Churnet Valley Railway General Discussion

It was pretty compelling on board! (you can just see my son in the front vestibule)

John

 

Yesterday (Saturday March 29th) I made my annual pilgrimage to the railway.
I'd got the last seat on one of the "Heritage Open Days" and a great day it was too.

• 1030 from Froghall to Ipstones with 6046 on the front and 33102 assisting on the back for the steep bit. This was while a late breakfast was served.
  
• Then we went down the hill with the class 33 leading and round the re-instated east to north curve and into the temporary station at Leek. This was just a short stop as the 2 coaches with passengers were next to the steam loco and well off the end of the platform.
• 6046 took over for a run from Leek and perhaps 1/4 mile along the Stoke line. Apparently the line is passable as far as Endon although it would need attention from a flail and some weedkilling.
• 33102 took over for run from there round the corner towards Ipstones until the back of the train had cleared the signal for the east-north curve.
• Then 6046 took over for a run into Leek at which point we could get out and stretch our legs.
• The General Manager of the railway gave an explanation of all the efforts to get to Leek and the backwards and forwards with Severn Trent water board and what would still be needed to finish the station.
• People could also wonder around the unfinished station area and walk along the trackbed.
• Once everyone was back on board, the 33 led back to Leek Brook Junction where we all got off again.
• People who were interested walked alongside the track up to the divergence of the Leek and Ipstones lines for 2 run-pasts. This was carefully supervised with railway volunteers along the route to keep people safe.
• There were 2 run-pasts with 6046.
• At this point the sun went in & everyone returned to the train.
• 33102 led back to Cheddleton for a guided tour around the workshops.

I know one of the issues for some people is that it's difficult to get to the railway without a car. I got an Uber from Stoke station for 15 quid including a tip & a bus from Cheddleton to Hanley and another from Hanley to Stoke for 3 quid each.

There are two more of these days available this year (https://www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/heritage-open-days). They're highly recommended.

If any of those involved are reading this, thank you very much for a great day out.

 

Looking forward to attending to the heritage day this month, just wanted to see if there was any update on the next parts at leek being worked on?

Runaround loop, track/platform extension and water tower?

 

Normally as part of the heritage day, one of the directors will give an update on the project.

 

As 6046 has gone to Chinnor what is being used the CVR instead?

 

5197 and 33102 as required.

 

5197 was hauling the services last Wednesday.

 

You were right. Back from attending CVR for a heritage open day and had an excellent day.

Great to finally get off a train in Leek, such a shame the unexpected engineering costs resulted in project cuts initially as I think as soon as people can park, pay for a ticket and get on and off trains there i think it will see a big increase in passengers and hopefully income. The potential of this area for a museum, housing, connection to the canal/marina, engineering space, education space, event space, large car park, storage remains huge and i really hope SMDC provide the necessary support to match this potential as I think the local populous fully support it. And it’s clear the railway has met its end of the bargain, it’s time for them the step up.

There was no news on when the next steps will be done (runaround loop, water tower, platform, station building, car park) just that it’s being worked on currently.

Outside of that, Caldon quarry remains a possibility for the future as it still has lots of material to extract and remains one of the largest bagging quarry’s in Europe without a rail link (supplying HS2 no less)

The train ventured down the Stoke to Leekbrook line a short way, and again remains an ambition in the short term to reach Endon (which there will hopefully be some positive news on soon!) I know beyond Endon the track is an extremely overgrown but the Leek extension has shown what can be accomplished quickly. Hopefully there is an option for platforms somewhere in Endon as it would make a good westerly starting point for now. Near Endon basin could work well. Everywhere beyond that is a bonus.

It is clear though, and rightly so, any future expansions have to make sense technically and financially. So there is an offer in terms of a new location, better access, more people etc etc. That will result in new income for the railway.

Of which currently a stop Oakamoor sand sidings although doesn’t offer much in terms of a place for people to get off etc, in terms of effort for the railway they own the trackbed and could put tracks down tomorrow so is easier from that side. Beyond Oakamoor tunnel as the trackbed is currently owned by Staffs CC (for now) this get considerably more difficult, and the trackbed has a road on it to access to the cricket club ground which would need to be worked out. And beyond that the long platforms at Alton and the station obviously remain and would make a stunning long term objective but remains a long way away. It is well known there is strong objection in Oakamoor to the railway (although they won’t be around forever) as the county council may also not be if a new “North Staffordshire” authority is created soon, which may present a great opportunity for the railway to do a deal for the trackbed and take it off the hands off the new council.

The oatcakes were excellent, and tour of engine and coach sheds were a treat. The future remains bright at CVR, and having followed the railway for probably 20 years I left looking forward to what comes next.

Nevertheless I look forward to returning for the Rail Ale Trail in a couple of months, and trying to do my bit to support the railway and NSRC from a distance as the protection of our shared history, potential to bring great benefits to the local area and admiration of the staff & volunteers remains as strong as ever.

 

Pway had a go today at treating Ash die-back

 

I’m not optimistic for the patient’s outcome.

 

I am very optimistic - the patient should end up keeping me warm next winter. The dead wood is nice and dry