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…
Good evening, Tonight we are looking at a rather special locomotive that has recently completed a cosmic overhaul at the Mid Hants and is now on display at the National Railway Museum. This is probably the most famous member of OVS Bulleid’s Battle of Britain class and as a result is rightly a member of…
After a washout on the Sunday, I postponed my visit to the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway until Monday, and I am glad I did, the weather was much warmer, and a good thing too with the open carriages that were on offer. The railway was originally built in 1875 for transport of iron ore from…
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…
I should first explain my absence from the Loco Yard. The past few months have been very busy. In May and the beginning of June, I had University exams, which have all been passed for next year. I then went to Florida for a few weeks, including a visit to the Wizarding World of Harry…
Loco Yard 