Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

And not everybody will download apps to their Smart phones. This is because apps can potentially contain hidden spywear.

 

Ringo Starr anyone?

 

Unfortunately he’s ever so slightly dead these days.

 

Giles Brandreth! (I don't think he's dead yet!)

 

Whatever happened to the Ffestiniog Railway's "Talking Train"?

Sent from my SM-A125F using Tapatalk

 

Did the VoR have something similar at some point?

 

Very much still alive. Was spotted recently at a pals farewell drinks from West London. He really does have the Star Quality.

 

Maybe but if his QI appreances are anything to go by he can go on tangents in a really big way.

 

25yrs of progress continues... 257 Squadron has arrived ready to take over 40,000 visitors to the North Pole this November and December.

This is now the third Bulleid Pacific to grace 75F since August 2020. Not bad really!

 

An early Christmas present and maybe a last minute 25th Anniversary gift for the Spa Valley Railway!

We are delighted to announce that Bulleid Pacific 34072 '257 Squadron' will be taking up residence at Tunbridge Wells West and be joined by 34053 'Sir Keith Park' upon completion of its overhaul.
Our association with the Southern Locomotives Limited has had a very positive and beneficial affect on our railway over the past couple of years, and we’ve gained many new supporters and friends as a result and we look forward to continuing to work with SLL for many years to come. Further details will follow in due course.

 

https://www.facebook.com/3022221399...cAsnvmJ7AWeNYoidrPnP6RmUdXsEyl/?sfnsn=scwspmo

BULLEID PACIFIC NEWS!

An early Christmas present and maybe a last minute 25th Anniversary gift for the Spa Valley Railway!

We are delighted to announce that Bulleid Pacific 34072 '257 Squadron' will be taking up residence at Tunbridge Wells West and be joined by 34053 'Sir Keith Park' upon completion of its overhaul.

Our association with the Southern Locomotives Limited has had a very positive and beneficial affect on our railway over the past couple of years, and we’ve gained many new supporters and friends as a result and we look forward to continuing to work with SLL for many years to come. Further details will follow in due course.

Edit - the boss got there before me!

 

I did see it was down for some footplate experiences in March and wondered if a loan extension had been agreed, but great news that the loco will be staying. 34072 is a Bulleid I've yet to see, so I'm looking forward to making another visit very soon.

 

For anyone wondering, we were offered 34072 to stay. We said yes, I've seen on social media many comments aimed directly at the Spa Valley taking things etc. We were offered this opportunity and with only one other engine currently operational it puts us in a better position for the short term. We recognise that our operation is not everyday of the Summer (that said, how many railways will be doing that that already do with the way of the world going forward...) so 34072 will no doubt visit other lines during 2023 but appear at 75F for events we have planned etc.

For anyone wondering, Caledonian Railway 828 is going to get repaired in January/February at Tunbridge Wells West then be with us until the end of October 2023. The loco is currently in Tunbridge Wells West shed, if you're visiting for Polar she is split from her tender due to space and behind a marque but if you are in the area and wanted to see the engine drop me a line.

 

Presumably Douglas will be heading elsewhere next year?

 

To me sounds like a win win, allows SLL to keep more operational rather than rotting in a siding or worse and 2 railways to benefit from their efforts.

 

So in short(ish) order there should be two Bulleids and a Terrier operating out of a proper old LBSC shed?

Be still my Sussex heart.

 

That explains SO much.
Although, I would much prefer a Jinty and 2 Pa-slip-fics, days of the S&D.
Wonder if an SDJR 7F would fit the railway?

 

Noticed that one of the Polar Express carriages has had to be sent off for repair due to damage.. anyone know what’s happened? The statement on facebook refers to ‘The damage to the carriage…’ as if it’s been explained in a previous post but I couldn’t see anything.

 

I believe it's due to frost damage to the braking system. For reasons unknown but possibly due to having a steam engine at one end of the train and a diesel at the other the vacuum brake was full of water and then the temperature dropped to minus nine. I think the theory is that the diesel sucked steam leaking from the exhauster in to the brake pipe which then condensed.
No doubt Jonnie or one of the other SPA volunteers will be along shortly to elaborate but understand they rather have their hands full atm rescuing the Polar operation. Obviously everybody wishes them the best of luck.

 

Understandable and to be honest I’m just glad it’s not a case of vandalism or a shunting accident which was what I feared!