Hopefully Not a Bridge Too Far

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…

Best to go West?

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…

A Mayflower in Eastleigh

Good evening, On Wednesday I was able to quickly stop by Eastleigh to see this weeks Dorset Coast Express. The locomotive originally scheduled was one of my favourites, 34067 Tangmere but due to her latest incident she was replaced. The next locomotive on the schedule was 60009 Union Of South Africa. This A4 class does not come down…

Unrebuilding a Merchant Navy

Good evening, As the blogs official Merchant Navy class news reporter, we are tonight looking at a new project with the aim of unrebuilding a member of the class. An original chain driven Merchant Navy has been high on the wish list of many Southern railway enthusiasts for a number of years and so if…

Fun Times on the Watercress Line

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. …

UK Heritage Hub Issue 58 ready to download!

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…

Job Vacancies – now expired

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…

Harbour Festival 2015 Photos

Some great shots of the Bristol Harbour Festival featuring the harbour side railway. The festival featured lots of heritage vehicles such as cranes, buses, boats and of course trains. Looks like a brilliant day out and something I will have to look at visiting next year. Harbour Festival 2015 Photos.