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New Narrow Gauge Railway Making Planning Progress

Discussion in 'Narrow Gauge Railways' started by dace83, Jun 20, 2010.

  1. dace83

    dace83 Well-Known Member

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    A new narrow gauge line from John o Groats to Lands end had been proposed.... Just Kidding


    The Southwold railway trust are trying to get a mile of track at Wenhanston and are making progress at planning, I'm very glad because in my opinion the steam park would of been a flop (for enthusiasts anyway).
    Will be nice to see the new build Blyth running with some replica carriages and wagons in say 5-10 years time?
     
    dace83, Jun 20, 2010
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  2. dace83

    dace83 Well-Known Member

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    dace83, Jun 20, 2010
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  3. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Good luck, never too many narrow gauge railways in my opinion!!
     
    SpudUk, Jun 20, 2010
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  4. Martin Perry

    Martin Perry Nat Pres stalwart Staff Member Moderator Friend

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    Cracking Pics, thanks. Looks like a doddle to put it all back! Harbour bridge might need a bit of work mind!
     
    Martin Perry, Jun 20, 2010
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  5. Pmorgan_cym

    Pmorgan_cym Member

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    In a Monday morning haze I misread Southwold as S****B***h
     
    Pmorgan_cym, Jun 21, 2010
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  6. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Is it going to be 3'??
     
    SpudUk, Jun 21, 2010
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  7. StoneRoad

    StoneRoad Member

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    Go for it!

    All the best....
     
    StoneRoad, Jun 21, 2010
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  8. dace83

    dace83 Well-Known Member

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    Yes!

    Planning is going well and I would imagine track laying will start soon, a 3ft diesel has been donated to help. There is to be a typical SR station building with engine shed (possibly based on that at Halesworth?) and nature walks. £30k of the £120k needed for Blyth has been donated.
     
    dace83, Jul 28, 2010
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  9. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    This is very interesting and welcome news. Is this instead of the Steam Park or in addition? (I must admit to reservations about where I assume the intended location of the Steam Park to be).

    Any chance you can identify the 3ft diesel?
     
    kscanes, Jul 28, 2010
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  10. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Ah finally a 3' line in England...a lot of 3' steam that might need a good home :D
     
    SpudUk, Jul 28, 2010
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  11. Dumphrey

    Dumphrey New Member

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    I was in Southwold at the end of May and called in at their shop to see what was happening. The Steam Park idea had to be scrapped because the land that was to made available was no longer on offer. That was why this new plan was hatched and I understand that a farmer whose land adjoins the new location is all in favour; unlike some of the town's newer incomers who seem to want the place sealed in Edwardian aspic but without the railway! Most real Southwold citizens appear in favour, so I was told.
    The frames for the new 'Blyth' are in place and the society is askng people to donate for specific components. Hopefully things will continue to come to fruition so that a suitable resting place for the 3' relicts will arise. I've already advised them to get a qualified asbestos 'handler' on board.

    Good luck to them.

    Ian
     
    Dumphrey, Jul 28, 2010
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  12. Pesmo

    Pesmo Member

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    This would be a fabulous project if they can get it off the ground and past all the herds of nimby's who will no doubt crawl out of the woodwork. I always try to spend a couple of nights a year in Southwold if I can as its such a nice place.
     
    Pesmo, Jul 28, 2010
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  13. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Hmmm. Up until very recently their website was giving the impression that the Steam Park was a done deal with just one or two little wrinkles to be ironed out. There was no indication that it was just an "idea"! Planning permission obtained, land available, nice model in the shop and photos of the model on the website.

    I am a little embarrassed as, based on their website and newsletter, I have spread the word of the Steam Park to quite a lot of enthusiasts. I shall now have to un-spread it, and will in future treat news from these sources with a pinch of salt.
     
    kscanes, Jul 29, 2010
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  14. Dumphrey

    Dumphrey New Member

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    Ken
    I think "idea" was me probably selling the project short. I think it was almost a done deal but the owner of the land, a local scrap dealer had become spatially embarrassed owing to the success of the 'car scrappage scheme'. The local authority stepped in on what I understood to be a ground pollution alert and now require that the land be converted to hard standing and/or concrete. (I hope I have interpreted this correctly.) That, I believe is the reason for the change of plan.
    If there is any glaring errors in this interpretation of what was a slightly patchy conversation, I apologise and would be delighted if anyone can either substantiate or correct it.

    Sorry if I have caused you any embarrassment, Ken.

    Ian
     
    Dumphrey, Jul 29, 2010
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  15. kscanes

    kscanes Resident of Nat Pres

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    Not you Ian .... unless you write the Southwold Railway website and newsletter?
     
    kscanes, Jul 29, 2010
    #15
  16. Dumphrey

    Dumphrey New Member

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    Now that would be fun
     
    Dumphrey, Jul 29, 2010
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