Spa Valley and Eridge

Thats great news, I look forward to trains finally running into Eridge. A great job by all involved.

 

ERIDGE – LAST MAJOR HURDLES OVERCOME

One of the last major hurdles in the Spa Valley Railway’s ground breaking Eridge extension was cleared in late August with the signing of the lease with Network Rail for use of the track and trackbed of the former down line between Birchden and Eridge and into the down main and down bay platforms at Eridge station. Finalisation of one of the other major components in what has become an ever more complicated jigsaw, the station access agreement with train operator Southern is anticipated to be finalised imminently. The Spa Valley already holds a lease upon the platform buildings at Eridge. This now paves the way for the use of heritage Spa Valley services to share a mile of the former double track formation between Birchden Junction and Eridge and similarly share Eridge station with National Rail services.

 

Snap! :smile:

 

Any news about Eridge services, or the loop at Groombridge? There's no sign of those preview services, and the website barely seems to be updated at the moment - a little concerning...

 

Yes it is, the last entry on their website was last August. Are they opening to Eridge this year?

http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/SpaEridgeNews08.htm

 

Apologies for the lack of updates guys. That is down to me and not having a laptop at the moment with the software to update the site.

All I can say with regards to Eridge is that the final pieces of the jigsaw are now dropping into place. Unfortunately they are paperwork matters with Network Rail and so nothing tangible to show you.

We hope to be in a position in the next week or so to make an announcement to you all. That's all I can say.

Matt

 

Following a day of test operations on 9th March, and a visit by HMRI today, the Spa Valley Railway is delighted to announce that subject to final approval of the Secretary of State for Transport, public operations between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge will commence with a special introductory day on Friday 25th March.

On this day it is planned that a special train will depart Tunbridge Wells West at 10:15, and return from Eridge at 11:10 – this train will be available to special ticket holders only, with premium fare tickets sold in advance. The first standard train will be the following 11:50 departure from Tunbridge Wells.

Due to Network Rail engineering works the weekend of 26th/27th March will see a Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge service, with the next Eridge day being Saturday 2nd April. Trains should then run every weekend and bank holiday, except during Day out with Thomas events.

 

Jon

This is great news and a credit to all of the team concerned after long and difficult negotiations. Looking forward to seeing the faces of passengers on the Southern services when trains meet.

Will definately be there

 

Thats great news, well done! Typically its the weekend I am away visiting the WSR for the Spring Gala! I assume from reading the above the Steam Gala in April will run to Eridge?

 

Indeed it will barring any last minute engineering works on the Uckfield line that may prevent operations.

The railway is also pleased to confirm that Bill Parker's Small Prairie No. 5521 will be arriving in time for the opening day and will stay on the railway for around 2 months which will include the Steam Gala in April.

Matt

 

Thanks Matt, that all sounds good. Hopefully I shall be at the Gala on the Saturday.

 

May have to go and get some photos at Eridge then.... Will 5521 be working on the opening day?

 

The plan is to run 5521 on opening day in top and tail format with the Class 37. 5521 will be on the Tunbridge Wells end.

It is hoped to have RSH 'Ugly' in the bay platform at Eridge during the day too.

Matt

 

Some good TV news coverage on Meridian earlier tonight of a test train today. A replay is available at

http://www.itv.com/meridian-east/fullprogramme/

Its 17:30 in

I guess the guys involved were enjoying it as there are some great cheesey grins in the interviews

 

Have also just been sent the following link showing todays activities at Eridge with the test train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jalBslismzQ

A taster for tomorrow.............

 

A few pics from today :

http://www.flickr.com/photos/72405966@N00/sets/72157626225705551/