Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Countdown to Opening on 8th April"

thanks nferguso_wyvern

thats what I thought, just wanted to be sure.

just hope Peak rail do the same thing

cheers

 

One thing which has amazed me is the consistent large numbers of travellers who use the cross platform interchange at Duffield to continue their journey up to Duffield. One morning, for example, a DMU picked up 100 passngers for Wirksworth at the junction. There also seem to be a significant number of single tickets sold to ramblers. This is a line which was shut to passengers at an early date because the local traffic was so poor. What implications does this have for other schemes which may give a significant facility?

Tim

 

We had no idea just what contribution Duffield would give to our railway but it now looks like it is responsible for approximately 30% of fares although this may be more when we see the value of through tickets sold from the national network. The converse is that on occasion we have overwhelmed the capacity of the single-car class 153 units heading back to Derby in the afternoon.

Once the novelty of our line opening has subsided and 78019 has moved to fresh pastures, we shall doubtless see a fall in patronage but nonetheless, everything seems to point to the level of traffic being significantly higher than before we opened to Duffield. In turn, the interchange with East Midlands Trains is a huge boost and probably accounts for around half the trade there.

We most definitely have a significant opportunity to develop at Duffield.

Neil

 

i noticed the same with our local buxton line, for over twenty years the patronage was reasonably same with levels being predictable at any time of day or night, in the last year however even the first and last trains are becoming packed out.

 

It has to be said, that as a travelling ticket inspector I have been amazed to see not only the number of singles to Ravenstor from Duffield with people planning to walk back, but the number of tickets from the national network. On the very first train there are just too many tickets to sell at the ticket office! Even though the opening has been and gone, people are still coming to see the railway and the visiting steam engine. This has been far beyond my expectations, which was rather a bit higher than most other people! Sadly though I dont think it will last once the steam engine has gone, but we shall see.

 

It’s likely that even if the steam engine stayed for longer period, the novelty would still wear off and passenger numbers might fall. Therefore would DMU running suffice for the majority of the season with a cheaper travel ticket than on steam days?
I suppose it depends what the railway is aiming to attract on a regular basis, whether it be the enthusiast or the general public, walker, cyclist or other tourist who may use the line for commuter purposes and would prefer the cheaper option of train travel in the dmu as a means of getting from A to B.

If steam of the current size isn’t to operate during the summer it will be a bonus in some ways because it will give the volunteers chance to get back to further enhancing the Railway. For example: the time taken to fill the two water tanks up each week by the volunteers ready for the weekends service might instead be spent on installing a more permanent water fixture; the LMSCA would also have additional time to finish the Third open whilst the weather is fine and maybe other area’s would also be glad to take a breath!
Although its perhaps nice to have steam in operation on the Duffield line every weekend throughout the season, it probably depends whether the demand is there for it every week. I don’t think anyone would want to see it reduce further growth and progress for the future, in the lines first year of full length operation.

 

Two weekends of 78019 to go! Sunday 22nd May will be its last day on the Railway and we will revert to the heritage dmus for the rest of the season with occasional steam on the Incline to Ravenstor. Watch the web site for variations to this theme as ther may be opportunities for some haulage behind the diesel fleet as the year progresses.

 

Don't forget this weekend 21st+22nd May will be the last oppotunity to ride behind 78019 at the EVR before it returns to is home base at Loughborough.

 

Live on screen now is 78019's departure via road to Loughborough. Tender already loaded
http://www.e-v-r.com/webcams/default.htm

 

We visited the EVR on Sunday. Nice set up and pleasant senic rural trundle down to Duffield and back. Also the short trip up the bank to Ravenstor provides a good starting point for walks up to the High Peak Trail , National Stone Centre and the Steeple Grange NG quarry line. Sadly it was so popular that they'd run out of bacon butties - guy said he'd fried all 6kg before 1.00pm. Trains were rammed too, rake of three, (only two 2nd class) were insufficient and we had to stand one way. Would have paid the extra £3 return for posh class inc free bubbly had we known it was on option.

Hre's a few snaps ...........

 

The 2MT has left (well gone from the car park). 50 minutes from when the truck pulled in to position until it left. That just shows how good these guys have become. I can remember all day to get a loco loaded and out of Barry..

 

Just because the loco has departed, doesn't mean the opening party has to stop. It is Wirksworth Carnival in the town this weekend for the bank holiday and trains are running, with some steam on the 1 in 27 incline to Ravenstor. www.e-v-r.com/eventinfo

 

I agree. The steam engine was nice, but the railway is not ready for full time steam haulage. The lack of both watering and engineering facilities as well as coaches means that it just isnt practicle.

For this weekend its the Wirksworth Carnival and Well Dressing which has I feel been sadly negelcted recently (remember that BR put on rail tours for a few years for this back in the 80s!) It is a fantastic event and what better way to arrive than by train with stunning all round views from the rail cars and the oportunity for further travel by steam if you must. Plenty of walking and cycling potential as well, remembering that now the steam engine has gone we can accomidate bikes on all trains. Bear in mind the reduced cost of the railcars to the railway means REDUCED fairs now £10 per adult and £5 per child.

Locomotive hauled trains will return later in the year with diesel, but this time we will have a BSK to allow wheelchair and luggage to be carried.

For all those complaining about a lack of steam, why not get invovled with the steam team, who still have more work to do on Andrew Barclay 2217 Henry Elison before they can make a start on Hudswell Clarke S102 Cathryn which could manage the whole line. On site there is also an Bagnal 0-6-0 saddle tank Austerity, which is privately owned and being restored seperately.

Yes steam would be nice, but there are other things that must come first such as the passing loop at Shottle, to allow two train running and the maintenance facility which will allow us to support big steam engines that can run our whole line.

So come along and enjoy more than the train ride this weekend.

 

My parents are sad, they live in Duffield and enjoyed the sound of the whistle as the train left Duffield.
A two-tone isn't quite the same. : (

 

We still need help with Duffield station. Perhaps theyd like to come along and find out more

 

I'm afraid they're a bit beyond that, both in their mid-seventies and mother not in the best of health.

 

Ah I see. Worth a try though. Do you live near by?

 

I would point out that the EVR's Andrew Barclay "No.3" continues to be a regular performer on the Incline to Ravenstor and on Driver Experience Courses (in steam yesterday, 4th September.) Henry Elison should be in traffic for the 2012 season.

Inspite of the Railway's lack of "Engineering Facilities!" The team overhauling the two Andrew Barclays will have completed the two in five years! Thoughts are now moving onto other projects.

 

Something miraculous is going to be needed in order to reverse the drastic decline in passenger numbers since the "honeymoon" opening to Duffield earlier in the year. Any ideas..????

 

Do I detect a slight aroma of troll or am I just being a bit cynical? All you other posts seem to be publicising Peak Rail. I rather hoped we could all play nicely together, but hey, this is railway preservation after all.