Churnet Valley Railway General Discussion

Is there any news on repairs to the Blue S-160 after it's mishap earlier in the year?

Hope the damage wasn't too severe and repairs are going well.


Chris

 

In progress, we'll let everyone know when she's ready.

 

Fantastic visit to Rail Ale Trail yesterday, hopefully another big success for the CVR.

It was clear the new marquee at Cheddleton was a big success. Although the bar capacity seemed to struggle a bit.

It certainly felt a little busier than last year which is good to see. Hopefully signals well for its ongoing success and expansion, along with the majority of sold out dining dates for the rest of 2026.

Even with 7 carriages it did make me wonder if/when leek opens, just how much more popular this event could be! And how much more capacity it would need or could be created.

 

Rail Ale 2026 was indeed a success, with income up on previous years. The Chedd tent is a 2yr trial for ourselves, this year showed promise and so next year the provisional plan is to expand slightly further.

Operationally next year we will have a 2-train service on the Saturday, this year I just ran out of time to retrain the Signallers and complete work needed at Cheddleton. Hopefully this should be all rectified by the Autumn. There are exciting times ahead...

 

That’s great news I’m really pleased. The 14 of us certainly played our part in upping the coffers. It’s one of my favourite days of the year. Especially with great weather again despite some drizzle in the morning.

A two train operation will be great, the carriages on the Saturday were very full. Not unbearable but very busy.

Allegedly there’s a great big flat space in Barnfields that would look great with a marquee on it next to a platform next year…

I really could imagine with Leek and potentially Oakamoor Holiday park via the sand sidings far in the future the popularity of the line will just skyrocket.

 

Seems to have slipped under the radar but there is a picture on Flickr of WD701 out on a service train last Friday evening.

 

Seen a few pictures and videos of the loco running today pop up on Facebook this evening.

 

My photo of WD 701 at Froghall today on the 13.30 to Ipstones

 

Bet that takes more than a glass and a half ...

Tom

 

Took me a moment ….

 

Me and my dad had the pleasure of doing the Borders Explorer experience today, what an absolutely brilliant day out, mainly hosted by the GM himself who provided a wealth of information and anecdotes. Totally looked after from start to finish, with a really lovely breakfast thrown in too.
An unexpected bonus was running about 3/4 mile down the Stoke branch, along with 2 dramatic run pasts at Leekbrook jnc with WD701 (which I last saw at the Mid Hants nearly 35 years ago!).
The tour behind the scenes at the loco works and carriage works was very interesting, nice to see progress on 48173 and a very recent GWR pannier arrival, joining a saddle tank purchase..!
Can not recommend this more highly, well done CVR for putting on something completely innovative and unusual - both me and my dad thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Which pannier tank?

 

6435, previously of Minehead.

Both this and Wimblebury are now in direct ownership of CVR company following a legacy according to our guide.

 

My brother and I did this earlier this year and I can heartily endorse the above. An absolutely unforgettable day.

In my case, made even more memorable by winning one of the raffle prizes drawn at the top of the Oakamoor branch; a cab ride in the diesel which lead the train back down the branch and along to the new Leek platform...