The Bluebell Railway’s U class no 1638 has officially been retired from service. The locomotive was withdrawn due to it requiring repairs that although minor would have needed a hydraulic test and with just six months remaining on it’s boiler certificate, the line have sensibly been decided that resources should instead be put into the completion of the overhaul of British Railways…
Tonight we have a quick Flying Scotsman update. Progress towards arguably the most controversial overhaul of a steam locomotive are making more significant and positive steps that should help see it returned to steam in 2015. Flying Scotsman’s tender has now left the NRM and joined the locomotive at the workshop of Riley & Son (E) Bury, where…
2016 will be 175 years since Daniel Gooch recommended to Isambard Kingdom Brunel to locate the Great Western Railway’s main locomotive works in Swindon. Located half way between Bristol and Reading, Swindon was an ideal location. The developments associated with the GWR accelerated development of the town that is now the biggest in Wiltshire. A…
It has been an incredible first week at the Watercress Line. Fellow members of staff and the volunteers have all been very welcoming, which of course has helped make it all the better. And the view from the office is easily the best I’ve ever had (yes even with a Network Rail Stoneblower sitting there.) With…
Do you love heritage railways and do you want them to last for future generations to enjoy? If so, please take a short moment to vote for the Watercress Line and their Mind the Gap project! The project provides a fantastic apprenticeship scheme for 14 young people to learn the skills and knowledge required to maintain steam engines…
Stanier’s 8F 2-8-0 class were built as important upgrades for dated 0-6-0 Midland engines and at the beginning of the Second World War when railways were effectively nationalised they were the most modern class of freight engine. As a result they were chosen as the best freight design to be produced as a standard for War Department use until…
This week the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway launched an appeal aimed at returning Ivatt 2MT Tank 41241 back into running order in time for the preserved railway’s 50 Anniversary celebrations that will take place in June 2018.
Good evening, Last sunday the Watercress Line held its annual War on the Line event and with it being Fathers Day it seemed liked the perfect time to visit with the family. The event is set in the time when World War II was well underway and all along the railway there was hectic activity!…
Good evening Today it was announced that the Mid Hants Mind The Gap apprenticeship project is one of seven finalists in the Heritage category of the 2015 National Lottery Awards! The Mind the Gap project aims to preserve the railway line by providing 14 young people with two-year apprenticeships in heritage engineering and carpentry.…
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and with that in mind, tonight we hope to flatter the inspiration for this blog post – Akron Railroad Club’s blog’s post; Just Being Nosey With My Camera (click here to read). It’s interesting to find how relatively few of these shots I could muster, though when…
Loco Yard 