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Southwold Railway

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by Bar Side, May 7, 2012.

  1. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    If you laid them edge-on (as you might for a top course), 1000 bricks goes about 1.5 times round a mk1 coach.
     
  2. Hando

    Hando New Member

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    I asked James the same question earlier in the thread. He replied, although called me Mike instead, I think it's because I replied to something he told bikermike, so hence the confusion (my fault really).
     
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  3. Johann Marsbar

    Johann Marsbar Well-Known Member

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  4. James Hewett

    James Hewett New Member

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    Pleased to say we have a volunteer - Tim - who is very good with traditional lime mortar (although the Aldeburgh brickworks bricks are mostly banana-shaped, at least they are appropriate for the building's age).
    We have an Open Day next Sunday - 8th August - at Blythburgh Station, where you can view the restored Goods Shed and sidings, and the station building excavations - and see the display of the work involved, and many of the artefacts uncovered. Souvenirs will be for sale - and the event will also be attended by the promotional stall for the Air Ambulance service. Hours - 10 till 4 - free of charge. Free parking. Entrance is opposite the Blythburgh White Hart on the A12 - it'll be signed. All are welcome.
    James
     

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  5. Mark Thompson

    Mark Thompson Well-Known Member

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    Just saw this on North Bay Engineering's Facebook page. Blythe's cab almost complete, and beautifully presented: 241203256_1040484673373474_2004414292419819868_n.jpg
     
  6. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    ooooh, that's lovely...
     
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  7. Hicks19862

    Hicks19862 Member

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    Fantastic news… also interesting about the hope for a 0.5 mile running line…
     

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  8. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    Ooooh! That will be good to see. Nicely timed for my holiday too!

    Has the Trust managed to make any progress on the extension outside the steamworks?
    (Not that a brand new shiny engine isn't good news enough)
     
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  9. Hicks19862

    Hicks19862 Member

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    I don’t think they’ve extended past the boundaries of their current site. But the progress they’ve made within the site itself and with ‘Blyth’ is astounding.
     
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  10. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    Having popped in a few years ago, the progress is amazing.
     
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  11. Johann Marsbar

    Johann Marsbar Well-Known Member

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    Go back to Page 5 of this thread for some photos of where the harbour branch went....
     
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  12. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Always thought this was a tail wagging the dog type situation (a new build loco without a line to run it on) but I have to say she's an impressive bit of kit, and I really hope it inspires the people of Southwold to get onboard with the project
     
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  13. 30854

    30854 Resident of Nat Pres

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    Don't they still need to test the water with a sandcastle on Southwold Beach first? :Meh:
     
  14. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    Is the steamworks opening at all during the october half-term?
    (Sat 23rd to Sun 31st?)
     
  15. James Hewett

    James Hewett New Member

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    Sorry - have not heard - but our third Blythburgh Station Open Day is definitely on - Sunday week October 10th, 11 till 3. Restored 1879 Goods Shed, and artefacts from the dig on display, with info about HSNGR, and live steam (albeit 7.25" and SM-32....) It's free - as are the teas and coffees! Signposted off the A12 just north of Blythburgh village. Phase I of the station foundations is complete, with work now proceeding on landscaping, and on archaeology along the eastern end of the platform - which seems to be a very fruitful area.

    May as well do a news round-up while I am here: our guided walks last weekend for Halesworth Heritage Open Days were very well attended, with universal very strong support for railway restoration. All part of our "hearts and minds" campaign.
    No 3 (our first coach, based on a RNAD underframe) has been re-gauged by Peggs of Aldeburgh from 2'6" to 3' (not the easiest task), and will soon be be on the railway in Wenhaston for testing - suspension, couplings, etc. - using both locomotives.
    Today we are metal-detecting at Halesworth, where we think we have unearthed some parts of Sharp, IMG_2819.JPG No 3 underframe re-wheeled 1.JPG Stewart "Blyth" which was gas-axed onsite in 1940.
     

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  16. ilvaporista

    ilvaporista Part of the furniture

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    I have seen aircraft 'restorations' start from similar quantities of original parts. So there is ample opportunity to call this a restoration! ;-)
     
  17. Bikermike

    Bikermike Well-Known Member

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    Lovely stuff.
    If you put one of those bolts on Blyth it stops being a new-build...

    Hope the open-day goes well. The week are down is half-term, so I'd think it would be a good tourist-catching time.
     
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  18. Johann Marsbar

    Johann Marsbar Well-Known Member

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    Called in briefly at Blythburgh on my way up to Lowestoft this morning....

    DSCF5780.JPG DSCF5781.JPG
     
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  19. James Hewett

    James Hewett New Member

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    We found this bit (see pics) alongside where "Blyth" was gas-axed in 1940 - and about 18" down. Can't identify, but seems heavy enough to be part of the loco - and the edge evidence shows definite gas-axing. NB the photo titles MAY be wishful thinking.... Any ideas?
    We do have, BTW, the riveted oval flange onto which Blyth's (or just possibly Halesworth's) water tank filler cap hinges - but it's in too poor condition to re-use, sadly....
     

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  20. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Reminds me of this:

    Mayhem Garage.jpg
     
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