Bowes Railway News

Very good news !

 

Today's work revolved around blindside clearance. Almost all of phase one is now clear of grass and the hedges cut back.
Work can now focus on:
- repairing the points at Pelaw main junction.
- new anti trespass guards
Fencing repairs

 

Further work has continued with the points at Pelaw Main junction adjusted and the locks repaired after years of vandalism. The next phase will see fencing work underway to meet ORR standards.

 

More progress, so very good to see.

 

Repairs to the points are now completed.
15 sleepers have been identified for replacement and this is now taking place.
450 fence points have recently been delivered to improve and replace missing sections of lineside fencing.
Crossing guards and signage have appeared on two of the pedestrian crossing on route.

The line is awaiting a visit from the ORR to approve the Springwell level crossing and the line in general.

 

Bowes will relaunch for the 2019 season on Sunday 7th April. This will see shunting demonstrations on our Springwell site.
Alongside the reopening of our 1826 brake cabin, new museum space and the whole site after a winter refurb.
The locos available for service are the Planet, Ruston 165 Perky and Ruston 88 Redhaugh.
Ruston 165 pinky is under overhaul. And the Hunslet is stopped, awaiting new brake blocks.

 

A successful first open weekend of the year. During which Planet became the first loco to venture up to the buffer stop at Wrekenton in 4 years.
The hard work continues to ensure one of our smaller preserved lines continues to survive.

 

Work is continuing with further sleeper replacement plus tree and grass clearance continuing up the full length of the railway.
A fencing contractor has been appointment to complete the necessary fencing work.
Whilst the overhaul of Ruston 165 Pinky is nearing completion. With the fitting of the vacuum system drawing to a close

 

An image from the June open weekend. We hope to be providing shunting demonstrations during the Springwell village 1940s weekend too.