Spa Valley Railway - Latest News

Do what we did with 34081 and return the tender to its original profile. Simples.

 

As indeed was done with 21c123

Tom

 

Someone may correct me, but am I right in thinking that SLL planned to have a couple of new tender tanks built and that 34070 and 34072 would have ones with the raves?

Obviously finances, time and COVID may have had an impact or a change of mind, but fairly sure I remember seeing something about it a few years back.

 

Originally 21C123 had the raves added to the top of the tool tunnel. This idea cam from Harry Frith then Erecting Shop
foreman at Eastleigh, 'save you nippers some money' he said. Later when we built a new tank the raves were incorporated
into the tank side sheeting, thus giving back its original appearance.

 

They were talking about a new tender completely with the raves installed at one point. They are one short of a tender for all 5 LLPs. But how likely is that all 5 will be active at the same time?

 

And if they were it would be for a short period, and there’d be another locomotive elsewhere out of traffic with a tender presumably available for hire.

 

Jonnie, so what's the latest on this visitor going to the railway for the Winter Steam Up?

 

34092?

 

Just a quick thanks for the polar express last week. Daughter completely believes she went to the north pole by train and enjoyed it immensely. Glad we did it at night as she made the comment that the north pole looked a bit like Groombridge as we arrived but we managed to persuade her otherwise.I realise she's been to the line 8 times this year though so probably not an issue for most kids! The lighting for the north pole in the distance works really well at night and very convincing!

Everyone involved really made it a proper immersive experience. I've already had requests to book again next year. One thing to work on for next year is daughter mentioned that in the story the train picks up outside your house

 

Hopefully the railways has some money now to maybe sort out that bridge?

 

The Winter Steam Up event has been cancelled due to lack of serviceable coaches (including catering vehicles). I believe there is a planned national rail strike that weekend too. Last public running day for the season will therefore be January 2.

https://twitter.com/SpaVRofficial/status/1608278091436023808

 

Totally agree. Only one active one, and only two that have ever carried the livery in preservation.

Unfortunately too many in preservation are afflicted by the compulsion to ‘paint it BR’.

 

For anyone who wants to brave the weather or looking for something to do 34072 is out and about today, tomorrow and Monday. 31430 is on the downhill leg.

Andrew

 

Managed to get a nice couple of pictures of 34072 yesterday afternoon, both at Poke Hill crossing.



Not to forget 73140 on the other end!

 

I've been rather quiet on here after taking a break for personal reasons for much of January, it's ok to not be ok is my message to anyone in preservation!

Still, bills were paid and projects continued along the line and in the shed at Tunbridge Wells West.

In a summary, the Jinty boiler has returned, the superheater elements in 257 Squadron have been replaced, 828 has been lifted to repair the hot axle box, Douglas is available and in service during half term. I had a good day out on him on the Thursday just gone.

Down the line we've had major vegetation clearance take place around the landslip site just west of Tunbridge Wells West, a visit but our ORR Inspector took place, whilst not our infrastructure new rules and procedures have been put in place that now enable us to run non-stop over Forge Farm Crossing if the flag is already on display. Much better for our operation that's for sure!

The biggest fly in the ointment right now is electricity... our bill for Tunbridge Wells West has gone up to 72p per kWh from 15p thanks to our contract running out and a new one giving this as our best offer... 23 days in January, £12,000 on electricity for one site alone... we're obviously looking hard and fast at our consumption to reduce it as that amount per month would soon became unsustainable.

In more positive news, our February half term trains are doing very well with plenty of visitors.

 

Magic! Thank you

 

Hope you are feeling a bit better now

 

Popped in for the fish an chip train on Thursday. This is a bargain, especially as we spent the rest of the day riding up and down, definitely recommended. Spent too much in the shop at TWW and the aviation bookshop was open as well.. Douglas was certainly throwing the sparks out all day!

 

Sir, please don’t worry about not updating us on here, your updates are much appreciated but I don’t think any of us expect you to keep us constantly in the loop,

Mate, I know it’s tough at the top, but please don’t be afraid to get in touch if you need a chat.

 

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