oxford (January issue, p8) continued in use by passenger trains until October 1, 1955.

■ Finally, Chipping Sodbury tunnel was not an ideal illustration for the GW main line story on page 9, June

54 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Is the ‘Tornado syndrome’ taking things too far?

IT is extremely likely that I will bring down the wrath of many people on my head for daring to even think this, let alone put it into writing, but I am astonished and frankly bewildered in these financially-straitened times that no heritage association or group has gone to the wall.

Appeals, apparently heeded, continue without pause for money for all boilers, rivets, bolts, stays and so on for all manner of locomotives.

Not only that, but we seem to be in the grip of a desire to re-create almost every kind of steam locomotive that does not yet exist in preservation in what I refer to as the ‘Tornado syndrome’.

Frankly, I think this is all going too far.

Heed should be taken of the plight of Flying Scotsman (‘Olympic flame goes out.... May RM), which is 90 years old and increasingly more difficult to keep in restored order. This sort of situation may well be the beginning of the end

for quite a few locomotives, age wise.

Surely there is ample ‘preserved’ stock around the country, be it steam or diesel, to restore and maintain to keep any preservation society going for the foreseeable future. This is what we should all be concentrating on... also to getting rid of all the unwanted bits and pieces of scrap metal lying around, slowly rusting.

As for 100mph steam running

(May RM), I would not dare!

Perish the thought.

JOHN MACNAB, Falkirk, Stirlingshire.

In an ideal world, it would be good to get all the ‘genuine’ locos restored before starting to build replicas, Mr Macnab, but people can’t be forced to spend their own money on things they don’t wish to fund and it’s a fact that many enthusiasts find the re-creation of their own favourites more exciting than the restoration of another Bulleid Pacific or 8F. Ed.

100mph by steam? It’s not worth the risk

IN reference to a possible 100mph running by any of our precious steam locomotives, a great big ‘No’ from me. It’s definitely not worth the risk.

J SPEED (Miss), Strumpshaw, Norfolk TRYING to ‘do a ton’ by steam on HS1 or nearly any other fast stretch of ‘ordinary’ railway like Stoke bank would seem to be fraught with so many snags – of a bureaucratic as well as a technical nature – as to be ruled out.

There may however, be an alternative. Now that the Old Dalby test track from Melton Mowbray to Edwalton sees less use than previously, and as it was once used for high-speed testing, one might assume it is still OK for such runs and that there would be room without getting in the way of other trains.

To get a bit of a ‘run-up’, the train could possibly start at Melton Mowbray.

WESLEY PAXTON, Annan, Scotland.

Coming clean about a locomotive renumbering – 43 years later!

THE National Collection’s LNWR 0-8-0, No. 49395, ran this year on the Worth Valley as 49442 because that was Pete Waterman’s favourite loco and it’s due to the generosity of

that gentleman that we can enjoy this loco back at work. Back in the late 1960s, I was one of a number of enthusiastic amateurs working on the cosmetic restoration of this loco most weekends in Leicester roundhouse, where it was then based.

One Sunday, paint had been applied to the lower cabside panel

and the rest of the team had retired home, cold and dirty. I found the temptation to paint the number of my own favourite loco, 49441, irresistible. After all, the second coat would obliterate it next weekend.

Who would ever know?

Well, as it turned out… more than I could ever guess! During the next week, someone photographed the loco, sent a print to The Railway Magazine and it was printed in the next issue. The caption raised big questions: Just which loco was it?

All very embarrassing but until now I’ve kept a low profile. Now, after 43 years I finally own up.

GRAHAM LEDGER, Northampton The news item in question appeared in our January 1970 issue and is reproduced on the left. Ed.

Seen across a field of rapeseed (or, to give it its Latin name, brassica napus) BR Standard Pacific No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell pounds northwards on the East Coast Main Line at Alne with ‘The Great Britain V’ on April 21. STEVE HOWARTH

Just 17 minutes after the sun came over the horizon, the double-decker cars of the eastbound 'South West Chief' (Amtrak No.4 from Los Angeles to Chicago) catch the glint as they pass Winslow, Arizona, behind General Electric P42 locos on the morning of March 16, 1998. A former crew change point on Santa Fe's transcontinental main line, Winslow now retains only a few sidings but is a popular stop for tourists on the adjacent Route 66. ANTONY GUPPY

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 55

Class 86 No. 86102 Robert A Riddles crosses the River Nene at Northampton soon after sunrise with the diverted 06.20 Manchester PiccadillyEuston on October 24, 1988.

Same location; different impression. At sunset on April 9, 2008, EWS Class 60 No. 60048 crosses the Nene at Northampton with recovered track panels from the Bedford- Bletchley line, forming 6G15 Forders Sidings-Bescot. Such engineers’ duties regularly produced a Class 60 in the spring and early summer of 2008, but the operations proved short lived.

Both pictures this page:

ANTONY GUPPY

56 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

The decline of traditional British mills and factories in recent decades has been so drastic that one often assumes traditional working smokestack scenes such as this have disappeared, but this was the scene at the Stead McAlpin textile mill at Cummersdale, Carlisle, on the early morning of March 28 this year. Passing is a double-header formed of Direct Rail Services Type 5 No. 66423 and Type 3 No. 37423 heading 6C22, the Kingmoor depot to Sellafield nuclear service.

On this occasion it was unusually a mixed train comprising two FNA wagons with flasks collected from Torness power station, near Dunbar, the previous day, and a low-deck container carrier. On the skyline, above the first flask, can be seen the former Upperby (12B) steam depot enginemen’s lodgings, now the Swallow Hilltop Hotel, and to the right of that is a large NHS building.

GORDON EDGAR

Toton depot is frequently photographed from the A52 road bridge, but not often at night. This was the nocturnal scene on February 26. PHIL GRAIN

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 57

58 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Stanier 5MT No. 45407 works over the Tay bridge towards Edinburgh on April 12, 2009. JAck BoSkETT

Meetings Are you staging an event you think should be on this page? Send brief details, no later than the 10th of two months before the cover date you wish the event to appear in, to: Meetings, e Railway Magazine, Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR. Alternatively, email to railway@mortons.co.uk

MEETINGS TUESDAY, JULY 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

East Anglian Railway Museum (North London [Enfield] Branch). First Floor Meeting Room, The Drill Hall Sports Club, Old Park Avenue, Enfield EN2 6PJ. 20.00. Cine Filmshow: David Baker.

Locomotive Club of Great Britain (LCGB). St John’s Church Hall, St John’s Street, Bedford. 19.30.

‘Railways Since Privatisation’: Bob Breakwell.

North East Essex Railway Association. 1st Floor, The Community Centre, The Triangle, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex. 19.45. Annual quiz versus Harwich.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Huddersfield Railway Circle. The Old Court Room, Huddersfield Town Hall. 19.45. Members’ open evening.

Mirfield Railway Enthusiasts’ Society. The Navigation Tavern, Station Road, Mirfield WF14 8NR. 19.30. Open evening. ‘Bring it along and see it on the big screen’.

MONDAY, JULY 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lincoln Railway Society. St Hugh’s Church. North Hykeham, Lincoln. 19.30. Quiz night.

Southern Electric Group (Sussex Branch). Deall Room, Southwick Community Centre, Southwick, Sussex. 19.30. ‘Third World Steam’: Geoffrey Gould.

TUESDAY, JULY 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Meon Valley Locomotive Society. St Peter’s Parish Church Hall, Free Street, Bishops Waltham, Hants.

20.00. ‘Coal, Smoke and Steam – a look at Industrial Steam Railways’: Barry Eagles.

Pewsey Vale Railway Society. Woodborough Social Club, Smithy Lane, Woodborough, Pewsey.

19.45. ‘London to Paris’: Michael Bunn.

Railway Correspondence and Travel Society (RCTS) (Merseyside, Chester and North Wales Branch). Observations at Warrington Bank Quay.

Alan Turton 01606 854227 www.alan.christine@daisytally.fsnet.co.uk

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LCGB. Friends’ Meeting House, Butter Hill, 85 South Street, Dorking.19.30. ‘Photos from the ’50s’: Hugh Davies.

RCTS. Hitchin Christian Centre, Bedford Road, Hitchin. 19.30. ‘Central Wales Railway – Part 2’: Cyril Crawley.

THURSDAY, JULY 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Continental Railway Circle (London and the Home Counties). St Paul’s Church Centre, Rossmore Road, Marylebone, London NW1 6NJ. ‘A Tour de France’: Mike Bunn.

Grantham Railway Society. St Wulfram’s Church Hall, Church Street, Grantham NG31 6RR. 19.30.

‘Grantham 1958-63: Railway photographs by the late Steve Barker’: Martin Smith.

FRIDAY, JULY 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Purbeck Railway Circle. Harman’s Cross Village Hall.

19.30. ‘The Railway I Knew: 1947-1975’: Adrian Vaughan.

SATURDAY, JULY 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bournemouth Railway Club. All Purpose Room, Winton Methodist Community Centre, junction of Alma Road and Heron Court Road, Bournemouth.

14.30. ‘Rail Privatisation – Success or Failure?’: Stewart Palmer (former managing director of South West Trains).

Ffestiniog Railway Society (Hants & Sussex Area Group). Physic Garden, High Street, Petersfield.

19.30. ‘Fireless Locomotives’: Nick Kelly.

MONDAY, JULY 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Great Central Railway Society (Spinkhill branch). The Angel Hotel, College Road, Spinkhill, Sheffield S21 3YB. 19.30. ‘Round the World by Train’: Colin Boocock.

RCTS (South Essex branch). Annual visit to Mangapps Railway Museum. Call John Stone on 01245 464756.

TUESDAY, JULY 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Leicester Railway Society. The Cricketers, Grace Road, Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 8AD. 19.30.

Quiz night.

RCTS (Thames Valley branch). Outdoor visit – Didcot Parkway. Andrew Jenkins. hcacjenkins@tiscali.co.uk

THURSDAY, JULY 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marlow and District Railway Society. Bourne End Community Centre, Wakeman Road, Bourne End SL8 5SX. 20.00. ‘Going on Holiday to Ireland – 19401960’: Mike Page.

FRIDAY, JULY 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LCGB. The Wood Green Social Club, 3 Stuart Crescent, Wood Green, London. 19.00. ‘The Epping Ongar Railway’: Simon Hanney.

Gosport Railway Society. Methodist Church, Stoke Road, Gosport. 20.00. ‘The Lymington Branch’: Brian Jackson.

Great Western Society. Village Hall, Stoke St Mary, Taunton TA3 5DE. 19.45. ‘Roaming with a Cornishman’: David Letcher.

SATURDAY, JULY 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RCTS (Sussex branch). Annual visit to the Lavender Line, Isfield. 18.30-21.30. Call Paul Baston on 01444 253657.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hornchurch Transport Circle (supporting the East Anglian Railway Museum). Main hall at The New Windmill Hall, St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, Essex.

‘Sandringham Project’: Brian Hall.

THURSDAY, JULY 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stevenage Locomotive Society. Community Arts Centre, Roaring Meg Retail Park, Stevenage.19.45.

‘On Parallel Lines 2’: Ken Horan.

FRIDAY, JULY 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Railway Club of the New Forest. Lymington Community Centre, McLellan Hall, Cannon Street.

19.30. ‘The Didcot Story’: Michael H C Baker.

MONDAY, JULY 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Nantwich & Market Drayton Railway Society.

Stafford Court Hotel, Stafford Street, Market Drayton.

20.00. ‘History of The Cromford & High Peak Railway (Derbyshire)’: Roger Crombleholme.

TUESDAY, JULY 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RCTS. The Methodist Church, Cole Green Lane, Ludwick Green, Welwyn Garden City. 14.15.

‘International Theme’: Barry Butler.

EXHIBITIONS JULY 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basildon Model Railway Club exhibition. James Hornsby School, Leinster Road, Laindon SS15 5NX. Saturday: 10.00-17.00; Sunday: 10.00-16.30. Adults £4, concessions £2, family (2+2) £10. Exhibition features more than 18 layouts from Z to O-gauge with traders, refreshments, free car parking.

Wheelchair access – ground floor only. Contacts: 01268 411603; 01268 288236; 01375 678144.

OPEN DAILY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

‘Tebay in Steam’: A new permanent exhibition about the dramatic impact of railways on the history of Tebay in St James’ Church, the village’s unique railway church. 10.00-16.00. Admission free.

KENT EXHIBITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

‘Making Tracks Across Kent: ‘How the South Eastern Railway Changed Local History’: One year on from launching the People and Parliament Connecting with Communities research project, Marden History Group has opened an exhibition at Marden Heritage Centre in Marden Library. The library is open Tuesday and Thursday 1.15-6pm, Friday 9am-1.30pm and Saturday 10am-2pm.

expansion of rail-borne traffic to and from the river and it would not be in the public interest that any particular company should have a monopoly in such a connection. There will be abundant traffic for the Midland, the Great Eastern and the Great Northern.

50 years ago T Jon Longman looks at what was happening on our railways in 1912, 1962 and 1992

100 years ago T

HE curtain will soon fall upon the London, Tilbury & Southend Company as an independent entity.

For all practical purposes the proposed absorption of the undertaking by the Midland was unopposed, but the Select Committee of the House of Commons has attached conditions for which the promoters were apparently hardly prepared.

As far as Tilbury Dock is concerned, running powers are given to the Great Northern Company and this decision will, it is held by the Speaker’s counsel, apply to all future dock extensions made by the Port of London Authority on the Tilbury side of the Thames.

Although the Midland Company was somewhat surprised at the turn which events took, almost at the close of the proceedings in the committee, the demand was clearly dictated by regard for the future development of the port of London.

The scheme entered upon by the new governing authority of the docks in the Thames must inevitably lead to a very large

60 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

HE first issue of a national railway timetable, giving the principal passenger services of British Railways, has now been published and covers the summer schedules.

The book includes 30 long- and mediumdistance services and to some extent it fills the gap created by the discontinuance of Bradshaw a year ago.

There are diagrammatic maps of the routes covered, as well as a folding coloured map of the whole BR system and also a diagram of London Transport railways with a guide to Underground connections between the main line stations.

Trains with reservable seats and sleeping cars are listed and details are given of carcarrying services and car hire facilities at stations. Explanatory notes at the foot, or by the side, of every page avoid the need to turn pages for this information.

The numbering of the tables is repeated against the appropriate routes on the diagrammatic maps so that the table for any particular route can be found quickly.

The six regions of British Railways will continue to publish their separate timetables of both main and local services.

20 years ago T

HE long-awaited Health & Safety Executive report on train door opening incidents, published in mid-May, has found (under certain conditions) that doors could open accidentally. On the same day that the report was published, BR unveiled a threepronged plan to prevent people falling from moving trains fitted with slam doors.

BR has announced its intention to improve maintenance procedures for existing

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) decided to restart steam locomotive driver training in 1992 after a gap of 33 years. The eight selected steam drivers are seen posing with ex-D&SER Mogul No. 461. door locks and has started trials with a more effective simple lock unit.

BR will also introduce an awareness campaign to improve staff and customer vigilance of train doors and will introduce new automated door lock systems. Two new types of door lock and handle which have been developed will now undergo extensive evaluation tests before being fitted as standard.

The Automatic Secondary Lock – which will be provided in addition to existing locks – is designed to ensure that doors which are closed, either fully or on the safety catch, will be impossible to open.

The new system comprises an airactivated electronically-controlled bolt, worked by the already-fitted speed sensing device of the coach. The bolt will engage at 9mph and disengage at 5mph. Trials with this equipment will begin on a Mk 3 vehicle in July and by early 1993 fleet installation should start.

The Integral Door Lock has been designed to simplify installation and maintenance, by

overcoming the problems of locating and aligning the handle within the lock mechanism.

BR has developed the new lock in partnership with the private sector, with the locks being assembled under carefullycontrolled conditions. Service trials with this equipment have already begun and production installation is due to start in early 1993.

BR has welcomed the HSE report into door accidents, which upholds BR’s previous research that when doors are correctly closed they will not come open while the train is moving in normal circumstances.

The HSE report also highlights that‘most’ of the incidents in which passengers have fallen from moving trains show that alcohol or misbehaviour have been contributing factors. In certain circumstances the combination of a sticking lock, sticking door and failure to observe the correct position of the handle could cause a door to open, but BR points out that cases involving all three factors are very rare.

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July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 61

Reviews

Books, videos and other items for possible review should be sent to: e Railway Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs, LN9 6JR

DVD: The Welsh highlanD sTory

Industrial Locomotives (Handbook 16EL)

THIS hardy annual never fails to deliver.

Published by the Industrial Railway Society, it lists every extant loco of 1ft 3in gauge and above to be found outside the main line (i.e. ex-BR) train operating companies and London Transport sectors.

Public and private preservation sites are detailed as well as industrial locations – and the lists include stored and out-of-use locos as well as operational ones. A very useful and time-saving addition this year is a locomotive index to complement the main, geographically-based, section.

Thousands of locos are listed, making the book ideal not only for reference purposes but for use by those enthusiasts who have ‘cleared’ their main line combined volumes!

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62 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

THE reconstruction and rebirth of the Welsh Highland Railway is arguably the greatest railway heritage story of our times. For anyone who monitored the progress from afar and wondered how the magnificent feat was achieved, this documentary will put you in the picture.

It starts by explaining the horrendous legal tangle that had to be unravelled before any work could start, sets the historic background into context and points out that the WHR is really composed of sections of several former railways, most of which had descended into dereliction and wilderness.

Starting from the northern (Caernarfon) end, the viewer is then taken along the railway, being shown various aspects of reconstruction, along with rare historic clips and interviews with leading figures in the restoration project, including the bridge engineer whose job it was to rebuild or replace the many missing river and road crossings. A useful aid is a route map printed on the reverse of the DVD sleeve notes.

Quite apart from the infrastructure achievements, the programme reminds us that a great debt of gratitude is owed Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 0SF; softback or hardback; 416pp; 209 x 148mm; ISBN 978-1-901556-78-0 (hard); 978-1-901556-79-7 (soft); £25.95 (hard) +£6 p&p; £20.95 (soft) + £4.20 p&p.

The Brighton Belle

By Stephen Grant and Simon Jeffs SUB-TITLED The Story of a Famous and Much-Loved Train, this book tells you everything you need to know about one of Britain’s most celebrated titled expresses – right back to the days of its predecessor, the ‘Southern Belle’.

The ‘BB’ was unusual among British named trains in being formed of electric multiple unit stock but it was no less celebrated and is today sadly-missed – part of the reason why a dedicated team of preservationists is today engaged in

to all those who fought to retain a finger-hold on the railway’s original deeds. If they had failed, the chances of the land being available for re-use as a railway would have been very slim, if not non-existant.

This disc is a testimony to dogged determination and ends with the immortal words“Don’t let anyone tell you dreams don’t come true, because they do!”

Railfilms Ltd, PO Box 9004, Sidmouth EX10 1BJ (orders to Telerail, 9A New Street, Carnforth, LA5 9BX. Running time 70 mins (+5 mins bonus footage of the WHR’s ex-South African Garrratts working in their native country). £20 (+£1.50 p&p in UK).

NP

refurbishing a rake of its Pullman coaches with the aim of re-forming a set capable of running main line for the first time since withdrawal by BR in 1972.

The 5BEL Trust’s achievements to date are well chronicled and illustrated in this book, which devotes 14 or so pages to the preservation era, but it is in the story of its heyday that the book excels, reminding us with the help of some rare illustrations, just what a glamorous and prestigious service it was.

The status and locations of all the surviving coaches at February 2011 is detailed in a useful appendix.

Capital Transport Publishing (www.capitaltransport.com); 96pp; 255x225mm; hardback; ISBN 978-185414346-4; £14.95.

TRACKRECORD

ALSO INSIDE:

P64 STEAM

Blue ‘Streaks’at NYMR

P74 RAILTOURS P88 NETWORK P90 FREIGHT P91 NARROW GAUGE P93 MINIATURE P95 METRO P80 TRACTION & STOCK P96 CLASSIC TRACTION P100 WORLD New look for GBRf Class 66 Swanage gala success P102 OPERATIONS

Steam & Heritage Track Record COMPILED BY

CLIFF THOMAS

Call: 01507 529589 email: railway@ mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Previous page: Welshpool & Llanfair Railway’s No. 823 The Countess climbs Golfa bank with a threecoach special on April 30.

HUGH BALLANTYNE

BlackPrince signed forWSR’s S&D-themed autumn gala

DAVID Shepherd’s 9F No. 92203 Black Prince is the first confirmed guest locomotive for the West Somerset Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala on October 4-7.

The WSR has opted for a Somerset & Dorset Joint line theme for the gala and has been issuing invitations to owners of locos representative of classes that worked over the S&DJR (some of the engines concerned actually did).

The S&D closed in March 1966, but September marks the 50th anniversary of the end of long-distance through passenger trains (including the‘Pines Express’) over the route.

Diversion of such trains to the South Coast route via Reading and Basingstoke was a key stage in the run-down of the S&D.

New owner for BritishIndiaLine

EX-Barry condition ‘Merchant Navy’No. 35018 British India Line left storage at Portland on April 30 – where it had been since 2003 – for Carnforth, where its new owner will restore it to main line condition.

Late last year, The RM reported that No. 35018 was to be bought by Ian Riley, although the sale had yet to be completed.

That was correct at the time, but the deal was not concluded.

We were, however, mistaken in understanding that the loco had been moved to Bury in advance of finalising the sale.

Three guests and two blue ‘Streaks’starred at Moors THE North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s May 4-7 and May 11-13 Spring Steam Gala was a success with 6,000 visitors and takings of about £85,000.

Guest locos were (as planned) BR 7P No. 70000 Britannia, A4 No. 4464 Bittern and BR 2-6-4T No. 80072 from Llangollen. The home fleet throughout the two weekends comprised 4MT 4-6-0 No. 75029, 9F 2-10-0 No. 92214 Cock o’ The North, S15 4-6-0 No. 825 and J72 No. 69023.

A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley missed the first weekend while its firebox problems were resolved, but was in action from the morning of May 12, initially banking a service from Grosmont to Pickering (with Bittern on the front – a rare case of blue “Streaks” appearing on one train) and handling the return service solo.

A loco that did not quite manage a gala appearance was NELPG’s Q6 0-8-0 No. 63395.

Work on the wheelsets and axleboxes was completed just before the event and it passed its annual insurance boiler inspection at Grosmont on May 5 during the first gala weekend.

A couple of issues (involving the steam reverser and a loss of vacuum) were resolved during the following week, but the loco needed to be weighed before entering service. It should be working NYMR trains by the time this edition of The RM is published.

Having arrived from its Llangollen base, BR 2-6-4T No. 80072 was in fine form working the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s 13.30 train out of Grosmont on May 5, during the first weekend of the line’s May 4-7 and 11-13 Spring Steam Gala. This unusual location shows Eller Beck in the foreground with the rear coach passing over Water Ark where the footpath goes under the line. No. 80072 will stay at the NYMR for the rest of the summer. DAVE HEWITT S15 4-6-0 No. 825 storms up the 1-in-49 gradient between Grosmont and Goathland with an early morning freight charter on May 12, during the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Spring Gala.

JOHN STORER

First steam gala for Mid-Suffolk THE Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is holding its first steam gala over July 27-29 when three locos will be running.

Current resident at Brockford station Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST (3597/1926) Falmouth Docks & Engineering Co No. 3 (making its final ‘Middy’ appearance before leaving in August) will be joined by the M&GNJR Society’s newly restored Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST Wissington (1700/1938) from the North Norfolk Railway and

privately owned Peckett 0-4-0ST 1756/1928 Hornpipe.

The gala is on the closest available date to the 60th anniversary of the original line’s closure, marking the 21st anniversary of the MSLR museum being established and 10 years of running trains.

There will be passenger, demonstration goods and engineering trains, using all available engines, plus miniature railway rides on a track to be laid by a team from the Barton House miniature railway.

A pair of blue “Streaks” alongside each other: A4s No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley (left) and No. 4464 Bittern at Goathland during the weekend of May 12/13. Bittern was working the NYMR’s 14.45 Grosmont-Pickering service, while Sir Nigel Gresley was on the tail of the 14.10 Pickering-Grosmont train. DEREK CRUNKHORN

G5 project to continue at Shildon as frames are erected CONSTRUCTION of new-build Worsdell NER G5 0-4-4T No. 1759 for the Class G5 Locomotive Company Limited will continue wholly at Rail Restoration North East Ltd at Shildon.

Building was started at Great Northern Steam in Darlington, although some work had

64 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

previously been undertaken by RRNE on what is now known as Hackworth Industrial Park.

Great Northern Steam is reportedly moving most of its business to India.

The G5’s main frames have been erected at Shildon with stretchers and bufferbeams in position and hornblocks

machined ready for fitting.

Buffers and drawgear are ready for use and both cylinder blocks have been machined ready for assembly on the frames. The boiler and firebox were expected to be completed by the end of May. The mainforged crank axle has been designed (and priced) with

patterns for the coupled wheels made. The bogie assembly was completed a while ago and much of the brake gear bought.

An LMS BG support coach has been rebuilt by RRNE. A Friends of the G5 supporters group has also been established and is reported to be growing.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Highley Engine House exhibits rearranged THE rearrangement of exhibits to refresh the displays in the Severn Valley Railway’s Highley Engine House took place as anticipated (RM May).

The moves, which were the first major changes made since the building opened in March 2008, were undertaken during the week beginning April 23.

The changes, largely as predicted, included moving Hunslet 0-6-0T The Lady Armaghdale back in and properly assimilating 2MT No. 46443 into the displays.

Coppersforthefirebox

TO raise cash for ‘Terrier’ No. 72 Fenchurch, a Coppers for the Firebox appeal has been launched with supporters asked to collect 1p and 2p coins in a jar. A range of merchandise has also been produced for the loco which has been partially dismantled.

MHR Maunsell gala guest list builds as Cheltenham returns to steam PLANS for the Mid-Hants Railway’s Maunsell Gala (September 7-9) are coming together, a major element being completion of the National Railway Museum’s SR ‘Schools’ 4-4-0 No. 925 Cheltenham.

The loco moved under its own power at Eastleigh on May 9 following restoration by a Mid-Hants Railway team.

The official steam test was undertaken the following day.

It entered the painting bay at Eastleigh on May 12 for application of final livery – SR pre-war malachite green – in good time for its targeted appearance at the NRM’s Railfest.

Cheltenham will join MHR residents, SR ‘U’ class 2-6-0 No. 31806 and NRM-owned No. 850 Lord Nelson, for the gala. Also, the Watercress Line aims to repaint out-of-ticket SR ‘N’ class 2-6-0 No. 31874 black (it is presently red in ‘James’ guise) for display in Ropley yard.

A visit by the NRM’s SR ‘King

NRM-owned SR ‘Schools’ 4-4-0 No. 925 Cheltenham at a rainy Eastleigh on May 10 during its official steam test. The tests were undertaken in undercoat with final painting to follow at Eastleigh.

PHIL MARSH

Arthur’ No. 30777 Sir Lamiel, from the Great Central Railway, is now confirmed, with the possibility being floated of it being repainted in a livery to match Cheltenham.

The MHR is talking to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway about a possible visit by S15 4-6-0 No. 825 but this is not a

done deal. Hopes that the Maunsell Society’s S15 2-6-0 No. 847 might also be there – joining potentially the largest gathering of Maunsell-designed locomotives in the preservation era – will not come to fruition as its overhaul at the Bluebell will not be completed until after the event.

SteamRailmotorcouldgofrom Anglesey line clearance work starts April 19, the charity Amlwch to Llangefni is on the BodmintoTotnes–bymainline ON Groundwork Wales started 17½-mile Anglesey Central (Lein A TOUR of the South West by the Great Western Society’s GWR Steam Railmotor No. 93 (RM June) could include a sensational run on the main line!

The RM understands that the railway industry is seriously looking at how the Railmotor might transfer from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway to South Devon Railway by rail rather than road.

Such a transfer – currently a concept, not an arrangement – would have to be under special operating instructions, possibly in a ‘wheels-free’ possession (i.e. nothing else moving on that

section of main line during the possession) between the heritage lines’ respective main line links at Bodmin Parkway and Totnes.

The vintage vehicle would not be allowed to carry farepaying passengers and it would presumably need to be accompanied by national network motive power. Watch this space!

As previously reported, the Railmotor is due to appear at the Bodmin & Wenford for an October 12-14 Railmotor Weekend and stay at Bodmin until Christmas, then move to the South Devon in February for another special event weekend.

Putting the Swindon in Swindon & Cricklade!

THE Swindon & Cricklade Railway aims to open a new station – Taw Valley Halt – on its southern extension at the end of August.

At the end of April, ground works for the site of the run-round loop had been completed and the northern end turnout for the loop was laid at the head of steel from Blunsdon.

Taw Valley Halt is within Mouldon Hill Country Park and, for the first time since the advent of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway as a

preservation project some 30 years ago, it will have a station within the Borough of Swindon, giving its name some contemporary meaning.

Just after the location of the halt, close to Thamesdown Drive, the old trackbed swings south-west in a 90° curve.

The S&CR intends to continue its southern extension by relaying this curve, at the end of which a new Mouldon Hill station and associated building will be constructed.

clearance work on the mothballed line between Llangefni and Amlwch.

The pace will pick up in June and take 12 months.

The work began after the Anglesey Central Railway secured a licence from Network Rail to start clearance earlier this year.

Cwmni Lein Amlwch (Amlwch Line Company) aims to revive the line as a heritage railway.

The 13¼-mile section from

Amlwch) line between Gaerwen Junction, on the North Wales Coast Line, and Amlwch, which closed to passengers in 1964, and over which freight trains ceased to run in the early 1990s.

The Welsh Government is to assess whether opening the 4½ miles between Llangefni and Gaerwen Junction is viable.

Network Rail reportedly estimates the cost of restoring this section as £25.1million.

GloucsWarks push for appeal cash THE Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway has emphasised that it still needs to raise nearly £90,000 to reinstate its landslipped line.

As reconstruction of Chicken Curve embankment is approaching the latter stages, donations to the Emergency Appeal fund have slowed, but money is still urgently needed: “We are not out of the woods yet,” commented a spokesman.

The side of the embank-

ment is displaying its correct shape again and contractors installing soil nails are on schedule to finish in early June.

Track panels (flat bottom rail and concrete sleepers) for laying over the reconstructed embankment have been delivered to Toddington, although ballast still has to be purchased. Bullhead rail, originally on the embankment, will be cascaded to sidings or stored.

NRM swaps Bressingham exhibits

THE NRM’s Ivatt C1 4-4-2 GNR No. 251 – displayed on the turntable at Barrow Hill during the Fab Four gala after arriving from Bressingham – will remain at the roundhouse for a while before moving back to its York home.

Some dismantling will be required to get it on to the NRM site (under main line overhead wires) due to its height.

The NRM’s London Tilbury & Southend Railway 4-4-2T No. 80 Thundersley will also leave its long-term display location at Bressingham for York. These moves will take place after the NRM’s Railfest 2012 event.

Discussions are progressing concerning a replacement NRM loco for display at Bressingham. It is thought likely that it will be GER J69 0-6-0T No. 87.

DFR plans three-loco GWR weekend THE Dean Forest Railway will have three locos in steam for its June 30/July 1 Great Western Branch Line weekend. The line-up should comprise DFR-based Pannier No. 9681, Bill Parker’s GWR ‘Small Prairie’ No. 5521 and Mike Little’s GWR 0-4-2T No. 1450 with accompanying auto trailer. The event is combined with Armed Forces Day offering reduced admission for armed forces personnel (for more details see www.armedforcesday.org.uk n The DFR officially opened its new station at Whitecroft on May 25.

Hauling coal at Chasewater

THE Chasewater Railway’s Coal Train Day (June 17) is expected to feature Foxfield Railway-based former Kent Electric Power Company No. 2 Bagnall 0-4-0ST 2842/1946, RSH 0-6-0T 7684/1951 Nechells No. 4 and Ben Jackson’s Hunslet 0-6-0ST Darfield No. 1 (HE3783/53), which has carried the identity of local colliery engine Hunslet No. 1451 Holly Bank No. 3 since the Chasewater line’s March gala (RM May).

Moor Street 2-8-0 sold by GWRPG

THE Great Western Railway Preservation Group’s GWR 2-8-0 No. 2885 has been sold to what is described as a Birmingham-based consortium. The decision to sell the locomotive, displayed at Birmingham Moor Street station for some years, was publicised earlier this year. The 2-8-0 was due to be moved from Moor Street to Tyseley at the end of May for restoration.

Passenger comforts at Elsecar station

THE new platform building at the Elsecar Heritage Railway’s Elsecar station has been completed and is in use for passengers. The building contains a ticket and buffet counter and passenger waiting facilities.

The old booking office has been converted into a toilet block.

Tornado passes 50,000 mile mark

A1 60163 Tornado, completed in 2008/09, clocked up its 50,000th mile on April 22. The milestone was achieved between Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog while working the first train of the day from Llangollen during the Steel, Steam & Stars III gala.

N7 visits for Colne Valley’s 150th gala

THE Colne Valley Railway marked the 150th anniversary of the original Colne Valley & Halstead Railway opening with a gala over May 26-27, featuring a visit by the East Anglian Railway Museum’s N7 0-6-2T No. 69621.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 65

Steam & Heritage Track Record Aln Valley starts track laying at Lionheart

THE first track was laid at the Aln Valley Railway’s new Lionheart station at Alnwick on April 28. This followed the start of construction works at the site (reported by The RM, May). Late April also saw erection of the locomotive and repair depot which had been stored in‘kit’form at Wooler. By the beginning of May, the steel frame for the building was complete with cladding being added.

Further track materials are due to be delivered to the Lionheart site from the NRM at York and the Tanfield Railway.

More metal thefts from Middleton

FOLLOWING the theft of wagon couplings (RM June) the Middleton Railway has continued to be hit by metal thieves. Material stolen includes more rail chairs, tools and components (footplating, sandboxes, superheater) from the line’s Sentinel which were stored in wagons while the loco is being overhauled. Equipment is now being marked with Smartwater.

Truck advertising for Mid-Hants

A GIANT rolling advertisement for the Mid-Hants Railway – on the curtain sides of a truck operated by L Hunt & Sons Ltd of Basingstoke – will travel the roads of Hampshire and beyond for the next five to six years.

The MHR made a financial contribution to overhauling the trailer, which in return will carry the huge‘Watercress Line’advertisement with images of MHR steam locos.

Calbourne a hit at Bodmin – extra mainland dates added THE Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s Spring Steam Spectacular on April 20-22 – featuring the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s LSWR 02 0-4-4T No. W24 Calbourne – drew almost 1,000 passengers.

Described as “excellent” by the B&WR, this was higher than last year’s equivalent event.

Also in steam were LSWR Beattie 2-40WT No. 30587, LSWR T9 4-4-0 No. 30120, GWR 2-8-0 No. 4247 and GWR 2-6-2T No. 5552.

Calbourne then starred in the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre’s Gala Weekend (May 6-7), followed by two late additions to its itinerary – May 12-13 at the Mid-Hants Railway then May 25-27 at the Swanage Railway – before returning across the Solent.

The 02 has only air-braking, hence to provide passenger services at the MHR it worked with the two car 'Hampshire Unit’.

At Swanage, Calbourne was expected to work a freight on May 25 while Swanagebased LSWR M7 0-4-4T No. 53 handled passenger services. The 02 was to appear on passenger trains over May 26-27.

LSWR 02 0-4-4T No. W24 Calbourne, double-heading with LSWR T9 4-4-0 No. 30120, pulls away from Boscarne Junction during the 02’s appearance at the Bodmin & Wenford Railway’s April 20-22 Spring Steam Spectacular. MIcHAEL WILLIAMSoN

CaptainBaxter’s UKTour HenryEllison to steam this year

‘Patriot’ boiler appeal launched

THE LMS-Patriot Project launched its boiler appeal for new-build‘Patriot’No. 45551 The Unknown Warrior at LNWR Heritage, Crewe, on May 19. The frames of the loco and sizeable collection of components were displayed at Llangollen during the Steel, Steam & Stars III gala.

Cattle dock takes shape at Stogumber

RECONSTRUCTION of the cattle dock at the West Somerset Railway’s Stogumber station began in April with the apron ring beam re-established with concrete and engineering bricks. The core and top surface will now be rebuilt, followed by the cattle pens. A replacement for the original lock-up building will follow.

SVR‘Tunnel Party’

A 'TUNNEL Party' for all involved in the major works completed earlier this year on the Severn Valley Railway’s Brewdley tunnel was held on April 23. Rather than the old tradition of holding such an event inside the bore, the 21st century navvies joined a train at Kidderminster, which passed through the tunnel, pausing for a ribbon to be cut at the exit.

The Bluebell Railway’s Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T Captain Baxter works an April 13 passenger service on the Rowley station line during its visit to Beamish Museum’s April 12-15 Great North Steam Fair. DAVE HEWITT

THE Bluebell Railway’s Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T Captain Baxter undertook something of a UK tour through April and May. Starting with an appearance at Beamish Museum’s Great North Steam Fair (April 12-15), where it worked passenger rides on the museum’s Rowley station line,

it moved on to Shildon to run during Locomotion’s Spring Steam Gala held on May6/7.

A call at the Tanfield Railway in early May was then added to its swing through north-east England before it appeared at the Severn Valley Railway’s May 19-20 Victorian Weekend.

Biggest-ever gatherings of heritage railway leaders

SOME 350 chairmen, directors and managers from Britain’s heritage railways attended seminars at West Bromwich and Glasgow, organised by the Heritage Railway Association and the Office of Rail Regulation in March/April (RM Headline News, April).

The events were held to emphasise the importance of appropriate governance and safety management at heritage lines following a spate of incidents around the country, and have been described as the biggest-ever gathering of heritage railway leaders.

David Keay, Principal Inspector of Railways, commented that ORR was pleased to see such a positive response from the heritage railway movement and that it appeared that management and safety issues were being taken seriously.

66 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

RESTORATION of Barclay 0-4-0ST 2217/1947 Henry Ellison at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s Wirksworth HQ is progressing, following receipt of an insurance payment.

The EVR received £8,400, settling the theft of brass and gunmetal fittings last September although it says the full cost of producing patterns and castings for replacements to the exKilnhurst Tar Works, Sheffield, loco will be around £14,000.

During the winter, the EVR’s operational Barclay 0-4-0ST 2360/1954 Ferrybridge No. 3 (Brian Harrison) received boiler and firebox attention to deal with leaks that developed last season.

Boilermakers Israel Newton caulked lap seams on the inner firebox and attended to rivets on the front boiler ring.

Winter maintenance of 2360/1954 had additional complications as fittings needed to be removed to help the production of patterns for replacements of the stolen items destined for 2217/1947. The two locos are not the same, but the boiler fittings are common to both.

Ferrybridge No. 3 returned to action by the end of March, although it was stopped for a week in April while another component was removed so a copy for 2217/1947 could be made.

The rolling chassis of Henry Ellison 2217/1947 is virtually complete, the foundation ring of the boiler has been fitted and new tubes installed.

A return to steam is expected this season.

Eight steamed for K&ESR gala THE Kent & East Sussex Railway produced an impressive eight-strong loco fleet for its May 5-7 gala.

Sadly, the weather did not co-operate resulting in disappointing visitor numbers.

The event made money, but not as much as hoped.

Starring were guest locos GWR 2-8-0 No. 4247 from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway and the Gresley Society’s Great Central Railway-based LNER N2 0-6-2T No. 1744.

The home fleet comprised ex-LBSCR 'Terrier' No. 32670, Pannier No. 1638, SR‘USA’ 0-6-0T No. 65, Hunslet 0-6-0ST ‘Austerity’No. 23 Holman F.

Stephens, Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST (1955/1917) No. 14 Charwelton and Peckett 0-4-0T Marcia (1631/1923).

Marcia worked brakevan rides at Tenterden on the first two days, but developed tube problems and Charwelton took over this duty on the Monday.

Unfortunately, No. 4247 broke a spring on the Sunday evening and also missed the Monday.

Its presence, however, boosted interest in the 4253 Locomotive Company’s exBarry GWR 2-8-0T No. 4253 (being restored at Rolvenden) accompanied by healthy injections to funds.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Hired steam for Royal Deeside THE Royal Deeside Railway has hired Barclay 0-4-0ST 1931/1927 from Rocks by Rail (previously known as Rutland Railway Museum) to provide steam services this year.

The loco arrived just before Easter and is likely to stay at Milton of Crathes this year.

Royal Deeside resident Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST Bon Accord (807/1897) missed several steam dates last year with hot wheel bearing issues and was withdrawn at the end of 2011 for in-depth examination.

It transpires there is a twist in the frames (dating prior to preservation) causing a misalignment of the bearings.

New bearing blocks are being machined to compensate.

While this work was in progress, the decision was made to hire Barclay 1931/1927 to ensure steam on advertised dates at Milton of Crathes. Hopefully, Bon Accord will return to service by the end of the year.

The first sections of Oldmeldrum station are arriving at Milton of Crathes, where the dismantled wooden station building will be re-erected.

There is significant rot on the lower sections, although not quite as bad as feared.

Re-erection is likely to start at its new location around September/October.

Cash needed to progress Corwen extension HAVING opened the Llangollen Railway’s 1,600 yard extension to Plas Bonwm for the‘SSSIII’gala, further trains will run beyond Carrog on special occasions this summer and autumn.

The track will be extended to the site of the A5 road access point, using materials in hand, to conclude the first stage of the current project.

Funding is also available for repairs to Bridge 28 and a contractor will recover the trackbed west of Bonwm

in the coming months.

Further track-laying and construction of a temporary platform at Corwen will require extra finance.

Limited edition Edmondson card tickets are being sold as fundraising items with staged ‘prices’; buff £5, towards drainage work; red £10, platform work; blue £15, for a sleeper; and vellum £20, for ballast.

The Llangollen Railway Trust has also appealed for donations.

Foxfield gears up Shildon offers exclusive access for summer gala IN the approach to the Foxfield to royal saloon Railway’s July 21-22 summer gala, SPECIAL access to Queen Alexandra's 1903-built LNWR Day Saloon (LMS No. 801) with the National Railway Museum’s senior curator of rail vehicles, Anthony Coulls, is being offered at the Locomotion museum in Shildon.

The sessions – to view the vehicle used by the wife of Edward VII – are being held on June 18, July 16 and August 13, starting at 2pm. Places are limited and tickets (£7.50) must be bought in advance. ❚ For information and bookings, call 01388 771439.

Hunslet 0-6-0ST 3839/56 Wimblebury is receiving a bottom-end overhaul.

The work, expected to be completed in time, includes attention to springs, brake gear, inside motion and lubrication.

Vintage Carriages Trust-owned 1874-built Haydock Foundry 0-6-0WT Bellerophon has had its piston valve ports machined and is about to receive new valve rings. The bufferbeam is also to be replaced.

Both Hunslet 0-6-0ST Whiston (3694/1950) and Dübs 0-4-0CT (4101/1901) passed April steam tests. Bagnall 0-4-0ST 2842/1946 will return from its spell at Chasewater and there will be a visiting loco.

Mayflower for Mid-Norfolk gala LNER Thompson B1 No. 1306 Mayflower is booked as the star guest for the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Steam Gala on July 1315. Dennis Howells’Pannier No. 9466, due to arrive at the end of May to provide June-August steam, will also appear.

The MNR is looking at options

for additional visiting steam to replace South Devon’s Prairie No. 5526, which unexpectedly had to be withdrawn for boiler attention.

Talks have been held with three other loco owners, but as we went to press a final deal had not been confirmed.

LNWR 0-6-2T Webb ‘Coal Tank’ No. 1054 (currently running as BR No. 58926) and the NRM’s LNWR G2 0-8-0 No. 49395 (running as No. 49121) re-enacted the last train over the Abergavenny to Merthyr line – a Stephenson Locomotive Society special on January 5, 1958 – at the Llangollen Railway’s ‘Steam, Steel & Stars III’ gala on April 26. The two are pictured at Garth-y-Dwr, approaching Glyndyfrdwy. The train was a repeat of a similar re-enactment held on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway in January (RM April), but this time the train was run more authentically in Wales. (The Coal Tank is owned by the National Trust but is in the custody of the Bahamas Locomotive Society). DAVE BOWLES

Mega (but damp) Steel, Steam & Stars III gala boosts‘Grange’construction THE 6880 Betton Grange Society aimed to raise £60,000 from its Steel, Steam & Stars III supergala – and it looks as though it will not be far short.

Held from April 21-29, a stunning fleet of visiting locomotives, a mile-and-aquarter of newly completed extension and attractions at every Llangollen Railway station, during a nine-day feast of steam, deserved success.

The unpredictable‘but’was the almost unremitting leaden sky and rain throughout.

Three years ago, the clouds miraculously parted above Carrog to enable the now traditional spectacular Steel, Steam & Stars finale of participating locos – all hooked together at Deeside loop – to thunder triumphantly into the station in sunshine under a rainbow; no such luck in 2012.

The cavalcade of steam power arrived more than an hour behind schedule under rainsodden cloud.

Midweek dates were themed featuring selected locomotives, including No. 7822 Foxcote Manor and‘Black Five’No. 44806 Kenneth Aldcroft from Llangollen’s core fleet, while the weekend dates centred on the guest locos with an intensive timetable, doubleheading and all-line brakevan rides.

Trains over the new Carrog to Bonwm extension were either top and tailed or handled by 0-6-0PT No. 6430, sandwiched between two auto-coaches.

Narrow gauge and miniature steam ran at Carrog with road vehicle and model railway exhibits at Glyndyfrdwy.

In Llangollen shed were three new-build projects, No. 6880 Betton Grange, the LMS-Patriot Project’s‘Patriot’No. 45551 The

The nine-engine cavalcade that closed the Steel, Steam & Stars III gala on May 29, arrived at Carrog in miserable weather. The locos comprised (from the front) LNWR 0-6-2T ‘Coal Tank’ No. 58926 (1054), Caledonian Railway 0-6-0 No. 828, LNWR ‘Super D’ No. 49395, BR 2-6-4T No. 80072, GWR Large Prairie No. 5199 (in newly applied BR black), GNR N2 No. 1744, GWR Pannier No. 6430, BR 7P No. 70000 Britannia and A1 No. 60163 Tornado.

ADRIAN BROWN

Unknown Warrior and the frame plates of the Great Western Society’s new-build Churchward Class 4700 2-8-0‘Night Owl’No. 4709 (see separate story).

The 6880 Betton Grange Society organises these megaevents to raise money for construction of the 81st GWR 4-6-0‘Grange’No. 6880 Betton Grange. The objective for 2012, sponsored by The RM’s sister titles Heritage Railway and Old Glory, was to finance the cylinders, the last major component to be produced from scratch.

While photographers struggled with the weather, trains were well filled. Advance

ticket sales were very strong but the weather must have affected ‘turn up on the day’numbers.

Expenditure for the event was budgeted at £150,000, covering transport of locomotives, coal and oil (£27,500) and hiring the Llangollen Railway (£18,000). The total surplus will be in the region of £45,000 from the event itself, plus another £10,000 from DVD sales.

This £55,000 profit could climb. Maybe not quite as good as the organisers hoped, but the ‘SSS’gamble paid off again despite the elements. It will now be possible to seek quotations for the cylinder patterns!

Will there be an ‘SSSiV’?

NO decisions have been made, but there will be little surprise if a 2014 event with a distinctly‘Southern’feel emerges.

The star in 2007 was the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society’s No. 34081 92 Squadron and its current overhaul should be easily finished by then.

There is also talk of Ffestiniog-based new-build L&B-style 2-6-2T Lyd representing narrow gauge. And 2016? By then, No. 6880 Betton Grange should be ready to steam (with a borrowed tender) and that surely would guarantee a big celebration!

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 67

Steam & Heritage Track Record NBLPG acquires parts for new-build B17

THE North British Locomotive Preservation Group has started acquiring parts for its planned new-build B17 4-6-0 No. 61662 Manchester United (RM Headline News, May), including a replica nameplate. The collection also includes an original LNER worksplate, a set of original LNER buffers and a replica smokebox number plate. Planned fundraising events include a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling marathon. To donate, see the website at: www.engine 61662appeal.co.uk.

Duke unveils SVR 150th plaque

ON May 14, HRH The Duke of Gloucester – patron of the Severn Valley Railway since 1998 – unveiled a plaque at Bewdley to mark the line’s 150th anniversary. Following a tour of the engine house at Highley, the duke travelled to Bewdley in an SVR train hauled by The Furness Railway Trust’s 1863-built 0-4-0 No. 20, which was visiting for the SVR’s Victorian Weekend on May 19-20. This event represents an‘official’ 150th anniversary celebration of the first passenger train on the line.

Boiler lift for No. 2857 leaves SVR ‘tight’for early season steam THE boiler of Churchward 2-8-0 No. 2857 was lifted at the Severn Valley Railway’s Bridgnorth works on April 27.

The 2857 Society-owned locomotive, which returned to SVR service in July 2011 after overhaul, has encountered problems with steam leakage around a patch repair to the boiler, in a location difficult to access due to a frame stretcher.

The problem has not settled down and although No. 2857 could have continued to run, if the leakage worsened there was the risk of failing at a peak time so it was decided to withdraw the loco to perform a full repair.

It should return to SVR service in June.

Stopping No. 2857 meant the SVR entered May ‘tight’ for steam with just five locos available: Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0 No. 43106, Stanier Mogul No. 42968, No. 7812 Erlestoke Manor, Small Prairie No. 4566 and Large Prairie No. 5164. Moreover, the ticket of No. 42968 runs out this summer.

A RATHER grimy (deliberately – it had not been cleaned for a month) Stanier Mogul No. 42968 pulls away from the Severn Valley Railway’s Hampton Loade under threatening skies during a Matt Fielding charter on April 20.

Now running with its own Fowler 3,500gallon tender (latterly it has been running with the Stanier tender from ‘Black Five’ No. 45110), the loco goes out of ticket this summer and will be overhauled. The word is that it will return to service in LMS livery. PHIL JONES

However, ‘Battle of Britain’ No. 34053 Sir Keith Park arrived in early May (see separate story) with the prospect of running as soon as any post-overhaul

issues are ironed out.

The boiler of Pannier No. 1501 was being steam-tested (out of frames) at Bridgnorth on May 9 and if all goes well the

Wilbert returns to steam in Dean Forest

Thompson B1 goes to Crewe for boiler fitting

THE Dean Forest Railway’s Hunslet 0-6-0ST‘Austerity’ Wilbert returned to service in April. Named in honour of the late Rev Wilbert Awdry in 1987, when he was the DFR’s president, Wilbert the Forest Engine featured in book 38 of Christopher Awdry’s Thomas and his Friends series.

Wilbert was rededicated in August 2010, seemingly complete, but further boiler work was required delaying its return to traffic.

GER weighbridge unearthed at Epping

A LONG-lost Great Eastern Railway cart weighbridge, dating from 1889, has been recovered from the site of the former Ongar goods yard (next to the station) during redevelopment work and donated to the Epping Ongar Railway. This discovery means the new assisted living development (also next to the station) will be named Weighbridge Court.

Farewell weekend for O4 on the GCR

NRM-owned GCR 04 No. 63601 will make its farewell passenger appearances at the Great Central Railway over June 23/24, before expiry of its boiler ticket. A limited number of footplate passes (priced at £100) will be available.

Weardale steam planning

A PROVISIONAL slot has been booked in a boiler works for attention to the Weardale Railway Trust’s RSH 0-6-0T No. 40 (7765/54) later this year. With its boiler ticket

due to expire in October, the booking is a precaution to expedite any necessary work.

0-6-0PT should be in traffic during July.

At this stage, no plans have been made to hire in reinforcements.

AS reported last month, the Great Western Society’s GWR 2-6-0 No. 5322 has now been repainted black and was unveiled at Didcot’s May 5-7 Steam Gala with a BR crest on the tender. The engine was in action again on May 12 when it was pictured with a short goods train on the main demonstration line during Didcot’s Steam Aid event. The BR guise is expected to be short-term with Railway Operating Division (RoD) and GWR black liveries still on the agenda. Picture: PHIL JONES

Wheels and components from‘Barry 10’8F become spares for No. 8624 THE driving wheels and most of the springs and axleboxes from ex-‘Barry 10’Stanier 8F 2-8-0 No. 48518 have been bought by 48624 Locomotive Ltd as spares for its 8F No. 8624, currently running at the Great Central Railway.

No. 48518 was dismantled at the Llangollen Railway in January 2008. The boiler went to the Great Western Society for its firebox to be employed in construction of No. 1014 County of Glamorgan while a bogie wheelset is destined for the LMS-Patriot project’s new-

68 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

build‘Patriot’No. 45551 The Unknown Warrior.

The axleboxes were also intended to contribute to construction of the‘Patriot’but turned out to be unsuitable.

The frames of No. 48518 were not scrapped when the 8F was dismantled, so technically the last surviving Doncaster-built 8F still existed. In the light of this, Cambrian Transport Ltd announced a plan in 2009 to buy the surviving components and resuscitate the 8F (RM April 2009).

It is unclear whether the sale

of the wheels elsewhere affects this proposal, which also depended on the projected repatriation of surviving 8Fs from Turkey to provide further donor components.

Although No. 8624 is presently running at the GCR on a 12month contract, the components acquired from No. 48518 have gone to Wirksworth (Ecclesbourne Valley Railway) which is 48624 Locomotive Ltd’s base following its October 2010 departure from Peak Rail, where No. 8624 was restored.

AT the beginning of April, the Thompson B1 Locomotive Trust moved the chassis of its B1 No. 61264 from Barrow Hill (where it has been overhauled) to LNWR Heritage, Crewe, where the boiler has been receiving attention.

Work on the boiler had slipped behind schedule (delivery of the small tubes from Germany was still awaited in April) hence the loco was not completed in time for Barrow Hill’s Fab Four event, as the trust had hoped.

With the chassis now at Crewe, the boiler will be fitted as soon as tests have been satisfactorily completed followed by insulation and cladding, plus addition of cab fittings.

When complete, the B1 will work on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Donation helps Lincs extension

THE LincolnshireWolds Railway’s southern extension fund has been boosted by an £1,850 donation from a steam rally group inWinterton which, on disbanding, donated its remaining funds to the railway.

The extension will run from Ludborough to Utterby Halt.

In late April, the LWR started removing track from the west siding at Ludborough so the ground could be levelled for a carriage shed. C&W work is currently undertaken alfresco.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Bluebell’s SECR ‘H’class returns to steam

THE Bluebell Railway’s SECR ‘H’ class 0-4-4T No. 263 passed its official boiler steam test at the beginning of May. Minor issues revealed during the test were dealt with during the following days and it made a brief run in Sheffield Park yard, under its own power, on May 9. Test runs were to be undertaken before the ornate lining and lettering was added, but it could be in service by the time this issue of The RM is published.

LBSCR bogie-first No. 142 (SR No. 7598) has returned to Bluebell service following significant work. The vehicle was originally returned to traffic in 1999 (to carry passengers for the first time in 68 years) after major rebuilding.

A number of issues emerged requiring attention hence its recent workshop attention.

Restored SirKeithPark moves to SevernValley SOUTHERN Locomotives Ltd’s rebuilt ‘Battle of Britain’ No. 34053 Sir Keith Park left Herston Works – where it has been restored from derelict condition – for the Severn Valley Railway on May 9.

The locomotive had been offered to SLL’s home line (the Swanage) but, for reasons understood and accepted by its owners, it was not needed there.

Another SLL 'Battle of Britain' – air-smoothed No. 34070 Manston – is returning to Swanage Railway metals from Herston after receiving repairs to valve gear damaged last October.

Sir Keith Park will be steamtested at the SVR, followed by running in. Since the ‘Battle of Britain’ was completely untested on arrival (post-restoration) it is unknown what issues may emerge, so it is not possible to confirm formal launch or commissioning events.

EdenValley in shed appeal THE Eden Valley Railway has launched a Loco Shed Appeal, aimed at rebuilding a two-road shed previously located at Haig Colliery Mining Musuem, Whitehaven.

The intention is to re-erect the shed at the EVR’s Warcop base and extend it from 50ft to 90ft in length. The total project cost will be £15,000

but work will be done in stages as money is raised.

The EVR, which currently runs from Warcop station to Sandford Bridge, has been replacing sleepers and building up an embankment on its extension to Sandford Mire.

The extension has yet to be officially inspected prior to opening.

Restored from dereliction, ‘Battle of Britain’ No. 34053 Sir Keith Park being manoeuvred at the Severn Valley Railway’s Bridgnorth MPD, on May 10 by 4MT No. 43106 (which was making all the steam).

SIMON TAYLOR

Sir Keith Park is the fifth Bulleid Pacific restored by Southern Locomotives Ltd but is particulary remarkable in that

SLL started with the basic frames, boiler, cylinders and wheels (bought from Jeremy Hosking for virtually scrap

price). Everything else has been acquired or made and the tender has been built from scratch.

Merlin boiler almost ready for hydraulic test GNR (Ireland) V Class 4-4-0 No. 85 Merlin (owned by Ulster Folk and Transport Museum and in the care of the RPSI) is approaching being ready for hydraulic testing at Whitehead.

The fitting of patch screws to replace worn lap seam rivets in the firebox is complete and wasted areas of the tube plate are being built up.

An internal steam pipe needs to be renewed and a tubeplate

stay replaced, following which the tubes will be fitted. Work is about to start on new superheater elements.

The centre big-end has been re-metalled (and is being machined), while the overhaul of cylinder block fittings is nearly finished. Low pressure slide valves are being bedded in.

Also at the RPSI’s Whitehead works, the boiler of Great Northern Railway (Ireland) S

class 4-4-0 No. 171 Slieve Gullion has been blast-cleaned and is being prepared for nondestructive testing to establish the thickness of plates and any defects such as broken stays.

The RPSI’s Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0ST Guinness No. 3 (1152/1919) is out of service awaiting overhaul.

RPSI locos currently in traffic are GS&WR J15 0-6-0 No. 186 and D&SER K2 2-6-0 No. 461.

WORKSHOP NEWS Holden F5 main frame plates produced

WHEN the main frame plates for The Great Western Society’s new 2-8-0 No. 4709 were cut at Tata Steel Europe Ltd in Halesowen, West Midlands (RM Headline News, June), the frame plates for The Holden F5 Steam Locomotive Trust’s new-build 2-4-2T were also cut.

At the same time, the centre frame stretcher and the guard irons for the GER class M15 (LNER/BR class F5), which will be No. 67218, were produced – all components being cut from 1in steel.

The project, formed in mid2000 to produce an F5, now has the basis of its locomotive.

A collection of components has been built up in advance of this significant step forward.

GWR 2-8-0T ‘returns’ for restoration completion

THE chassis of GWR 2-8-0T No. 4270 has returned to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, having been restored at a private Midlands location. The

last November) has been shunted around the yard to check all was well. A return around August/September is conceivable if no problems arise, but entering service in time for the Santa season is more likely.

position, probably by the end of May. Completing this repair is viewed as turning a corner in its restoration. Work will now largely concentrate on putting components back onto sound frames.

Downpatrick O&K End of June for GWRPG almost set for steam test Pannier overhaul finish

This dramatic image shows the plasma-cutting process in operation producing the main frame plates for the Holden F5 Steam Locomotive Trust’s new-build 2-4-2T (from inch thick steel) in midMarch. This process is accurate and leaves a very good finish, as well as being very fast. HOLDEN F5 STEAM LOCOMOTIVE TRUST loco originally arrived at the G-WR (in ex-Barry condition) in mid-July 2003 after being bought from the Swansea Vale Railway by Jeremy Hosking. Still some way from completion, the remaining restoration will take place at Toddington with the finished loco running on the G-WR.

Norwegian to return by end of the year

THE boiler of the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s ex-NSB 2-6-0 No. 376 Norwegian (K&ESR No. 19) has been brought up to full steam pressure (out of frames) and the chassis (re-wheeled at Rolvenden

THE Downpatrick & County Down Railway’s O&K 0-4-0T No. 1 (OK12475/34) was being prepared for a steam test at the end of April.

If all goes well, the cladding, tanks and cab will then be fitted. The loco, being restored by the RPSI at Whitehead under contract, is urgently needed at Downpatrick to provide steam services this season (RM, June).

FITTING new tubes to The Great Western Railway Preservation Group’s Pannier No. 9682 at Southall was completed by the end of April, with an official inspection imminent. The group anticipates completing the overhaul at the end of June, following which the Pannier is expected to go on hire to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.

Rear frame replacement Apprentice-owned work for MR-B ‘Jinty’ WASTAGE below the bunker of the Barclay stripped Midland Railway – Butterley’s “Jinty”No. 47445 was so severe it had spread into the rear part of the frames. The section from behind the rear axleboxes has been removed and a replacement assembly will be welded into

ANDREW Barclay 0-4-0ST 1210/1911 (bought by Ryan Pope - reported last month) arrived at the WSRA’s Williton engineering base on April 28. By May 4, it had been largely stripped with the boiler and cab removed.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 69

Steam & Heritage Track Record SINGLE LINES

■ ANTHONY Coulls, NRM Senior Curator of Rail Vehicle Collections, has penned a new book – Spirit of Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon – it covers the story of the NRM out-station since it opened in 2004.

■ SENTINEL 4wVBGT Isebrook (6515/1926) relocated from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, in May, on long term loan.

■ THE Kent & East Sussex Railway is about to submit an application for planning permission to construct a 100metre-long four-road carriage storage shed at Rolvenden.

■ LNER Class D49 4-4-0 No. 246 Morayshire passed its steam test at the end of April, following reassembly at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway.

■ ON May 16, the West Somerset Railway passed the milestone of running one million miles of steam-hauled trains since its 1976 reopening as a heritage railway.

■ THE Swanage Railway’s new Corfe Castle signalbox was officially opened on May 17 by Minister of State for Transport, The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP. ■ A CATTLE pen was built on the dock at the Bluebell Railway’s Kingscote during April, an early stage of the project to present a 1950s goods yard at the station as part of an interpretation strategy for visitors.

■ THE West Somerset Railway has reduced its gala event Rover ticket prices with further savings for advance purchases.

Call 01643 704996 or see website: www.west-somersetrailway.co.uk.

■ THE Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, which operates the Paignton to Kingswear steam line, has added the Western Lady Ferry Service to its ferry boat portfolio.

■ THE Kent & East Sussex Railway has bought Pullman Car Aries from its private owner. It will require restoration before entering service.

■ METAL thieves have cut buffers off a Downpatrick & County Down Railway engineering wagon, but failed in an attempt to remove steel cables from a steam crane.

Police are investigating.

■ IN April, repainting of Peckett 0-6-0ST Mardy No. 1 (the“Mardy Monster”) in a slightly darker green than previously applied was being completed at the Elsecar Heritage Railway.

■ BLUEBELL Railway member Lorna Webb raised £5,247 (worth around £6,300 with Gift Aid) towards the Northern Extension Project when she ran the London Marathon on April 22.

■ THE Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has installed a 7,000 gallon water tank at Wirksworth to enable rapid filling of water tanks while locos stand in platform 2 of the station. The installation is part of the EVR’s infrastructure upgrades for visiting locos.

■ DAVID Williams is the new chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association and Ian Aldridge has been elected WSRA vice-chairman.

Gazelle back in S&MR livery THE tiny Dodman-built 0-4-2T Gazelle – famed for its time on the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway, when the redoubtable Colonel Stephens experimented with carrying passengers in a small shelter mounted behind the footplate – has been repainted in its 1937-38 Shropshire & Montgomeryshire livery.

Owned by the NRM, the 1893-vintage loco has been on loan to the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Tenterden station, where it has appeared carrying the blue livery applied during the period it was preserved at the Longmoor Military Railway.

The repainting was undertaken at Tenterden, where other work included fitting a more authentic chimney. This replaces the cast iron tube with a turned wooden top (described

Gazelle pictured at the NRM, on April 18, in its newly applied Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Railway green livery. ANTHONY COULLS

as a ‘wartime bodge’) fitted at Longmoor and is now stored at the Colonel Stephens museum, since it represents part of the

Donations boost for Mountsorrel revival

WITH tracklaying along the second phase of the Mountsorrel Railway revival project complete (RM April), further progress has been boosted by a £5,000 donation from the Edith Murphy Foundation.

The project needs to raise £23,000 to buy rail for phase 3 tracklaying, which will extend the railway by another 500 yards to Wood Lane on the outskirts of Mountsorrel. The total raised is now £11,000.

The project has launched

Wildlife Warriors events – free sessions for children aged 3-11 and their parents aimed at teaching participants about the wildlife along the railway route while they participate in fun, ecological activities.

Donations can be made by cheque – payable to ‘DCRT’ (David Clarke Railway Trust) with ‘Mountsorrel Railway’ written on the back – sent to 112 Balmoral Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 7EW.

locomotive’s history.

Gazelle was moved to the NRM in mid-April in advance of appearing in Railfest 2012.

South Devon marks 140th anniversary

ON May 1, the South Devon Railway marked the 140th anniversary of the May 1, 1872 opening of the branch to Ashburton with a modest event for local civic dignitaries.

GWR 0-6-0 No. 3205 carried a 140th anniversary headboard and all passengers received a 140th anniversary souvenir ticket.

There were also brakevan rides around the Buckfastleigh station area, worked by GWR Pannier No. 1369.

Hugh Shipton’s Llangollen Railway-based Pannier No. 6430 is expected to arrive at Buckfastleigh at the beginning of July – staying until late August – to boost SDR loco availability for the peak season.

Upgrades forWeardale Railway’s Bishop Auckland (West) terminus WEARDALE Railway trains now run into a new, longer platform on a spur line at Bishop Auckland (West) – the platform being previously on the main running line.

The new arrangement means trains, on or off the national network, can pass trains held in the spur line.

Installation of a turnout on the main running line at the eastern (NR) end of Weardaleowned land, to convert the

spur into a loop, thus abolishing the need for a topand-tail operation, should be completed during May. Agreements and finance are now in place to enable construction of a level tarmac path (with lighting) to provide direct access between NR’s Bishop Auckland station and the Weardale’s platform. This will obviate the current circuitous pedestrian route.

New GWR ‘Night Owl’ displayed at Llangollen THE newly-cut main frame plates for the Great Western Society’s new-build Churchward Class 4700 2-8-0 ‘Night Owl’ No. 4709 (RM Headline News, June) were displayed with the extension frames and the newly made driving wheel pattern at Llangollen during the Steel, Steam & Stars gala.

The extension frames were donated from one-time ‘Barry 10’ survivor GWR Class 5101 2-6-2T No. 4115.

The wheel pattern has a removable boss, enabling leading/trailing driving wheels to be cast as well as the centre drivers (which have a larger boss) to accommodate loads

from the connecting rods.

The additional work, to incorporate the removable boss, was financed jointly by the 4709 project and the 6880 Betton Grange project.

Betton Grange will use ‘spare’ 5ft 8in wheelsets loaned by the Great Western (SVR) Association, but the pattern will provide ‘security’ should new wheels need to be made for the ‘Grange’ in the future.

The wheelsets originated from scrapped No. 4156 and are currently under Collett GWR 4300 class 2-6-0 No. 7325, but will become available when new tyres have been fitted to that loco’s own wheels.

‘New’loco on Middleton Imberhorne a cutting again passenger trains SLOUGH & Windsor Railway Society’s Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST Slough Estates No. 3 (1544/1924) pictured on May 13 working on its first day in Middleton Railway passenger service. The loco arrived at Moor Road last year, but a formal agreement between its owning society and the line was only signed on May 12.

Picture: ANDREW JOHNSON

70 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

WORK on the Bluebell Railway’s northern extension at Imberhorne Lane was slowed by continuing rain during April into May, but despite the increasingly wet ground, the eastern (down) side of the cutting face is now fully exposed, enabling stability checks of the original sandstone material and installation of datum points.

Some residual waste has also been transferred onto the sandstone shelf above the southern end of the cutting.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Trio of steam visitors for Locomotion gala LOCOMOTION’S May 6-7 industrial-themed Spring Steam Gala featured guest appearances by the Bluebell Railway’s Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0T Captain Baxter, Beamish’s 1871-built Head Wrightson 0-4-0VBT (“Coffee Pot No. 1”) and Peckett 0-4-0ST F C Tingey from Kirkby Stephen East Heritage Centre.

They joined the Bowes Railway’s Barclay 0-4-0ST W.S.T. (2361/1954) currently on hire to Locomotion.

Unveiled on static display was Hunslet‘Austerity’0-6-0ST Juno (3850/1958) in a newly applied Stewarts & Lloyds livery. This locomotive, gifted to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway by the Ivatt Trust, was moved to Locomotion late last year.

Extended stay at NNR for‘Black Five’

NORTH Norfolk Railway’s hire of the 26B Group’s‘Black Five’No. 45337 has been further extended until after the NNR’s Grand Steam Gala on August 31-September 2.

There are hopes that‘Black Five’No. 44767 George Stephenson could arrive at the NNR by August, following boiler work (which delayed its original projected arrival), meaning the NNR could have two‘Black Fives’ plus A1 Tornado as gala stars.

Arrangements for the anticipated return of the East Anglian Railway Museum’s N7 0-6-2T No. 69621 to Weybourne had still to be finalised in midMay, while Pannier No. L99 (GWR No. 7715) remains at Llangollen for extensive firebox work.

The NNR also has B12 No. 8572, J15 No. 7564, 9F No. 92203 Black Prince and GWR 0-6-2T No. 5619 available for traffic.

Grant for NSR carriage restoration

NORTH Staffordshire Railway Rolling Stock Restoration Trust has been awarded a £30,000 grant by the Staffordshire Environmental Fund towards restoration of NSR carriage No. 127.

Supported by £12,000 from the trust’s resources, the vehicle will shortly be moved from the Foxfield Railway to Stangate Restorations in Haltwhistle.

The coach should return to Foxfield, ready for passenger use, around July 2013.

The trust, formed three years ago to restore No. 127 and NSR four-wheel third class compartment carriage No. 61, has produced underframes for both vehicles.

Work on No. 61 will continue at Foxfield as a volunteer project, hopefully enabling both carriages to be launched at a major event.

Hunslet‘Austerity’0-6-0ST Juno (3850/1958) displaying its newly applied Stewarts & Lloyds livery at Locomotion on May 6. KEN HODGSON

Holt town centre extension progress for Norfolk Orbital THE Norfolk Orbital Railway project has appealed for donations towards securing land that would enable the North Norfolk Railway to extend from its current station, a mile outside Holt, into the town centre, alongside the A148 bypass to Common Hill.

The group says it has a signed agreement to buy the privately owned land (if the money can be raised) and agreement from the county council to sell other land it owns.

The strip will cost between £200,000 and £250,000.

The NOR says it needs to raise about £120,000 by December 1, 2013 – it has already secured £15,000 and covered the legal costs involved.

The Norfolk Orbital Railway project was launched in 2000 with the aim of creating a circular route taking in Norwich, Cromer, Sheringham, Fakenham, Dereham and Wymondham.

This encompasses Network Rail’s Bittern Line, which is now connected with the North Norfolk Railway at Sheringham and with reinstatement of sections of the old Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway, the Mid-Norfolk Railway.

The biggest missing element is between Holt and Fakenham.

The orbital plan envisages extending the NNR to Fakenham to meet a lengthened MNR (which currently links Dereham with Wymondham), enabling the circuit to be completed at Wymondham, where the heritage line connects with the main line back to Norwich.

The NOR concedes that there will be difficult engineering works before track can be laid in what would be a multi-million pound project taking many years to bring to fruition.

■ For more details see website: www.norfolk-orbital-railway. co.uk.

RESTORATION of Greg Wilson’s S160 2-8-0 No. 6046 was almost complete in mid-May. The outwardly-finished loco (although there were actually no pistons or piston rods fitted) was hauled from Cheddleton to Froghall on the afternoon of May 9 as a test run, reaching speeds of up to 20mph. It is pictured during a pause at Consall. Picture: DAVE GIBSON

Morgan

DAVID MORGAN MBE, Chairman of the Heritage Railway Association

Treated like royalty after railway victory in Sweden

SOME people, including my wife, would say that my life is bedevilled by the plethora of conferences and meetings that I have to attend.

The question has to be asked whether these conferences or meetings produce any tangible benefit for those attending. I have to say, that I would have stopped attending long ago if I had not thought that they produced outcomes.

I have just spent 11 days in Sweden, where I attended the FEDECRAIL (The European Federation of Museum & Tourist Railways) annual conference and AGM. This year, several speakers came from the political arena highlighting the importance of lobbying governments, politicians and agencies.

The Swedish heritage railways, including main line steam operators, have been particularly threatened by proposed legislation and other obligations which would impact unduly heavily on its operations.

Last year, I had a meeting with all the major parties in the Swedish Parliament together with my Swedish colleagues and that does seem to have removed the immediate threat of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), if only because many of the commercial operators also found it unduly expensive.

The Swedish MP who attended the conference and spoke, clearly took their other concerns relating to levies and registration requirements seriously and understood what problems these would cause to the heritage railway movement.

Equally, the chief executive of the French Tourism Council admitted the importance of the heritage railway sector to that country’s economy and was able to take comparative notes of the experiences of other countries, including those of the UK. Increasingly often, it is as important for the speakers to receive feedback from delegates as for the delegates to hear what the speakers have to say.

The public part of the conference and meeting lasted a dayand-a-half; the rest of the time was spent in private discussions and enjoying a visit programme to a large number of the Swedish member groups, which I personally found fascinating as they have a very rich variety of activities – I would say that their main line operations are possibly larger than our own.

One of these visits included the railway at Vadstena, which I visited twice in 2009 in an attempt to prevent the local authority from closing the railway down and redeveloping the site with housing for the elderly.

This proposed development was particularly inappropriate being within 100 metres of the medieval moated castle and to be built on land polluted by such things as waste and oil. The day after my second visit, the ruling coalition in the town council split and I am glad to say reversed their previous decisions.

Delegates were able to travel on the train into the centre of Vadstena where we were given a very royal welcome as well as a lot of attention from the press.

Sustainability theme as world descends on NRM

In October this year, we are hosting at the NRM in York the first formal meeting of WATTRAIN (World Association of Tourist Trams & Trains) at which there will be delegates from all over the world with the main conference theme of sustainability: Financial sustainability; environmental sustainability; technical sustainability; and sustainability of human resources (i.e. passing information on to the next generation).

It will be opened by HRA’s president Lord Faulkner of Worcester, who is also a patron of WATTRAIN, and later in the proceedings delegates will be addressed by The Hon Tim Fischer, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, another patron.

You might wonder what on earth a global organisation could achieve rather than one focused on our national interest or the European dimension and, indeed, that was my initial reaction when it was first suggested to me in Cuba in 1999.

I quickly learnt that there were aspects of their operations outside Europe which were quite novel to us, but had huge potential.

Water treatment was one of them, but alternative methods of raising funds seems to be another, if our third patron, Major General Courtney Wilson of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum is to be believed (which he is!).

Anyone interested in attending should contact conference organiser Andrea Hett at: wattrainmembership@talktalk.net The conference takes place from September 30 to October 6, including a visit programme and steam on the main line.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 71

Steam Portfolio Track Record

AN early morning Jon Bowers photo charter in January featuring the Bluebell Railway’s LBSCR ‘Terrier’ No. 55 Stepney with vinyl overlays on the tanks to cover the name and create the loco’s BR form produced stunning images – see RM April pages 58-59. On a cold and frosty April 16 there was a repeat performance with the correct size lion totem on the tanks, cycling on one side and rampant on the other. Stepney, as BR No. 32655, hauling ‘Birdcage Brake’ No. 3363 look magnificent at Rock Cutting, making the early start more than worthwhile. DAVE BOWLES

72 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

BR 7P No. 70000 Britannia works a freight past Darnholme on May 5 during the first weekend of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s May 4-7 and 11-13 Spring Steam Gala. ROBERT FALCONER

AN appealingly atmospheric scene outside the shed at Didcot centring on SR U class 2-6-0 No. 31806 flanked by Didcot’s Pannier No. 3738 and 2-8-0 No. 3822. The U class was visiting this hotbed of GWR steam from the Mid-Hants Railway for the May 5-7 gala themed around the 60th anniversary of closure of the majority of the Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Railway. PHIL JONES THE Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway’s Beyer Peacock 0-6-0T Countess hauling the line’s replica original Pickering carriages steams up Dolarddyn Bank on April 30. ALAN CORFIELD

Large Prairie No. 5199 was repainted in BR black livery on its return to Llangollen (following a hire period at the Churnet Valley Railway) to appear in the Steel, Steam & Stars III gala. It was also, very unusually for a Llangollen loco, put on the rails facing Llangollen rather than Carrog, enabling this rare scene at Garth-y-Dwr with a set of maroon coaches.

Sun was in short supply during ‘SSSIII’, but with a charter making it possible to hold a train until the right moment, this picture early on the Tuesday was achieved. DAVE BOWLES

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 73

RailtoursTrack Record COMPILED BY

PHIL MARSH

Call: 07810 556252 email: philip@ cleekrail. orangehome.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

TheMerchant ofSwanage SR ‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35028 Clan Line reached Swanage on a UK Railtours service on April 27, bringing the class to the seaside resort for what is believed to be the first time in preservation .

The ‘Merchants’ were banned from the branch line under BR, but ongoing works and rebuilding have opened the route up again. Another rare, but traditional, destination for Clan Line is on the Steam Dreams charter on July 9 with their Waterloo to Weymouth service.

■ The ‘British Pullman’ is due to visit Swanage for the first time on June 15 behind a Class 67, marking another first for the line in preservation.

Hat-trick heroes

THREE steam locomotives visited York station on April 21 during railtour duty – LMS‘Duchess’No. 46233 Duchess of Sutherland, BR‘Britannia’No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell and LNER A4 No. 4464 Bittern.

Another hat-trick occurred at Crewe on May 5 when West Coast Class 57 No. 57601 arrived to complete a line-up of three 57s with Arriva’s 57313 and 57314 also present. A throng of enthusiasts had assembled to watch the three charters due that day at Crewe.

Taking stock of the main line coaching fleet THIS column has often visited the difficulties associated with running main line charter trains but has only so far skimmed the surface of rolling stock issues.

So, thanks to a reader who has asked some questions about this subject, The RM examines the main line heritage fleet with regard to recent and potential developments.

The good news is that as we went to press last month it was announced that the regulation requiring a mandatory barrier vehicle at the end of a Mk 1 charter train has been dropped.

Sharp-eyed linesiders may have noticed that the rear vehicle on some charter trains is now a passenger-carrying Mk 1 coach – something that had not been allowed (officially for crashworthiness reasons) since the wholesale withdrawal of such stock from regular use a decade ago.

The long-promised derogation to allow Mk 1 vehicles to be used at the rear of trains has been issued by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).

The change has come about thanks to the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS), which the Rail Safety & Standards Board says has reduced the chances of a collision by more than 95%.

■ It has been an open secret for the past year that Riviera Trains has been selling off coaches from its fleet to preserved railways. For example, TSO No. 4902 was recently sold to the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway. But, The RM understands, these sales are conditional on the coaches never being allowed to return to main line work in competition with Riviera.

For a while in 2011, it did look as though the whole Riviera fleet might be sold to multimillionaire Jeremy Hosking, but the sale is not thought to have progressed yet after a year of trying.

Vintage Trains’ pairing of Nos. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall and 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe near Abergele on May 5 with a return excurion from Llandudno to Tyseley. BRIAN DOBBS

■ A clue to current market forces is the recent use by Steam Dreams (SD) of the Scottish Railway Preservation Society main line rake of Mk 1 coaches based north of Edinburgh at Bo’ness. These were scheduled to be used on SD’s ‘Cathedrals Explorer’ UK tour in late May and had also been used on the operator’s charters from the London area.

This involved an 850-mile empty stock round trip, so the economics are worth considering given that most charters have to be pretty well sold out before a profit is made, even when empty stock working is kept to a minimum.

Despite the extra maintenance cost involved, the SRPS could stand to gain financially by hiring out its main line set. The income sustains the preserved Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway and could hopefully bring forward returning its Class

Independent Crewe

UK Railtours’ charter to the East Lancs Railway on June 30 offers a rare chance to travel over the Crewe Independent Lines and also traverses both non-public sides of the Castleton connection onto the preserved railway.

The Statesman Rail branding on the side of one of their Pullmanliveried vehicles No. 3188. PHIL MARSH

74 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

37, No. 37025 back to the main line.

The RM spoke to Graeme Bunker of SD, who confirmed that the company had already bought at least eight vehicles in various conditions and that they wanted to buy more to form their own train.

It would, he said, be cheaper in the long run to own, maintain and operate their own train given the amount of services they plan to run in the next few years.

Given that several charter promoters have told The RM that Riviera Trains is now insisting on a three-year hire deal for provision of rolling stock, the major charter companies are looking elsewhere for carriages.

It seems that the only regular train hires from Riviera are from their subsidiary companies such as Pathfinders, Torbay Express and Cheshire Cat. Some of these charters are also now being operated by Direct Rail Services (DRS) rather than former ‘alliance’ partner, DB Schenker. DRS has also been buying coaches, including some from the now defunct Wrexham & Shropshire Railway; it also runs the Cruise Liner Expresses and Northern Belle trains.

UK Railtours is using East Midlands Trains HSTs and crews wherever possible, with GBRf as the operator when off East Midlands Trains routes.

Statesman Rail use its own stock and some of WCR’s former Manchester Pullman set and also owns a set of carriages used as a source of strategic spares.

Other large charter companies, such as Railway Touring Company and Compass Railtours, stick with the West

Coast Railways’ fleet based in Carnforth and Southall, plus Fort William and York in the summer.

This helps to avoid long, expensive stock moves, which is where SD finds itself at the moment with Riviera stock based at Eastleigh or Crewe.

So, once SD has its own train, how long will it take for its investors to consider becoming a fully-fledged train operator to go with Jeremy Hosking’s main line locomotive fleet?

When rail privatisation took place in 1994, it quickly became obvious that any organisation that owned traction and rolling stock and obtained an operating licence would become a powerful force in the charter market.

West Coast Railways invested sufficient resources in this, but others, such as Merlin Rail, FM Rail and Cotswold Rail, became operators but did not own sufficient traction and rolling stock, so were unable to continue.

Riviera went down the hire road and used Rail Express Systems and English, Welsh & Scottish Railway (later DB Shenker) as operating partners, but, as was forecast 15 years ago: “He who owns and operates trains will succeed, as it is the only economic model that works, being in control of costs and planning resources in every sense of the phrase.”

This has recently been proved by a Carnforth-based West Coast Railway set clocking up around 2,000 miles in a few days visiting Wemyss Bay and Arisaig in west Scotland on May 3 and Norwich and Holyhead two days later on passenger services, plus empty stock moves in between.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Case for charter trains on the oldWaverley route is no longer just ‘Borderline’ ThE ‘Jacobite’ carries an average of 35,000 passengers every year and boosts the trade of Fort William, Glenfinnan and Mallaig by £6million a year, at no cost to the towns involved.

On that basis, politicians have been asked to take a further look at the proposed Borders Railway from Edinburgh, concerning its platform lengths and signalling arrangements.

The situation has intensified because of the economic debate surrounding charter trains, with studies having estimated that if platforms are extended from six to 10 or 11 carriages in length and signal sections slightly altered, charter trains could boost the local economy along the line by up to £750,000 annually. A previous estimate of £500,000 is now thought to have

Amazing Mazey Day

PAThFINDERS and Spitfire go head-to-head on June 25 to the annual midsummer Cornish Mazey Day celebrations in Penzance. Spitfire is promoting two trains, using West Coast 37s, running from Birmingham and Eastleigh. Pathfinder also runs from Birmingham, with‘Deltic’No. 55022.

been too conservative.

The alterations would cost £1m if they are done at the time of the line’s construction, but £8m if done as alterations once the line has opened.

Further examples of how charters benefit towns are easily found. For example, May 5 was designated Victorian Day at Llandudno with the event attracting two diesel and one steam charter carrying an estimated 750 passengers to the event. Some people alighted to visit Chester and others carried on to holyhead, but the economies of all these places were boosted.

Another example is the ‘Mazey Day’ festivites in Penzance, Cornwall, which always attracts three or more charter services (see below).

North Yorkshire Moors’s BR Class 5MT No. 75029 works over the Network Rail section of line between Whitby and Grosmont on May 6 with the 10.40 to Grosmont. The Olympic torch is due to be carried over this route on June 18. ROBERT FALCONER

A walk on the wild inside of SirNigelGresley LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley was returned to service after a weld repair was completed on May 7/8 – the final rectification work.

The work was carried out by the owning society’s copper welder, who travelled 400 miles from Scotland to carry out the repairs on a bank holiday.

The post-war world steam record holder was then steamtested over the next 48 hours

and underwent a loaded test run at Grosmont on May 11 before being used at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Gala (see Steam News).

The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust’s annual members’ day is scheduled to be held at Grosmont on June 16 – members should take their membership card to allow access to the engine and visit the footplate.

The trustees and members of the A4 team will also be present prior to the engine working the 13.30 service from Grosmont to Pickering and return.

The front coaches, including buffet car, will be reserved for trust members and a number of 'extras' for members, including visits to the footplate via the corridor tender, will be available.

LNER K1 62005 returns to main line service ThE popular LNER K1 No. 62005 has returned to service on ‘The Jacobite’ after a few minor hitches.

The engine underwent its mandatory test runs on the Carnforth-hellifield circuit on April 24, sporting a ‘mixed’ greenish livery and was then repainted for revenue-earning service.

The engine was dispatched to Fort William on May 10 and ran as far as Beattock when“an unusual noise”was heard. The crew decided to head back for Carnforth, where cylinder repairs were made and the loco set off again for Fort William for‘Jacobite’duties.

It ran the first days’ service in new black-lined livery without incident, in what was described as “weather conditions more akin to December!”

GravyTrain staff serve 7,880 meals in 15 days

A glorious spring day in Durham finds ‘Britannia’ Pacific No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell approaching the catheral city’s station on April 21 with 'The Great Britain V' railtour. GEOFF GRIFFITHS

ThE recent ‘Great Britain V’ railtour – combined with a Statesman Tour to Penzance and a Nenta traintours charter to holyhead/Llandudno – proved to be a busy time for on-board caterers ‘Gravy Train’.

They served an estimated 7,880 silver service meals to passengers in 15 days, using 20 staff. All food was prepared on-board using local produce, including pasties while in Cornwall!

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 75

RailtoursTrack Record Tour of the h MonT

Taking the avoiding lines and cruising the Norfolk Broads JOHN Farrow’s UK Railtours is offering a couple of curves, cruises and Broads in the next few weeks.

The cruising starts on their June 16 Norfolk Broads tour routed outwards via the Norwich Wensum Curve avoiding line, and returning via Canonbury curve to Finsbury Park.

On July 3, the same company offers passengers at Portsmouth Harbour a cruise on the 1949-built MV Balmoral.

This takes in Southampton Water via Spithead, where all seven P&O Ocean Liners will be present for the first time in celebration of the company’s 175th anniversary.

BOOKING CONTACTS CCAT Cheshire Cat: Book through Pathfinders 2006 www.cheshirecattours.co.uk COMP Compass Railtours, 46 Hallville Road, Liverpool L18 0HR. Tel: 0151 722 1147. www.compasstoursbyrail.co.uk CRUISE Cruise Saver Travel, 2 Albert Road, Bournemouth GH1 1BY. Tel: 0800 3581101. www.cruisesavertravel.co.uk NB Northern Belle: Book via VSOE NENTA Nenta Railtours, Railtour House, 10 Buxton Road, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 0ED. Tel: 01692 406152. www.nentatraintours.co.uk PATH Pathfinders 2006, Stag House, Gydynap Lane, Inchbrook, Woodchester, Glos GL5 5EZ. Tel: 01453 835414. www.pathfindertours.co.uk PMRT PMR Tours, PO Box 6233, The West Shed, Ripley DE5 4AD. Tel: 01773 743986. www.prclt.co.uk RTC Railway Touring Company, 14A Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn PE30 1JN. Tel: 01553 661500. www.railwaytouringcompany.co.uk SALT Saltburn Railtours, 23 Cambridge Street, Saltburn TS12 1LD. Tel: 01287 625956. www.saltburnrailtours.co.uk SD Steam Dreams, PO Box 169, Albury, Guildford, Surrey GU5 9YS. Tel: 01483 209888. www.steamdreams.com SRPS Scottish Railway Preservation Society, 82 Busby Road, Carmunnock, Glasgow G76 9BJ. Tel: 01698 263814. www.srps.org.uk STATE Statesman Rail, PO Box 83, St Erth, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 9AD. Tel: 0845 310 2458. www.statesmanrail.com TBEL Torbay Express Limited: Book through Pathfinders UKR UK Railtours, PO Box 350, Welwyn, Herts AL6 0WG. Tel: 01438 715050. www.ukrailtours.com VINT Vintage Trains, 670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2HL. Tel: 0121 708 4960. www.vintagetrains.co.uk VSOE Tel: 0845 077 2222. www.orient-express.com WCRC West Coast Railway Company, Jesson Way, Crag Bank, Carnforth, Lancs LA5 9UR. Tel: 0845 1284681. www.westcoastrailways.co.uk

STEAM RAILTOUR LISTINGS

■ Please note that advertised traction, routes, times and even tour dates can, and often do, change from the advertised details. Check with tour promoters before travelling.

The Railway Magazine cannot accept any responsibility for changes to any advertised trains.

DATE June 9 June 9 June 9 June 9 June 10 June 13 June 14 June 14 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 20 June 21 June 21 June 23 June 26 June 28 June 28 June 30 June 30 June 30 June 30 July 1 July 1 July 1 July 4 July 5 July 5 July 6 July 7

LOCO STEAM SECTION (note: tours may start and finish elsewhere) PROMOTER 34067 ‘The Golden Arrow Statesman’Willesden-Sevenoaks-Canterbury-Dover-Willesden STATE 70000 ‘The Mancunian’ Euston-Watford Jcn-Milton Keynes-Northampton-Manchester RTC 46233 ‘The Royal Scot’ Crewe-Carlisle-Crewe PMRT 4965 ‘The Railfest 2012’Tyseley-Coleshill Parkway-Tamworth-York and return VINT 34067 ‘The Atlantic Coast Express’Waterloo-Woking-Basingstoke-Salisbury-Exeter and return RTC 35028 ‘VSOE Bath & Bristol’Victoria-Bath-Bristol and return VSOE 70000 ‘The Cathedrals Express’Victoria-Staines-Woking-Farnborough Main-Corfe Castle-Swanage and Eastleigh-Staines-Victoria SD 46115 ‘The Cumbrian Mountain Express’ Preston-Settle-Carlisle-Shap-Preston RTC 46233 ‘The Fylde Coast Express’ Crewe-Blackpool-Crewe PMRT 60163 ‘The Cathedrals Express’ Southend-Upminster-Gloucester and return SD 70013 ‘The Easterling’ Liverpool St-Colchester-Norwich-Lowestoft and return RTC 46115 ‘Olympic Torch Express’York-Thirsk (private Olympic charter) 60019 ‘The Cathedrals Express’Victoria-Chiswick-Bracknell-Reading-Castle Cary-Minehead and return SD 30777+70013 ‘The Swanage Belle’Victoria-Clapham Jct-Staines-Basingstoke-Swanage and return RTC 34067+9466 ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ King’s Cross-Potters Bar-Stevenage-Cambridge-Norwich-Cromer-Holt and return RTC 60163 ‘The Cathedrals Express’ Melksham-Swindon-Reading-Kensington-Canterbury and return SD 60163 ‘The Cathedrals Express’ Salisbury-Andover-Basingstoke-Reading West-Goring-Worcester and return SD 34067 ‘The Thanet Belle’Victoria-East Croydon-Redhill-Canterbury West-Faversham and return RTC 60163 ‘The Cathedrals Express’ King’s Cross-Stevenage-Peterborough-York-Durham and return SD 34067 (out) 70013 (back) ‘The Royal Wessex’Three Bridges-Haywards Heath-Worthing-Bournemouth-Weymouth and return RTC 60009 ‘The Aviemore and Inverness’ Glenrothes-Cupar-Dundee-Perth-Aviemore-Inverness and return SRPS 46233 ‘The Scarborough Flyer’Tyseley-Coleshill Parkway-Tamworth-Burton-Derby-York-Scarborough and return VINT 5029 or 34046 ‘The Weymouth Seaside Express’ Bristol-Bath-Trowbridge-Westbury-Frome-Weymouth and return RTC DCEP ‘The Torbay Express’ Bristol-Weston-Taunton-Paignton-Kingswear and return TBEL 6201 ‘The Shakespeare Express’ Birmingham Snow Hill and Moor Street-Tyseley-Henley-Stratford and return VINT (morning and afternoon trains) CP ‘The Fellsman’ Lancaster-Preston-Blackburn-Clitheroe-Long Preston-Carlisle and return STATE 60163 ‘The Cathedrals Express’ Lewes-Haywards Heath-Purley-Kensington-Oxford and return SD DCEP ‘The Dorset Coast Express’Victoria-Staines-Basingstoke-Bournemouth-Weymouth and return RTC 35028 ‘VSOE Luncheon Special’Victoria-Guildford-Victoria VSOE 70013 ‘The Cotswold Explorer’ Paddington-Slough-Reading-Didcot-Worcester and return RTC

CP=Carnforth Pool (44932/46115/48151) DCEP = Dorset Coast Express Pool (30777/34067/60019/70000)

Regular service Weekdays 44871 or 62005

‘The Jacobite’ morning and afternoon services Fort William-Mallaig and return

WCR

NON STEAM DIARY DATE June 8

LOCO

June 9 June 9 June 9 June 9 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 13 June 14 June 15 June 16 June 16 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 17 June 17 June 20 June 21 June 23 June 23 June 23 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 29 June 29 June 30 June 30 June 30 June 30 July 2 July 3 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 5 July 7 July 7

67 2x47 (DRS) 37x2 (DRS) 2x37 (DRS) 37X2 (DRS) 2x47 (WCR) 37x2 (DRS) 67 47x2 (WCR) 67 67 67 2x47 (WCRC) 20x2 (DRS) 2x47 (WCR) 67 47x2 (WCR) 2x47 (DRS) 67 2x47 (DRS) 55022 37x2 (WCR) 37x2 (WCR) 2x47 (WCR) 67 67 67 67 67 2x47 (DRS).

2x47 (WCRC) 47x2 (WCR) 67 37x2 (DRS) 2x47 (WCR) 2x47 (WCRC) 67 47x2 (DRS) 47x2 (WCR) 67 47x2 (DRS 67 20x2 (DRS)

July 7

2x47 (WCR)

July 7

37x2 (WCR)

July 7

76 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

67

ROUTE (note: tours may start and finish elsewhere)

PROMOTER

‘Midsummer West Highlander’ (Day 1) King’s Cross-Stevenage-Peterborough-Dumbarton UKR ‘Historic Bath’ Doncaster-Sheffield-Doncaster-Bath and return NB ‘Midsummer West Highlander’ (Day 2) Dumbarton-Mallaig and return UKR ‘3-2-C’ Crewe-Stafford-Wolverhampton-Birmingham New Street-Barnt Green-Bristol Parkway and TM-Moorswater-Heathfield and return PATH ‘The Midsummer West Highlander’ (Day 2) Dumbarton-Oban and return UKR ‘2012 Railfest at the NRM’ Norwich-Diss-Ipswich-Stowmarket-Ely-Peterborough-York-Durham-Newcastle and return NENTA ‘Midsummer West Highlander’ (Day 3) Dumbarton-Oban and return UKR ‘Midsummer West Highlander’ (Day 4) Dumbarton-Peterborough-Stevenage-King’s Cross UKR ‘Cornish Riviera Express’ Liverpool Lime Street-Crewe-Shrewsbury-Ludlow-Hereford-St Austell-Truro-Penzance and return COMP ‘Hever Castle’Victoria-Canterbury-Folkestone and return VSOE ‘Corfe Castle’Victoria-Corfe Castle-Swanage and return VSOE ‘Blickling Hall & Gardens’ King’s Cross-Potters Bar-Letchworth-Wroxham-Finsbury Park-Potters Bar-Stevenage-Letchworth UKR ‘Chester & Llandudno’ Glenrothes-Dalgety Bay-Edinburgh-Chester-Llandudno and return SRPS Whitchurch-Wem-Wellington-Wolverhampton-Tame Bridge-Birmingham Int-Coventry-Canterbury West and return PATH ‘Settle & Carlisle Statesman’ Peterborough-Oakham-Loughborough-Langley Mill-Chesterfield-Swinton-Carlisle and return STATE ‘Leeds Castle’Victoria-Folkestone and return VSOE ‘Father’s Day Highland Mountain Explorer’ Edinburgh-Linlithgow-Falkirk G-Larbert-Stirling-Perth-Inverness-Kyle and return COMP ‘Cruise Saver Express’ Southampton Eastern Docks-Stockport-Preston-Carlisle-Glasgow Central CRUISE ‘Chatsworth House’Victoria-Derby and return VSOE ‘2012 Ladies Day at Royal Ascot’ Manchester-Crewe-Birmingham-Ascot and return NB ‘The Mazey Day Cornishman’Birmingham Int & NS-Kidderminster-Droitwich-Worcester SH-Bristol Pky & TM-Penzance and return PATH ‘The Kernow Voyager’ Eastleigh-Trowbridge-Bath-Bristol TM-Taunton-Bodmin-Par-Truro-Penzance and return SPITF ‘The Kernow Explorer’ Birmingham Int & NS-Barnt Green-Worcester SH-Cheltenham-Bristol Pky & TM- Bodmin-Par-Truro-Penzance and return SPITF ‘Settle & Carlisle Statesman’ Cambridge-March-Peterborough-Newark-Doncaster-Carlisle and return STATE ‘Discover Folkestone’Victoria-Folkestone and return VSOE ‘The Magnificent Snowdonian’ Didcot-Banbury-Coventry-Birmingham Int-Tame Bridge Pky-Llandudno Jcn-Bangor-Holyhead and return PATH ‘Bath’Victoria-Bath and return’ VSOE ‘Churchills Chartwell and Folkestone’Victoria-Folkestone and return VSOE ‘Discover Deal’Victoria-Deal and return VSOE ‘Portmeirion & Ffestiniog Steam Railway’ Birmingham-Coventry-Wolverhampton-Llandudno-Bangor and return NB ‘The Saltburn Solent’ (outward) Saltburn-Middlesbrough-Portsmouth Harbour SALT ‘Snowdon Mountain Ranger’ Skipton-Shipley-Wakefield K-Denton-Knutsford-Betws-y-Coed-Blaenau Ffestiniog and return COMP ‘The Rossendale Venturer’ Euston-Watford Jcn-Milton Keynes-Rugby-Stafford-Rawtenstall and return UKR ‘York and Scarborough’ Cardiff-Newport-Hereford-Shrewsbury-York-Scarborough and return PATH ‘Northumbrian Statesman Hereford-Worcester FS-Birmingham NS-Tamworth-Durham-Alnmouth-Berwick and return STATE ‘The Saltburn Solent’ (return) Portsmouth Harbour- Middlesbrough-Saltburn SALT ‘The P&O 175 Anniversary Special’Victoria-Portsmouth Harbour and return UKR ‘London Sightseeing Manchester-Wilmslow-Stafford- Birmingham-Victoria and return NB ‘Fenland Cathedrals Express’ Blackpool North-Preston-Crewe-Stafford-Walsall-Ely and return COMP ‘2012 Murder Mystery Lunch’Victoria-Victoria Circular VSOE ‘London Sightseeing’ Liverpool-Crewe-Birmingham-Victoria and return NB ‘Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace’Victoria-Oxford-Worcester and return VSOE ‘Cumbrian Coast & Fells’Stratford-upon-Avon-Dorridge-Solihull-Birmingham NS-Bloxwich-Stafford-Carlisle and return via Millom CCAT ‘Chester & The Pennines’ Stevenage-Potters Bar-Finsbury Park-Chester-Hebden Bridge and return UKR ‘Northumbrian Statesman’ Ely-Whittlesea-Peterborough-Oakham-East Mids- Parkway-Alfreton-Chesterfield-Durham-AlnmouthSTATE Berwick and return ‘The Prisoner’ Leeds-Huddersfield-Manchester Vict-Crewe-Barmouth-Minffordd-Porthmadog-Pwllheli and return SPITF

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Saltburn’s annual seaside outing almost fully booked

See the Olympic torch byVintage Trains VINTAGE Trains ‘Shakespeare Express’ season kicks off on July 1 with LMS Pacific No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth guesting for the day.

The first of the season’s ‘Shakespeare Expresses’ also gives passengers the chance to see the Olympic torch as it passes through Stratford-upon-Avon at 2.50pm.

The ‘Shakespeare Express’ runs every Sunday until September and offers a morning and afternoon departure from Birmingham to Stratford.

The trains also offer a silver service breakfast or a three-course lunch on the journey, plus traditional afternoon tea, a new addition to the service this year.

Statesman sellout again!

STATESMAN’S Peter Watkinson is enjoying yet another sell-out season.

The September 8 ‘Cumbrian Mountain & Coast Statesman’ sold out within 20 days, so a repeat will be run a week later, on September 15, serving stations from Aberystwyth and along the Cambrian line, offering another 440 seats.

This extra tour has been confirmed to Network Rail with the Class 97s booked for haulage between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury and the remainder of the tour hauled by 47s. The Jubilee ‘Fellsman’ service from Lancaster to Carlisle on June 4 was also sold out.

No. 9 back this month but still no Braunton

LNER A4 No. 60009 Union of South Africa should be back in main line traffic for the June 30 SRPS tour to Inverness, almost a year after the engine was thought to be returning to service after a prolonged overhaul at Crewe.

However, there was still no sign of SR ‘West Country’ No. 34046 Braunton returning to service on the main line as we went to press.

This engine is now well over a year late back in traffic after first being advertised on a train.

RARE track for Class 20s: DRS Type 1s Nos. 20312 and 20308 stand alongside the QEII cruise liner terminal in Southampton Eastern Docks with the ‘Hampshire Hotchpotch’ tour on May 5. JAMES MAYL

SALTBURN Railtours’ annual 2012 charter is due to run from Saltburn and Middlesbrough to Portsmouth on June 29, returning on July 2.

The train is a full Pullman set and is routed outwards via Birmingham and Oxford, returning via London and the East Coast Main Line.

The train is provided and operated by West Coast Railways and as we went to press, fewer than 20 seats were available.

Jubilee steam – a bridge too far for a‘Princess’?

AS this edition went to press, the use of LMS ‘Princess Royal’ class No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth to start the Thames Pageant from the Chelsea river bridge on June 3 had become entangled with a demand for £5,000 to pay for ‘security’ on the bridge.

It is understood that money

was required for a police inspection of the structure and that Network Rail also wanted payment for planning the prestigious event.

One industry insider commented: “Members of the public will rightly be wondering why the bridge has to be

checked for security just because a steam locomotive is on it.

It should have been subject to regular checking in any case.

‘Lizzie’ itself could not work the Steam Dreams trip from Oxford to Swanage on April 19 due to the discovery of a pinhole steam leak. LNER A4 No. 4464

Bittern was the short notice replacement.

After a test run with DB Schenker on May 17, the maroon LMS engine was booked to head the last leg of ‘The Cathedrals Explorer’ for Steam Dreams from Hellifield to London on May 25.

Underground stock clears the way for GW steam through ReadingWest and Bramley READING West and Bramley station platforms have been slightly altered to allow 50-yearold Tube stock to be taken to Eastleigh Works by rail for scrapping.

The stock was too wide for the platforms but, as a result of the work, there is more clearance on the down lines. The work was paid for by Knights Rail Services,

which run Eastleigh Works, and the extra gauge available means that GWR outside-cylindered steam locomotives – also deemed to be foul of the platforms at these stations – should now be able to run there.

KRS director Bruce Knights told The RM:“This might help charters at these points which were foul over the cylinders.”

STANIER 8F No. 48151 romps through Hebden Bridge in less than ideal weather conditions, en route from Preston to York with Compass Tours 'Roses Express' on April 18. BOB AVERY

Queen’s medal for retiring RoyalTrain timer Bob NETWORK Rail charter planning manager Bob Dewhurst has been presented with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Bob has timed the Royal Train for over a decade while managing the charter train planning team in Leeds and travelled on the train on May 2 for the presentation.

He is retiring in a few months to be replaced by Nick Collins, who also has an in-depth knowledge and experience of the charter train business. This will be needed when the office relocates to the new NR headquarters in

Milton Keynes this autumn. n Another high-profile retirement in the world of special trains is that of Peter Starks. Many readers will recall the days when Network SouthEast challenged InterCity by running steam under its own authority in the late 1980s and Peter is the last member of that NSE steam team.

He has continued to volunteer behind the scenes while remaining a professional railwayman and was instrumental in getting ‘Merchant Navy’Clan Line to the Railway Magazine Eastleigh open weekend in 2009.

BACK after an overhaul is K1 No. 62005, seen at Banavie on May 18 with ‘The Jacobite’ from Fort William to Mallaig and back. Soon after this image was taken, the bridge was opened for a boat but then stuck in the open position, disrupting rail traffic. L F GOULDER

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 77

Railtour Portfolio Track Record

‘Royal Scot’ 4-6-0 No. 46115 Scots Guardsman forges past the attractive station of Gleneagles with the Inverness to Glasgow Central leg of the Railway Touring Company’s ‘Great Brtiain V’ railtour. Don TaGGarT

Having lost almost two hours through steaming issues and the resultant loss of its path, K4 No. 61994 The Great Marquess bids to make amends as it crests County March summit on the way to Fort William fron Thornton Jct on April 22. PETER FoSTER

78 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

The 09.19 Edinburgh to Inverness section on April 22 (Day 2 of the ‘Great Britain V’ charter) passes Culross, on the freight-only line from Stirling to Alloa, headed by The Great Marquess.

Brian Morrison

The West Highlands reverberate to the sound of West Coast Railway “Growler” No. 37685 as it lifts the western tour of the `The Royal Scotsman’ up the hill out of Ardlui early on Sunday May 6. STeveN CRozieR

GWR ’Castle’ No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe summons every last ounce of effort on the ascent of Hemerdon bank on April 28, returning a vintage Trains ‘Cornishman’ special from Plymouth to Bristol. CLiFF WooDHeAD

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 79

Traction & Stock Track Record Upgrade for ex-Silverlink 321s COMPILED BY

CHRIS MILNER

Call: 01507 529589 email: cmilner @mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

GREATER Anglia has embarked on a programme of upgrades for the 17 Class 321/4 EMUs it inherited from the former Silverlink franchise.

The work is part of a franchise commitment valued at £500,000.

The decision has been made to undertake the work in-house and is being carried out at Clacton depot, which was brought back into service by previous franchisee National

Class 321s at Clacton: Refurbishment on unit No. 321437 (centre) has just begun, while No. 321421was having the finishing touches applied after refurbishment. Pictures: CHRIS MILNER

Not a pretty sight: Debris left after the seating and dado panels have been removed.

How it looks with new vinyl flooring in place.

Express in 2010. The depot also undertakes‘A’exams on the 321s with‘B’exams carried out at Ilford.

It is the first time EMU refurbishment has been carried out at Clacton, although, some years ago, Transys refurbished the Class 170/1 DMU fleet for CrossCountry after their transfer from Midland Main Line.

At Clacton depot, each unit is fully stripped out, removing carpets and accumulated debris.

Next, any floor repairs are carried out, with any gaps between the plywood floor panels being filled and sanded down to prepare for a durable vinyl floor covering.

Carpets are fitted in first class areas.

While the vehicles are stripped, the interior is repainted with all the fluorescent lighting tubes changed and fittings cleaned.

The plastic seat shells are repaired (where split or

damaged) and then repainted.

New foam seat cushions are fitted, along with a new greypatterned moquette. Under window interior body panels are renewed and improvements are made to interior doors, with any redundant trim removed.

Refurbished and re-coated red grab rails are also installed to give the units a smart appearance.

The decision has been taken to re-coat the toilet furniture rather than to fully re-work the lavatory area, because a separate project is taking place on the best way to fit a DDA compliant toilet into all Class 321s.

When the units were acquired

by Greater Anglia’s predecessor, the decision was made to reduce first class accommodation from 24 – under the Silverlink specification – to just 12 2+2 seats. The removal of an interior panel between the old first class and standard sections has left a

small section of standard class 2+2 seating, as opposed to the 3+2 in the rest of the unit (see photo).

At the time of the RM visit on May 10, unit 321425 had been completed and was in traffic. Unit 321437 had been stripped out and unit 321421 had been refurbished and was having the finishing touches applied.

Work has also taken place in the driving cabs, with some repainting and relabelling of switches and controls.

CCTV is to be installed under a separate programme at Ilford depot later in the year.

All Greater Anglia units are undergoing a deep clean, which is a franchise commitment.

The upgrade on the 17 units will be completed by the end of 2012, with a break during the 2012 Olympic Games. Each unit (after unit 3) will take eight working days to refurbish.

The 2+2 standing seating that was once part of first class.

The first class section now contains only 12 seats.

Standard class: A little brighter than it was previously.

More 11-car Pendolinos in traffic

ONE of Virgin’s remaining ‘Thunderbird’ locos, No. 57307 Lady Penelope, was used on May 2 to move rail head treatment water bowsers and a pair of translator coaches from Springburn Works to Kilmarnock. The unusual train is seen passing Springburn station. Picture SIMON LOCKLEY

80 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

BY mid-May, Virgin Trains had commissioned a total of six 11-car Pendolino trains.

Three sets – Nos. 390155/156/157 – were delivered new as 11-car sets and then commissioned for service as nine-car trains, as per the delivery programme for the additional carriages. However, they have quickly been returned to the 11-car formation and recommissioned.

Of the original 31 train sets that will be extended together with an H3 overhaul programme, the commissioning of set 390112 (ex-390012) in early May as an 11-car, along with 390107 and 390131, brings the total to six.

During the latter part of May, set No. 390157 (another

brand new set) together with lengthened set Nos. 390137 and 390141 would be in service, making nine sets.

The H3 overhauls, which will cover all Pendolinos, are being carried out at Longsight, Manchester and Alstom has around 120 staff working on the project.

It’s hard to believe that Pendolinos have been in service for almost 10 years – the first passenger-carrying set having run from Birmingham International to Manchester in July 2002 in connection with the Commonwealth Games.

Virgin says that since the trains were introduced, they’ve amassed between them 115 million miles.

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Eurotunnel bringing shuttle back into use AFTER nearly eight years out of use, a rake of wagons that form a half vehicle shuttle rake is being refurbished by Eurotunnel.

For the company, it is a €10million project that will provide an increase in capacity in time for the Olympic Games, but also help with other sharp peaks in cross-channel traffic.

Completion of the first batch of shuttle wagons was watched at Eurotunnel’s Coquelles maintenance yard, near Calais, by chairman and chief executive Jacques Gounon, French MEPs and British MPs from Kent. The vehicles were launched back into traffic by France’s Olympic rhythmic gymnast, Delphine Ledoux.

The mayor of Calais, Natacha Bouchart, praised Eurotunnel’s commitment to the area and the positive economic effect that stemmed from the shuttle operation.

The refurbished rake consists of 12 wagons – a mix of enclosed single and double deck vehicles – and two loading/unloading wagons, making a total of 14.

Each vehicle has been stripped back to component parts, with any corrosion or welding carried out before reassembly. In all, there are 89,000 components that have been replaced or refurbished.

The vehicles have been rewired, with 322km of cabling used in total. In the workshops, 180 staff are employed on the project, which will take 250,000 man-hours to complete.

Internally, there is revised lighting and refurbished toilets, along with other small modifications within the

More 86s for Hungary ANOTHER Class 86 has been prepared for Hungarian freight operator Floyd by Europhoenix.

Refurbishment of No. 86215 was completed at Long Marston in April and the loco hauled to Willesden yard for testing at Wembley, before being moved by road to Immingham, on May 18, for shipment to Cuxhaven.

The loco, Floyd 5 with the UIC number 91 55 0450 005-8, will be moved to Hungary.

A sixth loco (No. 86217) is under preparation and likely to leave the UK in August.

Above: Shuttle vehicles inside the Coquelles workshops being refurbished. Their height is more readily apparent than when standing in the platforms at Folkestone or Calais.

Colas‘grid’ due to appear AS this edition of The RM closed for press, Class 56 No. 56094 – bought by Colas Rail from DB Schenker – was close to the conclusion of a refurbishment to working order at Washwood Heath.

The loco is being repainted in Colas yellow & orange, with a test run to Boston taking place in late May. Indications are that the loco will become a regular on the Boston steel duty, replacing Class 47s.

Refurbishment of a second loco, No. 56087, was underway and appearance of this loco was expected by July.

Right: A single-deck shuttle for road coaches and taller vehicles after completion of refurbish-ment by Eurotunnel.

Pictures: CHRIS MILNER

constraints of what can be permitted on a train that runs through the Channel Tunnel.

Later in the year, the speed of shuttle trains will increase from 140km/h to 160km/h, cutting five minutes off journey times, with up to five departures an hour in each direction possible.

‘Shipshape’look for GBRf‘s Sorrento

GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66709 has been named Sorrento and been given unique bodyside graphics featuring an MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) container vessel. The loco is seen at Hams Hall on April 26. A few days later it was on dispay at the Multimodal 2012 exhibition at the National Exhibition Centre. Picture BOB SWEET

Merseyrail to press ahead with EMU replacement

LOCAL Liverpool area train operator Merseytravel has embarked on the process to replace its Class 507 and 508 EMU fleet.

The operator is working with leading recruitment agencies to find a project director who will deliver the procurement of the new trains.

Some months ago, Merseytravel sought expressions of interest from train manufacturers worldwide.

This latest development formally kick-starts the scheme that should see new trains delivered by 2017. It is anticipated that the formal tendering process will begin later this summer, with a shortlist of suppliers announced early in 2013.

The current fleet of class 507 and 508 trains was built in the late 1970’s and, despite a full overhaul

programme that began a decade ago, both the expected lifespan of the vehicles and the current leasing arrangements are set to expire over the next six years.

Coun Mark Dowd, chairman of Merseytravel, said: “The Merseyrail rolling stock replacement project will be one of the most significant schemes undertaken by Merseytravel over the next few years, with consequences that will extend for decades.

“Getting the right person to oversee the project and creating the right project governance arrangements are the first priorities on the way to successful delivery of new trains for Wirral and Northern Line passengers.”

A 25-year franchise to a joint partnership of Abellio and Serco was awarded by Merseytravel in 2003.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 81

Traction & Stock Track Record Heathrow ExpressClass 322refurbs

HEATHROW Express has started a comprehensive refurbishment of its 14-strong fleet of Class 332 EMUs. Unit 332002 was due into traffic on May 28 with the multi-million pound project continuing until April 2013.

The refurbishment, which has been months in the planning, is being carried out by Railcare at its Wolverton Works.

A full report (with images of the sumptuous new interiors) will appear in next month’s issue.

DRS 57s get repaint DURING May, the first two of three former Virgin ‘Thunderbird’ locos that have been taken on by DRS were being repainted.

Nos. 57304 and 57309 have been noted in the Eastleigh paintshops of Arlington Fleet Services in DRS blue while awaiting graphic panels. A third loco (No. 57302) was inside the paintshop in primer.

No. 57309 was due to sport its new colour scheme at Railfest 2012 in the NRM York.

Allerton depot is reopened ALLERTON train care depot was formally opened by Transport Minister Theresa Villiers on May 10 following a £10.6million investment by Northern Rail.

Northern first began using the former EWS depot last December, and it will initially be home to 12 Class 156s with additional units, including EMUs, being allocated for maintenance from December.

The reopening has created 50 jobs for Northern staff and five more for Unipart Rail.

It was back in 2002 that EWS invested £1m in the site to undertake maintenance on the ‘Voyager’ fleet, but by 2010 the former British Rail motive power depot had been mothballed.

Both the building and the sidings in the yard have been restored from derelict condition and nearly five miles of track has been replaced. A new train washing plant has been provided.

Class 156 DMU No. 156466, which is undergoing repairs, was the solitary occupant of the refurbished Allerton depot on the day of the official opening, May 10. Pictures: TONY MILES

An external view of the five-road depot. Although electrified outside, there are no overhead wires inside the depot. When electric units are eventually deployed in the north-west, a batterypowered tug will move the EMUs in and out of the depot.

Allerton’s new train-wash facility will help enhance the external appearance of Northern Rail trains in the north-west.

WAGON REPORT W H DAVIS-built ‘Super Low 45’ container twinsets are now in regular use. DRS operates various services with the flats, including ‘Tesco Express’ curtainside container trains from Daventry to Tilbury and Wentloog. Nos. are 39 70 4901 000-024, TOPS code IDA, design code IDE 959.

Optimised deck length and close coupling also feature, in addition to low platform height. As a result they are more than five metres shorter than the equivalent ‘Megafret’ wagons used on other DRS-operated intermodal trains.

Barber SCT 23-inchdiameter, small-wheel Easy Rider bogies are fitted to these wagons. Axleloads of 14.25 tons are possible, with a payload of 70 tons for each twinset. An upgraded version of this bogie will be developed for VTG Rail’s Ecofret multiplatform flats on order from Waggonfabrik Graaff.

Most of the smaller trackwork renewals and maintenance contractors rely

by S F Lappage

KWA well wagon No. VTG 95636 was noted in Bescot engineers sidings on May 2. S F LAPPAGE

exclusively on road/rail equipment. Some, however, do use items of ‘full possession’ rail-only machinery – these are moved between worksites by road.

In British Rail days many such machines carried ‘DX’ number prefixes, but the practice ended with privatisation.

Items currently in use include Geismar MRT-2 sleeper changers, Permaquip ballast packers and Tamper GO4 TracGopher ballast cleaners.

82 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Hydrex Equipment, Stobart Rail, and Trackwork are amongst the users.

Stobart Rail, formerly W A Developments, is based in Carlisle and operates a fleet of 30 road/rail machines plus a rail only Trac-Gopher, No. W147/4791535.

Built in the USA, this small ballast cleaner is used to clean out the six foot and shoulder areas. It can also be used to dig trenches and lower track through tunnels and under bridges.

Weighing 17 tonnes it has four wheel drive, a bucket-style digging wheel and a boom conveyor to deposit used ballast in open spoil wagons.

New to stock are HHA-C biomass hopper No. 370058, design code HH001L, YXA-A railhead treatment flats Nos. 99 70 9594 001/002/004/006/008/ 012/014, design code YX075A, ZZA-T snowploughs Nos. 99 70 9592 001/002/004-006, and design code ZZ505A. A further KWA well wagon is now stored in Bescot yard –

No. VTG 95636. This is from the second batch built, fitted with welded bogies and uprated to carry a maximum payload of 33 tonnes.

Recent withdrawals of airbraked wagons have included ZDA Squid open No. 100001, VYA stores vans Nos. 200104/ 422/484/486/537, ZCA Sea Urchin spoil, ballast opens Nos. DC 200614/621/641/671, DC 210261/267, and CEA-covered hoppers Nos. 360188/205/ 266/474/533/663, 361024/ 087/415/462/615/666/720/ 816/823/845.

HSBC translator vans QSA’s Nos. ADB 975875 and ADB 977087 have been overhauled at St Leonards depot.

Network Rail has sold QQA tool van No. 977991 to Suffolk Fire & Rescue – it will be used as a fire training vehicle.

Engineers’ wagons withdrawn have been YGH Seacow ballast hoppers Nos. DB 982817/856 and YMA Salmon railflats Nos. DB 996403/494/517/821/ 830/839/848/862/892/ 900/921/933/943/986.

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Extra seats when Class 456s move to SWT

ALL 24 Class 456 EMUs currently in service with Southern are being transferred to the South West Trains franchise.

The Department for Transport has confirmed the agreement that will see 48 carriages provide an additional 2,400 seats per day.

The announcement takes the number of extra carriages being introduced on SWT to 108, with 60 coming from the re-work refurbishment of the former Gatwick Express Class 460 fleet.

The Class 456 units are compatible with SWT’s Class 455 units and the 456s will be refurbished to the same standard as the recent class 455 refurbishment.

Target dates for the introduction of all 108 vehicles is between May 2013 and December 2014.

As explained earlier in the year (RM March), the Class 460s will provide one carriage to lengthen the 30 Class 458 EMUs to five cars, with six new five-car units being created.

Together, both developments will mean that five-, sixand eight-car trains can be

lengthened to run as eight-, nine-, 10- and 12-car services, providing the following enhancements: Morning peak ■ Six longer main line trains from Salisbury, Yeovil Junction, Basingstoke, Portsmouth Harbour (via Eastleigh) and Alton to London Waterloo ■ Three longer suburban trains from Guildford (via Cobham) and Woking to London Waterloo ■ Two extra eight-car trains from Raynes Park to Waterloo Evening peak ■ Six longer main line trains from London Waterloo to Exeter and Basingstoke ■ Extra seats on four suburban services from London Waterloo to Guildford (via Woking), Guildford (via Cobham) and Twickenham ■ Two longer trains on Windsor line services from London Waterloo to Aldershot (via Richmond) and to Teddington (via Richmond).

As part of the overall capacity enhancements SWT is working with the DfT to bring platform 20 at the former Waterloo International back into use earlier than planned.

ClASS 20 No. 20314, one of a number acquired from DRS by the Harry Needle Railroad Company has been fully refurbished and outshopped in the latest version of HNRC’s dayglow orange livery. It is seen in Barrow Hill yard on May 6. Picture SHAUN BAMFORD

Reliability‘mods’for FCC’s Class 319s FIRST Capital Connect has just completed a reliability modification programme on its Class 319 Thameslink rolling stock. The modifications will improve performance and reduce service failures.

The £3.1million programme started in late 2009 and has been carried out on 86 units, some of which have been in service for 23 years.

The improvements not only addressed component failures,

but also evaluated maintenance practices, fault-finding techniques and operations training.

The component modification and improvements include: n New desk panel and upgraded switches to combat poor reliability n Stripping back of roof canopy seals and a new sealant applied to prevent leaks, which often resulted in damage to electrical equipment

n New LED door buttons, which are more visible, reliable and compliant with latest accessibility standards n Optimisation of windscreen wiper design to provide greater reliability by replacing the arm and blade with a new design Subsequent analysis of the upgrade work has shown that the reliability could average 23,000 miles between failures compared to a past average of 13,000.

NEWS PICTORIAL ROUND UP

Having been stored at Crewe diesel depot, Class 60s Nos. 60044 and 60100 were hauled to Toton on April 21 by No. 67029 and are seen at Stenson Junction.

Whether they are to be refurbished or whether they will donate components to other Class 60s has not yet been revealed by DB Schenker. MATT SPENCER

One of two lOROl Class 378 EMUs vinyled to promote the lyca mobile phone network is No. 378221, seen arriving at Kew Gardens on the 10.58 Richmond to Stratford service on May 12. ANTONY GUPPY

Journalist, broadcaster and former Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo (right) was invited to name GBRf’s No. 66742 Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012 at the docks on April 27 and is seen with GB MD John Smith (centre) and ABP port director for Grimsby & Immingham John Fitzgerald. (see also p18-24) CHRIS MIlNER

Although heavily stripped with many parts missing, the former CrossCountry ‘Police’ loco, Class 47 No. 47829, has been put up for sale by HNRC. JACK BOSKETT

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 83

Traction Portfolio Track Record

In the rolling Derbyshire hills, ‘Super 60’ No. 60059 passes Harpur Hill, near Buxton, with a Tunstead quarry to Hindlow working on May 16. MICK TINDALL

British American Railway Services Class 56 No. 56312 approaches Pontefract Baghill on April 17, working scrap train 6Z56 from Stockton to Cardiff Tidal. SCOTT SPENCER

A colourful scene on the approach to Jamestown viaduct from Inverkeithing as Colas No. 66847 (bearing the full title Colas Rail Freight on its side), works train 6Z47, the aviation fuel empties from Linkswood (RAF Leuchars) to Grangemouth on May 2. This working and one to Prestwick have recently been won by Colas. SIMON LOCKLEY

84 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Under a haze of stone dust and diesel exhaust, DB Schenker’s No. 66091 passes Brandon signalbox, leading 6L39 09.25 Mountsorrel-Norwich Trowse loaded roadstone on April 30. It is also crossing the Suffolk/Norfolk border, which is located on the road crossing. The ’box and semaphores are due to disappear soon as the first stage of the Ely-Norwich line resignalling comes to fruition. ANTONy GUPPy

Class 57s have now been fully replaced on the Welsh Assembly Government-sponsored North/South Wales trains by Class 67s. On April 13, No. 67001 works 1W91 16.15 Cardiff-Holyhead past Ponthir, north of Newport. CHARLES G WOODLAND

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 85

TractionUpdate TrackRecord COMPILED BY

ASHLEY BUTLIN

Call: 01507 529589 email: railway @mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Disposals LOCOMOTIVES

Locations amended since last report Barrow Hill: 37059 Burton-upon-Trent: 56051/65 Crewe L&NWR: 86247 Crewe EMD: 08888, 67004/13, 92011/26 Crewe Gresty Bridge: 37069 Doncaster Carr: 08802 Eastleigh Works: 47501 Hinksey: 08886 Long Marston: 86424 Longport: 66082, 66176 Merehead: 59205 St Blazey: 60044/96, 60100 Tees Yard: 08907 Toton: 66041/76 York Freightliner: 66412 Out of Store: 08605, 08737, 08804, 66016/20/30/83, 66129/45/64 Disposals C F Booth, Rotherham: Arrival dates: April: 08745; May: 01501-03/05/06 EMR Attercliffe: Cut date: May: 08953 EMR Kingsbury: Arrival date: April 20: 56049/78.

Cut dates: April: 56046/73 Ron Hull, Rotherham: Cut date: April: 37893 Returned to France: 66033, 66226 Now in France en route to Bulgaria 92034 Preserved (for sale): 37415/28, 47829

ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNITS

Locations amended since last report Eastleigh Works: 317708/09/23/32

HAULED COACHING STOCK

Locations amended since last report Barrow Hill: 92146

Burton-upon-Trent (correction): 3312, 5797, 5912/91 Cambuslang Fire Services: 5788, 5821 Pullman Rail, Cardiff Canton: 11064/65/71/83/84/86 RVEL, Derby: 9516/23 Disposals C F Booth, Rotherham: Arrival dates: March 23: 5793 R M Penny, Plant Hire & Demolition at Dunster, WSR: March: 10521 Sold Eastern Rail Services, Mid Norfolk Railway: 5787, 5866, 5906, 6168, 9497 Northumbria Rail: 9538

DEPARTMENTAL

Disposals Cut at Oakamoor: February: 977392 March: 977391

Stockspot LOCOMOTIVES

Network Rail Re-registered 20059 HQ/MBDL Off Network Rail Registration 56049/51/78 Allocation changes 08500 WNTS-WNYX 08578 WNYX-WNTS 08605 WNYX-WSSK 08630/53 WNYX-WSSK 08676 WSSK-WNYX-WSSL 08711 WNYX-WNTS 08737 WNYX-WSSI 08738/42/84 WNYX-WNTS 08802 WSSL-WNYX 08804 WNYX-WSSK 08886 WSSK-WNYX 08888 WSSI-WNYX 08907 WSSK-WNYX 08922/39/93/94 WNYX-WNTS 37069 XHNC-XHSS 47501 XHAC-XHHP 59201 WNTR-WDAK 59205 WFMU-WNTR 60003/21/32/50/60/67/80/85/86/ 88 WNWX-WNTS 60043 WNTS-WNWX-WNTS 60062 WNTS-WNTR 66016 WNTR-WFMU-WBAK-WBAI 66020 WNTR-WBAK-WBAL 66021 WBAI-WFMU-WNTRWBAK-WBAI 66030 WNTR-WBAL 66040 WBAI-WNTR-WFMU-WBAK 66041 WBAK-WBAI-WFMU-WNTR 66053 WBAI-WFMU-WBAI-WNTRWFMU-WBAK 66076 WBAL-WFMU-WNTR 66082 WBAL-WFMU-WNTR 66083 WNTR-WFMU 66104 WBBK-WFMU-WNTRWFMU-WBBL 66117 WBAL-WFMU-WNTRWBAK-WBAI

Stored at Crewe in the holding sidings: 56031, 56106 and 47769. JACK BOSKETT.

66125 WBAI-WNTR-WFMU-WBAL 66129 WNTR-WBAK-WBAI 66135 WBAK-WFMU-WNTR-WBAK 66145 WNTR-WBAK-WBAI 66164 WNTR-WFMU-WBAI 66168 WBAI-WFMU-WNTRWFMU-WBAL 66176 WBAK-WNTR 66177 WBAI-WFMU-WBAKWFMU-WNTR-WBAK-WBAI-WBAK 66184 WSSK-WNTR-WFMU-WBAIWBAK-WBAI 66185 WSSK-WNTR-WBAK 66197 WBAI-WFMU-WNTR-WBAK -WBAI 66200 WBAK-WFMU-WBEP 66221 WBAL-WFMU-WBEP 66230 WBAI-WNTR-WFMUWBAL-WBAK-WBAL 66232 WFMU-WBEP 67004 WFMU-WNTR 67007 WFMU-WNTR-WAANWFMU-WABN 67013 WAWN-WNTR 67015 WAWN-WFMU-WNTRWAWN 67027 WAAN-WFMU-WNTR-WAAN 90018 WEFE-WFMU-WNTRWEFE 90019 WEFE-WFMU-WNTRWEFE 90026 WEFE-WFMU-WNTR-WEFE 90028 WEFE-WNTR-WEFE 90036 WEFE-WFMU-WNTRWFMU-WEFE-WFMU-WNTR-WEFE 90039 WEFE-WNTR-WEFE 92011 WFMU-WNTR 92026 WTAE-WFMU-WNTR 92027 WNWX-WTAE-WNTRWTAE-WNTR 92036 WTAE-WFMU-WNTR-WTAE 92037 WTAE-WFMU-WNTR-WTAE Names applied 66709 Sorrento 66742 Port of Immingham Centenary 1912-2012 90009 Diamond Jubilee Name removed 08502 Lybert Dickinson 31602 Driver Dave Green Livery changes Blue: 09022 DB Schenker red: 59205, 60015 Diamond Jubilee vinyls: 43186

Diamond Jubilee Union Flag: 90009 DRS blue: 57309 DRS Compass: 37609 East Coast grey: 91129 First blue: 08663 Floyd: 56101 GBRf: 66746 MSC livery: 66709

DIESEL MULTIPLE UNITS

Livery changes Arriva Trains Wales turquoise and blue: 158831 First blue: 150102, 150202/16 First dynamic lines: 180108 Northern Rail: 150113-16/18 Saltire: 170430 Formation changes 158943: 52843+52842+57843 Disbanded: 158842

ELECTRIC MULTIPLE UNITS

Newly delivered 965309-12 968909-12

Network Rail Re-registered 62384 HQ/QUTU Livery changes Advertising Lyca Mobile: 319218, 378221 Diamond Jubilee Union Flag vinyls: 357005/06, 357225/27 First blue: 360115 Greater Anglia white with red doors: 315809, 317661, 321361/62 Network Rail yellow: 62384 Saltire: 314204, 320313, 334020 South-East Trains white: 465021, 465173/75/81/92, 466014/30 Names applied 357006 Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012 Reformed Now in 11-car formation 390112/31/41 Renumbered 65312 formerly 965307

65331 formerly 965306 65341 formerly 965308 68912 formerly 968907 68931 formerly 968906 68941 formerly 968908 390112 formerly 390012 390131 formerly 390031 390141 formerly 390041 390157 formerly 390057

HAULED COACHING STOCK

Network Rail Re-registered 1666 HQ/MBCS

Allocation changes 326 YK-CS 1254 BH/CDCO-KM/XHSC 3366/74 BH/CDCO-KM/XHSC 5797 HQ/SAXB-CS/MBCS 5810 BH/CDCO-KM/XHSC 5901/19/71/95 BH/CDCOKM/XHSC 5912/91 HQ/SAXB-CS/MBCS 6001/08/46/64 BH/CDCOKM/XHSC 6117/22/73 BH/CDCO-KM/XHSC 6364/65MBCS-EJHQ 9506/08/25 BH/CDCO-KM/XHSC 82306/08 HQ/HOHQ-CF/HLHQ Names reapplied 99352 Amethyst Livery changes Chiltern: 10271, 12602-05 East Coast grey: 10321, 11241, 11320, 11420, 12224, 12326, 12439/40/77, 82200 Maroon: 5912 Pullman: 99352 Renumbered 326 formerly 95402 10272 formerly 10208 12606 formerly 12048 12607 formerly 12038 12608 formerly 12069 12609 formerly 12014 Formation change AL04 12602+12603+12604+ 12605+10271+82304 Modifications Plug doors fitted 10271, 12602-05

DBS Fleet Management Unit: Classes 59, 60, 66, 67, 90 & 92 As at May 11 WAAN: 67005/06/16/17/19-/ 24-29 WABN: 67007/09/11 WATN: 67001-03 WAWN: 67012/14/15/18 WBAI: 66001/04/05/07/1113/15/16/21/24/31/34/39/47/ 50/55/57/60/65-70/75/77-81/

86/88/90/92/93/96/98 66109/16/17/19/21/24/28/ 29/31/32/36-38/48/49/52/ 62/64/65/71/72/74/75/84/ 87/92/93/97/99, 66204/06/13 WBAK: 66002/06/08/14/1719/23/35/37/40/46/53/61/63/ 74/84/85/95, 66120/27/33-

35/39/4345/54/56/60/67/69/77/ 83/ 82/85/86/88, 66201/07/50 WBAL: 66003/09/20/25/27/ 30/43/44/51/89/91/94/97 66109/15/18/25/26/40/42/47/ 51/58/68/81/93/94/98, 66230 WBBI: 66099, 66100/02/10-12 WBBK: 66101/07/08/13/14

WBBL: 66103-06 WBEI: 66249 WBES: 66071 WBLI: 66056/58/59 WCAI: 60045/63/65/74/99 WCAK: 60011 WCBI: 60007/54/71/91 WCBK: 60059 WDAK: 59201-04/06

WEFE: 90018-21/24/26/28/ 35/36/39 WTAE: 92003/19/30/31/36/ 37/41 WTHE: 92009/15/16/42 WSSI: 60024 WSSK: 60039/49, 66130/70 WFMU: 60079, 66010/54/83, 66122/61, 66218/38, 67030

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 87

Network Track Record £8m major station upgrade unveiled at Loughborough COMPILED BY

CHRIS MILNER

Call: 01507 529589 email: cmilner @mortons.co.uk

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Rail recycling depot to save £4m A NEW facility that will allow Network Rail to recycle used rail is to save the company around £4m a year.

Eastleigh rail depot, near Southampton, has been upgraded so that it can produce 216 metre lengths of serviceable rail recycled from used track removed from around the network.

The recycled lengths are up to 70% cheaper than all-new rail and can be safely used on low volume and rural routes.

The depot first opened in 2001 to weld new 108m rail into 216m lengths ready for track renewal, but the recent upgrade means it can now produce up to 10,000 tonnes of 216m recycled rail – about 8% of the total rail NR buys every year. This is alongside the 50,000 tonnes of new rail currently welded there every year.

A REFURBISHMENT of Loughborough station costing £8million was unveiled by the town’s MP, Nicky Morgan, on May 4, marking the scheme’s completion.

The work to transform the station into a fully accessible travel hub and a welcoming environment has taken more than a year to complete.

The cramped and restrictive former access road has gone and part of the old derelict aggregates yard has been turned into a new access road, forecourt and car park.

On the station itself, new lifts and footbridge have been installed to give step-free access. Network Rail has informed The RM that the original lattice footbridge has been donated to the Great Central Railway, which operates Loughborough’s other station.

Loughborough had for many years suffered from short platforms, meaning that passengers had to alight from a specific portion of the train, but platform extensions at the north end of the station mean that 10-carriage trains can now be accommodated without selective door operation.

The station also gets new ticket vending machines, updated customer information

The combination of new and old, seen from the north end of Loughborough station.

screens, new signs and booking hall improvements, including a full repaint. On the platforms, the original Midland Railway canopies have been refurbished and repainted. Among the first passengers to benefit will be Team GB athletes, who will be training at the town’s sports college in connection with the London Olympics.

The upgrade has been completed through partnership between NR, East Midlands Trains and Charnwood Council.

‘Less distinctive’Cosford reopens HS1 contract with Network

Rail is extended to 2025

New bridges in EskValley NETWORK Rail has installed four new bridges on the Esk Valley route between Middlesbrough and Whitby.

The sites are at Danby, Duck, Thorneywaite and Carr End, where the existing bridges are nearing the end of their lives.

It will mean disruption for passengers, with work beginning on June 2 and continuing for nine days, hence the decision to opt for the Jubilee weekend, which is linked to school holidays.

The line provides a vital link for schools and the local community.

While the work takes place, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will run additional services to Whitby.

Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan (right) unveils the plaque to mark completion of the refurbishment. Both: CHRIS MILNER

COSFORD station, east ofTelford, reopened on April 30, after rebuilding, seven weeks later than planned due to unforeseen construction problems. The waiting rooms are of modular construction and replace the wooden chalet-type shelters so distinctive of the old station. The project cost £2.1 million. JOHN WHITEHOUSE

Governmentconfirmsfunds forNorthamptonstation HALF the cost of building a new £20million railway station in Northampton will be funded by the Government – £5m each will come from the DfT and the Department for Communities and Local Government – with the remaining £10m coming from Network Rail and Northamptonshire County Council.

The two-storey glass and steel structure will serve the 2.5million

88 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

passengers who use the station each year.

Construction work is due to begin towards the end of the year, with completion taking place in 2014.

The station is within an enterprise zone which could mean the creation of up to 13,000 jobs.

The project will be overseen by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation.

HS1 Ltd, owner of the highspeed line from St Pancras to Folkestone, has signed a fresh deal with Network Rail, extending NR's contract to operate and maintain High Speed 1 until at least 2025.

Following a very successful first five years of operation, since the full opening of HS1 and St Pancras International in 2007, the two organisations have agreed to: ■ Bring the two businesses closer together – aligning incentives for quality and efficiency ■ Offer better value to HS1 and its customers – with an immediate significant reduction in price ■ Incentivise and facilitate the

50/50 sharing of future financial outperformance Nicola Shaw, chief executive of HS1 Ltd, said: "We conducted an extensive market review and knew that we had alternatives.

However, the quality of delivery from Network Rail has been good and now we have more than a decade of certainty on which to work together to improve the line even further and to welcome more growth.”

NR operates, maintains and renews HS1 through a whollyowned subsidiary – Network Rail (CTRL) – and manages three HS1 stations: St Pancras International, Stratford International and Ebbsfleet International

MPs back jobless ticket scheme A SCHEME giving free rail travel worth up to £600 to take job seekers to interviews and for new job starters, offered by rail company c2c, has been backed by three local MPs in Essex.

Job seekers are eligible for up to six free tickets to interviews and new starters are eligible for two months’ free travel on c2c trains when vacancies are organised through a Job Centre.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

New Network Rail depot planned NETWORK Rail has submitted plans for a new maintenance centre of excellence in Derby.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director for Network Rail, said: ”The depot is central to our plans to help sustain a modern, reliable railway in the East Midlands.

“By bringing our frontline teams into a single location we can better plan and resource the maintenance of the railway.

“The site of the new depot is alongside the 70-acre Chaddesden triangle, which has been earmarked for development.”

The plans consist of a two-storey building containing offices and welfare facilities, storage facilities and car and cycle parking spaces. The new building will bring together up to 400 maintenance staff from existing offices and subdepots across the East Midlands.

Work on site is expected to start in the autumn and is due to be finished next summer.

Harrogate line to get £16m investment PASSENGERS using the Harrogate line will have a more reliable service once Network Rail completes resignalling of the route.

The new signalling is part of a £16million modernisation of the Leeds-York route and is being installed between Kirkstall viaduct and Harrogate station.

Engineers will also build a turnback at Horsforth, which will allow Northern Rail to run a shuttle service between Harrogate and Leeds in the future.

Elsewhere in Yorkshire, the lines between South Kirby and Wakefield – and also Huddersfield and Bradford – are being resignalled and a turnback will be installed at Micklefield.

Working with local partnerships, new stations are being built at Kirkstall Forge and Apperley Bridge.

The work will affect train services at certain times between August and October, with line closures of between 30 and 54 hours.

‘Silent’track to reduce noise levels on Blackfriars bridge SPECIAL track developed by Tata Steel – known as SilentTrack – has been installed at Blackfriars station.

It is the first installation of this type of track in the UK and is predicted to reduce rail noise in and around the station by up to 50%.

Blackfriars platforms now straddle the Thames on a bridge and the new installation uses dampers attached to the sides of the track to absorb vibration as trains move over it.

In developing the track, Tata has worked with the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton as part of a focus on rail/wheel interface.

Development engineer David Benton explained: "Every form of railway design responds

The installation of ‘SilentTrack’ at London Blackfriars is visible on the line that serves platform 2 in the foreground as the 12.14 Luton-Sutton service calls with unit No. 319020. Not all the lines have ‘Silent Track’ yet but will have in due course. BiLL TurviLL

differently as trains pass over it, so the noise produced has a different frequency spectrum.

"We analyse the track

characteristics and ensure the damper is configured to absorb vibration at the frequencies producing the greatest sound."

Over-run driver fined for set-back move A FORMER South West Trains driver has been fined £400 and ordered to pay £500 costs after pleading guilty at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court to over-running a station platform and then setting back without permission.

Frank Smith was driving an SWT service from Twickenham to London Waterloo on February 13, 2011, when he over-shot the booked stop at St Margaret’s station. After use of

the emergency brake, his train came to rest past a signal at the end of the platform.

An Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) investigation found that Mr Smith then failed to follow procedures as he neglected to inform the signaller of the train’s over-run and then reversed the train back to the platform – without authorisation and without driving from the leading cab in the direction of travel. After

Landslip disrupts Highland main line

allowing passengers off the train, he then passed a red signal without authority.

Although the Train Protection & Warning (TPWS) system had kicked in, Mr Smith reset the equipment without authority before continuing towards his destination.

ORR said that in different circumstances these failures

by Mr Smith to adhere to the rulebook could have resulted in a collision or derailment.

Return of Sunday day trips to Oban

SCOTRAIL’S Sunday train services for day trippers to Oban will return this summer following their success over the last two years.

ScotRail has also frozen the price of the return trip between Edinburgh and Oban at £36 for adults.

There’s also a‘kids go free’ offer to encourage families.

The services, first launched in 2010, will run on 10 Sundays (June 24August 26 inclusive), and are timed to give passengers five hours in the West Highland town.

Tickets can be bought 12 weeks in advance.

In a separate development to enhance services for tourists, ScotRail has revamped its website to make it quicker and easier to access Freedom of Scotland Travelpass and Highland Rover tickets – these cover travel on trains, ferries and a selection of bus and coach services, all in one price.

Finally, ScotRail is running its Club 55 offer until June 30, which allows customers aged 55 to travel anywhere in Scotland – plus Berwick-upon-Tweed and Carlisle – for £19 return standard or £26 first class on selected routes.

Barcode scanners fitted to Gatwick Express ticket gates GATWICK Express has introduced new barcode ticket scanners on the gates at London Victoria and Gatwick Airport stations for people who print their e-tickets or have their tickets sent to a UK mobile when booking online at www.gatwickexpress.com

The new scanners allow customers to scan their printed ticket at the gates so that they can walk straight on or off the platform to the train without having to queue.

Gatwick Express also offers discounts for online bookings.

Borough Market restoration DISRUPTION to services between Inverness, Glasgow and Edinburgh followed a serious landslip on the Highland main line between Slochd and Carrbridge on April 27.

Network Rail had to bring in 2,000 tonnes of rock to repair and stabilise the collapsed embankment in order to get the line reopened.

The 60-ft long slip, on a single line section, followed heavy rain and meant that local ScotRail services had to

start and terminate at Aviemore with a bus connection and the Inverness portion of the ‘Caledonian Sleeper’ ran via Aberdeen, but was not joined to the Aberdeen portion. The line reopened on May1.

■ Three PCA wagons were derailed and one ended on its side while leaving Craiginches yard on May 10.

The Inverness-Aberdeen line was blocked while cranes righted the wagons.

NETWOrK rail is restoring the victorian market canopies at Borough Market, near London Bridge, using reconditioned original components originally removed to allow the building of the adjacent, now completed, viaduct. DAviD STAiNES

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 89

Freight Track Record Eurotunnel challenges €600 security levy THE introduction of a €600 security levy on every freight train that passes through the Channel Tunnel is to be challenged

by Eurotunnel.

The company says the levy has led to a stagnation of cross-channel freight.

Since the beginning of the year, the levy has been applied for‘security provision’at Calais Frethun yard when cross-channel freights make a compulsory stop to change traction.

The levy is applied by the French infrastructure operator RFF (Réseau Ferré de France), which took over the yard from SNCF Fret in 2011.

To reduce the cost, Eurotunnel has offered to take over the management of Frethun yard itself. The yard is not part of the French national network.

However, the offer has been initially declined and would need a long period of administrative consultation.

In the meantime, Eurotunnel has appealed to French rail regulator ARAF which was due to announce its judgement by mid-May.

Freightliner to lease newVTG wagons

NEW wagons for intermodal containers are to be leased by Freightliner from VTG Rail.

A prototype of the new ‘EcoFret’wagon was on display at the recent Multimodal trade exhibition at Birmingham’s NEC. The wagon has been designed

by VTG and will operate as a twin or triple set of 40ft deck length wagons. It means that a standard 80SLU train will be able to carry 37 40ft containers as opposed to 26 containers on existing Megafret wagons.

The VTG wagon is mounted on a new track-friendly bogie, manufactured by Wabtec subsidiary SCT, which replaces the 40-year-old technology of Y33 bogies. Wheel wear is also reduced.

Although Freightliner would

VTG’s new ‘Ecofret’ container flat No. 83 70 4521 000-7 on display at the NEC Multimodal exhibition on May 1.

The wagons are available as twin or triple platforms.

BoB SwEET

not confirm how many wagons it had ordered, VTG has confirmed that, initially, 43 twinunits are to be manufactured by Greenbrier at Swidnica, Poland, and will be delivered between

August and November.

To be known as‘Shortliners’by Freightliner, the new design will also reduce wasted space as many 60ft platforms currently tend to carry one 40ft container.

Balfour Beatty to build new rail terminal THE rail terminal at London Gateway is to be constructed

by Balfour Beatty.

London Gateway is the new deep-sea container port being built in east London by DP World on the site of the former

90 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Shell Haven site at Thurrock.

DP World also operates the container terminal at Southampton.

Balfour Beatty will build the first of three rail terminals planned for the site, along with

a double-track branch line and sidings capable of handling 34 wagon trains, which will provide an element of futureproofing.

The terminal is due to open in the final quarter of 2013.

Lafarge to sell someofitsUK operations A RULING by the Competition Commission will lead to aggregate producer Lafarge selling a number of its UK quarries and other plants.

The go-ahead of a £1.8billion-planned merger between Anglo-American and Lafarge hinges on the latter selling assets to allow another new entrant into the UK cement market.

The commission has said that the Lafarge cement plant in Hope, Derbyshire, as well as Dowlow quarry and three linked rail depots, must be sold. In addition, Lafarge has to sell a substantial network of Ready Mix plants, six aggregate quarries plus two others run as a joint venture with Hanson, along with another rail depot.

The precise details of which assets will be sold is yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that it will lead to competition among six railfreight companies for the haulage aspect of the cement and aggregate business.

Narrow Gauge Track Record COMPILED BY

CLIFF THOMAS

Call: 01507 529589 email: railway@ mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Sittingbourne & Kemsley reopens from Viaduct station

THE Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway was set to fully reopen from its Sittingbourne Viaduct station on May 27. The hazardous materials discovered in premises next to the line – which halted the April 6 planned reopening from its Sittingbourne terminus after a three-year closure (RM June) – have been removed by specialists. Trains will run on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays until the end of September.

TR and FR locos share track at Carrog

THE 6880 Betton Grange Society’s Steel, Steam & Stars III gala at the Llangollen Railway (between April 21 and 29) provided the unprecedented sight of the Talyllyn’s Fletcher Jennings 0-4-0WT No. 2 Dolgoch and the Ffestiniog’s George England 0-4-0STT Palmerston alongside each other.

The 2ft 3in gauge TR and 1ft 11½in (nominally 2ft) FR locos shared a common centre rail, with outer rails set to their respective widths and a switch enabling each engine to draw into its own short headshunt.

Both locos provided footplate rides for a small charge.

It was also the first time 1866-built Dolgoch has steamed in public away from its Talyllyn home.

HISTORY-MAKERS – 1: For the first time in their history, the Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways ran locos on the same line – Palmerston (left) and Dolgoch at Carrog on April 22. Also remarkable is the trackwork itself, with the different gauge locos (1’ 11½” and 2’ 3” respectively) sharing a centre rail. In the distance, the headshunts for use by each engine can be made out. Behind is standard gauge A1 Tornado. R J MORLAND

AmertonRailwaysecuresits futurewithlandpurchase

Peter Pan joins guest list for Railfest GRAHAM Morris’ 0-4-0ST Kerr Stuart ‘Wren’ Peter Pan has been added to the list of locomotives appearing at the NRM’s Railfest 2012 in York on June 2-10.

The event has a ‘record breakers’ theme with Leighton Buzzard Railwaybased Peter Pan having an amazing record of visits to other heritage lines, its owner calculating that the engine has travelled about 70,000 miles (getting on for three times round the world!) by road since 1976.

Keef completes Krauss restoration

ALAN Keef Ltd has completed the restoration of metre gauge Krauss 0-4-0WT 3142/1894 No. 5, which includes a new Israel Newton-built boiler. The loco left Keef’s Ross-on-Wye works at the beginning of April, bound for the Selfkantbahn in Germany.

It is one of two similar locos sent to Keef’s for restoration by a Dutch collector, the other – still at Keef’s works – is Krauss 0-4-0WT 5742/1908, which also needs a new boiler.

New platform at Aberffrwd

CONSTRUCTION of a new platform at the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s Capel Bangor station started on April 23. It is the first step of the line’s Station Restoration Project involving the five intermediate stations on the Aberystwyth-Devil’s Bridge line (RM April). A new station building will also be constructed at Capel Bangor.

HISTORY-MAKERS – 2: For the first time in preservation, two locomotives have been in steam on the Corris Railway. Pictured at Maespoeth signalbox on May 2 are the Talyllyn Railway’s 1878built Hughes 0-4-2ST No. 3 Sir Haydn (originally Corris Railway No. 3) with a demonstration Corris freight train (right) and the Corris’ new-build 0-4-2ST No. 7, based on the original Kerr Stuart Corris locomotive No. 4. TR No. 3 was due to be at Corris until May 17 – when its boiler ticket expired – and remain on static display for a while before returning to Tywyn. Picture: ALISTAIR GRIEVE

STAFFORDSHIRE Narrow Gauge Railway Ltd, which operates the Amerton Railway, completed the purchase of the 17 acres of land on which it operates on April 12, following nine months of negotiations.

Funds to buy the land, thus securing the line’s future, have been raised by donations and a mortgage from HSBC, aided by close co-operation from Amerton Farm, which operates

a craft centre and other attractions next to the railway.

The land purchase will be celebrated during the Summer Steam Gala, on June 16-17, when six locos could be in steam (RM June), the anticipated additional visitor being Corpet-Louvet 0-6-0T Minas de Aller No. 2 (439/1884), imported by the Statfold Barn Railway last year, provided restoration is complete.

Harrogate returns to FR... in steam

War Office LT Hunslet 4-6-0T restoration picks up pace THE main components of the War Office Locomotive Trust’s exWDLR Hunslet 4-6-0T No. 303 (other than the boiler, which was lifted in February) were moved from the Moseley Railway Trust’s Apedale Valley Railway on April 22 to the private site where Andrew Neale’s ex-Penrhyn Hunslet 0-4-0ST Edward Sholto was restored.

The team, assembled and co-ordinated by Martyn Ashworth and which restored Edward Sholto, has subsequently been working on the Moseley Railway Trust’s ‘Ganges’class Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0WT No. 9 (HC 1238/1916).

Rebuilding from derelict condition is well advanced with new motion and pistons being manufactured and the chassis close to completion.

Progress on the Hudswell

Clarke has to pause since the MRT is not yet able to finance a new boiler, so the restoration team is making a start on the Hunslet 4-6-0T (HE 1215/16).

Further dismantling started the moment it arrived.

The smokebox saddle casting of No. 303 will need to be stitchwelded by a specialist contractor.

The boiler, dating from 1941 when the loco was still working in Australia, is life-expired and requires replacement.

WOLT hopes to return No. 303 to steam for 2014 and has launched an appeal aimed at raising £1,000 per month.

Donations are supported by a range of incentives and individual components can be sponsored.

■ For details see website: www.wols.org.uk or call 01887 822757 (7-9pm).

Fully restored Hunslet 0-4-0ST Hugh Napier poses at Boston Lodge with Snowdonia as a backdrop. ANDREW THOMAS/FR-WHR

THE Statfold Barn Railway’s Peckett 0-6-0ST Harrogate visited the Ffestiniog Railway’s May 5-7 celebration of the 30th anniversary of reopening through to Blaenau Ffestiniog and worked Tanygrisiau/Blaenau shuttles with Palmerston.

The Peckett was an FR resident from 1957 until its sale in 1987, following the realisation that it would need significant rebuilding to make it suitable for FR main line work.

Celebrations included a gravity ballast train (re-creating scenes

from the construction of the Dduallt deviation to return to Blaenau) and display of out-ofticket Alco 2-6-2T Mountaineer at Blaenau.

■ The National Trust’s ex-Penrhyn Hunslet 0-4-0ST Hugh Napier was officially re-launched on May 11 following restoration at the Ffestiniog.

After a ceremony at Porthmadog, the train, headed

by Hugh Napier and the FR’s ex-Penrhyn Hunslets Linda and Blanche, ran up the Welsh Highland to Beddgelert.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 91

Narrow Gauge Track Record Dorothea works public passenger trains Listers in action at Twyford open day

THREE Lister 4wDMs are expected to run at the Rail Gala open day at Twyford Waterworks on June 10.

Joining Twyford-based 42494/1956 and 3916/1931 in action will be Lister Blackstone No. 52886/1962, which has arrived on a twoyear loan from Hereford Waterworks Museum. The latter was on static display during Twyford’s spring rally (May 5).

Lincs Coast changes to Saturday running LINCOLNSHIRE Coast Light Railway 2012 operating dates at Skegness Water Leisure Park have moved to Saturdays. The LCLR’s gala day, in conjunction with the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust, is on September 1, with other dates published at www.lincolnshire-coastlight-railway.co.uk

Loco painted in public at Shildon

THE ex-South African 3ft 6in gauge Sharpe Stewart 4-8-0 – unveiled at Locomotion Shildon in March, following cosmetic restoration at Tyseley – received attention from specialist contractors Heritage Painting in Locomotion’s display building in mid-May. Full livery and number details for this loco appeared in The RM, May.

KAY Bowman’s Hunslet 0-4-0ST 763/1901 Dorothea worked its first public passenger trains on April 8 – five Launceston Steam Railway Easter Sunday services double-headed with Hunslet 0-4-0ST Lilian.

To mark this achievement, Kay’s sister organised a ribboncutting ceremony and champagne toast.

Kay has been restoring Dorothea since buying the dismantled loco in 1989.

Dorothea will enter full passenger service this summer after fitting of cab windows and air brake equipment.

Alice goes ‘home’

JULIAN Birley’s Hunslet 0-4-0ST Alice will make a visit to the Llanberis Lake Railway on June 30/July 1 – the first time it has returned to Llanberis and its Dinorwic slate quarry, where it once worked, in 40 years.

It will be accompanied by ex-Dinorwic slate wagons, restored by its owner, supplemented by wagons from the slate museum at Gilfach Ddu.

Everything goes at BureValley!

Hunslet 0-4-0ST 763/1901 Dorothea makes its debut at the front of a Launceston Steam Railway train on April 8. Pictured at Newmills, the train is preparing to head back to Launceston. JAMES JONES

Guest engines christen new Beamish narrow gauge line

EVERY available Bure Valley Railway loco, carriage and item of rolling stock was expected to be in action during the Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend (June 25) with an intensive timetable in operation.

Low-key opening of Gartell’s northern extension

New Baldwin boiler passes hydraulic test THE new Israel Newton-built boiler for Baldwin 4-6-0T WDLR No. 794 (being restored for the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway to represent No. 590) passed its hydraulic test on April 13. It should be delivered to Gelert’s Farm depot during May.

June 2-10 NRM York, Railfest 9 Perrygrove Railway, diesel day 9/10 Amberley Museum, steam weekend 16/17 Amerton Railway gala 16/17 Metropolitan Water Board Railway, open weekend 23/24 Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, slate exhibition 24 Perrygrove Railway, vintage trains day 30/July 1 Llanberis Lake Railway, Alice gala 30/July 1 Manx Victorian event 30/July 1 Talyllyn Railway, have-a-go gala July 7 Abbey Pumping Station, Leicester, railway gala 7/8 Evesham Vale Light Railway, gala 7/8 Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, steam in the shed 14/15 Amberley Museum, railway gala.

David Potter’s vertical boiler 0-4-0 tender loco Paddy back in action at Beamish following repairs (RM May). To the left on the newly laid 2ft gauge line is the Abbey Light Railway’s 10hp Baguley (760/1917), which also visited Beamish Museum’s Great North Steam Fair. DAVE HEWITT

THE newly laid 2ft gauge demonstration line in the colliery yard at Beamish was used for the first time during the Great North Steam Fair on April 12-15.

It has an engine shed and a couple of turnouts and is not for passenger carrying. Watering arrangements involved a water

cart and a pump driven by a vertical-boilered ‘steam mule’.

Locomotives visiting for the event were David Potter’s vertical boiler 0-4-0 tender loco Paddy from Amerton, De Winton 0-4-0VBT Chaloner from Leighton Buzzard and the Abbey Light Railway’s No. 11, 10hp Baguley 760/1917.

Good traffic asTalyllyn pushes to return TomRoltto service PASSENGER journeys over the Talyllyn Railway in 2011 increased by 2.1%, the final figure being 86,975.

The TR’s Santa Specials were 73% up in 2011 compared with 2009 – operations in 2010 having been badly snow-affected. Traffic this year is also encouraging with Easter figures up nearly 30%.

The Tywyn Wharf to Pendre relaying project is complete, while the structure of the new storage shed at Quarry Siding is finished with two roads being laid inside.

The cylinders for the Talyllyn Railway’s 0-4-2T No. 7 Tom Rolt

92 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

were returned to Tywyn following fitting of new piston valve liners at the beginning of May. No. 7 was needed back in traffic by the Jubilee Holiday week to join No. 1 Talyllyn and No. 2 Dolgoch in service.

No. 3 Sir Haydn is visiting the Corris Railway until its ticket expires while No. 4 Edward Thomas is receiving attention to its motion while the boiler is away for repairs at Israel Newton’s.

The overhaul of No. 6 Douglas/Duncan continues, although returning Nos. 4 and 7 to traffic is receiving priority.

Gartell Light Railway 0-4-2T No. 6 Mr. G works over the new Common Lane level crossing on May 7, the first day in public use. The new Tower View station is under construction beyond the rear of the train. PETER NICHOLSON

THE Gartell Light Railway’s long-awaited 400-yard northern extension was opened (without ceremony) on May 7, writes Peter Nicholson.

The extension – along the original Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway trackbed towards Templecombe – was not ready for opening on Easter Monday as hoped (RM May) but work was sufficiently advanced for public operation on the GLR’s second running day of the year.

The main feature of the new line is the level crossing at Common Lane, a public singletrack road, where securing of necessary permission had held up progress for many years.

Trains run to a new station named Tower View (Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead being visible in the distance) although passengers cannot currently alight due to construction work. The run-

round loop and platform are on a bridge (the S&DJR’s bridge 156, Mitchell’s Cattle Creep) over Bow Brook stream.

Every departure from the GLR’s Common Lane terminus requires the loco to run-round three times in the course of a journey – firstly, on arrival at the southern end of the line at Park Lane; then having to run back north through Pinesway Junction and over the crossing to Tower View; and, finally, on arrival back at Pinesway for the return trip to Common Lane.

The first train over the new section was driven by GLR owner and general manager John Gartell.

With the late Ivo Peters so closely associated with photographing the S&DJR, it was appropriate that an Ivo (albeit not a relative) was aboard the opening train – three-year-old Ivo Williams, grandson of GLR volunteer John Penny.

Miniature Track Record COMPILED BY

PETER NICHOLSON

Call: 01507 529589 email: classic.traction @btopenworld.com

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

‘Plowmans’line is reopened NOW known as the West Parley Miniature Railway, the 7¼in gauge line at Plowmans Garden Centre, Ferndown, Dorset reopened on April 6.

The line, which forms a circuit, closed previously due to planning issues. For a while, it was the home of the Dobwalls Collection, now in Australia (RM April p92).

It runs on the second and fourth weekend of each month.

Steam returns to Littlehampton

THE revamped Littlehampton Railway saw its first steam loco for 20 years during the Easter holiday and for a few weekends in May. The loco was Sherpa, the halfscale Darjeeling Himalayan Railway-type 0-4-0ST designed

by Neil Simkins and built by Milner Engineering in 1978 for the Réseau Guerlédan in Brittany, but based on the Fairbourne Railway since 1986.

The Littlehampton Railway is the UK’s oldest 12¼in gauge line and is operated by TIR Ltd, which holds the concession until 2026.

■ Details of the railway and its operating dates can be found at website: www.littlehamptonrailway.co.uk.

The Fairbourne Railway’s Sherpa visited the Littlehampton Railway from March to May, the first steam seen on this line for more than 20 years.

Its first day in operation was March 31, attended by railway personality Bob Symes and the local town band. It is pictured soon after leaving Mewsbrook Park station on April 1. DON BENN

Milton Keynes line opens

TimecalledonMendipspubline

Bullock Pacific joins Eastleigh collection THE HCS Bullock-built 4-6-2 No. 2005 Silver Jubilee has been placed on long-term loan from Kerr’s Miniature Railway, Arbroath to the Eastleigh Lakeside Railway. Built in 1935, it has led a chequered career but will be receiving a full overhaul at the ELR.

New station opened at Bucks line A STATION building for the Gold Spring Miniature Railway was opened at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre by the Rt Hon Sir William McAlpine on May 7.

The 5in/7¼in gauge GSMR is operated by the Vale of Aylesbury Model Engineering Society.

Recalling the opening of the first line, a raised track, at the Milton Keynes Light Railway in 2009 (nobody brought scissors!), two pairs were on hand for Deputy Mayor Catriona Morris to cut the ribbon. The inaugural train was hauled by 2-8-0 No. 9 Nutty. PHIL MARSH

THE Milton Keynes Light Railway opened a 250 yard long circular ground-level 5in/7¼in gauge track on April 1.

The MKLR was set up through the Milton Keynes Model Engineering Society, replacing the Deanshanger Light Railway, which closed in 2005.

The official opening followed a charity day for disabled children, held the previous day, when the railway gave 400 rides.

Funding permitting, a wheelchair-carrying carriage will be available for disabled

passengers later this year.

Planning consent has been obtained for an extension alongside the lake, to enable the railway to run five trains at a time.

The railway is situated next to the windmill by Caldecotte Lake and a Premier Inn just off the A5 and has a large free car park.

Steam, diesel and electric trains run every Sunday until the end of October (from 13.00 to 17.00) as well as bank holidays.

For more details see website: www.mklightrailway.co.uk.

THE 7¼in gauge Hunters Rest Railway – which has run at the pub of the same name at Clutton Hill, Somerset, since 1984 – has been closed and sold.

Time was called by the proprietor late last year with little prior notice.

The 500-yard line and stock have been bought by John Painter for setting up at his new home in South Gloucestershire. This includes Hunslet quarry-tank 0-4-0ST Jonathan (built J Woodroofe circa 1985) and Taurus, a Markdyke‘Hymek’type Bo-Bo

petrol loco (circa 1983).

The last day of operation was March 23 for a farewell special (see caption below) and by the time the train had returned to the station, having run round the full length of the line, the station loop was already being lifted!

A quantity of track and some of the stock left the site later the same day, the rest following soon after.

■ A website for the railway had been set up by the late Sam Maisey at: www.huntersrest railway.webs.com.

Pictured above is the last passenger train to run on the Hunters Rest Railway – a farewell special for The RM, several months after closure and on the day dismantling started, March 23.

It was headed by‘Romulus’-type 0-4-0 Sally of Mortombe, owned by Stuart Duncan, the line’s operator for many years, who is seen acting as guard. The loco was driven by John Painter, who has saved the rest of the railway. PETER NICHOLSON

KNOW YOUR LINES: No. 31 Audley End Railway Gauge: 10¼in Location: Audley End House, Audley End Road (B1383), Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB Operator: Lord Braybrooke Running days: Weekends and school holidays March to November (noon–4.45pm) and Santa specials in December.

Contact: Tel. 01799 542134 Website: www.audley-endrailway.co.uk

One of the finest 10¼in gauge lines in the country, the AER opened in May 1964 and plans are already in hand to mark the 50th anniversary, in 2014, in style.

The line forms a dumbbell and is about a mile in length. It passes through woodland, two tunnels and crosses two rivers.

The 5in/7¼in gauge club track of the Saffron Walden & District SME runs parallel at one point.

Left: The Audley End Railway is home to five steam and one petrol loco built by the late David Curwen, plus a Simkins 4-6-0 and a Crowhurst diesel-hydraulic. Seen at the May 12/11 gala are (l-r) three Curwen-built locos: No. 3548 Lord Braybrooke, a 2-6-2 of 1948 (originally a 4-4-2); Rio Grande No. 489 Sara Lucy, a 2-8-2, of 1977; and Barbara Curwen, a Ffestiniog/Penrhyn-type 2-4-2ST+T of 1997. Picture: MICKY VALLA

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 93

Metro Track Record COMPILED BY

PauL BICkErDYkE Call: 01507 529589 email: railway@ mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Midland Metro contracts signed

CENTRO has signed a £40million deal with Spanish firm CAF to supply 25 trams for the Midland Metro system.

The trams will be the‘Urbos 3’ type featuring five sections, 100% low-floor access and six doorways on each side. They will replace the fleet of 16 Ansaldo T69 trams built for the line’s opening in 1999.

The enlarged fleet will allow a more frequent service and provide the extra vehicles needed for the extension from Snow Hill to New Street station, due to open in 2015.

■ Balfour Beatty has been named preferred bidder for the city centre extension work. The company will now work with Centro to come up with a best and final offer. Construction of the 0.8 mile (1.3km) link should begin early next year and be used by 3.5 million passengers a year.

£800,000 washer for Tyneside depot

TYNE & Wear Metro has invested £800,000 in a train -washing facility at its depot in South Gosforth.

The washer replaces the one built when the system opened in 1980 and can also clean the ends of the carriages, which used to be done by hand.

The investment is part of Metro’s ‘all change’ modernisation programme, which will see £385million spent on renewing stations, trains and facilities over the next 10 years.

Bakerloo battles with tunnel ‘bulge’

LONDON Underground’s Bakerloo line was partially closed on April 26 after a train struck an obstruction in the tunnel between Waterloo and Embankment.

Initially, it was feared that the tunnel had partially collapsed – a fear made worse as it coincided with a strike by maintenance workers, but it was later revealed to have been a bulge in the tunnel wall caused by grouting operations to prevent water ingress. n AN Oyster card marking the Diamond Jubilee has been introduced in London.

See Headline News.

Engineers clash with Edinburgh council

A GROUP of Edinburgh-based civil engineers has written to the city council to say they believe the ill-fated tram project to be in a worse state than ever before, according to a report in The Scotsman newspaper.

The four senior engineers, including former Network Rail director of maintenance John Carson, said the risks that took the project over-budget and over-time still exist.

These include the ongoing work to divert utility pipes, the lack of a single project leader and the extension from St Andrew Square to York Place not being in the revised budget.

The letter was made public after the council’s former transport convener claimed the project was running ahead of its revised schedule. Then-councillor Gordon Mackenzie, who went on to lose his seat in the May elections, said work was up to 22 weeks early due to a mild winter and better working relationship with the contractors. If true, trams could be running by spring 2014 rather than the summer.

To back up the claims,

Track laid at Ingliston park and ride stop, with the control tower for Edinburgh airport in the background. EdInburgh Trams

Edinburgh Trams released a series of images showing the latest progress. These included remedial works nearing completion on Princes Street, so that it could be reopened to buses, and track-laying along the route to the airport.

■ The new head of Edinburgh’s tram scheme is Coun Lesley Hinds. She is a former Lord Provost of the city and is charged with delivering the trams to the new target date of summer 2014 and revised budget of £776million.

■ Edinburgh council has said

remedial works completed on a section of Princes street.

Track laid and platforms under construction at saughton, on the haymarket-Edinburgh Park leg.

that any inquiry into the ill-fated tram scheme will have to wait until the project has been

completed. This means that a report is unlikely to be published for at least three years.

EdInburgh Trams

EdInburgh Trams

Unveiled: Nottingham ExpressTransit’s new design NOTTINGHAM Express Transit has revealed the design for 22 new trams being ordered for its expanded network.

The trams will be built by Alstom in Barcelona and will be delivered in time for the completion of NET Lines 2 and 3 in 2014.

They are based on Alstom’s ‘Citadis’type already in use in many cities around the world, including Dublin, Madrid, Melbourne and Paris.

They feature five sections, running on three bogies, with six doorways on each side – two single and four double-width.

They have 100% low-floor access and the pantograph is mounted

how the new ‘Citadis’ trams will look when introduced in nottingham in 2014.

over the middle section.

Alstom is part of the Taylor Woodrow Alstom joint venture and Tramlink Nottingham consortium that won a 22-year concession to build the two new

lines and operate the network.

Lines 2 and 3 will serve the south of the city and connect with the existing Line 1 by passing above Nottingham’s railway station.

Alstom managing director

Terence Watson said:“We have developed the vehicles to make them unique to Nottingham.

They will blend harmoniously with the current fleet, while retaining a distinctive look.”

Metrolink’s No.1011becomesfirst‘new’tramtobewithdrawn MANCHESTER Metrolink tram No. 1011 was withdrawn from service on April 19 – believed to be the first of Britain’s second generation trams to be retired.

It is one of a dozen T68 trams earmarked for early withdrawal, as Metrolink seeks to improve reliability by replacing them with new Bombardier M5000 vehicles.

No. 1011 was built by Italian firm Ansaldo and entered service on April 6, 1992 – the day Metrolink opened to the public.

Its last day in traffic was April 18 on the Bury to Altrincham

Left: metrolink T68 no. 1011 in happier times at Trafford bar on July 9, 2011 with a working to Piccadilly. mIkE haddon

route, having been identified as the worst in the fleet.

It will now be stripped of any usable components at Queens

Road depot before moving to Old Trafford for either long-term storage or scrapping.

The withdrawal of the dozen

T68s (after just 20 years of service) is earlier than expected, but Metrolink has acted to improve reliability of the fleet after a series of high-profile failures.

Transport for Greater Manchester had already ordered 62 M5000s for its ‘big bang’ expansion programme, but has ordered a further 12 to replace the worst-offending T68s.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 95

Classic Traction Track Record COMPILED BY

PETER NICHOLSON

Call: 01507 529589 email: classic.traction @btopenworld.com

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Charitable status for ‘10000’project THE Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society – re-creating the pioneering LMS Co-CoDE No. 10000 – has been granted charitable status, enabling gift aid to be claimed on donations.

It is now possible to join the society for an annual fee of £20 (adults) and £10 (under 14s).

The sales stand and 7¼in- gauge loco (RM May p97) will be at the West Somerset Railway gala (June 15-17).

■ For further details of how to join the society see website: www.lms10000.org.

PlymValley’s RoyalOak restored to 1986 glory At a moving ceremony on May 6, 91-year-old Mr K H Toop – a survivor of the sunken HMS Royal Oak – unveiled the nameplate and crest of No. 50017. DAVE CUNNINGHAM

RESTORATON of Class 50 No. 50017 Royal Oak – including repaint in Network SouthEast livery – has been completed at the Plym Valley Railway, after 20 months and 2,500 man-hours.

The loco headed an invitation-only special on May 6, the occasion including a ceremony to commemorate the loss of the Royal Navy battleship HMS Royal Oak on October 13, 1939. The ship was sunk by German torpedoes at Scapa Flow, just six weeks after the start of the Second World War, with the loss of 833 lives.

The EE Type 4 will work public trains at the PVR on June 9, running from 13.00 to 16.00.

Owner Dave Cunningham thanks all those who have been involved with its restoration. n For further details see website: www.50017.co.uk.

Class 50 No. 50017 Royal Oak has been restored to the condition it was in on June 10, 1986, the day it was first revealed in NSE livery. It returned through North Junction, Plym Valley Railway, on a May 6 special, marking its return to operation following a full overhaul. DAVE CUNNINGHAM

AVRType 2 enters service CLASS 31 No. 31130 (D5548) Calder Hall Power Station, owned

by Suburban Preservation, arrived at the Avon Valley Railway on April 27 from the Battlefield Line (RM June p97), and is seen the following day.

It has since undergone crew training runs and worked its first train on the AVR on May 5. The agreement is for five years and it is expected to see more extensive use on the line than was possible with electro-diesel No. 73101, which is returning to the Dean Forest Railway.

It’s the Bluebell’s EMU... for one weekend only

Picture: PETER NICHOLSON

THE first train on the Llangollen Railway’s new section – a DMU formed of Class 104 Birmingham R&CW DMCL No. M50528 and DMBS No. M50454 – ran on April 15, with Llangollen drivers and guards on board as passengers, learning the route to the current terminus at Bonwm. The train is seen from one of the few locations on the extension along the A5 road where vegetation is clear enough for photos (next to Llidiarty-Parc layby).

Picture: GEORGE JONES

96 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

THE Bluebell Railway’s East Grinstead open weekend (April 21/22) saw the railway’s 4-VEP EMU No. 3417 Gordon Pettitt in action, powered by GBRf electro-diesel No. 73204 Janice.

The combination worked down from the EMU’s base at South West Trains’ Wimbledon Park depot on April 19, with an overnight stop at Tonbridge west yard. It then continued on to East Grinstead the following day.

Half-hourly shuttles were run south from the Bluebell’s East Grinstead station – over Hill Place viaduct towards the rubbish tip being cleared from the cutting – to an area known as Imberhorne North.

The 11.10 departure from East Grinstead is seen from Hill Place Farm bridge on April 22. This is to be the only open weekend on the northern section this year as the railway needs full possession in order to complete the connection with the rest of the line. Picture: PHIL BARNES

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

Swanage gala success despite setback

ALTHOUGH the Swanage Railway lost five of the locos advertised for its May 11-13 diesel gala, the event was otherwise a total success.

A quick recasting of the roster was called for and all locos present performed faultlessly over the three days. This included Paul Spracklen’s Class 50 No. 50026 Indomitable, making its preservation debut 22 years after it last hauled a passenger train on BR and following a very extensive restoration from scrapyard condition.

Another debutant was Network Rail Class 57 No. 57312 which was the first such loco to haul a passenger train.

Class 27 No. D5401 (courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group) was kept busy for the whole event, as was resident Class 33 No. 33111 Hot Dog. Filling in for ‘absent friends’ were BR Standard Tank No. D80104, the ‘D’ prefix applied especially for its standin role and ‘ED’ No. 73136 Perseverance.

The green-liveried Class 73 (courtesy of Transmart Trains Ltd) was delivered at short notice by GBRf, which moved it from St Leonards depot, the loco

FOLLOWING the huge success of the ‘Deltic’ weekend on the East Lancashire Railway last year, a similar event is to be staged on September 22/23.

Residents Nos. 55022 and D9016 will be joined by Deltic Preservation Society’s Nos. D9009 and 55019 plus the NRM’s No. 55002. This date clashes with the MidNorfolk Railway’s ‘Class 47 Jubilee’ event, which was announced in 2010.

Wickham wanted

by GCR group INDOMITABLE LIVES UP TO ITS NAME: Proving that you can’t keep a good loco down, Class 50 No. 50026 Indomitable hauled its first passenger train for 22 years on May 11, following restoration from scrapyard condition. It was the star attraction at the Swanage Railway’s diesel gala on May 11-13. It had been hoped this loco would have appeared at the corresponding event last year, but further work was needed to bring it up to the required standard of restoration and it performed faultlesly at the three-day event. On May 11, the loco is seen heading 2N18 – the 15.15 Swanage-Norden Park & Ride – just after crossing Corfe viaduct. PETER NICHOLSON

arriving at Swanage during Friday afternoon.

Locos not able to attend included resident Class 33 No. D6515 which, being passed for main line operation, had been sent to collect the convoy but failed en route. The others were ‘Deltic’ No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier, Class 20s Nos. D8188 and D8059 and ‘Warship’ No. D821 Greyhound.

Class 26 tried and tested

TOM Clift’s Class 26 No. 26038 hauled its first train since withdrawal by BR in 1992 when the loco made its long-awaited passenger debut on May 6. This followed running-in on the Barry Tourist Railway (RM June p96) and it is seen approaching Barry Island station on its inaugural train from Hood Road, with ‘ED’No. 73118 at the rear. The Type 2 was then set to attend the KWVR diesel gala (May 25-27) before moving north to the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway for an extended stay, including the diesel gala on July 27-29. Picture: JAMIE SQUIBBS

Following the locos’ return to the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, the ‘Deltic’ was to be sent to the Nene Valley Railway for its May 19/20 diesel gala.

The sold-out ‘Deltic’ driver experience runs had to be cancelled while the Class 20 driver experiences were replaced by resident Class 08 No. 08436. Compared with the

2011 event, passenger numbers were only down by 60 people, but retail business on the railway saw an increase on all previous diesel galas.

The Swanage Railway thanks everyone for their support and understanding of the situation, including the various locoowning groups.

The 2013 event has been confirmed for May 10-12.

BR blue for Brunswick green‘Hoover’?

WHEN BR repainted Class 50 No. 50007 Hercules in Brunswick green and renamed it Sir Edward Elgar on February 25, 1984, not everyone was happy about it.

However, the livery and identity have been carried ever since by the Type 4, which has been in the care of the Class 40 Appeal at the Midland RailwayButterley since 1994.

Those who would like to see it turned out again in large-logo blue livery as Hercules – which was carried from March 1983 until repainted at Laira in February 1984 – now have the chance to have their way.

The owners have launched an

appeal for funds to cover the cost of the repaint into largelogo blue, which will be in excess of £3,000. This includes body panel replacements as required, paint, decals and new nameplates.

A new set of batteries, costing around £5,000, is also needed, so the appeal is for £8,000 to return No. 50007 to run as Hercules. Those wishing to support this proposal should send a cheque to: ‘Class 40 Appeal’, 65 Darby Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 0PN. n Further details see website: www.trainweb.org/cfa/.

‘Crompton’stripped for spares

very similar to the BR Class 11 locos with EE 6KT engines.

No. 663 is air-braked only but will be fitted with vacuum brakes to enable it to work passenger trains. The airbraking will be retained so it can be used on the bitumen trains which the railway handles for oil company Total.

The purchase of this loco may result in the disposal of Class 08 No. 08628 as that requires a considerable amount of restoration work. It will probably be stripped for spares and then broken up.

THE Great Central Railway’s Mountsorrel restoration group is looking for a Wickham rail trolley owner prepared to place a working vehicle on the branch to help with the movement of 1,500 chaired sleepers. It would be kept in a purpose-built shed.

Anyone able to help should email Brian M. Phillips at: seahornet809@ntl world.com

One weekend only for Wensleydale 37

CLASS 37 No. 37250 was started up for the first time in preservation on March 30 at the Wensleydale Railway.

It will be in operation (June 22-24) on three trips a day plus a ‘Beerex’ on Friday and Saturday evenings. Class 20s Nos. 20121 and 20166 may also be running. The 37 will not be used again until its external appearance has been improved.

Yellow DMU broken up at Cheddleton

FORMER Network Rail ultrasonic test train No. 901001, originally a Class 101 DMU (Nos. 50167 and 51433), has been sold for scrap by the Churnet Valley Railway and dismantled on site at Cheddleton by a contractor.

Many useful components were obtained for other DMUs in preservation.

MR-B celebrates Brush Type 4 jubilee

THE 50th anniversary of the Class 47 will be marked at Midland Railway-Butterley on August 18/19. Residents Nos. 47401 (D1500), D1516 and spares donor No. 47761 will be joined by No. D1501 from the East Lancashire Railway, which has been restored to original condition in twotone green livery.

‘Deltic’ heading for WSR June gala

Dutch‘Gronk’joins Ribble collection

FORMER Dutch Railways (NS) Class 600 English Electric 0-6-0DE No. 663 has been acquired by the Ribble Steam Railway after previously being in private ownership and on open-air display at Locomotion, Shildon.

It is English Electric 2160/Vulcan Foundry D350 of 1956 and joins the RSR’s No. 671 (formerly NS No. 601), both of which were among six such locos imported from Holland a few years ago – some of which are now in industrial service. They are

East Lancs to repeat ‘Deltic’ gathering

THE West Somerset Railway’s June 15-17 mixed traction gala (RM June p96) is being supported by GB Railfreight, which is sending a Class 66 and Class 73 ‘ED’ No. 73119.

Martin Walker’s ‘Deltic’ No 55022 Royal Scots Grey, is also attending.

THE 71A Locomotive Group, owner of Swanage Railway-based Class 33 No. D6515 (33012), is currently dismantling sister No. 33034 at Norden on the SR. It is seen on May 5 – the BR double arrows being removed soon after the photograph was taken. Once the final spares have been removed, the remains of the loco will be disposed of for scrap later in the year. The group has several items of Class 33 spares for sale, some of which make interesting souvenirs for collectors. The spares can be seen on website: www.71a.co.uk/for_sale.htm. Picture: ALAN R. HAWKINS

‘Bubblecar’ goes to Weardale Railway

SINGLE-CAR Class 122 DMU No. E55012, restored by Rail Restorations NE at Shildon for owner Dr Mike Wood, was moved from Locomotion Shildon to the Weardale Railway on April 7.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 97

Classic Traction Track Record June 9 Plym Valley Railway, 50017 public debut 9-10 Electric Railway Museum, technology weekend 15-17 WSR, mixed traction gala 16-17 Bodmin & Wenford Railway, mixed traction event 22-24 Wensleydale Railway, 37250 running weekend 23-24 Llangollen Railway, DMU gala 23-24 Yeovil Railway Centre, gala July 6-8 ELR, diesel gala 7 Spa Valley Railway, DEMU day 7-8 Lavender Line, diesel gala 14-15 Bodmin & Wenford Railway, china clay weekend 14-15 Foxfield Railway, Wickham trolley rally 21-22 Electric Railway Museum, good old days 21-22 Severn Valley Railway, behind-the-scenes 27-29 B&KR, diesel gala August 5 Chinnor & PR, mixed traction gala 18-19 MR-B, Class 47 golden anniversary 25-27 Mid-Norfolk Railway, real ale festival mixed traction September 1-2 Peak Rail, Heritage Shunters Trust gala 1-2 WSR, late summer event 7-8 Royal Deeside Railway, diesel gala 8-9 Electric Railway Museum, heritage open weekend 8-9 GCR, diesel gala and DMU convention 9 Chinnor & PR, mixed traction gala 14-16 NYMR, diesel gala 15-16 East Kent Railway, EMU weekend 21-23 Mid-Norfolk Railway, Class 47 golden jubilee 22/23 ELR,‘Deltic’event 22 Llangollen Railway, diesel day 28-30 Nene Valley Railway, diesel gala 29 Bodmin & Wenford Railway, diesel day October 4-6 Severn Valley Railway, diesel gala 6-7 GCR(N), diesel gala 6-7 Ribble Steam Railway, diesel weekend 13-14 ELR, diesel gala 13-14 Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, diesel gala 20-21 Mid-Norfolk Railway, Multiple Matters DMU event

ERM fields four locos at open weekend

THE Electric Railway Museum’s first open weekend of the year (April 14/15) showcased the progress being made at the Coventry site.

Although primarily a restoration base for electric multiple units, no fewer than four locos were in operation, including two battery electrics, which are rarely seen running in preservation.

Ex-Spondon power station 4wBE No. 1 was in operation (as it was during last year’s events) but it was joined this time by Bo-BoBE Heysham No. 1 Doug Tottman (Robert Stephenson & Hawthorns 7284 of 1945), now restored to full working order.

The loco was rededicated in the presence of Doug's family and work colleagues.

Doug Tottman was station controller at Kearsley power station, for which the locomotive was originally built.

He was very keen on the electric loco fleet and was also the first person to propose burning industrial waste as fuel in the power station.

The two battery locos top and tailed a demonstration

The Electric Railway Museum was proud to receive the Heritage Railway Association’s Small Groups Award 2011 in recognition of its work in saving and providing a secure site for EMUs – an aspect of railway preservation that generally receives little attention elsewhere. The ERM was nominated for this award by The RM’s Classic Traction correspondent. Due to the fragile nature of the trophy, it is displayed in Coventry City Council’s Council House. It was on show at the ERM for the April 14/15 open weekend and is seen with the museum’s volunteers, posed in front of battery electric loco No. 1 Doug Tottman. PETER NICHOLSON

freight train, believed to be a ‘first’ in preservation. Mazda (Class 165DE Ruston & Hornsby 268881) 0-4-0DE was also running while the museum’s other diesel loco – Crabtree (Class 88DS Ruston & Hornsby 4wDM No. 338416) – was

started up for the first time in about 13 years, following recent attention.

The next open weekend is June 9/10 when 60 years of technological innovation in Coventry will be celebrated with demonstrations provided by

local technology groups.

The locos will be shunting throughout the weekend and the collection of EMUs will be available for viewing.

■ Further details see website: www.electricrailwaymuseum. co.uk.

Llangollenrailcar‘firsts’ THE annual railcar weekend on the Llangollen Railway on June 23/24 features two ‘firsts’ – the debut visit to the railway of a second-generation DMU and the first use of the new extension from Carrog to Bonwm by public diesel passenger trains.

Class 141 set No. 141113 – one of 20 production two-car railbuses built by BR in the early 1980s – is owned by the Llangollen Railcar Group, but this will be its first visit to the Welsh railway. Initially, it went to the group’s base at Midland Railway-Butterley, where it was restored, entering service there in 2007. Since 2010, it has been on loan to the Weardale Railway, where it has clocked up more than 24,000 miles.

Prior to the gala, it is available for driver experience

courses and will return to Butterley after its one weekend of passenger use at Llangollen.

All gala trains will travel along the 1.25 miles of the extension to Bonwm, which is about mid-way to the new terminus at Corwen. Each day will see about 13 departures – using both ends of the line – from 09.30.

DMUs in service for the event will be a Class 104 in BR blue (Nos. M50454 and M50528), Class 108 in blue & grey (Nos. 51907 and 54490), Class 109 in green (Nos. 50416 and 56171), Class 127/108 in green (Nos. 51618 and 56223), the Class 141 in Metro red & cream (Nos. 55513 and 55533) and GWR pannier tank No. 6430 ‘sandwiched’ between two auto coaches.

‘JaffaCake’ backonmenu A GOOD example of the restoration and conservation work being undertaken at the Electric Railway Museum, Coventry is this Class 309 25kV AC electric unit, BDTC No. 75642 of set No. 309616.

Built at BR York in 1962 for London Liverpool Street to Clacton services, it has been finished in the attractive but short-lived colour scheme of BR’s London & South East Sector, prior to the launch of Network SouthEast’s better-known red, white & blue in 1986.

Becoming known as the ”Jaffa Cake”livery, it was launched in 1985 and confined to‘express’EMUs – the Clacton 309s, known as‘Essex Express’and the SR Kent Coast Class 411 4-CEP units.

Picture: PETER NICHOLSON

November 3 ELR, diesel theme day

NCB Fowler to work East Kent extension as a brakevan service

December 29 B&KR, diesel gala

WHEN the East Kent Railway opens its Eythorne station to Wigmore Lane section this summer, it will be operated as a brakevan service.

Former National Coal Board Snowdown Colliery 0-4-0D Fowler 4160002 of 1952 is being

2013 May 10-12 Swanage Railway, diesel gala

98 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

restored by owner Antony Larkins for this operation and is to be repainted in its former NCB livery.

It will haul ex-Longmoor Military Railway brakevan No. 49027.

No. 427 (Ruston & Hornsby

466616 of 1961) – an LSSH class 0-6-0DH known as the “The Buffs” – ran again on April 22 for the first time in seven years, hauling a passenger train. The run was not as successful as hoped and teething troubles were encountered.

Following attention, it has now successfully completed a run to Wigmore Lane in readiness for the opening of the line.

A date for the opening of this section will be announced on website: www.eastkentrailway. co.uk

World Track Record COMPILED BY

KEITH FENDER

Call: 01507 529589 email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Please enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

Corridor X to be rebuilt in Macedonia

AS part of work to upgrade the Trans European Network, Macedonian Railways (MZ) has awarded a contract worth €7million to rebuild two sections of the Trans European Network Corridor Ten (known as TEN Corridor X) running through the country.

A 26.4km section of the north-south main line connecting Nis, in Serbia, to Thessalonika, in Greece, is to be upgraded for 120km/h operation. MZ is also planning renovation of several stations, including the main Skopje station (which is on the NorthSouth main line)

Suburban line extended in Auckland

THE Mayor of Auckland opened the Manukau Rail Link on April 4.

The $NZ50m (£26m) project consists of a 2km branch from a junction with the AucklandHamilton line at Puhinui to a new station at Davies Avenue, in Manukau – which is expected to become the secondbusiest station in Auckland after the terminus at Britomart.

Services are operated using diesel trains, although the route has been designed for future electrification.

Nordbahn wins Hamburg contract

NORDBAHN (owned jointly

by German operators BeNEX and AKN) will operate regional stopping services on the routes north from Hamburg to Itzehoe and Wrist from December 2014, replacing services currently operated by German Railways company DB Regio.

Nordbahn plans to order eight six-car and six five-car ‘Flirt’ EMUs from Stadler to operate the services .

Rwanda and Burundi on railway map for first time A RAILWAY linking Rwanda and Burundi with neighbouring Tanzania is to be built.

Construction of the line, from the Tanzanian port of Dar es Salaam to the Rwandan capital of Kigali, will cost around US $5.5billion and is planned for initial use by freight traffic.

It follows a feasibility study

into the extension of the Tanzanian Central line beyond its present terminus at Kigoma, on the shore of Lake Tanganyika.

For people in landlocked Rwanda (population 11.7m) and Burundi (10.2m), the arrival of their first railway is expected to reduce prices for food and

Restored‘Austerity’unveiled in Rotterdam

other imported goods by a substantial amount. If it is later decided to upgrade the line for passenger services, it would help boost tourism in this region of Africa, which – aided by mountain gorilla sightseeing trips – recently became Rwanda’s largest source of external income.

It is understood that the line, currently metre gauge, will be rebuilt to standard gauge all the way from Dar es Salaam, although Congo and Zambia, which lie to the west and southwest of Rwanda and Burundi, use Cape gauge (3ft 6in), which could cause problems if the line was ever further extended.

EurocrisisendsPortugal’s high-speedbid THE Portuguese government has announced that it plans to build a high-speed network connecting Porto with Lisbon and Lisbon with Madrid have been“definitively abandoned”as a result of the Eurozone financial

crisis. Construction of a 1,435mm (standard) gauge freight line into Spain to connect the Portuguese Atlantic coast ports to the rest of the EU standard gauge network via Barcelona remains a longterm aim.

Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST No. NS8811 in steam in Rotterdam on April 14. MATTI THOMAES

DUTCH preservation group SSN presented its ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST in steam for the first time at its Rotterdam depot on April 14.

The 1943 Hudswell-Clarkbuilt loco was originally WD No.

75080 and became NS8811 in 1947. It later worked in a colliery in Limburg, from where it was rescued in 1981. Restoration has taken 20 years and includes a new boiler, made in Germany.

Germany/Poland cross-border freight-only line to be rebuilt WORK on a €420million project to completely renew and electrify (at 15kV AC) the 57.5km Knappenrode-Horka-Polish border line, in eastern Germany, will begin later this year.

The line, currently used only by freight trains, will be rebuilt to double track and 52 kilometres will be re-signalled.

The line will be rebuilt as

double-track and construction of the second track will begin in 2013 with all work, including 13km of noise barriers in inhabited areas, due for completion by 2016.

The line on the Polish side is electrified at 3kV DC as far as Wegliniec (12.5km from the German border) and this will be extended to the border by 2016.

THE prefecture of Ibaraki, just north of Tokyo, is home to a number of interesting lines that are not part of the ‘big six’ former Japan National Railways passenger systems.

The Mooka Railway, which connects with the Joso Line and JR East’s Mito Line at Shimodate station in Chikusei, is one of the most notable, boasting a steam service on weekends and holidays to complement the usual DMU operation.

The 41.9km route to Motegi, Tochigi prefecture, was closed and sold by JNR in 1988 and the ‘SL Mooka’ steam service began in spring 1994, using ex-JNR C12 class 2-6-2T No. 66 of 1933 and C11 class 2-6-4T No. 325 of 1946, the latter seen in charge of the 14.27 Motegi-Shimodate service on May 5.

The Nippon Sharyo-built machine is one of only five C11s currently active in preservation out of a total production of nearly 700 locos. Picture: GARETH BAYER

Austrianregionalmultipleunitsenterserviceafterdelay

A pair of GKB GTW2/8 Class 5063 DMUs operating 14.01 Graz-Wies-Eibiswald S6 service on March 7, seen near Graz airport on the ÖBB-Infrastruktur owned Graz-Spielfeld Strass line. KEITH FENDER

AUSTRIAN regional operators Steiermärkischen Landesbahnen (StLB) and GrazKöflacher Bahn (GKB) have both introduced Stadler-built GTW multiple units.

100 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Both operators are using them to provide regional services as part of the S-Bahn Steiermark network serving Graz. GKB has 13 diesel-electric GTW2/8 units (with two

powered axles and eight unpowered) and StLB has three GTW2/6 diesel units and three electric GTW2/6 EMUs for through services between Graz and the StLB-operated

Peggau-Übelbach branch.

Approval for operation of the trains on lines owned by Austrian national infrastructure manager ÖBB-Infrastruktur was delayed until November 2011.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980 Canadian National to buy new locos CANADIAN National has announced that it will receive 35 new ES44AC locomotives from GE Transportation and 30 new SD70ACe locos from Electro-Motive Diesel Inc (EMD) in the period to December 2014.

To enable replacement of older, lower power locos, 96 second-hand high-power (4,000hp+) locos will be bought.

The order has been confirmed despite EMD’s recent decision to close its Canadian factory at London, Ontario, with the loss of many jobs.

Disneymagic:Freight -onlylinestoreopen topassengertrains THE Florida East Coast Railway, in the United States of America, has announced plans to develop All Aboard Florida, a new privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail service connecting Miami, Cocoa and Orlando.

The service would operate along 200 miles of freight-only

CAF EMUs for Latvia

LATVIAN Railways passenger operator Pasazieru Vilciens (PV) has ordered 34 three-coach EMUs seating 270 passengers and seven three-coach DEMUs seating 300 passengers from Spanish train manufacturer CAF in a contract worth £170million.

CAF will build the ‘Civity’design trains in conjunction with Riga-based Rīgas Vagonbūves Rūpnīca (RVR), which was formerly the biggest supplier of EMUs to the Soviet bloc.

The new EMUs will replace the 3kV DC EMU fleet

used on suburban services around Riga whilst the new DEMUs will replace around a third of the DMU fleet.

The first six trains will be built in Spain by late 2013 and be shipped to Latvia for approval testing; the next eight EMUs will be partly built by CAF and by RVR with the remaining 20 EMUs built in Riga by RVR. The passenger service is due to start in June 2014 with all deliveries completed

by December 2015.

CAF will also maintain the trains for 30 years as part of the £150m contract.

tracks between Miami and Cocoa and along 40 miles of new track into Orlando – which is famous as the location of the Walt Disney World theme park and numerous other tourist attractions.

Future extensions to the cities of Tampa and Jacksonville would be possible.

The project will cost about

$1billion and could be operational by 2014.

Florida East Coast has not ruled out government funding for the new line to Orlando, although previous plans to build high-speed lines between Orlando and Tampa were cancelled by politicians two years ago.

Last two English Electric locos nearendoftheirdaysinPoland

THE last two English Electric Class EU06 locos (EU06 01 and 12) are likely to be withdrawn soon by Polish Railways (PKP).

In 1962, EE supplied Poland with 20 of the EU06s, which are basically a 3,000V DC version of the British Railways Class 83 locos built

at the same Vulcan Foundry in Lancashire.

PKP went on to order several hundred similar EU07 locos built under licence from EE in Poland.

For the moment, the last two EU06s remain in use with freight operator PKP Cargo, based in southern Poland.

‘Kingston Flyer’has successful first year in new hands

THE Siemens-owned 5.2kW 3kV DC ‘Vectron’ demonstrator electric locomotive (running with Polish number 91 51 5 170 021-7) is in use with Polish long-distance passenger operator PKP Intercity between Warsaw and Krakow.

It is running on a test basis,

operating two pairs of trains between the cities daily and totalling around 1,250km a day. The tests started on April 1.

Siemens launched the new ‘Vectron’ family of locos in 2010 but has so far sold fewer than 20, to operators in Germany and Italy.

SNCF orders more double-deck TGVs

FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) has ordered up to 40 additional ‘Euroduplex’ double-deck TGVs. The order is part of a framework contract awarded by SNCF to Alstom in 2007 and the 40 new trains, worth around €1.2 billion, are in addition to 55 ‘Euroduplex’ trains currently under construction. SNCF may choose to cancel part of the order if passenger numbers do not increase by as much as currently forecast.

WORK started at Gloggnitz, in Austria, on April 25, for the construction of the 27.3km Semmering Base tunnel, which is due for completion by 2024.

The €3.1billion base tunnel will replace the steeply graded 41km Semmeringbahn route through the Semmering Pass. The new twin-bore tunnels will be excavated between 2012 and 2021.

KEITH FENDER

Siemens ‘Vectron’ demonstrator No. 170 021 at Warsaw Wschodnia station on April 18 with an express service to Krakow. PAUL GRIFFIN

THE developing European railway museum in Augsburg, Bavaria – the Augsburg Bahnpark museum – is planning a major steam loco festival on September 9 with no fewer than eight visiting steam locos – four of them exDR/DB Pacific locos.

■ See www.bahnparkaugsburg.eu/index.php?id= 67 for more information.

Semmering Base tunnel work starts

EU06 12 at Piotrków Trybunalski with a coal train on April 20.

‘Vectron’demonstrator working passenger services in Poland

Pacifics at Augsburg steam festival

NEW Zealand steam operator ‘The Kingston Flyer’ achieved more than 15,000 passengers in its first season of operation under new ownership following a period out of use after the insolvency of the previous operator.

New owner David Bryce is planning to form a trust to own

the line and its locos in a bid to ensure that the ‘Flyer’ is preserved for future generations.

A new operating company owned by Mr Bryce would then lease the trust's assets, including the two steam locomotives, carriages, and the line itself, to operate the services

EMUs take over suburban services inTunis EMUs built by Korean builder Rotem Hyundai started operating Tunis Ville-Borj Cedria-Erriadh services from April 6, replacing diesel loco operated services.

Société Nationale des

Chemins de Fer Tunisiens (Tunisian National Railways) expects the 130km/h trains to reduce maintenance costs by 75% and energy consumption by 45%. Journey times have also been speeded up.

Chinese wagons for Europe?

POLISH freight operator PKP Cargo is planning to test three wagons built by CNR Corporation in China.

Assuming the vehicles can be certified for use in Poland, another 17 will be delivered. A jointly-owned (PKP and CNR) wagon plant in the Polish city of Szczecin is planned, to build wagons for European operators.

New Hong Kong line

CONSTRUCTION of Hong Kong’s Sha Tin to Central MTR line has been approved by the government and construction of the HK$64.9billion (£5.2b) line will start later this year.

When complete in 2020, it will include a fourth rail tunnel under Hong Kong harbour and mean existing lines can be connected, thus enabling faster through journeys to and through the centre of the city.

‘Italos’ start running ITALIAN open access highspeed operator NTV started its ‘Italo’ operations on April 28. By December, all its fleet of 25 brand-new Alstombuilt AGV high-speed trains should be in service.

Wabtec locos for Oz

WABTEC’S MotivePower subsidiary will deliver 10 1,435mm-gauge MP33C diesel locomotives to Australian rail freight operator CFCLA Rail in 2013.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 101

Operations Track Record COMPILED BY

ASHLEY BUTLIN

Call: 01507 529589 email: railway @mortons.co.uk

The Saturday-only 08.50 London Euston-Holyhead and 14.38 return are worked by a ‘Pendolino’ being loco-dragged between Crewe and Holyhead. On May 5, Arriva-liveried Class 57 No. 57314 passes Valley triangle, on the Isle of Anglesey, with set No. 390025 on the return working. ANDY MASON

Your reports and pictures are most welcome.

Highly-competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM. (Enclose an s.a.e. if sending slides) or email: railway@mortons.co.uk

CROSS Country HST power car No. 43384 was hired-in by East Coast on April 17 and used on a variety of services throughout the day, starting with the 05.48 EdinburghKing’s Cross.

MAIL trains have returned to the ECML, working between Low Fell and Willesden. Unit No. 325001 ran from Willesden to Low Fell on May 8/9 in preparation for the first day of operations on May 9 when No. 325001 worked the southbound with No. 325012 going north.

CLASS 170 No. 170207 ran to Railcare Wolverton on April 11 for repair to collision damage.

CLASS 90 movements between Crown Point and Crewe EMD in recent weeks include No. 90009 being returned to Norwich by DRS Class 37 No. 37069 on April 23. No. 90006 was moved from

Crown Point to Crewe EMD by Class 57 No. 57007 on May 1, the Class 57 having arrived light engine from Crewe Gresty Bridge depot the previous day.

THE Anglia fleet of Class 170 units are passing through Brush Loughborough for a C4 overhaul, with No. 170201 the first to have arrived on April 21.

It was returned to Crown Point on May 4.

MOVEMENTS of units to and from Doncaster Wabtec saw No. 321362 head north from Ilford on April 10. No. 321361, in the new Greater Anglia livery, returned to Ilford on April 24 followed by No. 321362 on May 10.

RECENTLY adorned with a union flag and named Diamond Jubilee, Class 90 No. 90009 was working between Norwich and Liverpool Street on May 1.

DVT No. 82136 was taken to Railcare Wolverton on April 10

by Class 37 No. 37682 and returned to Crown Point by Class 37 No. 37087 on May 3.

A FURTHER DVT on the move was No. 82133 along with Mk 3 coach No. 10229 which were taken to Doncaster Wabtec by Class 37 No. 37087 on May 8.

ON APRIL 15, CrossCountry hired East Midlands Trains HST

Engineering work at various locations on the WCML south of Nuneaton over the weekend of May 5/6 saw Virgin operate 10 and 15-car Class 221 formations on a special service diverted via Coventry, Banbury and High Wycombe. Here, a 10-car set passes the Ricoh stadium, Coventry, on May 6 heading towards Nuneaton. Work is due to start later in the year on a new station at this location. CHRIS MILNER

102 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

No. 43076 Support for Help for Heroes to work CrossCountry 1V50 09.00 Leeds-Plymouth in place of failed CrossCountry HST No. 43301.

West Coast THE 11-car Pendolinos are attracting interest from our correspondents. No. 390155 was seen at Birmingham New Street on April 11, having worked in on the 06.43 service from Euston.

A further reform was No. 390131 which was observed on test at Crewe on April 27/28. This was followed by No. 390112, which ran from Longsight to Edge Hill on May 7. The fourth set to be augmented was No. 390141.The next eight new vehicles arrived at Dollands Moor via the Tunnel behind Class 92 No. 92043 on May 3 and were moved north from Dollands Moor to Longsight, hauled by Class 66/7 No. 66745. As with the previous rake, they carry sixdigit numbers and will be renumbered when inserted into a nine-car rake. (see Stock Spot on page 87 for latest renumbering).

THE Saturday 08.50 London Euston-Holyhead and 14.38 return on April 7 was formed of Pendolino No. 390012 with Class 57 No. 57312 dragging between Crewe and Holyhead. Unusually, there was an additional drag of a 16.06 from Euston with No. 57314 hauling between Crewe and Holyhead. The locomotive and stock returned e.c.s. On April 21, the 14.38 from Holyhead was formed from Voyager No. 221104. It was back to a Pendolino on April 28 with No. 390024 and Class 57 No. 57313 dragging between Crewe and Holyhead. An additional 16.06 Euston-Holyhead ran again on May 5 utilising Pendolino No. 390003 and Class 57 No. 57314 between Crewe and Holyhead.

WHILE working the 10.00 Penzance-Paddington service on April 10, HST power cars Nos. 43124 and 43163 failed near Frome. They were rescued by Nos. 43087+43144 and the train hauled to Reading where it terminated. The unusual combination of three power cars at the head of an HST set then ran empty stock to Old Oak Common.

HST power car No. 43186 has received Diamond Jubilee vinyls.

It was observed on the 16.06 Paddington-Penzance on May 3.

UNUSUALLY, Class 165 No. 16510 worked the 08.22 Paddington-Hereford on May 9 in place of the booked HST, returning on the 13.15 HerefordPaddington.

CLASS 67 No. 67018 with DVT No. 82307 was working a Banbury to Marylebone service on April 16. On the day, Class 67 No. 67014 hauled DVT No. 82303 from Wembley to Brush Loughborough before taking No. 82305 from Loughborough to Doncaster Wabtec.

FOLLOWING overhaul and repaint at Doncaster Wabtec, Class 320 No. 320313 returned to Shields depot on April 13.

PACER No. 142091 was derailed at Clarborough tunnel on April 27 when it ran into a landslide blocking the line.

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980 THE route between Hull and Gilberdyke is closed for overnight engineering works until June. Both the first and last trains have been replaced by buses and freight traffic has run at different times. On May 3, the 07.39 Gilberdyke to Scarborough service was delayed by six minutes to allow DBS Class 66 No. 66035 to proceed first on a rake of empty coal wagons for Hull Docks.

SERVICES between Middlesbrough and Hartlepool were replaced by buses on May 5/6 to allow the replacement of the level crossing with lifting barriers at Station Road, Billingham.

CLASS 150 No. 150253, working with Class 158 No. 158834, was observed working through Stockport on May 6 with a Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central service.

POWER cars Nos. 43423 and 43468 top-and-tailed two northbound Mk 3 coaches through Lancaster on April 26, working from Crewe LNWR to Heaton following a C4 overhaul.

TO COVER for one of its own sets away for refurbishment, Grand Central hired-in Class 180 No. 180102 which was observed working the 10.22 BradfordKing’s Cross on the morning of April 30.

YET another cable theft on April 22, in the South Ockendon area, resulted in bus replacements until the close of service.

EMU No. 333012 arrives at Baildon, on the single-track stretch between Guiseley and Shipley, with the 17.53 Ilkley to Bradford Forster Square on May 13. PAUL BICKERDYKE

The failure of DB Schenker’s No. 67007 on ‘Caledonian Sleeper’ duty on May 2 saw DRS No. 66421 rescue the train, seen at Kincraig, south of Aviemore. Note the difference in loco bodyside heights. RYAN MUNRO

BOTH Meridian and HST diagrams occasionally get exchanged as on April 13 when the 16.27 Sheffield-London St Pancras was worked by HST Nos. 43075+43055 instead of the booked Meridian.

EMT HST with power cars Nos. 43061+43044 was employed on a Footex Special from Liverpool to St Pancras on May 5 for the FA Cup Final. A further HST with power cars Nos. 43046 and 43064 was sighted at Stockport on May 6 working a Football Special from St Pancras to Liverpool Lime Street.

SEVERE difficulties were encountered on the evening of April 19: ongoing signalling problems in the Grove Park area were further compounded when a lightning strike on an electricity sub-station in the Wandsworth area caused a power surge which knocked out the entire signalling system (operated by Clapham Junction signalling centre) covering south-east London and beyond.

Trains were immediately stranded as the rush hour

Busy moment at Dorridge as ‘Turbostar’ No. 172220 (left) prepares to form the 11.45 London Midland service to Great Malvern; Chiltern Railways Class 168 No. 168219 prepares to leave with a service for Birmingham Snow Hill; and sister unit No. 168111 departs with the 11.12 service to London Marylebone on April 20. FRASER PITHIE

ground to a halt on lines to Victoria (Eastern) and Blackfriars. Arrangements were made to evacuate trains at stations where possible.

Limited movements started around 11pm and engineers worked through the night to minimise delays the following morning.

THE pair of Class 466 units at Wabtec Nos. 466014+466030 were returned south on April 13

Not often photographed are Merseyrail’s sub-surface stations. EMU No. 508122 enters Lime Street, in Liverpool, on May 15 with a New Brighton service. LACHLANS MAIN

by GBRf Class 66 No. 66739, going to Tonbridge West Yard before moving forward to Slade Green the next day.

THE overhaul programme for Class 465 units at Railcare Wolverton is almost complete.

Movements saw No. 465192 returned to Slade Green by DBS Class 66 No. 66094 on April 14.

The loco then took unit No. 465175 north to Wembley and forward to Wolverton on April 16. The following week, No. 465181 was brought south

by Class 66 No. 66091 which returned with 465021 which was delivered on April 23.

On April 28, No. 66181 hauled No. 465173 south before taking the final unit No. 465014 to Wolverton. Unit No. 465175 came back to Slade Green behind No. 66086 on May 5, followed by No. 465021 hauled by Class 67 No. 67005 on May 12, leaving No. 465014 booked for May 19.

SERVICES between London Victoria and London Bridge were suspended on the evening of April 19 (see Southeastern notes above).

OVER the Easter weekend, two bridges on the London side of Woking resulted in trains being diverted via Chertsey, Staines and Chiswick for Clapham Junction and Waterloo adding 40 minutes to the journey time.

SWT Class 455 units continue to visit Ilford with No. 455870 being taken to Ilford by GBRf Class 66 No. 66724 on April 10 and returned to Wimbledon on April 19 by the same loco. This was replaced by No. 455860 which was moved to Ilford by Class 66 No. 66739 on April 23, returning to Wimbledon by No. 66723 on May 3.

Charter Operations

CLASS 67 Nos. 67029 and 67005 were observed top and tailing a UK Railtours charter from Southport to King’s Cross over Denby Dale viaduct on March 31. Charter trains on this line are reportedly to be extremely rare.

UK RAILTOURS London St Pancras to Barrow Hill Barrow Hill and Wirksworth 125, on April 12, was observed passing through Market Harborough formed with EMT HST with power cars Nos. 43076+43044.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 103

Operations Track Record

The 12.55 Cleethorpes to Barton-on-Humber service on April 27 was formed by Northern Class 153 No. 153360, seen approaching Grimsby Docks station. The 22¾-mile journey takes 48 mins, and this viewpoint is from the ABP docks offices. CHRIS MILNER

THE VSOE Pullman set top and tailed by Class 67 Nos. 67006 and 67026 was seen at Crewe on April 14 en route to Merseyside for the Aintree Grand National.

The same combination of locomotives was employed again on April 22 for the VSOE tour to Folkstone.

UK RAILTOURS ‘Olive Branch No. 2’ from Woking to the docks at Seaforth and Preston, on April

14, was top and tailed by Class 66 Nos. 66063 and 66138.

CLASS 47 Nos. 47790 and 47832 worked the ‘Northern Belle’ railtour between Norwich and Bath on April 27.

TWO tours passed Stockport on May 5: DBS Class 66 Nos. 66165+66078 worked a Mid Cheshire Rail Users charter from Chester to Skegness, while Class

Virgin ‘Thunderbird’ No. 57307 Lady Penelope was used on May 2 to work RHTT tank wagons and two barrier vehicles from Springburn Works to Kilmarnock. In this shot, it is entering Springburn station. SIMON LOCKLEY

47 Nos. 47832 and 47790 were working the ‘Northern Belle’ from Kensington Olympia to Manchester Victoria.

HRH Prince Charles arrived at Edinburgh Waverley on May 8

The 09.45 Arriva Trains Wales service from Llandudno to Manchester Piccadilly arrives at Helsby on April 27, formed of Class 175/1 ‘Coradia’ No 175115. BRIAN MORRISON

DB Schenker Class No. 66117, working 6M34, the 19.31 TThFO Grangemouth Oil Terminal-Carlisle (Dalston), gets the road at Grangemouth Junction while DRS Type 5 No. 66426 waits with the 19.53 Gragemouth to Daventry intermodal. After 66117 had cleared the section, 66847 arrived with fuel empties from Prestwick. A busy 12 minutes! IAN LOTHIAN

104 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

on the Royal Train top and tailed

by Class 67 Nos. 67026+67006.

THE Royal Trai’ top and tailed with Class 67 Nos. 67006+67026 conveyed the Queen from London to Sherborn and then to Salisbury on May 1.

NOTED passing through Healey Mills on March 25 was Class 67 No. 67016 with the 5Z71 Tyne to Crewe e.c.s. move of the stock used on a charter the previous day from Newcastle to Wembley and return.

OBSERVATIONS of the Class 60 fleet have included No. 60007 running light engine from Doncaster to Whitemoor on April 11 to collect an engineers’ train which it then took to Toton. On the same day (April 11) No. 60074 worked a Mountsorrel to Broxbourne Mountsorrel stone train.

DB Schenker red No. 60059 was at Peak Forest on April 12 with No. 60099 at Warrington Bank Quay the following day.

No. 60063 worked loaded tanks into Westerleigh on April 18. DB Schenker red-liveried No. 60007 worked the 6E38 Colnbrook to Lindsey empty tanks on April 27. The same service was hauled by No. 60054 when observed on May 3.

SCRAP trains reported in recent weeks have included Class 66 No. 66172 working a Cardiff Tidal-Exeter-Cardiff Tidal on April 12. While working Cardiff Tidal to Tyne Dock empties on April 13, Class 66 No. 66053 failed at Barnt Green – it was rescued by No. 66056. The first scrap train from Hitchin for three months ran on April 19 when Class 66 No. 66096 arrived with empties from Cardiff Tidal and departed loaded back to Cardiff.

A Cardiff Tidal-Hitchin-Cardiff Tidal scrap train ran on April 26/27 powered by Class 66 No. 66003. Class 66 No. 66141 worked a Cardiff TidalHandsworth-Cardiff Tidal

diagram on May 1 while No.66199 hauled a Cardiff TidalExeter-Cardiff Tidal on May 8.

ON WEDNESDAYS, our correspondent in Carnforth is able to view Class 92s passing through during the day time.

On April 18 the 4S43 Daventry to Mossend was worked by No. 92036; the 6S94 Dollands Moor to Irvine China Clay tanks was hauled by No. 92041.

Finally, No. 92019 had charge of the 4M63 Mossend to Hams Hall.

ON HIRE to DB Schenker, DRS Class 66 No. 66431 worked a Southampton to Halewood car train on April 20.

IN A series of moves on April 21, Class 67 No. 67029 ran light to Longport to collect Class 66 No. 66016 which it took to Crewe ETD before collecting Class 60 Nos. 60043 and 60092 from the TMD and returning them to Toton.

CLASS 66 Nos. 66063 and 66004 were on engineers’ trains at Hest Bank overnight April 21/22.

RESURRECTED Class 92 No. 92043 was noted on the up Norfolk Line containers from Dollands Moor in the early hours of April 25, passing through Bromley South TO FREE UP space at Toton, a number of Class 60s are being moved to St Blazey for secure storage. On April 28, Class 66 No. 66001 moved Nos. 60044 and 60100 from Toton to Doncaster. Here, they were put in the consist of a Tees Yard to Newport hauled by No. 66098.

They were moved on to St Blazey in the consist of the 6C39 behind Class 66 No. 66141. They were joined by No. 60096 on May 9.

ON THE morning of April 30, Class 66 No. 66238 worked a rake of EWS coal hoppers north through Euxton, a movement far from common at the location.

CLASS 92 No. 92009 worked

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980 light engine south through East Didsbury on April 30.

A pleasant backdrop for Arriva DMU No. 158822, which is looking smart as it passes Penmaenmawr with a Cardiff Central-Holyhead service on May 5. ANDY MASON

CLASS 66 No. 66018 hauled a rake of VTG-liveried JUA bogie mineral wagons up through East Croydon on the evening of May 1.

PAIRED with Class 59 No. 59101, No. 59201 worked from Merehead to Acton Yard on May 1.

CAVALCADES of locomotives are becoming increasingly common for weekend engineering work and in recent weeks the following have been reported: on April 28, working between Doncaster and Whitemoor, were Nos. 66067+66125+66047+ 66137+66115+66183+66132+ 66021+66015. On the same day, Nos. 66124+66013+ 66141+66160+66101+66145+ 66151+ 66060+66105+66198.

A NUMBER of Basford HallChesterton Junction-Basford Hall ballast trains have been reported with Class 66 No. 66529 employed on April 10 and No. 66615 on April 11 and 13 FIRE-damaged Class 70 No. 70018 was moved north from Southampton Maritime to Crewe Basford Hall by fellow class member No. 70019 within the consist of the Southampton to Garston working on April 12. It was moved to Brush Loughborough for assessment and repairs by Class 66 No. 66587 on April 17.

A further Class 70 suffered fire damage on April 24 between Bramley and Basingstoke while working the 4O49 to Southampton. Class 66 No. 66533 hauled the Class 70 and train forward to Southampton. The Class 70 was moved north on April 27 to Crewe within the consist of a Southampton to Garston hauled by No. 70008. The next day, it was top and tailed between Class 66 Nos. 66542 and 66543 and transferred to Leeds Midland Road.

FREIGHTLINER is involved with a number of scrap movements.

On April 14, Class 66 No. 66613 worked a rake of empties from Cardiff Tidal to Dagenham. A further empty wagon move followed on April 23 when Class 66 No. 66614 hauled boxes from Long Marston to Stockton. It returned loaded to Cardiff on April 25 before taking empties to Hitchin on April 26, returning loaded to Tidal the next day. On April 28, Class 66 No. 66614 worked empties from Cardiff Tidal to Dagenham.

LOCOMOTIVES observed working the Basford HallMiddleton Towers-Ellsmere Port sand trains have included No. 66616 on April 10, 12, 17, 19; No. 66610 on April 24; No. 66607 on May 1; and No. 66622 on May 8.

CLASS 37 Nos. 37059+37601 ran light engine from Crewe Gresty Bridge to Barrow Hill. A further light engine move occurred on April 13 with Nos. 37682+47501 +47841 moving back to Gresty Bridge from Crown Point.

ACCIDENT-damaged Class 57 No. 57009 ran light engine from Crewe Gresty Bridge to Eastleigh Works on April 16 for repairs.

WHILE working a rake of wagons from Ripple Lane to Grangemouth on April 24, Class 37 No. 37069 failed at Hillmorton. The train was rescued by Class 86 Nos. 86605 +86639 and taken to Rugby from where Class 37 No. 37602 took the train forward.

CLASS 47 Nos. 47790 and 47832 top and tailed ‘The Northern Belle’ at York on April 28 when the train stopped for about 25 minutes before heading off south.

DBS No. 67026 Diamond Jubilee assists No. 67006 Royal Sovereign (at the far end) at Yeovil Pen Mill with the Royal Train on May 2. The train had previously taken the branch towards Yeovil Junction and waited there while the Weymouth-Gloucester DMU arrived for a service call. Once clear, the Royal Train reversed and drew into platform 1 and the welcoming ceremony duly swung into action. BRIAN PIBWORTH

A LIGHT engine move on May 2 saw Class 37 No. 37089 haul Class 47 Nos. 47501 and 47839 south from Crewe Gresty Bridge to Eastleigh Works – the former for store and parts donation, the latter for overhaul.

THE usual flask moves reported in recent weeks have, on the whole, been worked by Class 20 and 37 although a Hunterston working on April 18 had Class 57 Nos. 57003+57008. Operating to Sizewell have been Class 20 Nos. 20302+20301 on April 11; Class 20 Nos. 20301+20302 on April 18; Class 37 Nos. 37423+37604 +four flasks on April 25; Class 20 Nos. 20302+20303 on May 4;

As a result of a landslip near Slochd, which closed the Highland Main line (see p88), sleeper and freight services were diverted via Aberdeen. DRS No. 66425 enters Nairn station with 4H47, the 05.14 Mossend-Inverness intermodal on April 28. GRAEME ELGAR

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 105

Operations Track Record Class 20 Nos. 20302+20308 on May 9. Observed at Dungeness has been Class 37 Nos. 37259+ 37608 on April 17; Class 37 Nos. 37606 and 37087 on April 26; and Class 20/37 Nos. 20304+ 37606 on May 3. Two trains reported to Bridgewater were Classes 20/37 Nos. 20304+ 37608 on April 27 and Class 37 Nos. 37667+37194 on May 4. A pair of Class 20 Nos. 20303+ 20312 worked to Valley on April 18, while Class 37 Nos. 37194+ 37667 ran from Kingmoor to Torness on May 8. Finally, on May 1 Class 20 Nos. 20303+ 20312 Crewe to Keyham with a special flask and two support coaches.

THE regular GBRf scrap metal trains reported in the period under review include Class 66 No. 66718 working from Cardiff Tidal to Handsworth and back on April 9. The following day it took empty wagons to Beeston, returning loaded on April 11. The next day, No. 66718 ran to Beeston again, returning loaded the following day, April 13. The next reported move was on April 16 when No. 66718 again worked a Cardiff Tidal-Handsworth-Cardiff Tidal. The next day, Class 66 No. 66713 hauled a rake of empty wagons from Long Marston to Cardiff Tidal and when observed on April 18, No. 66713 was working the Handsworth diagram before going to Beeston and back on April 1920. The same loco was again on the Beeston circuit on April 29-30. On May 1 it ran light to from Litchurch Lane to Old Dalby before taking a further rake from Old Dalby to Amersham the next day. A further move was reported on April 30 when the same locomotives moved a further rake from Old Dalby to Amersham.

Dwarfed by their surroundings, Class 90s Nos. 90021 and 90028 pass Crawford with a Mossend to Eastleigh working on April 23.

The pair would most likely have worked through to Wembley Yard. JOHN A DAY

OBSERVED passing south at Westerleigh on April 18, Class 66 Nos. 66720+66723 had charge of an empty bio-mass service.

CONVOYS of GBRf locomotives reported include Nos. 66742+ 73208+73141+66739+66710+ 66723+73213+66706 running from Tonbridge to Eastleigh Yard on April 21 and Nos. 66723+ 73206+73141+73204+ 73207+ 73212+73213 from Eastleigh Yard to Hoo Junction on April 27.

ELECTRO-DIESEL No. 73204 was employed on the Bluebell Railway’s East Grinstead shuttles on April 21/22 with 4-Vep No. 3417. The unit had been collected from Wimbledon on April 14 and stabled at Tonbridge until April 19. The Vep was returned to Clapham Junction on April 23 by No. 73204.

CLASS 66 No. 66739 was derailed at Mountfield on April 26. Re-railing took place the same day but the loco remained on site until May 4 when it was moved to St Leonards top and tailed by Electro-Diesel Nos. 73204 and 73207.

FREIGHTLINER Class 66 No. 66623 was hired-in on May 3 to work a Whitemoor-Mountsorrel -Whitemoor stone train.

OBSERVATIONS of the Washwood Heath-Boston-Washwood Heath steel trains in the period under review produced remarkable loco reliability: Class 66 No. 66846 on April 10, 11, 12 and Class 47 No. 47739 on April 13,

17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 26, 27 and 30; May 1, 2, 4, 8, and 9.

ON APRIL 10, Class 47 No. 47739 was used on a Washwood Heath to Liverpool Bulk Terminal route-learning diagram. The following day it hauled a Llanwern to Washwood Heath steel train.

A FURTHER convoy of Class 56 locos was moved away from Crewe TMD on April 20 when Class 66 No. 66847 took Nos. 56049 and 56078 to EMR Kingsbury and Nos. 56051 and 56065 to Nemesis Rail, Burtonupon-Trent.

THE Teigngrace log trains reported include Class 66 No. 66745 working from Gloucester to Teigngrace with empty wagons on April 19, returning loaded to Chirk on the same

day. The loco returned south to Teigngrace on April 23, returning loaded to Chirk on April 26. Class 66 No. 66846 was reported going from Gloucester to Teigngrace on May 9.

AS REPORTED last month, Colas have taken over the distribution of aviation fuel from Grangemouth to Linkswood (Leuchars) with Class 66 No. 66847 reportedly on the first train on May 2 and again on May 9.

TAMPER No. 73805 was observed stabled in the engineers’ siding at Tywyn on the morning of May 2.

BARS

ON APRIL 11, Class 56 No. 56311 hauled a loaded scrap train from Shipley to Derby, continuing to Cardiff Tidal the following day.

On April 14, Class 47 No. 47812 ran light engine from Burton to Cardiff where it joined with No. 56312 and a rake of empty wagons – all went north to Thompson’s at Stockton. The Class 56 then returned a loaded scrap train to Tidal on April 17. A further move followed on April 20 when No. 56312+56302 worked empties from Cardiff Tidal to Chaddesden with No. 56312 working the train forward to Shipley on April 21. On April 27, No. 56311 also headed an empty train from Cardiff Tidal to Chaddesden and then to Stockton on May 2. It then took a loaded train south to Cardiff on May 4 and the empties to Chaddesden on May 8.

West Coast Railway

CLASS 47 No. 47854 returned to Carnforth on May 2 following repairs at Nemesis Rail, Burtonupon-Trent.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh had a number of engagements in South Wales on April 26/27 as part of the Diamond Jubilee tour.

Headed by No. 67006, the Royal Train passes Magor on the return to London with the monarch on board. JAMIE SQUIBBS

106 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

Europhoenix

WEST Coast Railway Class 37 No. 37709 ran light from Carnforth

Have you got a story for us? Email: railway@mortons.co.uk or fax 01507 528980

The DRS Type 3 pair of Nos. 37667 and 37194 passes Red Bank, north of Warrington, on May 5 with 6C53 Crewe-Sellafield, a movement bearing loaded nuclear flasks from Sizewell and Berkeley, which began running the previous day. ANDY MASON

No. 60074 in the Teenage Cancer Trust livery works the empty tanks from Westerleigh to Lindsey terminal past Wickwar in a lucky patch of sun on April 21. JAMIE SQUIBBS

Class 70s are not all that common on Scottish coal workings, but on May 8, No. 70003 was used on the empties from Ferrybridge to Killoch and is seen at Ayr Blackhouse Jct, on the single line from Newton-on-Ayr to Annbank. STUART FOWLER

The radio survey train has been making regular visits to the south-west. Here 37604 and 37259 are at Exeter St David’s on May 4, having visited Exeter and Barnstaple. CHARLES G WOODLAND

to Crewe LNWR on May 3 to collect Class 86 No. 86424, which it conveyed to Long Marston before returning No. 86247 to Crewe LNWR where it will be stripped for spares.

Derby RTC & Network Rail

WITH the threat of further wintery conditions, MPV Nos. 98907+98957 appeared at

London Victoria (Eastern) during the evening of April 3 refitted with operational de-icing modules.

ELECTRO-DIESEL Nos. 73107 and 73138 top and tailed a track assessment test train into platform 2 at London Victoria on April 5, formed of vehicles Nos. 977696+977983+999550+6264.

CLASS 37 No. 37688 worked a

test train from East Ham to Peterborough on April 18.

CLASS 97 No. 97303 was observed stabled in the engineering sidings at Tywyn on the morning of May 4.

THE New Measurement Train, formed with power cars 43013+ 43062, passed through Edinburgh Waverley on May 8

while working from Heaton to Derby via Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Railcare Glasgow

STOCK present for repair on May 1 was: 170431 (C6+re-livery), 314211 (C3+) Departures during April were: 170427/30, 56425, 79425, 314204

THE off-lease Class 317/7 units are being moved from store at Ilford to Eastleigh Works. GBRf is providing the motive power.

The moves reported are: No. 317732 on April 11, hauled

by Class 66 No. 66724; No. 317708 on April 17, also hauled by No. 66724; No. 317723 on May 1, Class 66 No. 66723 doing the honours followed by No. 317709 on May 2, also hauled by No. 66723.

Our thanks

Working an empty nuclear fuel flask to the Naval Dockyard at Plymouth are DRS Class 20s 20303 and 20312 at the head of 6Z40, the 05.10 Crewe to Keyham. The train has just passed Aller divergence at the foot of the climb of Dainton bank on May 1. STEPHEN A GINN

THE Railway Magazine’s thanks for information go to: Bill Armstrong-Mortlock, John Atkinson, Paul Atkinson, David Birkby, Charles Cattell, Gene Collins, Alan Deans, Kevin Driscoll, Carl Earl, Stephen Ferrari, Steve Frost, Adrian Gillard, Barry Knock, Laura Knock, Jeffrey Lloyd, Rich Matthews, Richard Moxon, John Podgorski, Mr Pope, Dorian Porter, Mark Reynolds, R Richardson, Peter Sharples, Roger Smith, Mike Thompson, Craig Wellum, Bill Wilson, Derek Wilson, Colin Woof, Guy Woollven, Derrick Whyddle.

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 107

HERITAGE DIARY

Where to go for steam & classic traction in June & July ABBEY PUMPING STATION

June23-24,July7 Corporation Road, Leicester LE4 5PX (0116 299 51110). www.leicester.gov.uk/museums Museum open (February-October) 11.00-16.30.

Events: June 2 Teddies‘Jubilee’Railway Day, 23-24 Leicester Vintage Festival, July 7 Railway Gala Day.

ALDERNEY RAILWAY June2-4,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15, 21-22,28-29

Braye Road station, Alderney, Channel Islands GY9 3DA. www.alderneyrailway.com

AMBERLEY MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE DailyuntilNovember4

Houghton Bridge, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9LT (01798 831370). Open: 10.00-17.30. www.amberleynarrowgauge.co.uk Events: June 9-10 Mid-Summer Steam Weekend, July 14-15 Railway Gala Weekend.

AMERTON RAILWAY June1-10,16-17,23-24,30July1,7-8,14-15, 21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) Stowe-by-Chartley, Weston, Staffs ST18 OLA (01785 850965). www.amertonrailway.co.uk APEDALE VALLEY LIGHT RAILWAY (HOME Of THE MOSELEY RAILWAY TRUST) June2-4,9-10,16-17,23,30 July7,14-15,21,28

BRESSINGHAM STEAM & GARDENS

DailyuntilNovember4 Bressingham Steam Experience, Diss (01379 686906). www.bressingham.co.uk Open 11.00-16.00 Steam Days (Wednesday-Sunday), Bank Holiday Mondays and everyday in school holidays.

Events: July 1 Peppa Pig, 8 Charles Clark Rally, August 11 East Anglia Garden Railway Show.

BRISTOL HARBOUR RAILWAY June1-10,12-17,19-24,26-July1,3-8,10-15,17-22, 24-29,31 M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN (0117 3526600) www.mshed.org Museum open (Tuesday-Friday) 10.00-17.00, weekends 10.00-18.00.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE RAILWAY CENTRE June3-6,10,16-17,24,29-July13,15-18,22-August17 Quainton Road, Quainton, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 4BY (01296 655720). www.bucksrailcentre.org Events: June 9-10 Miniature Traction Engine Rally, 29-July 1 Days out with Thomas, 7 Children’s Proms Concert, 22, 25, 28-29 Summer Holidays Steaming.

BURE VALLEY RAILWAY

Opendaily(untilNovember4) Aylsham station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norfolk (01263 733858). www.bvrw.co.uk Events: June 2-5 Everything Goes, 17 Fathers’Day, July weekends Strawberries & Steam.

BURSLEDON LIGHT RAILWAY (HNGRT)

CREWE HERITAGE CENTRE June2-5,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,2829 Vernon Way, Crewe CW1 2DB (01270 212130). www.creweheritagecentre.co.uk Events: July 21 Centre’s 25th anniversary.

CRICH TRAMWAY VILLAGE Daily(untilNovember4) Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 5DP (01773 854321). www.tramway.co.uk Events: June 3-4 Beside the Seaside, 5 Jubilee Celebration, 2324 Rock and Roll Weekend, July 8 London 60, 14-15 Edwardian Weekend, 29 Mini Meet.

DARLINGTON RAILWAY MUSEUM HEAD Of STEAM

DARTMOOR RAILWAY Seewebsiteforrunningdays

Daily(untilNovember3) Harbour station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF (01766 516073). www.festrailway.co.uk

DEAN fOREST RAILWAY June6-7,9-10,13,16-17,20,23-24,27,30 July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,18,21-22,25-26,28-29 Norchard, Forest Road, Lydney (01594 845840). www.deanforestrailway.co.uk Events: June 9-10 (and August 17-19) Days out with Thomas, July 21 Bygone Branchline Day.

fOXfIELD RAILWAY June2-6,10,16-17,24 July1,4,8,11,15,18,21-22,25,29 Caverswall Road station, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent ST11 9EA (01782 396210/259667). www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk Events: June 2-5 Steam’n’Ale, 17 Fathers’Day Morris Minor Rally, July 11, 29 Steam Cream Land Cruise Trains, 14-15 Wickham Rally Weekend, 21-22 Summer Steam Gala.

OpenTuesdaytoSunday North Road Station, Darlington, DL3 6ST. (01325 460532). www.darlington.gov.uk/culture/headofsteam Open: 10.0016.00.

ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY July1,August5

BURY TRANSPORT MUSEUM OpenWednesday-Sunday

DERWENT VALLEY LIGHT RAILWAY June3-5,10,16-17,24 July1,8,15,22,29 Murton Park, Murton Lane, Murton, York YO19 5UF (telephone enquiries via Murton Park on 01904 489966). www.dvlr.org.uk Event: June 3-5 Jubilee 1950s Weekend, 16-17 Fathers’Day Vintage Transport Rally.

CALEDONIAN RAILWAY

DEVON RAILWAY CENTRE June1-10,12-17,19-24,26(thendailyuntilSeptember9) The Station, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Devon EX16 8RG (01884 855671). www.devonrailwaycentre.co.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, July 7-8 Teddy Bear Weekend.

AUDLEY END MINIATURE RAILWAY June1-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21 (thendailyuntilSeptember2)

Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JL (01799 542134). www.audley-end-railway.co.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, 24 Teddy Bears’Picnic.

AVON VALLEY RAILWAY June1-10,13,17,20,24,27 July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,18,21-22,24-26,28-29,31 Bitton station, Bath Road, Bitton BS30 6HD (0117 932 5538/7296). www.avonvalleyrailway.org Events: June 8-9 Real Ale Festival, 23 Murder Mystery.

BALA LAKE RAILWAY June2-10,12-14,16-17,19-21,23-24,26-28(thendaily untilSeptember2) Llanuwchllyn station, Gwynedd. www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk BARROW HILL ROUNDHOUSE RAILWAY CENTRE

June9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,28-29 Campbell Drive, Barrow Hill, Chesterfield (01246 472450).

Open: 10.00-16.00. www.barrowhill.org.uk Events: May 18-19 Rail Ale Festival.

BARRY TOURIST RAILWAY June9-10,16-17,July28-29 The Station Buildings, Barry Island, South Wales CF62 5TH. (01446 748816). www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk BARTON HOUSE RAILWAY June17,July15,August19

Barton House, Hartwell Road, Wroxham, Norfolk NR12 8TL (01603 782470/722858). www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk

June10,17,29, July1,7-8,14-15,22,29 The Station, Park Road, Brechin DD9 7AF (01356 622992). www.caledonianrailway.com Events: July 7-8, 14-15 Days out with Thomas.

CAMBRIAN HERITAGE RAILWAYS June2-5,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15, 21-22,28-29 Suite 1, Cambrian Visitor Centre, Oswald Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1RE (01691 688763). www.cambrianrailways.com Events: June 2-5 Jubilee events at Oswestry, 28-30 Making Tracks (outdoor play), July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Operating days at Oswestry (Llynclys dates above).

CARNfORTH STATION Opendaily Visitor Centre open (daily) 10am-4pm Carnforth station, Lancashire LA5 9TR. www.carnforthstation.co.uk Events: Commercial Vehicle Exhibition (until June 29).

CHASEWATER RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,26, 28-29,31 Chasewater Country Park, Pool Road, Brownhills, Staffs (01543 412121). www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk CHICHESTER & DISTRICT SOCIETY Of MODEL ENGINEERS June17,July15

Blackberry Lane, off Bognor Road, East Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7FS www.cdsme.co.uk Events: June 17, July 15 Steam on Sunday Open Afternoon.

BATTLEfIELD LINE June9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,17-18, 21-22,24-25,28-29,31 Shackerstone station, Shackerstone, Leics CV13 6NW (01827 880754). www.battlefield-line-railway.co.uk Station open (most Saturdays and Sundays) 11.45-17.00 and bank holidays.

Events: June 9-10 Peppa Pig, 23-24 1940s Weekend, July 14-15 Rails & Ales.

CHINNOR & PRINCES RISBOROUGH RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,16-17,24 July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,29 Chinnor station, Oxon OX39 4ER (timetable 01844 353535). www.chinnorrailway.co.uk Events: June 4 Classic Car Rally, 9 Fish’n’Chip Quiz Evening, 16 Wild Life on the Move, 17 Fathers’ Day, July 7 Murder Mystery Dining Train, 14 Wild Life on the Move, 15 Senior Citizens Day, 21 Fish’n’Chip Quiz Evening.

BLUEBELL RAILWAY Daily(untilNovember4) Sheffield Park station, East Sussex (01825 720800). www.bluebell-railway.co.uk Events: June 23-24 Sussex Food Festival, 30-July 1 Victorian Picnic, 7 Beer, Brass and Steam, 7-8 Model Railway Weekend, 15 Evening Songs of Praise, 21-22 Toy and Rail Collectors Fair.

June17,23-24,July7-8,28-29 Wallingford station, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford (01491 835067). www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, 23-24 Senior Citizens’Weekend, July 7-8 Ale on the Rail Weekend, 28-29 Guinness Weekend.

BODMIN & WENfORD RAILWAY Daily(untilOctober1)

Bodmin General station, Cornwall (01208 73666). www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk Events: June 16-17 Heritage Transport Festival, July 14-15 China Clay Weekend.

BO’NESS & KINNEIL RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,16-17, 23-24,30(thendailyuntilAugust27) Bo’ness station, Bo’ness, West Lothian EH51 9AQ (01506 822298). www.srps.org.uk/railway Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, July 28-29 Diesel gala, August 3-5 Days out with Thomas.

CHOLSEY & WALLINGfORD RAILWAY

CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY June2-6,9-10,16-17,24,27,30 July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,18,20-22,25,28-29 Station Road, Cheddleton ST13 7EE (01538 750755). www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk Events: June 9 Bus rally and swap meet, 27 Supper train (see website for dining trains), July 8 Velocipede Rally, 20-22 Rail Ale Trail.

COLEfORD GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY MUSEUM

Openonfridays,SaturdaysandBankHolidays The Old Railway Station, Railway Drive, Coleford, Gloucs GL16 8RH (01594 833569/832032). Open 14.30-17.00. www.colefordgwr.150m.com

BOWES RAILWAY

COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY June6-7,9-10,17,23-24,30 July1,8,15,22,25-26,29 Castle Hedingham, Essex CO9 3DZ (01787 461174). www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk Events: June 24 Model railway exhibition, July 8 Colne Valley at War, 22 Colne Valley Bus and Commercial Vehicles Rally.

BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

CORRIS RAILWAY June2-10,17,24 July1,7-8,14-15,21-24,28-31 Station Yard, Corris, Machynlleth SY20 9SH www.corris.co.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day (free travel for fathers with children), July 28-29 Family Fun Weekend.

OpenMondaystoSaturdays Springwell Village, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE9 7QJ (01914161847). www.bowesrailway.co.uk Site open all year Monday-Saturday, trains operate on selected Sundays and special days.

DailyforSeptember16 Pant station, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 2UP (01685 722988). www.breconmountainrailway.co.uk

ffESTINIOG RAILWAY

Okehampton station, Okehampton EX20 1EJ (01837 55164). www.dartmoor-railway.co.uk

Apedale Country Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 7LB (0845 0941953) www.avlr.org.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, July 7 Douglas Macmillan Day.

Bolton Street, Bury, Lancs BL9 0EY (0161 763 4457). www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/burytransportmuseum or email: transport.museum@east-lancs-rly.co.uk Open (Wednesday-Sunday) 10.00-16.00. Event: June 6 Tiny Train Stations craft workshop.

EXBURY GARDENS RAILWAY

Opendaily(untilNovember4) Exbury Gardens, Southampton SO45 1AZ (023 8089 1203).

Open 10.00-17.00. www.exbury.co.uk

fAIRBOURNE RAILWAY June2-10,12-14,16-17,19-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1,3-5, 7-8,10-12,14-15,17(thendailyuntilSeptember9) Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd LL38 2EX (01341 250362). www.fairbournerailway.com Event: June 3-4 Little to Large Event.

Seewebsiteforopeningtimes Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum, Coal Park Lane, Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7GW (01489 576248). www.hngrt.org.uk

East View Farm, Stone Lane, Ashmanhaugh, Norwich NR12 8YW (01603 404263) www.ashmanhaughlightrailway.co.uk

EVESHAM VALE LIGHT RAILWAY

July1,7-8,14-15,21-August31 Evesham Country Park, Twyford, Evesham, Worcs WR11 4TP (01386 422282). www.EVLR.co.uk Event: July 7-8 Steam Gala.

GARTELL LIGHT RAILWAY

June4,24,July28-29 Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset (01963 370752). www.glr-online.co.uk Event: July 28-29 Steam & Vintage Show.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RAILWAY June2-7,9-10,12-14,16-17,19-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1, 3-5,7-8,10-12,14-15,17-19,21-22,24-26,28-29,31 The Railway Station, Toddington (01242 621405). www.gwsr.com Events: June 10 Classic Vehicle Day, 16 Midsummer Murder Mystery, 17 GWR sponsored walk, July 15 Walkers’Sunday, 22 Classic Bus Rally.

DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY June2-10,13,16-17,20,23-24,27,30-July1,3-4,7-8,11, 14-15,17-22,24-26,28-29,31 Great Central Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire (01509 230726). www.gcrailway.co.uk Events: June 4-7 Teddy Bears’ Picnic, 8-10 Wartime Event, 16 Guided walk with Charnwood Borough Council, July 7-8 Mail by Rail with Postman Pat, 19-22 Days out with Thomas, 24-26, 31-August 2 Teddy Bears’Picnic.

Daily(untilSeptember16) Didcot, Oxon OX11 7NJ (01235 817200). www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk Event: June 23-24 Peppa Pig.

EAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM

Opendaily Chappel station, Wakes Colne, Colchester CO6 2DS (01206 242524). www.earm.co.uk Museum opens daily for static viewing 10.00-16.30. Event: July 7 Railex Day.

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (NOTTINGHAM) June2-4,9-10,17,24 July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,28-29 Mere Way, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6NX (off the A60) (0115 9405705). www. 217.158.157.207/ railways/CRN/index.htm Events: June 30-July 1 Miniature Traction Engine Rally, 7-8 Power of Industry Event.

EAST KENT RAILWAY June2-4,10,17,24 July1,7-8,15,22,28-29 White Cliffs Colliery Line, Station Road, Shepherdswell, Dover CT15 7PD (01304 832042). www.eastkentlightrailway. moonfruit.com Events: June 2-4 Teddies’Weekend, 17 Buses and commercial vehicles, July 7-8 Kids go free, 15 Classic Car Rally.

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY June1-10,13-17,20-24,27-30 July1,4-8,11-15,18-22,25-29 Bolton Street station, Bury, Lancs BL9 0EY (0161 764 7790). www.east-lancs-rly.co.uk Events: June 2-4 1940s Wartime Weekend, 9 Ramsbottom Rail Ale Trail, 10 Ramblers’Weekend, 16-17 Fathers’Day Rail Ale Trail, July 6-8 Summer Diesel Weekend, 21 Raise the Roof, 25 25th anniversary of ELR re-opening, 28 Beer-n-Boots Rail Ale Trail.

EASTLEIGH LAKESIDE STEAM RAILWAY June2-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21(thendaily untilSeptember2) Lakeside Country Park, Wide Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 5PE (02380 612020). www.steamtrain.co.uk Events: June 24 Summer Loco Gala, July 7-8 Days out with Thomas, 21-22 Visiting Locos’Weekend.

EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY June2-4,6,9-10,13,16-17,20,23-24,27,30-July1,4,7-8, 11,14-15,18,21-22,24-29.

Cranmore station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 4QP (01749 880417). www.eastsomersetrailway.com Events: June 23-24 Vintage Vehicle Steam Gala, 28-29 Models & Miniatures.

GROUDLE GLEN RAILWAY June3,10,17,20,24,27 July1,8,11,15,18,22,25,28-29 Onchan, Isle of Man (01624 670453). www.ggr.org.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, 20 and 24 Vintage Nostalgia Evenings, 24 Dreamcatcher Day, July 22 Jester Express Day and The Search for Excalibur, 28-29 Heritage Transport Festival Weekend.

GWILI RAILWAY June2-8,10,12-14,17,19-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1,3-5,78,10-12,14-15,17(thendailyuntilSeptember2) Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthen (01267 238213). www.gwili-railway.co.uk Events: June 23-24, 30, July 1, 7-8, 1415 Days out with Thomas, 21-22 Classic Transport Weekend.

Check website for details of dining trains.

HAYLING SEASIDE RAILWAY June2-10,13,16-17,20,23-24,27,30-July1,4,7-8,11,1415,18,21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) Hayling Island, Hants (023 9237 2427). www.haylingseasiderailway.com HEATHERSLAW LIGHT RAILWAY

Daily(untilOctober31) Ford Forge, Heatherslaw, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland TD12 4TJ (01890 8203170). www.heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk

HOLLYCOMBE STEAM COLLECTION (QUARRY RAILWAY) June2-5,10,17,24 July1,8,15,21-22,28-29

ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY June2-5,7,9-10,12,16-17,19,23-24,26,30-July1,3, 7-8,10,14-15,17,21-22,24,28-29,31 Wirksworth station, off Coldwell Street, Wirksworth DE4 4FB (01629 823076). www.e-v-r.com Events: June 2-5 Wirksworth Carnival and Jubilee open days, 23-24 Diesel Locomotive Weekend, 24 Shottle station official opening day, July 1 Classic Bus Rally, 21-22 Classic Transport Weekend.

Iron Hill, Liphook, Hants GU30 7LP. www.hollycombe.co.uk Events: June 24 Bus rally, July 1 Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’Club, 8 Circus Fun Children’s Day, 15 MG Car Club run to Hollycombe, 21-22 Fairground Weekend, 28-29 Beer Festival.

ISLE Of MAN STEAM RAILWAY

Daily(untilSeptember9) Douglas, Isle of Man (01624 663366). www.iombusandrail.info/events Events: June 17 Dad’s Day Out.

ELSECAR HERITAGE RAILWAY June3-5,10,17,23-24 July1,8,15,22,25,29 Elsecar Heritage Centre, Wath Road, Elsecar, Barnsley S74 8HJ (01226 746746). Open daily for static viewing. www.elsecarrailway.co.nr Events: June 5 Diamond Jubilee Celebration, 23-24 Teddy Bears’Picnic.

EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,12,16-17,19,23-24,26,30-July1,3,7-8,10, 14-15,17,21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) Bolton Abbey station, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6AF (01756 710614). www.embsayboltonabbeyrail way.org.uk Events: June 2-5 Days out with Thomas.

ISLE Of WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY Daily(untilSeptember20) The Station, Haven Street PO33 4DS (01983 882204). www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk Events: June 3 Isle of Wight Festival of Transport, 16 Midsummer Jazz, Isle of Wight 150, 17 Fathers’ Day specials, 30-July 1 The 1940s Experience, 7 Midnight Train to Smallbrook, 14-15 Island Motor Show, 21-24 Days out with Thomas, 29 Jaguar Classic Car Show.

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY

Daily(untilSeptember9) Haworth station, Keighley BD22 8NJ (01535 645214). www.kwvr.co.uk

July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 109

HERITAGE DIARY KEITH AND DUFFTOWN RAILWAY June8-10,15-17,22-24,29-July1,6-8,13-15,20-22,27-29 Dufftown Station, Dufftown, Banffshire AB55 4BA (01340 821181 (Friday-Sunday), 01343 870429 (Monday-Thursday). www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk Events: June 30 Pie and Pint Night.

MIDDLETON RAILWAY June2-4,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,25, 28-29 The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd, The Station, Moor Road, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2JQ (0113 271 0320). www.middletonrailway.org.uk Events: June 23-24 Steam Gala.

KENT & EAST SUSSEX LIGHT RAILWAY June2-10,13-14,16-17,20-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1,4-5, 7-8,10-12,14-15,17-19,21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) Tenterden TN30 6HE (01580 765155). www.kesr.co.uk Events: June 5 Diamond Jubilee Celebration, 6 and 20 Fish and Chip special, 16 CAMRA beer festival, 17 Fathers’Day, 30-July 1 World War One event, 4, 18, 25 Fish & Chip Special, 14-15 Sussex & Kent Weald Stationary Engine Group Rally at Tenterden, 21-23 Days out with Thomas.

MID-HANTS RAILWAY June2-10,12-14,16-17,19-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1,3-5, 7-8,10-12,14-15,17-19,21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) The Station, Alresford, Hants SO24 9JG (01962 733810). www.watercressline.co.uk Events: June 9-10 War on the Line. (check website for details of dining trains), July 15 Alton Bus Rally.

KEW BRIDGE STEAM MUSEUM

OpenTuesday-SundayandBankHolidayMondays Green Dragon Lane, Brentford TW8 OEN (Kew Bridge station) (020 8568 4757). Open: 11.00-16.00. www.kbsm.org

KIRKLEES LIGHT RAILWAY June2-10,12-17,19-24,26-July1,3-8,10-15,17(thendaily untilSeptember2) Clayton West station, Huddersfield (01484 865727). www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Events: July 14-15, Aug 17-20 Days out with Thomas.

LAKESIDE & HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY

Daily(untilNovember4) Haverthwaite station, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL (01539 531594). www.lakesiderailway.co.uk Events: June 16-17 Family Fun Weekend.

LARTIGUE MONORAIL Daily(untilSeptember15) John B Keane Road, Listowel, Co Kerry, Ireland (00 353(0) 6824393). www.lartiguemonorail.com

MIDLAND RAILWAY-BUTTERLEY June2-10,16-17,22-24,30-July1,6-8,14-15,21(thendaily untilSeptember2)

Butterley Station, Ripley, Derbyshire (01773 747674). www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk Events: June 2-5 Royals on Rails, 7-10 Days out with Thomas, 30-July 1 Free for Disabled Weekend, 6-8 Indietracks Festival, 14-15 1960s Weekend, narrow gauge event, garden railway weekend, 15 Road rally.

MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY June2-10,13-14,16-17,20-21,23-25,27-28,30-July1,3-8, 10-15,17-22,24-29,31-August5 Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk (01362 690633). www.mnr.org.uk Events: June 16 and July 13-14 Fish’n’Chip Specials, 23-24 1960s Weekend, 25 and July 28 Evening Jazz Train.

MID-SUFFOLK RAILWAY

June3-5,17,July8,27-29 Brockford station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket IP14 5PW (01449 766899). www.mslr.org.uk Events: May 6-7 Middy in the War Years, June 3-5 Laxfield Thunderbolt, 17 Moving the Goods, July 8 Classic Buses, 27-29 Light Railway Gala.

MONKWEARMOUTH STATION MUSEUM

LAUNCESTON STEAM RAILWAY June3-5,10-12,17-19,24-26,July1(thendailyuntil September22-exceptSaturdays) St Thomas Road, Launceston, Cornwall PL15 8DA (01825750515). www.launcestonsr.co.uk

Opendaily North Bridge Street, Sunderland SR5 1AP (0191 567 7075). www.twmuseums.org.uk/monkwearmouth Open MondaySaturday (10.00-17.00), Sunday (14.00-17.00). Free admission.

LAVENDER LINE June10,17,24 July1,7-8,15,22,29 Isfield station, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5XB (01825 750515). www.lavender-line.co.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day, 24 Goods Train Day, July 7-8 Diesel Gala.

Opendaily Ingrow Railway Centre (on the main A629 Keighley-Halifax road), South Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 5AX (01535 680425). www.Ingrowrailwaycentre.co.uk Open daily (11.00-16.00).

LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY June2-5,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,24-26,29,31-August2 Page’s Park station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN (01525 373888). www.buzzrail.co.uk Events: June 3-4 Little Chuffers; Bank Holiday, 17 Fathers’Day, 24 Vintage Vehicles’Rally.

Opendaily Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester M3 4FP (0161 832 2244). www.mosi.org.uk Open: 10.00-17.00. Free admission.

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY

June3-5,17,July1,8,22 Ludborough station, Grimsby DN35 5QS (01507 363881). www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk Events: May 6-7 May Day Celebration, June 3-4 Teddy Bears’Weekend, 5 Queen’s Jubilee Special, 17 Classic Car Show, July 1, 8 Strawberries and Cream.

LLANBERIS LAKE RAILWAY

Daily(untilAugust 31) Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4TY (01286 870549). www.lake-railway.co.uk

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY Daily(untilOctober7)

The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN (01978 860979). www.llangollen-railway.co.uk Events: June 2-5 Days out with Thomas, 9 Real Ale Train, 23-24 Heritage Railcar Gala, July 14 Jack the Ripper and the Whitechapel Murders, 28-29 1960s Weekend.

LOCOMOTION: THE NRM AT SHILDON

Opendaily Shildon, Co Durham. Free admission (10.00-16.00) (01388 777999). www.nrm.org.uk

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM Opendaily

Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB (020 7565 7299 - 24hour recorded information, 020 7379 6344 - switchboard). www.ltmuseum.co.uk

LONDON TRANSPORT MUSEUM DEPOT

MUSEUM OF RAIL TRAVEL

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

Leeman Road, York (0844 8153 139). www.nrm.org.uk Open: 10.00-18.00. Free admission.

NENE VALLEY RAILWAY June2-10,13-14,16-17,20,23-24,27,30-July1,7-8,11,1415,18,21-22,24-26,28-29,31-August2 Wansford station, Stibbington, Peterborough (01780 784444). www.nvr.org.uk Events: June 2-5 Thomas’Special June Bank Holiday, 17 Thomas’Fathers’Day, 23-24 Thomas’Birthday Party, 30 Steamin’Blues, July 7 Murder Mystery Evening, 14-15 Railmail and Vintage Weekend, 22 Thomas’Big Adventure, 29 Classic Car Gala.

NORTHAMPTON & LAMPORT RAILWAY June2-4,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,28-29

Brampton station, Chapel Brampton, Northants NN6 8BA (01604 820327). www.nlr.org.uk Events: June 2-4 Branch Line Experience, 17 Fathers’Day, July 28-29 Vintage Vehicles.

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY Daily(untilNovember4)

The Station, Sheringham NR26 8RA (01263 820800). www.nnrailway.co.uk Events: June 16-17 125th Anniversary and David Shepherd Weekend, 22-24 Titfield Thunderbolt Weekend, July 1-8 Quad-Art Set Week, 1 Vintage Transport Festival, 13-15 Beer festival.

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY

Woody Bay station, Parracombe, Devon EX31 4RA (01598 763487). www.lynton-rail.co.uk Events: June 4-5 Diamond Jubilee special trains, 17 Fathers’Day free driving experience.

Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2DL. www.oldkilnlightrailway.com Event: July 29 Rustic Sunday.

MANGAPPS RAILWAY MUSEUM June2-4,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,2829

PEAK RAIL June2-6,9-10,13,16-17,20,23-24,27,30 July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,18,21-22,24-25,28-29,31

Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (01621 784898). www.mangapps.co.uk Events: June 3-4 Jubilee holiday steam.

Matlock station, Derbyshire DE4 3NA (01629 580381). www.peakrail.co.uk Events: June 17 Peak Park Preserved Bus Gathering, July 15 Falconry Display, 29 Mobile Miniature Farm.

MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY

PERRYGROVE RAILWAY June2-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21(thendaily untilSeptember2) Perrygrove Road, Coleford, Gloucs GL16 8QB (01594 834991). www.perrygrove.co.uk Events: June 3 (and July 7) Mr Chuffity & the Friendly Engines’Day, 9 Diesel Day, 17 (and July 14) Driver for a Fiver, 24 (and July 22) Vintage Trains Day.

Next to Kempton Park Pumping Station, Snakey Lane, Middlesex TW13 6XH (01932 765328). www.hamptonkemptonrailway.org.uk Event: June 16-17 MWB Railway Society display.

ROMNEY, HYTHE & DYMCHURCH RAILWAY

Daily(untilNovember4) New Romney station, Kent (01797 362353/6). www.rhdr.org.uk Events: June 30-July 1 Days out with Thomas.

PONTYPOOL & BLAENAVON RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22, 28-29 Off B4248 between Blaenavon and Brynmawr www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk Events: June 2-4 Family Fun Weekend, 5 QEII Diamond Jubilee, 30 World Heritage Day, July 1 Garn Lakes Day, 7-8 Wartime Weekend, 21-22 Model Railway Show.

110 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

STRATHSPEY RAILWAY June1-4,6-10,13-17,20-24,27 (thendailyuntilSeptember2) Aviemore station, Dalfaber Road, Inverness-shire (01479 810725). www.strathspeyrailway.net Events: June 4 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Day, July 14-15 Strathspey Steam Fair and Tractorfest.

SWANAGE RAILWAY

Daily(untilNovember4) Swanage Station, Dorset BH19 1HB (01929 425800). www.swanagerailway.co.uk

SWINDON & CRICKLADE RAILWAY June2-6,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,28-29 Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA (01793 771615). www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org Shop open 11.00-16.00 (Saturdays, Sundays and special events). Events: June 2-5 Real Ale, Cider and Jazz Festival, 17 Fathers’Day, 22 (and July 27) Murder Mystery Evening, July 21-22 Kids Go Free Weekend.

TALYLLYN RAILWAY

Daily(untilNovember4) Wharf station, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EY (01654 710472). www.talyllyn.co.uk Museum open 10.00-14.00. Events: June 7 The Children’s Duncan Day, 14 and 21 Victorian Trains, 17 Fathers’ Day, July 5, 12, 19 Victorian Trains, 31 Quiz Evening (themed train with entertainment from Abergynolwyn Silver Band).

TANFIELD RAILWAY

RUDYARD LAKE RAILWAY June2-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,4,7-8,11,14-15,18,21 (thendailyuntilSeptember2)

June3-5,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,25-26,29 Marley Hill Engine Shed, Old Marley Hill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE16 5ET (for sat navs) (0845 463 4938). www.tanfieldrailway.co.uk Events: June 3-5 Jubilee Weekend, 17 Fathers’Day.

RUSHDEN, HIGHAM AND WELLINGBOROUGH RAILWAY Openweekends

TEIFI VALLEY RAILWAY June3-7,10-14,17-21,24-28 July1-August31 Henllan station, Henllan, Llandysul, SA44 5TD (01559 371077). www.teifivalleyrailway.org Events: July 1 and August 5 Car boot sales.

Rudyard station, Rudyard Road, Rudyard, Leek, Staffs ST13 8PF (01538 306704). www.rlsr.org Events: June 2-5 Lollipop Specials.

Rushden Transport Museum, Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden, Northants NN10 0AW (01933 353111).

Open 14.00-16.00 (Saturday) and 10.00-16.00 (Sunday) . www.rhts.co.uk Events: June 3-4 Spring Fair and Jubilee Celebrations, 17 Fathers’Day, 30-July 1 Travelling Post Office Weekend, 21-22 Teddy Bears’Picnic.

RUTLAND RAILWAY MUSEUM

Open:Tuesday,Thursday,Sunday Ashwell Road, Cottesmore, Oakham LE15 7BX (01572 813203 or 01780 764118 after 16.00). www.rutlandrailwaymuseum.org.uk Museum open (11.0016.00). Volunteer working day on Tuesdays.

SCOTTISH INDUSTRIAL RAILWAY CENTRE (OPERATED

BY THE AYRSHIRE RAILWAY PRESERVATION GROUP) June24,July1,8,15,22,29

Daily(untilOctober7) Bewdley, Worcs DY12 1BG (01299 403816). www.svr.co.uk Events: June 16-17 Bridgnorth Station Gala, 2324 and 30-July 1 Step Back to the 1940s, 21-22 Peep Behind the Scenes. (check website for details of dining opportunities).

OLD KILN LIGHT RAILWAY June3,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,29

METROPOLITAN WATER BOARD RAILWAY June16-17

RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY June2-4,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15, 21-22,28-29 Albert Edward Dock, Riversway Docklands, Preston. www.ribblesteam.org.uk Events: June 17 Classic Cars and Bikes, July 14-15 Friendly Engines & G-Wizz, 21-22 Friendly Engines – Riversway Festival.

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Opendaily

LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY June1-10,12-17,19-24,26(thendailyuntilSeptember27)

Station Road, Maud, Aberdeenshire AB42 5LY. (01771 622906).

Open noon to 16.00. Enquiries: bdp@scotmail.net

RHYL MINIATURE RAILWAY

June1-10,14-17,21-24,28(thendailyuntilAugust31) Central Station, Marine Lake, Wellington Road, Rhyl LL18 1LN (01352 759109). www.rhylminiaturerailway.co.uk

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM

Opendaily Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH (01924 848806). www.ncm.org.uk Open: 10.00-17.00.

Free admission.

Daily(untilNovember4) Pickering station YO18 7AJ (01751 472508). www.nymr.co.uk Events: June 9-10 60s Weekend, 18 Olympic Torch, July 14-15 Classic Cars and Vehicles Weekend.

MAUD RAILWAY MUSEUM Ringmuseumforopeningtimes

RHIW VALLEY LIGHT RAILWAY

September1-2 Manafon, Berriew, Powys. www.rvlr.co.uk

Dunaskin Heritage Centre, Dalmellington Road, Waterside, Patna, Ayrshire, KA6 7JF (01292 313579 evenings and weekends). www.arpg.org.uk Events: Steam open days on dates listed.

Monthlyguidedtours 2 Museum Way, 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, London W3. www.ltmuseum.co.uk (check the website for open weekends and guided tours) Tickets for guided tours must be pre-booked – book online or telephone the booking office on 020 7565 7298.

Daily(untilOctober7) Douglas, Isle of Man. www.manxelectricrailway.co.uk and www.iombusandrail.info/events

RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY Daily(untilNovember4) Ravenglass, Cumbria (01229 717171). www.ravenglassrailway.co.uk Events: Daily until October 31 Photographic Competition, June 5 Diamond Jubilee Brass and Bunting, 17 Beer, Bangers’n’Steam Special, 20 and July 18 Steam and Romans.

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

SITTINGBOURNE & KEMSLEY LIGHT RAILWAY June3-5,10,17,24 July1,7-8,15,22,29 Viaduct station, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 2DZ (01795 424899). www.sklr.net Event: July 7-8 Steam & Beer.

SNAEFELL MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

Daily(untilOctober7) Laxey Station, Snaefell, Isle of Man. (01624 675222) www.iombusandrail.info/events Events: July 25-29 Manx Heritage Transport Festival.

SOMERSET & DORSET RAILWAY

OpenSundaysandMondays Midsomer Norton South station, Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, Avon BA3 2EY (01761 411221). Open 10.00-16.00 (Sundays)for static viewing and 13.00-16.00 (Mondays). www.sdjr.co.uk

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

Daily(untilNovember4) The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon (0845 345 1420). www.southdevonrailway.org Events: June 2-5 Diamond Jubilee Weekend, 17 Fathers’Day, July 7-8 Military Weekend.

SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY June2-5,7,9-10,12,14,16-17,19,21,23-24,26,28,30-July 1,3,5,7-8,10,12,14-15,17(thendailyuntilSeptember2) The Station, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3JB (01434 381696. Talking timetable 01434 382828). www.strps.org.uk SPA VALLEY RAILWAY June2-5,7-10,14,16-17,21-24,28,30-July1,5,7-8,12,1415,19,21-22,26-29

West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY (01892 537715). www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Events: June 16 Peppa Pig, 22-24 Steaming through the 40s, 30 Gilbert and Sullivan event, July 7 DEMU anniversary day, 21 Meet Bob the Builder.

STEAM—RAILWAY MUSEUM OF THE GWR Opendaily Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA (01793 466646). www.steam-museum.org.uk Open: 10.00-17.00. The library and archive is open 10.00-16.00 (Monday to Friday) by appointment only (01793 466607).

STEEPLE GRANGE LIGHT RAILWAY June2-5,10,17,24 July1,7-8,14-15,21-22, 28-29 Steeplehouse Station, Old Porter Lane, Wirksworth, Derbyshire (DE4 4LS for sat navs) (07769 802587). www.steeplegrange.co.uk Events: June 17 Fathers’Day. STEPHENSON RAILWAY MUSEUM June2-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21(thendaily untilSeptember2) North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, Middle Engine Lane, West Chirton, North Shields NE29 8DX (0191 2007146). www.ntsra.org.uk Events: June 17 Real Ale Event.

TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY

June3-4,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,29 Old Loco Shed, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF (07765 858348). www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk Event: June 17 Fathers’ Day Drive a Steam Engine, July 15 Model Gala.

TWYFORD WATERWORKS

June10,July8 Hazeley Road, Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire SO21 1QA (01962 714716). www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk Event: June 10 Railway Gala Open Day, July 8 Miniature Steam Power Open Day.

WEARDALE RAILWAY June2-5,9-10,16-17,23-24,30-July1,7-8,14-15,21-22,27-29 The Weardale Railway Trust Ltd, (or Weardale Railways CIC), Stanhope Station, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham DL13 2YS (DL14 7AL for sat navs) (01388 526203, reservations/enquiries: 0845 6001348). www.weardalerailway.org.uk or www.weardale-railway.com Events: June 17 Fathers’Day. WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY (C) June1-14,16-21,23-24,26-July8,10 (thendailyuntilSeptember20) Harbour station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF (01766 516000). www.festrail.co.uk (Bookings: Porthmadog 01766 516024, Caernarfon 01286 677018).

WELSH HIGHLAND HERITAGE RAILWAY

Daily(untilSeptember16) The Station, Tremadog Road, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9DY (01766 513402). www.whr.co.uk Events: June 9-10 Teddy Bears’ Picnic, 23-24 Slate Industrial Exhibition.

WELSHPOOL & LLANFAIR LIGHT RAILWAY June2-10,12-14,16-17,19-21,23-24,26-28,30-July1,3-5, 7-8,1-12,14-15,17-19,21(thendailyuntilSeptember2) The Station, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, Powys SY21 0SF (01938 810441). www.wllr.org.uk Events: June 23-24, July 21-22 Pickering carriages.

WENSLEYDALE RAILWAY June1-10,12,15-17,19,22-24,26,29-July1,3,6-8,10,13 (thendailyuntilSeptember9) Leeming Bar station, Leases Road, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9AR (Ticketline 08454 50 54 74). www.wensleydalerailway.com Events: June 20 Olympic Torch Relay visits Wensleydale and Aysgarth Falls station open day, 23 Guided walk, 23 Summer Jazz and Real Ale Train.

WEST LANCASHIRE LIGHT RAILWAY

June3-5,10,17,24 July1,8,15,22,29 Station Road, Hesketh Bank, Preston, Lancs PR4 6SP (01772 815881) www.wllr.net

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY

Daily(untilOctober11) The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG (01643 704996). www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk Events: Every Wednesday and Saturday (until November 3)‘Dunster Castle Express’. June 24, July 1, 15‘Quantock Belle’luncheon train, June 6, 9, 13, 20, 23, 27, 30‘Hestercombe Express’, June 30 Murder Mystery Special, June 15-17 Mixed Traction Weekend, 22 and July 13 Cheese and Cider Special, 28 Fish and Chip Special.

YEOVIL RAILWAY CENTRE

June10,23-24,30-July1,8,22 Yeovil Junction station, Stofold, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9UU. www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com Shop open 10.00-12.00 (every Sunday). Events: June 10, 30, July 1, 5, 9, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 Main line steam, June 10, July 8, 22 Steam train and main line steam day, June 23-24 Gala (provisional).

Youreventshouldbeinhere!

The Railway Magazine is anxious to learn all about your rail-related events. Contact Jon Longman, c/oThe Railway Magazine, Mortons Media Ltd, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR or email railway@mortons.co.uk Event organisers – please ensure that your entry has contact details and let us have your entries by the deadline (see page 108 for details).

It is advisable to contact the event organiser before setting out on your journey as we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies or changes in event details.

Please note that many museums’opening times may be subject to change on public holidays.

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Buy now from stock, nationwide delivery available.

Visit www.smdd.co.uk or call on 01594 833308

WANTED cpyclark@talktalk.net Please call 01788 521491

PADDINGTON TICKET AUCTIONS 4 THE GLEBE CLAPHAM BEDFORD MK41 6GA

FOR SALE

The market leaders in the auction of old railway tickets, bus and tram tickets, railway stamps, luggage labels and ephemera.

Thinking of selling your collection? Achieve the full market value for your old tickets and labels through auction. Auctions held quarterly in Central London. Go to our website at:

www.paddingtontickecketauctions.co.uk for details, or speak to us on 01234 327685

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Magazine 112 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

A colour illustrated catalogue is published at least two weeks before each auction and is available at the cover price £6 or by subscription £20 for four issues from the address above.

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Friends of e Railway Magazine A link to The RM is now included on the websites of several heritage railways and rail enthusiast organisations. Among the ‘Friends of The Railway Magazine’ sites are: 22. ENGINE SHED SOCIETY and ABRAIL 1. GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY www.abrail.co.uk www.gcrailway.co.uk 2. FFESTINIOG RAILWAY www.festrail.co.uk 23. MIDDLETON RAILWAY www.middletonrailway.org.uk 3. NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY www.nnrailway.co.uk 24. EAST SOMERSET RAILWAY www.eastsomersetrailway.com 4. RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY OF IRELAND www.rpsi-online.org 25. DEAN FOREST RAILWAY www.deanforestrailway.co.uk 5. SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY www.southdevonrailway.org 26. PEAK RAIL www.peakrail.co.uk 6. EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM 27. SCARBOROUGH RAILWAY SOCIETY RAILWAY www.scarboroughrailwaysociety.org.uk www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk 28. LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY 7. TALYLLYN RAILWAY www.talyllyn.co.uk www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk 8. MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY www.mnr.org.uk 29. ROYAL DEESIDE RAILWAY www.deeside-railway.co.uk 9. SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY www.strps.org.uk 30. PUBS NEAR THE STATION www.pubsnearthestation.com 10. SCOTTISH RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY www.srps.org.uk 31. PUBS NEAR THE TUBE www.pubsnearthetube.com 11. SPA VALLEY RAILWAY www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk 32. GREAT WESTERN (SVR) ASSOCIATION www.gw-svr-a.org.uk 12. BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk 33. RODGERS RAIL www.rodgersrail.fotopic.net 13. CHOLSEY & WALLINGFORD RAILWAY www.cholsey-wallingford-railway.com 34. STEPHENSON LOCOMOTIVE SOCIETY www.stephensonloco.org.uk 14. FAIRBOURNE RAILWAY www.fairbournerailway.com 35. MARLOW & DISTRICT RAILWAY SOCIETY www.mdrs.org.uk 15. CALEDONIAN RAILWAY www.caledonianrailway.co.uk 36. GAINSBOROUGH MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY www.gainsboroughmodelrailway.co.uk 16. BURE VALLEY RAILWAY www.bvrw.co.uk 37. WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY 17. BRITISH TRAMS ON LINE www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk www.britishtramsonline.co.uk 38. CONTINENTAL RAILWAY CIRCLE 18. EAST ANGLIAN RAILWAY MUSEUM www.continentalrailwaycircle.org.uk www.earm.co.uk 39. RAILWAY PERFORMANCE SOCIETY 19. CHASEWATER RAILWAY www.railperf.org.uk www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk 40. LNER (SVR) COACH FUND 20. BOWES RAILWAY www.lnersvrcoachfund.org.uk www.bowesrailway.co.uk 21. BARROW HILL ROUNDHOUSE 41. KEITH & DUFFTOWN RAILWAY www.barrowhill.org.uk www.keith-dufftown-railway.co.uk

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So simply complete the form below (you can photocopy it if you wish) and take it to your local newsagent today.

NEWSAGENT ORDER FORM

■ Please reserve / deliver* a copy of The Railway Magazine on a regular basis, starting with the .................................... issue (*delete as appropriate) Initials.........................Surname ...............................................................................................

Address....................................................................................................................................... ................................................................Postcode ....................................................................

Daytime tel No.......................................................................................................................... email ...........................................................................................................................................

How to submit digital photos ■ For publication, take pictures at largest size, resolution and compression.

■ Hi-res JPEGs or TIFFs should be resized to min 7x5in at 300dpi with no layers or sharpening (with TIFFs, select byte order as‘PC’).

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NP_91104Retford070410.jpg ■ If posting CDs, send thumbnails and captions. We cannot return CDs. ■ If e-mailing shots, send only 72dpi initially at max size of 8x6in. Your co-operation is appreciated.

Newton Replicas Britain’s Leading Nameplate Manufacturer

Replicas and originals of Nameplates, Headboards, Numberplates, Shed Plates, Depot Plaques and more

Our full catalogue and price list is on our website or a printed version is available by sending two first class stamps to:

24 Beaulieu Gardens, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 7TL Tel: 0115 859 1036 Email: sales@newtonreplicas.com Website: www.newtonreplicas.com July 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 113

Prize crossword Sponsored by

The NOSTALGIA Collection Visit us at www.nostalgiacollection.com ■ Puzzle compiled by WILL ADAMS

£100 worth of Nostalgia Collection books to be won

Book offer of the month

Book offer of the month: The crossword winner and two runners-up

can choose books worth £50 and £25 respectively from the Nostalgia Collection, while other readers can take advantage of the special Railway Magazine ‘Book Offer of the Month’. This month’s offer is The Severn Valley Railway Past & Present Volume 2, normally £19.99 but offered to readers for the special price of £17 inc p&p. How to order: Call 01536 330588 (24-hr) with your credit/debit card details; or access the website shown on left; or write to: Nostalgia Collection, The Trundle, Ringstead Road, Great Addington, Northants NN14 4BW; or email sales@nostalgiacollection.com (Please quote The RM).

Across

Down

1 6 down station (2,6) 5 ‘West Country’4-6-2 No. 34004 (6) 9 Steam loco with a 4-4-2 wheel arrangement (8) 10 and 26 down ___ & ___ Canal, followed by the GWR’s Berks & Hants line (6,4) 12 LMS high-pressure compound 4-6-0 No. 6399 (4) 13 Vale of ___ Railway, Aberystwyth-Devil’s Bridge (7) 17 What A3 No. 60111 and D1000 have in common (10) 19 Popular York attraction, in short!

(1,1,1) 21 River ___,‘Ratty’2-8-2 (3) 22 Roundhouse at Staveley (6,4) 24 The 50th A1 (7) 25 Herring ___, former name of the second Sir Ralph Wedgwood (4) 28 Apparently not a difficult CR station between Coupar Angus and Forfar! (6) 30 The Railway ___, journal of the RCTS (8) 31 ___ Hill, first station on the Midland’s Bristol line from Mangotsfield (6) 32 No. 50049 on the GWR west of Saltash? (8)

July crossword entry form Name...................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................. ..............................................................................................Postcode ..............................

Send completed form (photocopies are accepted) to: July Crossword Quiz, The Railway Magazine, Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle LN9 6JR. The closing date is July 6, 2012. Winners will be announced in the September 2012 issue.

The winners will be the senders of the first all-correct solutions opened in our office.

On occasion, Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to contact you by post/phone regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you do not wish to receive such offers please tick this box. ❏ On occasion, Mortons Media Group Ltd may decide to email/fax you regarding information relating to current offers of products or services (including discounted subscription offers) which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you wish to receive such offers, please tick this box. ❏ On occasion, Mortons Media Group Ltd may permit third parties, that we deem to be reputable, to contact you by post/phone/fax/email regarding information relating to current offers of products or services which we believe may be of interest to our readers. If you wish to receive such offers please tick this box. ❏

1 and 23 down ‘Merchant Navy’ 4-6-2 No. 35009 (4,6) 2 Word coupled to 21 across on the ‘Ratty’ (4) 3 D801 (8) 4 ___ Hill, station between Manchester and Wigan (5) 6 ‘West Country’ 4-6-2 No. 34001 (6) 7 Terminus of a Cambrian branch from Caersws (3) 8 ___ Junction, GWR junction of the Abergavenny and Monmouth lines east of Pontypool (6,4) 11 Clan ___, BR Standard No. 72003 (6) 14 St ___ Junction, on the GWR’s Newquay branch (6) 15 D839 (10) 16 Old term for a loco fireman (6) 18 Station between Wrexham and Gobowen (6) 20 Terminus of the Cambrian Coast line (8) 23 See 1 down 25 Great ___, No D4 (5) 26 See 10 across 27 Pear ___ & Normanton, MR station near Derby (4) 29 ___ Eagle, A1 No. 60139 (3)

Solution to the May issue No. 196.

Across: 8 Boscarne; 9 Lancer; 10 Stub; 11 CGT; 12 New Hey; 13 Alston; 15 Yeomanry; 17 Dorothy; 19 Dolgoch; 22 Scotsgap; 24 Salmon; 25 Orwell; 27 Car; 28 Raft; 29 Bolton; 30 Abercorn.

Down: 1 Portillo; 2 LCGB; 3 Brecon; 4 Merthyr; 5 Llandogo; 6 Snow; 7 Meteor; 14 Trout; 16 Angel; 18 Highland; 20 Cromford; 21 Special; 23 Curzon; 24 Street; 26 Erth; 28 Rack.

May winner: Miss J Parsons, Bristol.

Runners-up: Ian Rushbrook, Chelmsford, Essex; Graham Hobson, Newport, Shropshire.

The closing date for this month’s crossword is July 6, 2012.

The Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence can be entered into. No employee (including the immediate families) of Mortons Media Ltd or any subsidiary company, and The Nostalgia Collection or any subsidiary company, or any company associated with the production of The Railway Magazine, may enter this competition. No purchase necessary. No cash alternatives are offered and prizes are not transferable. Responsibility cannot be accepted for delayed, lost or damaged entry forms.

Where is it? Our pictorial quiz, for fun only LAST month’s mystery image (right) was Barry Island station. It is the only remaining active station on the Barry Island branch of theVale of Glamorgan line since the closure of Barry Pier station in 1976.The station was opened in 1896 and was also used byVale of Glamorgan Railway heritage operations until 2008.

Now can you identify where these cement wagons are? Answer next month.

Next month 114 • The Railway Magazine • July 2012

The August issue will be on sale on July 4. Thank you for choosing The Railway Magazine