Avon Valley Railway Updates and Videos

Cadbury No.1 I believe is at Tyseley. (not sure about is current state however) But they would make a nice pair. There is also a Ruston Hornsby former Rowntree loco extant as well.

 

Well, all I know is this:

https://m.facebook.com/FreddoSentinelWaggon/?locale2=en_GB

 

Frys Somerdale Keynsham Junction

 

Having fired "Littleton" a number of times on the GCR, I'd be interested to know how much work would be required to get her back steaming. I suspect that the short answer is "a lot". I can't recall a heavy overhaul at Foxfield or Loughborough.

 

Am hoping to visit for the first time next week, just wondered if anyone would be able to advise on which loco is likely to be running?

Many Thanks.

 

It might be best to call the office on 01179 325538 to find out which loco is rostered

 

There is an AVR promotion at the moment. <BJ>​

https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/gl-annual-campaign

 

Thanks both, looking forward to it... hopefully the weather will be nice too!

 

Ahoy everyone, here's the latest two episodes in the Somerdale Sentinel Story for your delight....

 

Avon Valley Railway Steam Day July 20th Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No.WD3153 Sapper on duty today at Oldland Common Station, nice to see the new edition to the collection Class 08 British Rail No.08663 shunter locomotive. Great Day thanks to all involved.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-50398096

Avon Valley Railway bid to link to park-and-ride
''A heritage steam railway says a new 65-year lease could help it undertake more ambitious projects including linking to a park-and-ride.
The Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust has been running since the 1970s but in recent times its lease had run yearly.
Chairman Roger Eynon said this meant it was unable to apply for lottery grants for "high-end expenditure".
He said the trust had previously had to hold fire on grant applications because of a lack of long-term stability.
"Now nothing is impossible and we need to discuss future projects in earnest for our bright new future."
He added these included a new covered maintenance area, a small museum to chart the history of the line, to extend buffet facilities, and provide better offices for the trust.
Mr Eynon added the trust would now be in a better position to talk to Bath and North East Somerset Council about extending the line to Newbridge and potentially linking up with the park-and-ride there.
"As we are a charity any money would be ploughed back into the railway and used to improve the visitor experience and for the volunteers working here."
Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust is dedicated to restoring steam to the Avon Valley and has relaid three miles of track and restored a locomotive and carriages - attracting some 80,000 visitors a year''.

Possibly 80,000 visitors to the station café next to the cycle path but not as in passenger numbers. <BJ>

 

Visitors are visitors. No mention of passengers so it is probably quite factual. Nothing wrong with that, if so.

 

I have to say the cafe at Bitton is excellent - first railway cafe I had ever been to with vegan options (and really good ones at that)

 

We walked the cycle path from Bitton to Bath a few weeks back. I suspect more people use the formation now than at anytime in its past.

 

I don't particularly enjoy the AVR as a train ride, there's better lines with better scenery, better gradients and more interesting locos.

However the tearoom offers a decent menu, and I've more than once sat and just watched the trains go by for an hour or so whilst passing through.

 

Hey everyone, great news!
The Big Give Christmas Challenge is here! 

From now until the 10th December all donations towards our 'Littleton No. 5' restoration appeal will be DOUBLED until we reach our £10k target. 

That’s enough to send this unique and historic locomotive to the world-renowned Flour Mill and the start of its restoration to working order. 

Follow the link to make your donation – every little counts!

LINK HERE
https://bit.ly/35Lp6Jr

 

‘Rosyth No 1’ from Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway is the visitor for the Mixed Traffic Gala on 21st March 2020. Info from https://www.facebook.com/AVRbitton/photos/a.120219011493425/1322173247964656/?type=3&theater

 

Dropped in on my way to photograph the two mainline tours on Sunday. Anyone know which the class 31 in use was. It appeared to be in newly painted Railfreight livery but no number (at least on the footpath side of the line).

 

31.130 ‘Calder Hall Power Station’. Now 60 years old. <BJ>

 

Many thanks.