Which heritage lines purchased (part of) their line intact?

Similarly the South Devon started with more line than it currently has.

 

Following on, how many of these lines without track still had station buildings or anything? GWSR inherited Toddington station building on platform 1 (but not the platform itself is my understanding) and Winchcombe goods shed and that's it as far as I know, although I have seen pictures of CRC station with the track lifted and platforms still intact, P2 was demolished and being rebuilt, what about P1? Also unsure about Gotherington unused platform attached to the private station building, did that stay?

How many railways are around that actually rose from the ground with literally nothing, no track, signalling, buildings or anything? It would be interesting to know as that's where some newer heritage railway schemes are basically coming from, if there weren't many successful ones in the pat 20-30 years when it was easier, what hope is there now? GWSR comes close to having absolutely nothing, but not quite, anything closer?

 

Correct in all aspects, still is the complete branchline although sees much larger locos these days

 

Swindon and Cricklade railway started off with no track or buildings. Everything has been relaid and rebuilt.

 

Referring to the original posting-
Spa Valley Railway was I believe the only standard gauge line to buy DOUBLE track still in situ except in the station limits of both Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge stations where the track was removed by BR contractors due to sale of the original station buildings. New stations were constructed on different sites.
The section from Birchden Jn to Eridge was re- connected as a single line only after singling of the then BR Hurst Green to Uckfield line.

 

The SDHRT at Midsomer Norton started without track too .The station building has been restored , signalbox and greenhouse ( iconic for SDJR stations ) built new , double track laid for the climb out of the station
and signals installed

 

The Great Central Railway managed to buy only a single line from Loughborough to Rothley with help from the local council.

 

Steamport Southport started with nothing.
It could also be said, that it finished with nothing as well.

 

Thank you for all those replies. I have to say that you corrected my impression that most lines started with nothing but a derelict trackbed. Is it fair to say though, that most lines, the K&WVR being the exception, have since expanded onto previously deserted territory? (Did the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway rebuild the section up the incline to Ravenstor or was that there like the line to Duffield when they took over?)

By the way, what about the Churent Valley, was that an empty trackbed? Peak Rail Matlock to Rowsley South certainly was.

Kind regards

Christoph

 

What about the Midland Railway Butterley? I just got the Old Man back from a very enjoyable day over there and, at the very least, the station buildings and most, if not all, of the Swanwick site are new build (or at least rebuild from Loughborough Midland, Syston and Belle Vue).

I'm pretty sure the CVR trackbed was still in situ although there are others much better informed than me....(Lil BEar, Pwayman and Sheff to name a few)

 

What is true is that few if any started life with engine sheds and/or workshops.

Discounting goods sheds used as engine sheds.

 

Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society of course took over a (just) working railway.

Spa Valley Railway used 75F Tunbridge Wells West shed which was renovated before trains started running.
The workshops were created in the loco shed offices and outbuildings.

 

True, but I struggled to think of many more than the ones you quoted. Ffestiniog as well?

 

The Ffestiniog definitely; The East Lancs as well?

Steve B

 

East Lancs inherited a single track line from Bury Bolton St to Rawtenstall, no passing loops.
Bolton St had 2 platforms with Buffers (3/4) and Plat 2 as a through line.
Plat 2 curved off to a flat crossing over the Manchester / Bury line as a single line to the junction at Castleton.
Plat 3 / 4 went to Buckley Wells (and hence to the Manchester / Bury line.
The rest (loops at Rawtenstall for the coal depot etc) was lifted by BR by its closure in 1980.

Third Rail was left in situe after Bolton St's closure in 1980 and was removed by the ELR.
From the mid 1980's ELR had wider use of the site the track formation was changed to suit

 

Spa Valley Railway was I believe the only standard gauge line to buy DOUBLE track still in situ

Most of the NYMR was still double track when the volunteers moved in - they began resurrecting the single line whilst BR demolition trains were still running! A lot of co-operation took place with BR leaving the best materials from the two tracks, meaning that rails were switched in places.

 

True but the double track was in situ when they started running trains between Loughborough and Quorn, and they ran over it for a short while before BR lifted the Down line. In fact there are also tales from the early days of preservation of illicit trips to both Ruddington and Leicester by Wickham trolley.

Technically the GCR did buy a quarter mile or so of double track, in situ, and it is still there, between the south end of the platforms at Loughborough and the north end of the loco shed.

 

From what I know the South Devon has always had its current length of track. The previous owner. The Dart Valley Railway. had use, initially of the longer track length to Ashburton.