South Tynedale extension progress?

I notice from a recent edition a local Hexham paper, which included a photo of Slaggyford station covered in scaffolding, that work now seems to be quite advanced on the extension. There doesn't seem to be any recent news about progress on the railways website and was wondering if anyone has set up an extension blog that is publicly accessible?

 

Not sure if it's the same paper, but there's a write up here

There's also some photos (but not many for such a big project) on the STR Facebook site here


Keith

 

Hmm! It refers to "the old narrow gauge line from Lintley Halt to Slaggyford".

 

I notice that the attached piece of good news has appeared on the South Tynedale website in the last couple of weeks. The steelwork for new Canopy at Alston seems to be progressing. Hopefully they will post some pictures of the canopy and new platform soon and update as to progress.

http://www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk/project-update-exciting-news-and-service-disruption

The extension though must be nigh on complete as the special timetable that they are running currently says that they hope to be running to Slaggyford after 25th May.

 

More pictures of the trainshed steelwork on their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/southtynedalerailway/ (also some pics of Slaggyford station and signalbox work)


Keith

 

Crikey, I had no idea that the platform canopy was going to be that big. Alston is going to be an impressive station along with the new tea room extension and other work. There are many heritage railways that will be feeling a tad envious of that bright spacious modern new workshop and indoor loco inspection pit. Hopefully Slaggyford station will have kept its charm when it reopens with the extension.

On the basis of those photos and the progress being made, I have just booked a weeks summer holiday in the area. Thanks for posting the open access facebook link.

 

Must go up and have a look around, especially at Alston - I had a quick look at Slaggyford a few days ago, but didn't have time to take any images, so that will be something to remember to do.

 

Just found the planning permission documents and the artists impressions/architects designs look different (more of a heritage feel to my eye) to what is being constructed. Does anyone know if there has been a redesign or perhaps there is a lot more decorative steelwork to be added? Artists impression/architect designs here: http://eforms.eden.gov.uk/fastweb_upload/2014 Planning Applications/14-1123/141123-Viewpoints.pdf


Keith

 

The roof does seem to be of a simpler design using fewer posts compared to the architects document. I wonder if it will be possible to incorporate the clerestory with the straight rather than curved steelwork?

 

Looking at the photos there does appear to be quite a gap at the ridge with no purlins so maybe the central 'jack' roof is to be incorporated? The big difference appears to be the loss of the curved truss sections, I wonder why there is such a radical change or are these curved steels just decorative and to be added later?

 

I would assume that the gap in the roof is for the clerestory section as suggested above, however it would seem to my eye that the roof beams are quite heavy duty to the ones shown in the artists impression where the curved beams look like they were doing most of the weight carrying. I suppose it might be possible to add in curved sections afterwards, but there are no signs of any fixings on the uprights, so I would put it down as doubtful.


Keith

 

I see from the South Tynedale Facebook page (link up thread) that the new Café at Alston seems to have opened. It looks very nice with a modern contemporary feel and looks quite spacious. No mention of it on the main website though.

 

It is very contemporary isn't it...although I do like the idea of eating outside by the level crossing!

 

Anyone know what the score is loco-wise? Didn't their Hunslet 0-4-2T go off for overhaul as part of the project? That can't be far off surely?

 

I see from the photos on Facebook page that the platform canopy is coming on great guns. It looks about 70% complete.

 

Their website reports the extension will be opening at the end of July. I'm visiting this weekend for the first time so a little early to see it all completed but looking forward to seeing it all.

 

South Tynedale have loaded a few more pics onto the Facebook site (link above) and I have t0 say Slaggyford looks very nice indeed. Much larger than I was expecting. It looks like it only needs the top layer of asphalt to be added to the platform before it can be opened. No doubt a lot more work is needed in the background though. It would be nice to see the track progress. Really looking forward to my visit later this year now.

 

There is another photo on the facebook page of what looks to be the completed canopy. The photo taken from the far platform makes it look really good. It will certainly hold off everything that Alston Weather can throw at it.

 

There are some recent photos up on Flickr too:


End of the line (for now) by Stephen Veitch, on Flickr


SlaggyD by BScar23625, on Flickr


Coaling up by Stephen Veitch, on Flickr

 

I see from the Facebook page that the official Royal opening ceremony for the extension occurred a while ago. However, the main website says that trains are still not running to Slaggyford. Anyone know when they will start ?