It is important not to lose sight of the fact that railways were developed first and foremost for moving freight. On the modern day heritage railway, except when charters are run, a goods train rarely directly generates revenue, for the days of pick-up goods are long gone. It is therefore especially pleasing to see the lengths that preserved…
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. …
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…
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…
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!)…
This blog has come a long way since it’s first post in 2012 and working as part of UK Heritage Hub has certainly been one of its’ successes. UK Heritage Hub is more than just an ezine, it is the bringing together of a community of like minded people and the work of Rowan Jackson as editor…
Good evening, If you’ve been on Twitter, Facebook or reading this blog recently you would have noticed that we are really pushing for people to vote for the Mid Hants “Mind The Gap” apprenticeship project which is one of seven finalists in the Heritage category of the 2015 National Lottery Awards. One of the main…
Loco Yard 