Spa Valley Railway - Eridge opening Fri 25 March!

Hello everyone,

Following a day of test operations on 9th March, and an inspection by HMRI on the 11th, the Spa Valley Railway is delighted to announce that subject to final approval by the Secretary of State for Transport public steam operations between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge will commence with a special introductory day on Friday 25th March to mark this historic achievement.

Please see www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk for the latest information and ticket availability, including for the very first train, for which a limited number of tickets are still available (at the time I'm writing this!).
We look forward to sharing this great day with with you.

Although Network Rail engineering works on the adjacent main line are preventing trains running all the way to Eridge on 26/27th March, from 2nd April we will be operating over the extension every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October (with the exception of the four Thomas weekends).

Best wishes, Paul McKinnell, Spa Valley Railway

 

The web site says that 5521 should have arrived in time for the opening day so I guess that's one end of the trains on the first day. I saw somewhere it will normally be steam one end and diesel the other. What is expected to be the other end of the trains on the first day?

 

Current booked locos for Friday are top and tail steam for the 1st train from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge (Prairie/Ugly), then Prairie and 37 for the remaining 4 trips.

 

Thanks.

 

Is it being top and tailed temporarily whilst a loop is installed, or will this be the standard operation?

 

It is a temporary solution, however we have not yet finalised or costed a design for a loop so it will be the standard operation for at least the whole of 2011 if not longer.

 

Obviously installing a point for the loop next to the National Rail running line would be a major issue and would require a lot of planning. Is there much more to a loop this?

 

Yes, apart from the design and instal of a point next to Network Rail, there is also a footpath from the car park to divert - this will need an engineering solution

 

Congratulations for all that you have done, it is a truly impressive achievement.

I noted that the service to Eridge is unfortunately curtailed by NR engineering works over the coming weekend. Hopefully this will not be a regular occurrence?

Is it intended for there to eventually be a Signal box at Eridge, once the loop is operational? With both Platforms two and three usable in the future (?) this would enable an intensive gala service - 1st train arrives, runs round, 2nd train arrives, 1st train departs, 2nd train runs round, 3rd train arrives etc...

 

Most NR engineering works on the line in recent years have been during the winter months (Nov-March) when we will not normally be using the section. Unfortunately by opening a week or two earlier than normal we have been caught out this time. Not saying we not be affected at times, but hopefully not often !

There is no plan for a signal box at Eridge at least in the short/medium term. A groundframe will serve our needs. With the potential solution we are looking at we will not be able to have two trains at Eridge at once under normal working, however when complete the signalled passing loop at Groombridge will enable us to double the service for galas and high season services.

 

Pleased to say we have today received official ORR/Secretary of State sign off to open on Friday - hope to see you there ! Dont forget after this Friday 25th March, the next operating days to Eridge are 2nd/3rd April.
The service on 26th & 27th March will be Tunbridge Wells to Groombridge only due to NR engineering works, and are scheduled to feature the class 37 on the first train then steam on the remaining 5 trips each day.

 

As posted on the other Spa Valley thread a few pics from today's opening:

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

 

My efforts (along with some photos from before today)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tom92240/sets/72157626244988348/

 

Wonderful! Good choice of steam (and diesel) locomotive too!

 

Re: Spa Valley Railway - Eridge opening

Please note if anyone is heading down for the 1st weekend of services to Eridge (2nd & 3rd April), on Sunday 3rd Southern are running a Hurst Green to Uckfield shuttle, with connecting bus from Purley. All SVR trains except the 10:15 ex TW are retimed 10 mins later to connect with this shuttle.

 

I see the weekend timetable is on the SVR website. A bit disappointed to see that depending on demand, the train could have an additional coach, and thus will be top and tailed with a diesel from Eridge (presumably no room to run roaund). Does anyone know when this decision will be made?, how are the operating staff at Tunbridge Wells going to know how many might join at Eridge?. sems a shame as most enthusiasts will be looking to joint the train at Eridge I would have thought. It's a long way for me to travel, might wait until the opening euphoria dies down, and steam definately operates both ways.

 

If you want guaranteed steam each way then the steam gala on 16th & 17th April would be your best bet. The 5th coach decision for this weekend will be based on loadings from Tunbridge Wells - the extra coach will be on standby and could be added at any point during the day if required. Although we had planned to operate in top and tail mode for the whole year with Steam on the Tunbridge Wells (primarily uphill) end, we are hoping to trial the swapping of engines at Eridge on Sunday as per the web site details which would then give alternate Steam and Diesel workings.

 

Thanks for your prompt reply, much apprectiated, two weeks time it is then!

 

I paid a quick visit to Eridge last Saturday, will be back for a proper visit during the Steam Gala in a couple of weeks. Four photos, two from Eridge and two from Forge Farm crossing. My video is uploading to Youtube now as well...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alts1985/sets/72157626437343964/

 

My video from Eridge and Forge Farm Crossing last Saturday is now on Youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0UbEOfCsmI