South Tynedale Railway.

I was today years old when I learned that STR's Naklo has its own excellent blog detailing the rebuild to close to its original appearance:

https://southtynedalerailwayblog.wordpress.com/2019/11/21/south-tynedale-railway-blog/

 

There is some STR / Matheran 740 content on episode 84 of Moving Pictures too:

 

It doesn't appear to have been updated since the middle of 2020 though.

 

I understand that the Crossing Cafe at Alston Station will be changing hands early in 2024 as the current operators will be retiring.

 

Apedale's beautifully restored Hunslet "303" is paying a visit to the South Tynedale next weekend:

https://www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk/events/category/special-service/

 

And now I'll also be up at the STR this weekend! Looking forward to spending some time on this beautifully situated railway, and possibly seeing Naklo out and about too:

https://www.steamlocomotive.info/vlocomotive.cfm?Display=4520

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/77063039@N08/53658456746/

 

Popular Northumberland footpath closed after damage to historic railway viaduct
A section of a Northumberland trail popular with walkers and cyclists has been closed over safety concerns after a section of masonry fell from a historic viaduct. The South Tyne Trail, which follows the route of the river from its source to Haltwhistle, passes over the Lambley Viaduct near the town.


The 260m viaduct, which was built in 1852, used to carry trains running on the former Haltwhistle to Alston railway. After the line's closure in 1976, it was allowed to decay before the British Rail Property Board agreed to restore it and it was opened for pedestrian use.

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/new...footpath-closed-after-32033981?int_source=nba

Expensive repair for the preservation group unless council helps.

 

It would, however as the preservation groups railway currently stops at Slaggyford and the viaduct is some distance north from the current extent of the railway its doubtful there would be trains heading over it anytime soon.

If your in the area the viaduct is a impressive structure and is well worth a walk out (when its repaired!).

 

The article states that it is owned and maintained by the railway, so they will still have to repair it

 

Oops, then that's two structures that need repairs - Alston Arches, the viaduct in Haltwhistle, is the other ...

 

Great weekend at the STR, with some throaty performances from Apedale's Hunslet "303", and Naklo on display at Alston. I understand it's done a few light engine test runs, and just needs some final fettling before taking is turn on passenger trains. Second Valve Steam's video from Saturday nicely captures the action:



Perfect weather, and the North Pennine hills are an incredible backdrop to this railway.

 

Also visited on Sunday [and had a good feed in Wooly's]

Very pleased to see the progress on Naklo, and had a look around the signal cabin, with a personalised tour !

The climb up from Slaggyford makes for some good sound effects !

I did make use of my camera, so some images will appear in the relevant album on Ipernity shortly ...

 

Waht the blazes is that air brake tender supposed to look liek? They ahd a pseudo Harrogate gasworks on e to use behind Braber? Perhaps asethetics are not a strong conisderation for the STR?

 

probably a conflict of form over functionality ?

Although another coat or two of paint wouldn't come amiss.
[but keep in mind that the STR are not the largest of organisations]

 

A bit more full fat STR goodness:

 

It really is an amazing location, and well worth exploring the countryside nearby.