Churnet Valley in 2013

Nice gang.

 

Following last weekend's Ghost Train the railway is now shut until December when we re-open for Santas. Apparently we had roughly 1,200 people attend the Ghost Train event, with all trains full! Not bad for a little railway out in the sticks.

With it being shut down period efforts are being concentrated on maintenance, with the Mk1s being checked over making them ready for Santas. work on 2944 has restarted as well following completion of the shed revamp, though our new machine shop is still to be fully finished. 6046 arrives home next week somepoint, and she'll be prepared for Santa trains.

Elsewhere PWay have been doing maintenance along the CVR, whilst lineside clearance work has begun South of Consall. Podmore Mill has been the starting point, and this section will be finished by the end of the month opening up a new photo location ahead of next February's Charters & Steam Gala.

 

I understand that they are different jobs, but I wanted to ask - is the S160 or the TKh (barring any nasty surprises) due for completion first?
Is there a chance of two S160s in steam together in the next few years?

 

2944 is getting the most attention, and will be complete first quarter next year with running in hopefully completed in time for the summer.
5197 overhaul is progressing, and the original target was April 2014. This has now slipped due to various reasons, but I'd say possibly within 12 months, and an absolute max of 18, we shall see both S160s steaming together.

 

Great stuff
'Karel' at the AVR is capable of making some really throaty noise so would be amazing to see all three together. It may be early but I wanted to ask - is she planned to be painted in a PKP livery?

 

Not sure what the guys are planning. There has been various talk, ranging from historically accurate PKP all the way through to various fantasy ideas including NSR Red. I did suggest an Angry Birds Livery on Wednesday to the lads as something different, but don't think that will happen...

 

NSR red would get my vote!

 

Likewise, authenticity goes out the window when using a Polish loco on MK1's in Staffordshire, so something rare but relevant sounds good.

 

As long as it's not black with an animal on the side in an attempt to convince people that it would've operated the branch in the '50s, why not, eh?

 

I always liked the WORTH VALLEY livery worn by the KWVR USA tank - the railway's own identity

 

Who cares, you cant tell the colour or what the emblem is on the tanks when your sat on the train!

 

Oh I dunno, if it was bright blue with a number 1 on the side, I'd rather not be on it due to the likely other clientele filling the train having an impact on my enjoyment

 

Are you sure it isn't the beaming face on the front that spoils your photography ?

 

That's some impressive lens that can see the smokebox from inside a Mk1

 

Oh I don't know. Lean out far enough and you should get a half decent view.

 

But that depends on whether Thomas is running smokebox first or bunker first; I'm told he likes to run both ways !

 

Just to let people know that the Cauldon Mince Pies on Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th December will this year will be Top & Tailed by 6046 & one of the resident 33s.

Due to ongoing work at Ipstones, trains will be terminating at Bridge 20. These trains will still operate to the Blue Timetable but as we wont be going to Cauldon the train will return to Leek Brook from Bridge20, before returning up the bank to Apesford. This in effect means we shall have FOUR attempts up the 1in45

Prices as follows;
Adult - £16
Senior - £14
Child (4-14) - £10
Under 4s - Free
Family (2A2C) - £48
Family (2A1S) - £43
Dogs / Cycles - £1.50
One Carer can travel Half Price with one fare paying disabled person.

Video from 2012

 

These were great last year. Will the 33 just be there to head back i.e. not providing assistance on the uphill journey?

 

Myself & Chris M are rostered the Saturday, and we'll be telling the 33 crew to leave us. Sunday Greg is driving, and can't see him wanting his loco pushed up the hill either. Last year the 33 was provided as back up just incase there was any difficulties as the S160 didn't have any Sanders then. Now she has so is allowed to do Cauldon solo.

 

Is this 28/29 December? I can't find anything about it on the CVR site.