Mid Suffolk Light Railway

Is this in addition to or instead of Wissington? If the latter, where is Wissington going?

 

Returning to the NNR I believe.

 

According to a reply to someone’s comment on Facebook, this is the case.

Given that Wissington has been a fairly constant presence at the MSLR and that it’s too small for regular use on the NNR, does anyone know why it isn’t staying in Suffolk?

 

The loan for Wissington at the MSLR has ended.

 

From what I understand albeit its a smaller loco, the NNR will be using it next year on there vintage trains.

 

Andrew Barclay No. 2138 "Swordfish" arrived at the MSLR recently after its hire at the Colne Valley Railway ended and has so far ran 3 Santa Specials Days with another 3 to go - its only planned public steaming day will be the 1st January after which I believe its boiler ticket will expire and it'll be off to be overhauled.

I believe the steam loco for next season has been agreed, however not for me to disclose at this time - but hopefully it can be announced soon!

 

Alex has already let the cat out of the bag on the Scotsman thread

 

And it won't need to be in steam, as it will occupy the entire running line

 

So, the above guesses were a little wide of the mark!

But, I'm now able to share that our first guest at the Mid Suffolk Light Railway in 2025 will be (subject to contract) Manning Wardle No. 1210 "Sir Berkeley". The locomotive is due to arrive in time for Easter and feature as part of a gala event on Sunday 20th April & Monday 21st April, following this it is due to be part of a photo charter.

 

Whats the latest with 1604?

 

The boiler is in the frames and they've been measuring up for all the final pipework and fittings - so they'd have the whole "kit of parts" ready.

Although, I believe the boiler will still need to go back again to be finished and hydraulically/steam tested but once that has been done the hope is the final assembly could be fairly quick as they'll have everything ready.

 

Good to hear, thanks.

 

Following the announcement of Sir Berkeleys visit earlier in the thread, I'm now able to say our visitor for the 2025 season (subject to contract) is to be Andrew Barclay No. 2315.

The current plan is both locos will be in steam as part of a gala event on Sunday 20th April & Monday 21st April. Following that 2315 will be our main steam motive power for 2025.

 

Is there any chance of the new extension being used in 2025? I guess the change of Government must have delayed the Secretary of state for Transport reviewing the TWAO application somewhat?

 

Yes, awaiting the final paperwork etc. but if all goes well, the extension could hopefully open in the Summer.

 

I take it there is little possibility of extending further in the future? It looks like you'd have to crash through someone's garage to do it!

 

Yes - I'd love to say never, say never. But it would be very costly and difficult, so highly unlikely!

 

I was told that the inhabitants of Aspall wanted the line to be extended with a train on Friday & Saturday evenings to the Middy bar at Brockford

 

I think part of the character of this line is its small size. Small engines, small vintage carriages and short length.