Today, the world’s most famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, has returned to Steam, at the tune of a £4.2m overhaul, taking 10 years in the process. While I was not able to attend today’s celebrations, as a railway enthusiast and historian, it is a remarkable achievement that the locomotive is finally operational. The locomotive was…
The Bluebell Railway’s Maunsell Q class made it’s first trip away from the Sussex railway since operating in preservation when it visited the Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala 2016. I was lucky to have a closer look at this 0-6-0 in Ropley’s yard after the gala to have a closer look.
The Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala 2016 was especially fitting for its location. The theme being Guildford shed (70C,) a location not too far from the railway. The railway was host to two visitors – the familiar and beautiful T9 class 30120 and the Bluebell Railway’s Maunsell Q class 30541 on it’s first outing away…
This weekend (20th and 21st February 2016) I shall be conducting tours of Ropley’s works with Becky and new volunteer David. The tours shall be free to passengers on the railway, although donations for the Canadian Pacific project would be happily received if you are able to! Timings will be displayed at Alresford and Alton. Where…
Good evening, Tonight we are looking at my shots from this years Watercress Line Spring Steam Gala which with me being on the 35011 General Steam Navigation stand all day meant my chances to get photos were limited. That being said I had 2 photos I wanted to get at the start of the day…
The Nene Valley Railway is home to a special blue tank engine. Although he may not look quite like the Thomas the Tank Engine of the books and films, he is the only one to be named by no other than Rev W Awdry.
The Watercress Line’s flagship steam locomotive, Merchant Navy class no. 35005 Canadian Pacific, is currently undergoing a full overhaul at Eastleigh works. Although the railway has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, they still need to raise a further £200,000. Please help return CanPac to working order. Go to http://www.watercresslinepayments.co.uk/product.php/15/no__35005_canadian_pacific to donate and http://www.watercressline.co.uk/canpac to keep up…
The latest blog post from the Watercress Line’s carriage shop has been published, including an update of the restoration of Bulleid coach 1456, one of two Bulleid designed passenger carriages being restored as part of the Canadian Pacific Project. To read the update please click on the link below: http://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/blog/entry/whats-brewing-in-the-carriage-shop
The Sir Nigel Gresley locomotive trust’s A4 class 60007 has been transported to the National Railway Museum, York for its overhaul. The intention is to return the famous LNER A4 class Pacific to the mainline.
Seeing as it is Saturday evening, it seemed the ideal timing to report on the Kent and East Sussex Railway’s Saturday Gang! They have started the year by publishing an update on the end of 2015. The gang work on maintaining and overhauling the railway’s fleet of locomotives. In the latest update, details of work on eight…
Loco Yard 