Speculation as to whether the Government’s announcement that they are to pause the electrification of the Midland Mainline might adversely affect the project to bridge the gap between both preserved section’s of the former Great Central Railway mainline has been mounting. Great Central Railway PLC have released the below statement to inform us of the situation. There…
Two years ago the Bluebell Railway realized a significant ambition by re-connecting with East Grinstead. The northern extension was a remarkable feat and achievement for the preserved line. The completed northern extension has proven to be beneficial to the Bluebell Railway and beyond for the local economy. Since then the railway opened the extension it has…
Somehow over a month has gone by since the last Watercress Line update. It seems that time does fly when you’re having fun and that’s exactly why many people are currently visiting the line. Thomas the Tank Engine is currently ruling the roost at Ropley, with many of his adoring fans and their parents visiting the railway. …
The brand new UKHH E-zine (Issue 58) has been released today, 13th August, and is ready to download and read at your leisure. To find the magazine follow the link – ukheritagehub.co.uk/ UKHH58 It works on smart phones and tablets too, so you’ll be able to read on the go! Our thanks to everyone, whom continues to contribute…
There are currently three vacancies being advertised to join me in working on the Watercress Line’s CanPac Project – Engineering a Future from the Past. We are looking for an Outreach and Interpretation Officer and two Apprentices (a Carpenter and a Fabricator.) The project has a number of engineering, publicity and educational elements that will see…
Today we have received some fantastic news. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S.N. Co. moved for the first time under its own steam in 51 years. 35006 becomes the fourth Merchant Navy class to be returned to working order in preservation and is currently the only one in serviceable condition. Other Sister locomotives that have run in preservation (35005 Canadian…
Every now and then the prepared photographer get’s a rare opportunity such as the one above. In this shot two very different yet very significant forms of railway traction run literally side by side. When the timing is right, Totnes Littlehempston station is a location where heritage rail meets the mainline. Upon reflection, one of the…
Today, the Watercress Line’s Bulleid brake coach 4211 reached a significant milestone by being sent to Alresford for vehicle acceptance. All being well it should enter service within the next few weeks. The restoration of this beautiful wooden bodied carriage was all the more incredible when you consider that much of it was newly built…
On the return service train to Totnes, the South Devon Railway gave a commentary as the locomotive chuffed leisurely through the beautiful Dart valley. The commentary was very good and created plenty of interest, but one item in particular had me running for the window with the camera. Fortunately at this stage in the journey I…
The Ribble Steam Railway is a particularly charismatic standard gauge steam railway. It runs for one and a half miles through Preston Docks and fittingly given this location has a very large collection of industrial locomotives. Indeed, many of you will be shocked to see how massive the fleet is (go to http://www.ribblesteam.org.uk/exhibits/locomotive-check-list to see for yourself!)…
Loco Yard 