Bowes Railway News

More intriguing still! I'd say the picture above (with the Hunslet plate) is the rear end. The radiator is at the other end and that is usually taken as the front end. What does the forward/reverse control specify for direction? I've not come across this design before; need to do a bit of research.

 

The controls state the end with the Hunslet plate is the forward end. Whilst the control panel in the cab is also fitted to that side. However I'm in agreement I've always thought it to be back to front.

 

Thanks for providing this.

 

Bowes is holding its second open weekend of the year, this will feature both the Planet and Hunslet operating coal trains on Sunday. Whilst on Saturday Planet will provide shunting demonstrations in Springwell yard. Also on site will be our blacksmithing demonstrations, guided site tours, heritage engineering shops, waggon display, mining exhibition and light refreshments. Best of all its free but donations are very welcome.

 

On the 5th and 6th of March btw...

 

Work has continued around the railway- waggon overhauls continue apace (see waggon forum). Track work has continued with resleepering and construction of new fences. The rope hauled line has been cleared of undergrowth and a track survey is now taking place. One waggon has been destroyed in an arson attack, it's rebuild will begin shortly.

 

2017 at Bowes. Just an update of where we are and where we hope to be.
It is hoped to resume running both passenger and coal trains in 2017. To do this we are completing a return write of the railways level crossing order, rule boom and SMS to bring everything up to modern standards. Along with the nessesaey staff training associated with these improvements.
Up the line went are completing works to repair lineside fencing, crossing guards and signage. Whilst sleeper replacement has continued too. Current work also requires fitting a new facing point lock at Wrekenton loop.
On the locomotives front, Andrew Barclay 22 is in service. Peckett Merlin is on loan to the Plym Valley railway for much of the season. Whilst Andrew Barclays WST is having fundraising undertaken for boiler repairs.
Internal combustion, our Ruston 88 is serviceable along with the Hunslet. Whilst the Planet is currently stopped for gear box repairs.
All four passenger vehicles are operational, and currently 24 of our historic waggon fleet are operational, with a further three under overhaul.
We will continue to provide updates throughout the year.
We will be open the first weekend of every month March - October inclusive.

 

Work has continued with the level crossing order progressing, with only the technical drawings to complete. Whilst the first drafts of the rule book and SMS are now completed.
Number 22 has been readied for the summer season, whilst the Ruston is operational. Hunslet is on light duties and Planet is dismantled for gear box repairs.
Two recent bouts of vandalism have effected the railway, with someone entering the waggonshop via a window overnight. So new shutters have been put in place. Whilst waggon 971 caught fire and has now been dispatched off site into the care of @StoneRoad for a full restoration.
Finally work on maintaining the railway has taken a huge step forward with strimming and tree clearance completed on the running line to Wrekenton now completed. Track repairs are currently underway, with sleeper replacement and replacing broken chairs now underway also.

 

Number 22 running in the yard again on 2nd April, shunting demos dtc

 

After so much bad news over the years, it's really heartening to read your posts, especially your refusal to let the nihilistic vandal scum grind the BR's good people down.

 

A selection of photos from the open weekend, further photos can be seen at: https://mattdphotos.smugmug.com/Bowes-Railway/Bowes-Railway-2017/

 

Thank you we are trying our best to revive the railway up here. And save this unique site for future generations. Yes they aren't some of the best people in the world, we had stones thrown at the waggons on the operating weekend!

 

All the best to all of you up there!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

On Saturday 3rd June we are holding a miners fete. As part of this we are unveiling newly overhauled Ruston 165 Perky to the public. This was one of North Easts last working industrial locomotives. It will be giving demonstrations in the yard alongside Barclay 22 and the rest of the home fleet. Free entry 10 - 4. Pics to follow...

 

Been a little while since an update so here we go...
New SMS, rulebook and updates level crossing order are ready to be submitted to the relevant people.
Volunteer training due to recommend shortly.
Track repairs underway to reopen the first three quarters of a mile of line to the public.
Waggon maintenance has continued with repairs to various vehicles and two new overhauls underway.
On the loco front three loco currently operational (Ruston 165 perky, Ruston 88 redhaugh and The planet). Assements underway for returning both Andrew Barclays to steam.
Work recently undertaken to repair roof on the loco shed, wall of the engineering shop.
Finally a refurbishment of the sites cafe, shop and toilets.
2018 should be a better year for Bowes railway.

 

Quite a while since the last update so here it goes.
SMS and rulebook approved and handed out to members, with training underway.
Crossing order submitted to the ORR, and awaiting inspection once repairs are completed.
12 hoppers are now available for service, along with four passenger vehicles.
Fencing repairs underway
Fitting of vacum brakes to Ruston 165 Perky underway, whilst its sister Pinky has a general overhaul.
Cafe, shop and toilet refurbs completed.
Work underway to re fit rope haulage rollers to both inclines.
Refurbishment underway on bank head cabin from 1826
And finally funding now in place to construct a new museum to illustrate the history of the railway and Springwell village.

 

A little glimpse of the future at Bowes today. 3 of the four passenger vehicles were on the platform at Springwell. The loco is Perky, is now has funding in place to vac fit ready for a hopefully soon return to passenger operations.
This is subject to fencing repairs, final upgrading of the crossing and a repair to facing point lock 2. This will complete phase 1.

 

Finally progress. 're wiring and upgrading the crossing is now completed and repairs to the groundframe and facing pointlocks completed. The first works train in nearly two years was able to rumble into the section from Springwell crossing to Wrekenton.
Work can now begin on tree clearance, fencing repairs and repair of the two points at Pelaw main junction. Which will allow the first 1/4 of a mile to reopen subject to ORR approval.

 

Thanks, excellent progress.