Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Being able to walk round the sheds was a highlight of the visit for me

 

42085 visited the Bluebell in 2010 (which was the fiftieth anniversary year).

See e.g. https://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/pic2/wn-2010/42085_andrews0790_20feb10h.jpg (not my photo).

Tom

 

The thread being bumped up the list reminded me that there haven't been any posts from the most reent photo charter in November 2021, so here are a few on a day that saw clear blue skies from dawn till dusk...


On the banks of the Leven


42073 at Fell Foot


Newby Bridge Halt

42073 at Newby Bridge

 

The railway has in recent years also started producing an excellent monthly newsletter and do appeal for volunteers for workshop roles
https://www.lakesiderailway.co.uk/newsletters/

 

Just to add my four pennith as a very local resident to the line.

It is indeed a very commercial operation, I strongly suspect that a large proportion of their revenue comes from coach parties from the far east (not come all the way by bus) who get dropped at Haverthwaite with its easy access to the A590, train to Lakeside, then boat to Bowness or Ambleside and get collected at the other end. It can be both a slow and quick train ride considering the line is only c. 3 miles long.

Always found it to be a happy and welcoming place, being local a fairly regular day out for us used to be drive to Haverthwaite and park for free (with residents pass), train to Lakeside (free for me as got certain free travel with FRT membership and small person travelled free) and then a trip to the Aquarium which she loved, so killing two birds a day out for her and free steam indoctrination! They always got cash out of us from the cafe's and I was always forced to buy her something from the shop!

 

At the end of the day the railway seems to be fine doing what it’s doing so they have no reason to change because a few enthusiasts want to see more of the Fairburn tanks.

My family enjoyed the ride as much as the other railways we have visited, they didn’t care that the engine on the front was an industrial

 

Some lovely photos you’ve got there, thanks for sharing them here.

Ben

 

The Maher brothers, who founded the L&HR Co., were both excellent photographers.

 

The pair were saved by two brothers (one each), both of whom were instrumental in setting the L&H up and its subsequent developments into what it has become today. The Fairburns are a unique attraction for the L&H, and with the railway becoming what it has there is no need to hire them out to generate interest/funds for their business.

I've made enquiries, and on all occasions been politely turned down. End of the day owner's prerogative, and whilst all of us can play gala trainsets and imagine up our favourite line ups for our favourite lines that doesn't mean owners will follow suit. If we want to see a Fairburn in action enough then we will go to Haverthwaite, as has been said it's still a lovely day out and the tearoom alone is worthy of a visit! Add in the ability to wander around the engine shed, combine a boat trip with the train journey etc, its only those who want everything on their terms who will be upset.

 

Never say never
North Tyneside Steam Railway have announced the ‘Victor & Vulcan Reunion Gala’ with Victor visiting from the L&HR at the end of April.

 

And Princess visited Ribble Steam Railway for a re-union with Courageous, whilst 1245 visited Foxfield for their annual event. But neither of them are the jewel in the proverbial crown...

 

42085 visited the GCR and the NRM in its last operational spell.

 

Lakeside at 7:35am this morning...


First light on the Leven

 

Stunning photo!

 

By road or rail

 

Brilliant Ian .

 

Very nice three quarter shot Shep with a pristine motor in the shot and who parks like that

 

Newby Bridge.

 

42073 out and about .

 

Superb photos and video. Took me back 60 years or so, Bradford Exchange to Leeds Central, or Wakefield Westgate with Kings Cross "Portions".