SPRING 2011
Work on ensuring the trackwork is in good condition for the forthcoming season following the bad winter has meant the track gang has been out during the winter carrying out essential maintenance
Locomotive News
Our Kerr Stuart 'Joffre' locomotive is now aproaching the final stages of its long term restoration, and it is hoped that it will be operational before the end of the 2011 season
We recently took delivery of the boiler, having had extensive repairs undertaken by a boilermaker in the Isle of Wight
Here we see the chassis and tanks in primer (Jan 2011) and the boiler undergoing a test steaming (June 2011)

OPEN DAYS 2011
Following the sucess of this years August Summer Gala, when we had two visiting recently built Hunslet steam locomotives from our friends at Statfold Barn Railway, and a couple of miniature Hunslet Models.
We feel sure that everyone who attended the day had a good time and we are looking forward to our next event on 2nd October 2011 - when we shall be running an intensive steam service mixed with some diesel hauled freight trains
See our timetable page for more information

Herewith some pictures of our August Event

JOFFRE LOCOMOTIVE UPDATE
On the 28th August 2011 the locomotive's cab was removed to enable the boiler was placed into the loco frames for the first trial fitting.
This operation was achieved without any unforseen problems and the enclosed pictures gives an impression of what the locomotive will look like when completed in time for the 2012 season
LOCOMOTIVE 'AWAY DAYS'
Our longest serving steam locomotive 'Irish Mail' had a weekend at Threlkeld Mining Museum, Near Penrith, Cumbria, in the company of two other Hunslets specially invited for a private photo charter event
Herewith a couple of pictures taken by our crew on the 30th and 31st July 2011 in this very scenic location
Following our Santa Trains in December 2011 the railway will next open and operate passenger trains in April 2012.
Work will continue in the intervening period on getting the locomotives tested and ready for the coming season, and on other projects that cannot be undertaken during the operating period
The Site will be open on Sunday afternoons from 8th January for those interested to come along and give us a hand