Issue 65 June 2016

Issue 65 June 2016

Director
Rowan Jackson
r.jackson@ukheritagehub.co.uk
Deputy Editor
Joe Connell
j.connell@ukheritagehub.co.uk
Editor
Mat Yardley
m.yardley@ukheritagehub.co.uk
Secretary
Matt Evans
m.evans@ukheritagehub.co.uk
Editorial Team
Martin Creese James Corben Matthew Collier
James Batcheler Jordan Mossom Christopher Jones
A Message From Our Director…
In a period of relative quiet, along comes the sun and the heritage
world has suddenly exploded back into life once again. People seem
to be flocking from far and wide to see oily boxes on wheels, aka
the phenominal range of diesels of all shapes , ages and sizes which
have recently graced the record breaking galas of the Swanage
Railway and Severn Valley respectively.
Then it was all eyes on Swindon as the GWSR pulled off their
biggest ever gala to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Swindon
works ; seemingly by collecting as many appropriate GWR and BR
lined green Swindon products as they could in the present times of
BR black. The gala starred popular Swindon-built Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-0
46521, which making its first visit away from its Great Central base
since its recent re-paint back into its much loved BR lined green
livery, made a happy return to the GWSR on 7-coach passenger
trains as well as goods runs. In a continuation of the GCR’s ’9F’ +
1 tour, the visit of the newest running Swindon product, BR ‘9F’
2-10-0 92214, was popular in both returning a ‘9F’ to the GWSR
and a loco to its former haunts and fireman.
At the other end of the spectrum, the home fleet also put in many
a star turn, with Swndon’s oldest running loco, GWR ‘28xx’ 2-8-0
2807, bringing record breaking classmate 2808 back to life on the
Saturday. Quite possibly another record breaking run on the
Saturday was the evening trip with the gala’s only non-Swindon
product, 35006 ‘Penninsular & Oriental S & N Co.’ Rounding off
the day of its public debut by hauling a load equivalent to 18
coaches – 14 MK1s + ‘9F’ – 35006’s performance really proved the
fantastic restoration job which allowed the loco to re-enter regular
service for the first time since BR days in time for the event.
Perhaps the highlight of the gala was however the return to service
of 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall’ just two days before the event itself,
bringing the total up to 8 running locos. Ex-works, 7903 really gave
a Swindon job a run for its money, exquisitely presented as one of
the best ever turned out locomotives in preservation and to a very
tight schedule.
Another heritage highlight of recent times has undoubtedly been
the HST 40 events, showcasing what are widely considered to be
the best of post-steam age traction with a superb line-up. The
preserved HST prototype, alongside an original liveried FGWowned
power car was definitely a sight for sore eyes.
Despite the crowds being at the SVR’s Diesel fest, the Great
Central Railway made a valiant effort with their “Railways at
Work” gala, despite having to withdraw one of their visiting locos
– GWR 2-8-0T 4247 from Bodmin - for boiler repairs, thus
curtailing the loco’s 100th birthday tour. The particular highlight of
this event was not so much the trains; though they plied the line,
both passenger and goods, and at the very regular intervals that we
have come to expect from GCR events. Instead, it was the recreation
of a working yard with an LMS ‘3F’ ‘‘Jinty’’ 0-6-0T 47406
shunting wagons whilst steam-powered road vehicles plied thier
trade, accompanied by other forms of vintage road transport.
There were no fences and no orange jackets, meaning that the
public were free to wander around this vital, timeless, and often
over-looked aspect of station life, so long as they obeyed the
shunter at his work.
Continuing in this vein of marrying our railway heritage with the
rest of our British history, we would love to hear from anyone with
articles and pictures to contribute to future issues of UK Heritage
Hub Magazine. It doesn’t have to be long, or a work of art, but if
you enjoy any aspect of our collective heritage and could make a
high quality written or pictorial contribution, we’d love to hear
from you. We’ve had trains of all shapes and sizes, boats, planes,
road transport and cathedrals to date, and are always looking to
expand either in territories we have already explored or indeed
into unknown waters!
In the meantime, enjoy the summer whilst it lasts and head out to
see our wonderful heritage near to (or far from!) you, whatever it
may be!
Front Cover: National Railway Museums “Deltic” D9002 powers over Bridge 12 on the Friday at the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala Joe Connell
Rear Cover: LMS 8F 48624 works through the setting sun at Swithland Sidings during a recent charter Simon Mulligan
www.ukheritagehub.co.uk
submissions@ukheritagehub.co.uk

News from the London & North Eastern Region
Compiled by Joe Connell - LNENEWS@UKHERITAGEHUB.CO.UK
Garnet Grant
The North York Moors have had help in the restoration of Pullman coach
'Garnet', with a £60,000 grant from the Department of Transport. The
grant is a large chunk of the £160,000 needed to get the 1961 coach back
to running order. The rest of the money will be raised by donations and
appeals, and it is hoped to have the coach in the Pullman train by Easter
2018. The addition of the coach increases capacity and means dining
services can go through to Whitby for the first time. It is the very first time
the department has given funds of any description to a heritage railway.
Various pullman services run throughout the year on the NYMR, including
lunch and evening trains.
KWVR Half-term
Animation classic characters Wallace and Gromit visited the KWVR during
half term week. The characters from the well known films were at the line
Wednesday and Thursday for the children to meet and have photographs
with. Family tickets also gave rides on a vintage bus from Oxenhope to
Haworth. Rostered at the line for the week: 75078, 90733 and 43924.
Scottish steam relived at the North Yorkshire Moors Rowan Jackson
Conway Progress
Work is progressing well at Locomotion-Shildon on the Middleton
Railway's locomotive Conway. The smokebox arrived in mid-May to be
fiited to the 0-6-0 engine, which is being restored at the museum. The 1933
Kitson built tank, originally built in Leeds, is physically taking shape, and the
next stage of the project is being carried out by volunteer, who are eager
for any help to bring Conway back to steam, or for any help in general with
projects and running the museum. Conway is yet to run since being taken
by the Middleton line.
Wensleydale 47
Recently having worked the Wensleydale Railways ale event with Sulzer
26007, is the lines Class 47, 47715. The engine appeared in NSE livery to
coincide with the NSE 30th anniversary. A remarkable effort was made to
get the engine ready for the event, with only three volunteers completing
the entire repaint in just 10 days. 47715 is sporting the name 'Haymarket'
after arriving at the line in Fragonset livery and named 'Poseidon'. This now
joins DMU Class 121 as operational.

Epping Ongar Railway
Owen J Haywood
Top Left - “Thumper” unit 205205 at Persons Lane Crossing
Top Right - 31483 at Personw Lane Crossing
Bottom Left - 1744 at Persons Lane Crossing

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SNG Update
Current work on Sir Nigel Gresley has been centred more around a GUV van, rather
than the loco. Lighting has been set up and the GUV has been placed next to the engine
so parts can be stored within. The move of the van clears space to get the engine onto
the wheeldrop, with a bogie prepared to help support the engine. A few days were
spent inside the firebox in readiness for a proper inspection of it, as well as cleaning of
the plates. All the streamlining has now been removed.
Tanfield produce
The third Sunday each month from June - September will see Marley Hill shed turned
into a local market at the Tanfield railway. Local businesses will set up and sell their
local produce to visitors; these will include food and arts stalls, featuring the best the
Gateshead/Durham area has to offer. Trains will be running on these days, and if
anyone is interested in having a stall on these days there is a form and contact details
on the lines website. The first market day is on June 19.
VW in Lincs
The Lincolnshore Wolds are hosting the Grimsby Volkswagen Club on 3rd July at the
line. They are bringing and displaying around 50 vehicles, both classic and modern, and
owners will be present to answer any questions. to coincide with this, the line is
running a Strawberries and Steam day, celebrating the very British tradition of the
summer fruit and a day out. Visiting Bellepheron has now left the line after a months
stay, which saw it haul Bank Holiday trains.
Beamish Cinema
A 1950s weekend of cinema at Beamish on the 15th and 16th of July, will see
screenings of Calamity Jane (15th) and the Alfred Hitchcock film Rear Window (16th).
The screenings will take place at the Masonic Hall in the town area of the museum and
refreshments will be available. However, tickets for this event are only for the
screenings and do not grant access to the rest of the museum. There are only 80 seats
for each viewing; to book a ticket before they are gone ring 0191 370 4000.

Great Central “Railways at Work 2016”
Several GCR locos have appeared at other railways
galas so far this year, but all the home fleet were back
for the second year of the GC's "Railways At Work"
Gala. Guest star 7F 53808, from the West Somerset,
was to be joined by GWR 2-8-0T 4247.
Unfortunately, after an arrival inspection, it was found
that serious work was required on the loco, and an
unfit to run decision was made before the event.
Visitors were able to see the loco, albeit within the
confines of the engine shed. A few weeks into service
following repaint into BR green was Ivatt Class 2 46521.
Home runners making up the event were 92214 facing
north, 45305, 48624, 6990 Witherslack Hall and Jinty
47406, which was shunting at Quorn in the new goods
yard in the centre of the car park, alongside
steamrollers and a vintage truck. The loco shunted
some wagons over the turntable and utilised the rarely
used bay platform on the far side of the station area,
where some old wagons are now stored.
This year the event was three days from Friday to
Saturday May 20-22, the Friday being more of a taster
day, something that is becoming a much more regular
thing on railways during galas. 53808 started and
finished things on Saturday, hauling both the first train
and a couple of runs on the Windcutters in the
afternoon. 53808 double headed with 45305 both
weekend days, as did 46521 with 6990. To help give a
bit of an S&D feel other trains, including a lot of the
freights, were given S&D headcodes. On the double
headers the 7 & 5 had the maroon RB set including the
Gresley buffet, and the Ivatt & Hall had the GW region
BR set.
Not running at the event was 777 Sir Lamiel, which was
a spare loco for Sunday, and N2 1744. On the restoration
front Standard 2 78018 and 8F 48305 are well into
latter stages of completion. This raises the prospect of
two 8Fs and two Standard Class 2s in operation
together at the same time; work is well underway with
sister engine 78019 expected back into service within
the next 2 years. Also hoping to return to service in the
near future is 70013 Oliver Cromwell. Of note is that
this loco is also facing north, which makes for some
good photo opportunites during its running in. 92214
however is expected to return facing south after visiting
the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway.
Two freights were in operation, the windcutters and a
short mixed rake of wagons. No TPO demonstrations
ran. The timetable was still very busy, although certain
gaps were welcome to move around and catch up any
lost time, which was thankfully not needed, as for the
most part everything was on time. Also running was the
Words and Images by Joe Connell
DMU unit bewteen Loughborough and Rothley. The
usual diagram with the local was in operation, with it
being looped at Swithland to see passing trains before
heading on to Rothley. The DMU in place of the two or
three coach local seemed to work a lot better, and
does offer better views especially for the time spent in
the Swithland loop.
The turnout on the Saturday wasn't great, the majority
seemingly off for the diesels at the SVR, but Sunday was
very well turned out, helped by some excellent weather.
53808 was booked for a few charters in the week
and also ran over the Bank Holiday weekend before
heading off. Worth noting that on Sunday June 12 it will
be 40 years to the day that 45305 returned to steam in
preservation, and it will be running specially on the day,
with a few extras for the loco. Next is the War
weekend June 3-5 and the huge Model Weekend June
17-19. Last year there were 114 stalls in the specially
built tent and this year there are going to be many
more. On the track there is to be a much busier gala
style timetable, with more services to get people to and
from Quorn

More from the Great
Central “Railways at
Work” Gala
Robert Batty

News from the London & North Western Region
PIONEER RETURNS TO CHEDDLETON
The Churnet Valley Railway is delighted to announce that the locomotive, which
signaled the start of railway preservation of former Knotty lines back in 1977, has
now returned to its spiritual home.
Following an approach from the locomotive's current owners to the CVR, a deal has
been struck that will see Hunslet no. 3777 take up residence at the railway ahead of
a planned overhaul - after which the locomotive will then be based on the CVR for
the next 5 years.
More recently known as no. 68030 following an identity change into a LNER J94,
3777 gained iconic status when it ran the first preservation trains at the Cheddleton
Railway Centre which was to later develop into what is now the CVR. Rescued from
the nearby Wolstanton Colliery at Newcastle-under-Lyme where it was numbered
as NCB no. 9, the locomotive was restored onsite at Cheddleton by the early
volunteers of the North Staffordshire Railway Company who then painted it into a
replica Madder Lake Livery and named it "Josiah Wedgewood" after the local potter.
Compiled by James Batcheler - LNWNEWS@UKHERIAGEHUB.CO.UK
Once restored Josiah operated the NSRC shuttles trains along the demonstration
line that was laid along the former Goods Yard.
With the developments at Cheddleton and the expansion into the Churnet Valley
Railway, the locomotive subsequently saw service along the now preserved line
through the 90s and early 00s until the locomotive left to go on the hire circuit
visiting numerous railways across the UK in 2006.
Affection for the NSRC's first steam locomotive remained strong amongst many of
the CVR's long-standing members however, for it was originally a sign of hope that
what many at the time only dreamed of would one day become reality - as eventually
happened with the transfer of ownership of the Churnet Valley line from British
Railways to CVR and the operation of steam services through Staffordshire's Little
Switzerland.
To see the locomotive return will bring back many happy memories for a many
number of volunteers and visitors, and the CVR looks forward to announcing
further developments as the overhaul commences and the locomotive is returned
to operation once again.
Scotsman to Return to the East Lancs
Following the hugely successful weekends in early-January, the East Lancashire
Railway will dedicate a weekend in October to 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’, with the
Pacific returning to Bury in an event dubbed ‘Flying Scotsman Returns’. The event is
set to take place over the 13th – 16th October.
More information will follow in due course, along with advanced bookings and
timetables.
Austerity tank 3777 “Pioneer” arrives back on to Cheddleton Shed in 2004
Dave Gibson
Wartime Weekend at the GCR
The 1940s will be brought back to life at
the Great Central Railway, over the
weekend of the 3rd – 5th June, providing
an evocative commemoration of
wartime Britain.
One of the highlights of the weekend
will include flypasts from three
Hurricanes, as well as a Spitfire aerial
display, along with a remembrance
poppy drop! Mock battles, live music
and theatre will be additional activities
that are taking place along the line.
Period entertainment will also take
place, along with displays of military
vehicles and visiting dignitaries.
Each station along the line is themed, to
check what’s happening where check
the website, at www.gcrailway.co.uk.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
James Kirby

Tracks to the Trenches
Words and Images by Martin Creese
wire. This year I enjoyed meeting a group representing
the Russian Army, who gave us a really interesting
description of the standard they carried.
Also on display were military vehicles, horse drawn
wagons, and even field guns . An extensive selection of
model railways of the battlefields occupied one of the
carriage sheds and a selection of trade stands of course
ensured there was plenty to tempt you to part with
your money.
Whilst a corner of Staffordshire will never be the
Somme or any of the battlefields in that war, the
opportunity to see a little piece of history brought to
life was well worth the visit. The railway runs most
weekends and details can be found on the railways
website Apedale Valley Light Railway.
The Moseley Railway Trust held its second “Tracks to
the Trenches” event over the weekend of the 13th to
15th May. This unique event commemorates the use of
narrow gauge railways in the First World War. Moseley
Railway Trust have established the Apedale Valley
Light Railway, which currently runs for 1⁄2 mile in
Apedale Country Park, established on the site of the
former Apedale Colliery. For the event, the adjacent
field is transformed into all things World War One.
The field railway carries supplies to a small section of
recreated trench, which for the duration is occupied by
reenactors representing various regiments that fought,
including the Manchester Regiment , 18th Batttalion
Durham Light Infantry and the Croix De Guerre,
amongst others. Wagon loads are moved by a myriad
of very light internal combustion engines, be it shells
and munitions, a barrel of water or even an injured
soldier. The volunteers allow young and old the chance
to fire into no-man’s land, to look over the top and to
hear stories of life in the trenches. In other parts of the
field, encampments are set up with a Field Kitchen
courtesy of the 29th Field Kitchen, who were preparing
lunch on large wood fired stoves, hospitals, stable
and horses with cavalry displays from the 16th Lancers
Display Troop. At one point an early internal combustion
engine sits in a shell hole surrounded by barbed
It would be remiss of me to not to devote a few lines
to the railway side of the event. The home fleet of Kerr
Stuart “Tattoo”, (aka "Stanhope"), Hudswell Clarke
1238 of 1916 and Joffre KS3014 of 1917 were joined
by a second Joffre KS2405 of 1915 from the West
Lancashire Light Railway and Baldwin 778 from Leighton
Buzzard fresh from its overhaul. Internal combustion
engines of the period had come in from Welsh
Highland Heritage Railway as well as Ffestiniog, not to
mention Statfold Barn, who also kindly supplied their
Hudswell Clarke 1643 of 1918. Space and time precludes
a full listing of the gala attendees and these can
be found on the webpage http://www.ww1-event.org/
.

News from the Western Region
‘THUMPER’ DESTROYED IN FIRE
The Swindon and Cricklade Railway suffered
a devastating loss, as the resident ‘Thumper’
DEMU No. 1302 was destroyed in a
horrendous arson attack on the 20th May.
The multiple-unit was stabled at Hayes Knoll
at the time, with the fire also destroying
three wagons – which were stabled on an
adjacent line, used for storage at the time.
The unit played an integral part in the
Railway’s passenger services, as well as being
historically significant. Appreciated by
CLASS 66 TO VISIT MINEHEAD
The West Somerset Railway’s annual Mixed
Traffic Weekend is taking place over the
weekend of the 10th – 12th June, presenting
a weekend of Heritage Diesel Traction in
recognition of 40 years of the Diesel &
Electric Preservation Group (D&EPG)
supporting the WSR.
To represent modern traction, GB Railfreight
have provided Class 66 No. 66757,
which was named ‘West Somerset Railway’
at Bishops Lydeard in September 2015. The
‘Shed’ will run alongside a strong home fleet,
consisting of Class 14 No. D9526, Class 33
No. D6575, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ No. D7017,
enthusiasts and family visitors, it had been
the subject of an extensive refurbishment
programme ahead of the 2016 season.
The fire is a serious blow to the railway,
with the trailer car being a total loss.
However, the driving car is relatively intact,
and the Railway is now appealing for donations
so that work can begin on restoring
the remaining part of the DEMU, as well as
finding a replacement trailer car.
Class 47 No. D1661 ‘North Star’ and Class
52 No. D1010 ‘Western Campaigner’.
Appearing at the Railway for the final time is
D832 ‘Onslaught’, with the ‘Warship’ set to
travel home to the East Lancashire Railway
after the event, after being based at Williton
since 2009.
The Friday is a Diesel-only timetable day,
with steam appearing on the 11th and 12th,
with two departures from Bishops Lydeard
at 10:55 and 14:55 each day. A DMU shuttle
service will also be in operation between
Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren
over the weekend, with a Heritage Freight
Train running each morning.
Compiled by James Batcheler - GWNEWS@UKHERITAGEHUB.CO.UK
The remains of the trailer car for “Thumper” 207203 at the
Swindon and Kricklade Railway Peter Todd (Woolwinder - Flickr)
SCOTSMAN ON WESTERN TERRITORY
The world’s most famous steam locomotive –
60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ – is set to travel along
Western metals in early-June, as the loco takes
charge of the multi-day ‘Cambrian Coast Express’.
Promoted by Steam Dreams, the Pacific will haul
the return trip back to London Paddington on the
8th June, running from Chester to London
Paddington. The loco will haul the final leg of a
four-day multi-day excursion organised by the
Guildford-based promoter.
To prevent overcrowding and
trespassing, the timings of this tour
will not be released in advance. People
who are not travelling are advised not
to contact Steam Dreams for timings,
as a timetable or route will not be
released
LNER A3 60103 “Flying Scotsman continues on in the rain working the
Cathedrals Express James Corben

Llanfair Line wins grant to improve wheelchair access
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway has been awarded a Government grant of
£42,500 to improve access to trains for wheelchair-bound visitors to the line.
The grant, announced by Minister for Rail Claire Perry MP on 25th May, is being
made as part of the £1 million Heritage and Community Rail Tourism Innovation
competition, run by the Challenge Fund of the Department for Transport and the
Rail Safety & Standards Board (RSSB). The Llanfair Line’s ‘Disability First’ project,
that plans a combination of carriage modifications and platform lifts to allow visitors
in wheelchairs to board and alight from most service trains in comfort and safety,
is one of 17 winners announced by the Government.
Once the new equipment is in place and the carriage modifications complete, the
railway plans a communications campaign informing wheelchair users about the
improved facilities and encouraging them to enjoy the 16-mile return journey
through lovely Mid-Wales countryside. Visitors are also welcome in the Llanfair
Caereinion tearoom and in the fully accessible stations at each end of the line,
where disabled parking is also available.
Trains run on the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway at weekends from Easter to
October and during the week from May to September. The regular timetable and
special events calendar are available at www.wllr.org.uk
Access for wheelchair users has always been a challenge for heritage railway
operators, the passenger carriages on such lines having been built long before
society recognized the importance of disabled access. That challenge is increased
on narrow gauge railways such as the W&LLR, due to the more restricted
dimensions of the carriages and lower platforms. The line has adapted some
carriages to take portable ramps but these have proved less than satisfactory for
both passengers and staff.
Under the Disability First project portable platform lifts will be purchased for both
Welshpool and Llanfair stations, replacing the ramps and allowing effective access
for manual wheelchairs to most of the line’s carriages. In addition, two carriages in
regular service are to be modified to enable them to accommodate the larger
motorized wheelchairs and scooters that have become more common in recent
times.
Announcing the award, Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “We want to show the best
of British to our visitors and Heritage and Community Railways are part of that
package. I am delighted that the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway’s Disability First
project is one of 17 national winners across Britain. I look forward to seeing the
scheme develop, providing another great reason to visit Mid-Wales.”
Commenting on the award, the W&LLR’s Appeals Director Iain McLean said that
everyone on the line is delighted that the DfT and RSSB are supporting the efforts
to improve access for those with mobility challenges. “We want to be able to
welcome everyone to our railway, to fulfill our mandate to educate the public about
the railway and the important role it played in this agricultural community,” Iain
added.
The current method of loading an unloading passengers in wheelwhairs
Rosemary Charman

The Cotwold Festival of Steam - Built by Swindon!
Martin Creese
The GWSR held its annual steam gala over the late May Bank holiday
weekend . Following on from last years “Back in Black” theme this year
adopted “Built in Swindon” with the majority of the loco’s having a Swindon
Birthplace . The home fleet of 7820 Dinmore Manor, GWR 28XX 2807, GWR
42XX 4270 and 7903 Foremarke Hall was joined by visitors 7812 Erlestoke
Manor from the Severn valley Railway, and Ivatt 46521 now resplendant in
BR lined green, and 9F 92214 from the Great Central Railway. The final
engine and what was probably considered the star attraction was newly
restored Merchant Navy 35006
Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, after an almost thirty year
restoration and also over fifty years since withdrawal from British Railways
service in 1964. It should also be added that 7903 Foremarke Hall had also
returned to traffic after overhaul just before the gala, running in the week
before and in classic BR(W) tandem with 7812. The visit of 7812 and joining
7820 also brought together two of the stars of Manor 50 from last year with
7812 still proudly carrying its Aberystwyth embellishments and its late BR
lined green complimenting 7820’s early unlined BR Black. For me the two sat
side by side in Toddington Station on the Sunday afternoon just looked right.
An intensive service with three passenger sets together with a goods train ran
the length of the line including top and tail to Laverton. Other attractions
included the North Gloucestershire Narrow gauge railway which in a nice
touch was free for ticket holders, brake van rides , visits to the carriage and
wagon works at Winchcombe and drive a loco opportunities. The privately
owned Gotherington station was also open for the duration for people to
explore the gardens and collection of railwayana. The Saturday evening also
saw a fourteen coach special top and tailed with 92214 and 35006 . I can very
much recommend the video by Marsh steam videos and found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3OJDrB0Koo as 35006 hauls the train
back to Toddington.
With the exception of 35006 all the locomotive were familiar on the lines
through the Cotswolds so the event brought back memories of the line in its
heyday and having had the pleasure of a trip behind Foremarke Hall from
Laverton down to Cheltenham listening from the first carriage as we headed
south you were hoping to head for Bristol and the holiday destinations of the
south west.
The railway should also be complimented for a very reasonable childrens
ticket price of £7 which for a family certainly makes events like these more
affordable and it was noticeable how many family groups were out . I travelled
on the Sunday and the trains were comfortably full
Manor Class 7820 Dinmore Manor Martin Creese
Visiting Riddles 9F 92214 exits Gotherington Tunnel Simon Mulligan

The Cotswold's Festival of
Steam Gala
Top left - GWR Hal 7903 “Foremarke Hall” - Simon Mulligan
Top right - Visiting GWR Manor 7812 “Earlstoke Manor with a
mixed freight - Martin Creese
Bottom right - Visiting 9F 92214 rounds chicken curve - Kenny Felsteadt-

Welsh Narrow Gauge
Words and images by Martin Creese
A weekend looking after my youngsters beckoned as
my wife was away and whilst the simple option would
have been staying at home we opted for a weekend
away the idea being to sample a selection of Welsh
Narrow Gauge lines and introduce a new generation to
their joys . It was also nice for me to reacquaint myself
with some of them not having visited them for years
and also see these lines through a child’s eyes. It also
became something of a road trip with a soundtrack
provided by the diverse selection of Roald Dahl, The
Who and Mumford and sons
Our first stop was Llanfair Caereinon on the
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway where we had a trip
hauled by original W&LLR locomotive “The Earl”.
Coaching stock was the lines former Austrian
“Zillertalbahn” coaches with their wooden seats
supplemented by very welcome cushions. With the
leading veranda bagged and “The Earl” running bunker
first we were in the right place for the soundtrack that
followed. It is some time since I last travelled on the
W&LLR and to be honest I had forgotten what a
delightful experience it is as it wends its way through
the Mid Wales countryside. II thoroughly enjoyed
listening to the exhaust note as we made our way along
the line and watching the pronounced fore and aft
motion on the locomotive as it worked hard up the
lines gradients. We passed “Joan” which was on
footplate experience. After taking water at Welshpool
we changed ends on the train and boarded a former
Hungarian railways bogie coach which with its drop
down windows was much appreciated. A short pause
near the top of Golfa Bank to restore steam pressure
only added to the narrow gauge charm along with the
section along the river Banwy with train passengers
waving at picnickers on the opposite bank
From Welshpool we headed to Porthmadog for our
overnight stop via the superbly scenic Dinas
Mawddwy before heading up past Trawsfynydd and
spying the trackbed of the former Bala to Blanaeu
Ffestiniog Railway. Our arrival at Porthmadog
coincided with the days returning service trains and
provided a first glimpse of a Fairlie and a Garratt as well
as an interesting comparison in size of two narrow
gauge solutions.
A very nice Fish and Chip supper was taken on the
beach at Criccieth overlooked by the Castle the whole
seen a picture in the setting sun
Sunday we returned to Portmadog Harbour Station to
see preparations for the day’s services. The experience
added to by a hearty breakfast in Spooners which my
two thoroughly enjoyed with its grandstand view of the
station. Earl of Merioneth departed first with the
Ffestiniog train to Blanaeu followed by the Welsh
Highland train hauled by Cockerill built and former
South African Railways Garratt No.87. Having watched
the train depart from Pont Croeser the chase was on
and we beat it to Aberglaslyn where we watched the
passage through the spectacular pass. A pause was then
made at Beddgelert to see the southbound train, Garratt
hauled again by Beyer Peacock built No.138. My
two enjoyed the chase and the opportunity to see the
locos at work and I was happy with a few pictures
captured too
We then ventured round to Llanberis to see the
Snowdon Mountain Railway. Locomotives No.2 Enid
and No.3 Wyddfa were in service and on the heritage
coaches. Whilst we didn’t travel it was fascinating to
watch the operations on what had become a busy and
gloriously sunny day and the sound of the engines as
they commenced the climb was well worth sitting back
and just listening too. Instead we headed over the road
to the Llanberis Lake Railway where “Elidir” waited on
the service train. “Elidir” was a name carried at

veranda of a coach to explaining how gravity inclines
work and even a full breakfast at Spooners. They have
their sights set on a return visit soon
DIESEL REPLACEMENT AT CHINNOR
Following the announcement that GWR 42XX No.
4247 will be unavailable for the Chinnor and Princes
Risborough Railway’s ‘Centennial Gala’ in June, a DB
Cargo Class 66 will be paying a visit, operating trains
between Chinnor and Thame Junction alongside the
unique Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 and GWR Pannier
Tank No. L92.
Dinorwic by an Avonside 0-4-0 similar in design to
Penrhyn Railway’s Marchlyn and is now under
restoration at Leighton Buzzard having been
repatriated from . The loco now carrying the Elidir
plates and a classic “Alice” class Quarry Hunslet is w/n
493 of 1889 and originally known as “Red Damsel”.
Tickets purchased we took our seats and headed down
the line. The line was originally built to the unusual
gauge of four feet and ran from Gilfach Ddu to Port
Dinorwic carry the output from Dinorwic quarries .
The gauge of four foot was chosen to allow two quarry
slate wagons to sit side by side on transporter wagons
. The line is now two foot running from Llanberis and
along the banks of the Llanberis Lake to the railways
terminus at Penllyn . The journey offers superb views
across to Snowdon . On the return a break is made at
Gilfach Ddu allowing a little time to view the restored
Dinorwig quarry V2 incline. Journey complete it was
time to start our journey home although we did pause
briefly at Llangollen where a last blast of steam was
sadly missed as the rostered steam loco had failed and
D5310 was hauling the service trains.
So what did my youngsters make of it all. They
thoroughly enjoyed the trip and whilst in recent year’s
photography has been my prime passion it is nice
travelling on these lines again and seeing their
enjoyment from the simple pleasure of being on the
The Railway is aiming to provide a Class 66 that has
never hauled a passenger train, but at this present
moment that cannot be guaranteed. Whichever
example is provided, it is sure to be a rare opportunity
to travel behind a workhorse that regularly hauls
freight services on the main line.
The Gala has also been renamed ‘The Class 66
Weekend Event’, with the Railway pulling out all the
stops to provide a replacement in rather unfortunate
circumstances surrounding 4247. Class 31 No. 31163
will be on display, with the ‘Ped’ undergoing
restoration at the line. A bus service will be in
operation between Princes Risborough Railway Station
and Chinnor, which can be booked online to avoid
disappointment.
STOLEN PLATE HANDED BACK TO SVR
After a huge appeal, a workers plate was returned
anonymously to the Severn Valley Railway’s General
Manager – Nick Ralls – on June 1st. The item had been
unbolted and stolen off visiting DRS Class 68 No.
68025, with the loco being stabled at Bewdley during
the Railway’s ‘Spring Diesel Festival’, held over the 18th
– 21st May.
If the plate hadn’t been returned, future visits to Diesel
events involving Direct Rail Services locomotives
could’ve been
jeopardised.

The Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala
Words and Images By Joe Connell
Is there such a thing as too many engines for a gala?
Such were the number of locos at the SVR's diesel gala
it was rather difficult to keep track. Even as the event
started the non-appearance of D213 and 26007 seemed
secondary as further late replacements came in to add
to an already huge roster. Running in the week but
mainly Thursday - Saturay May 19-21 the diesel event
of the year had been moved from it's usual October
slot. DCR had sent 31452 down and DRS 68025
'Superb' with 37716. Another Chiltern 68 was on shed
at Kidderminster to view while tours were given to the
public round the newly opened shed. 66763 was
officially named 'Severn Valley Railway', while other
visitors included 20142/20205 in blue, class 31 5580,
33035, 50008 'Thunderer', and two class 73's from
Network Rail 73951 and 73952. Star attraction though
was Deltic D9002 from the NRM.'Koyli' as acronymed
appeared in freshly coated two tone green to contrast
with also running 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier'
running in BR blue. From their home fleet class 50's
'Definace' and 'Ark Royal', D1015 Western Champion
running as classmate D1058 'Western Nobleman', class
20's D8188 and D8059, and shunters D4100 and D3201.
There were two shuttles between Kidderminster and
Bewdley. One using the toplight GW carriages and the
other with the newly arrived 4TC set apeearing in an
under whelming coat of teak. Over the gala certain
locos ventured away from this section only once and in
some cases not at all. The 37 and 68 were almost
exclusively on the 4TC set, with other locos having a
run on them, and the GW's saw most the Western on
them on the Friday, and the green 20's. A freight ran
once on Friday and Saturday evening. Sunday was a
'mixed traffic' day with steam returning for the diner
train but still with several combinations of traction out.
Trains were absolutely packed, particularly the locals.
The mileage aspect of being a traction enthusiast meant
that the shuttle with the shunters and anything with the
68 on was standing room and several trains turning
passengers away. Other trains with D182 and the 'Peak
Army' were full, as were the other trains with both
pairs of 20s on or 'Choppers' as they are known. As
there were no other locals on the rest of the line the
service was up to one train an hour especially in the
Hampton - Bridgnorth section. However the turnover
of locos needed from Kidderminster to change trains
expalins why and having two locals was an adequate
way of maximising running.
There were inevitable delays with so many people
trying to travel, but a huge problem were the class 73's
where upon a certain speed the brake would kick in.
The trains where one 73 was being piloted or double
headed with had severe trouble taking the train on it's
own and consequently rolling the train under 10mph
for the section set the timetable back a good 30
minutes plus. As a result of this the fright Friday evening
was started at Bewdley north instead of going to Kidderminster
first, much to the discontent of the crew of
the class 46.
All this being said a colossal turnout which would rival
any Autumn steam gala, fully packed trains all weekend
and insatiable following for all things traction will mean
much more of the same is to be expected next
time. The Severn valley should be commended in
accommodating all the locos and giving them all a run
out at some point. It is also good for the future that
their fleet have a modern sheltered home where they
can be repaired and housed safely. Possibly the first
preserved line which can protect steam, diesel and
carriage stock undercover

More from the Severn
Valley Railway Diesel
Gala
Top Left - 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier - Kenny Felstead
Bottom Right - New passes old at Bewdley DRS 68025 Superb
passes 50008 Thunderer - Kenny Felstead
Bottom Left - D182 eases along the Oldbury Viaduct - Simon Mulligan

HST 40
St Philips Marsh depot
Kenny Felstead
Matt Prosser

All lined up, history together Jonathon Kirby

LMS “Royal Scot” 46100 “Royal Scot Kenny Felstead
UKRL class 56 Europheonix 37884 and MRB “Peak” D182 Kenny Felstead
Class 31 5580 stands with new GBRF class 66 Kenny Felstead
Where it all started prototype 41001 Kenny Felstead

News from the Southern & Great Eastern Region
Compiled by James Corben - SOUTHNEWS@UKHERITAGEHUB.CO.UK
Royal Scot for the Mid Hants
Jeremy Hosking’s LMS Royal Scot class no.46100 ‘Royal Scot’
has been announced as the first confirmed visitor to the Mid
Hants Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala, to be held on the 21st,
22nd and 23rd October. The LMS 4-6-0 has been a reliable
and popular locomotive on the main line since returning to
the national network in February.
This will be the first time that a member of the Royal Scot
class has worked over the 10-mile line from Alresford to
Alton.
More visitors are expected to be announced in due course.
The gala will feature the usual intensive 35-minute timetable
and demonstration freight trains.
Mid Norfolk Gala Takes Shape
No.46233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ will join no.46100 ‘Royal
Scot’ and Dennis Howell’s 94xx class no.9466 at the Mid
Norfolk Railway’s Steam Gala, being held on the 24th, 25th
and 26th June. The ‘Scot’ and ‘Pannier’ were due to be joined
by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway’s GWR 42xx class
no.4247, but boiler problems have meant that a replacement
locomotive was required.
A frantic few phone calls ensued, and shortly afterwards,
no.46233 was booked as a guest.
The ‘Duchess’ is no stranger to the 12-mile line from
Wymondham Abbey to Dereham, having previously
appeared at the 2013 and 2015 steam galas.
N Class for the Main Line
John Bunch’s SR N Class no.31874 will be overhauled to main line standard and fitted with all the technology required to run the Swanage Railway’s services to Wareham.
No.31874, the sole surviving member of the class, has been awarded a £75,000 government grant to return steam to Wareham regularly.
The money, from the Department for Transport, will pay for the main line safety equipment, including GSM-Radio, Train Protection Warning System and Automatic
Warning System, as well as overhauling 5 BR Mk1 coaches for use main line use.
Withdrawn for scrap by British Railways in 1964, no.31874 is expected to return to steam at the end of 2016 or at the beginning of 2017, with steam services to Wareham
expected to start in 2018.
Announcing the news, a delighted Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “We want to show the best of British to our visitors and heritage and community railways are part of
that package.

Didcot Diesel Disappointment
Didcot Railway Centre’s Plans to have classic western region traction in the shape of a
Western and class 50's were Unfortunately scuppered as a result of maintenance and
Ultrasonic tests which could not be performed in time .
Two of the other visitors were able to make it, BR Class 33 no.33035 and BR Class 46
no.46045, and they were joined by Class 56 no.56098 from Colas Rail, as well as a DB
Schenke-owned Class 66 and a GWR Class 165.
Scotsman in the South
LNER A3 no.60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ returned to ‘Southern’ metals on the 21st and 28th May,
with two circular trips around Berkshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire, but not without incident.
Trespassers at several locations on the Heart of Wessex line between Salisbury and
Southampton caused several delays to the railtour on the 21st May, with the train being forced
to stop at Dean, Romsey, Chandlers Ford and, later, at Whitchurch on the London & South
Western Main Line.
Despite the local newspapers and TV channels broadcasting several messages about the trip,
telling viewers and readers to stay off the tracks, this didn’t stop a large number of people
from straying onto the wrong side of the fence.
On the 28th, ‘Scotsman’ was booked to haul a London-Bristol railtour with Steam Dreams,
but a last minute re-route, owing to engineering works in the Bristol area, meant the train that
ran on the 21st would run again. Fortunately, no trespass incidents were reported, although
the return from Salisbury to London was delayed by a fire near the railway. It is not believed
to be linked to no.60103.
North Norfolk Announces guest
The North Norfolk Railway will be welcoming a GB Railfreight class 66 to their Diesel Gala
10th-12th June. The class 66 will be joining three other visiting engines, BR Class 50 no.50026
‘Indomitable’, BR Class 33 no.33035 and BR Class 20 no.20227.
The class 66 will break the theme for the gala this year, which will be based around Network
SouthEast 30, celebrating 30 years since NSE commenced operations.
On Friday and Saturday night, the ever-popular Beerex and supper specials will be running,
with no.33035 hauling the Friday night trains and the NNR’s class 37 D6732 on the Saturday
ones.
An intensive timetable will be in operation, with double headed trains up Kelling Bank. Local
ales and ciders will be available from the beer tent at Weybourne.
They have their first confirmed visiting engine to their late Summer Steam Gala will be S&D
7F no.53809. Which has been running on the West Somerset Railwaysince returning to steam
from overhaul in February 2016, will be visiting for the 3 day event on the 2nd-4th September.
Southern Railway 777 Sir Lamiel passes Woodthorpe on the
Great Central Railway Simon Beedie
Recently returned to traffic Merchant Navy class 35006 P & O lines at the
Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway Simon Mulligan

Bristol Harbour with Judy
Words and images by Martin Creese
I hope you will excuse me starting the piece with a confession; I asked my better
half if she would mind if I had an evening out in Bristol with a little lady by the
name of Judy. As I’m writing this, I did survive the question with at least my upper
limbs intact. The ”Judy” in this case is of course the former Port of Par Harbour
and Bagnall built 0-4-0 tank engine, built in 1937 w.n 2572 in Stafford at a cost of
£1200. I hadn’t realised that her brother “Alfred” followed sixteen years later in
1953 (w/n 3058) . Now of course, these two little locomotives became the
inspiration for “Bill” and “Ben” of Thomas the tank engine fame, (did you think I
could ever get TTTE into a UKHH article). The locos of course have something
of a noticeable characteristic, and that is the height which was dictated by an eight
foot high bridge under the Great Western Railway mainline, under which the
wagons, from the china clay workings at Ponts Mill, were hauled down to Par
Harbour. The very tight curves within the harbour complex also dictated a
narrow wheelbase. Judy worked at Par until 1969, when she entered preservation,
Alfred continuing to work until 1977, when she also entered preservation.
Both locos have their home on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, although "Judy"
has been on hire to the Bristol Harbour Railway for the last twelve months or
so, whilst “Alfred” is under overhaul at its home at Bodmin.
it was possible to go up in one of the superb Stothert and Pitt (of Bath) cranes and
capture Judy in action from a lofty vantage point. Now before anyone has visions of us
being hoisted up on the crane and left swinging in the air, we went up to the cab and
platform, although access was achieved via a cherry picker. It was a nice surprise as well
to discover that the cranes still work, and we were treated to a couple of revolutions,
or what I considered as maybe crane doughnuts. And what of the vantage point? Well it
was superb as we looked down on Judy emerging with its box van from beneath the next
crane, with two tugs moored up on the harbourside. Given the news of the challenges
facing the British Steel industry, it was interesting to see Lanarkshire steel clearly visible
on much on the main structure. The crane workers used to work eight hour shifts in the
crane, no seat was provided and no creature comforts. A rudimentary radiator is in the
cab for warmth. The quayside had also been closed off so we were able to capture the
scenes without the public wandering by.
My thanks to Chris and Ray and all involved at Bristol, for what was a very enjoyable
evening . As always ,if you would like to join us on future events you can follow us on
Facebook.
Par Harbour was built by a local entrepreneur J T Treffry, who wanted it to
export the copper from his mine. In 1829 work began on the site of a small cove
called Porth at the western end of this sandbank, and a breakwater was built
along the line of a reef called Spit rocks. This breakwater enclosed 36 acres of
harbour and was capable of taking up to about 50 vessels of about 200 tons each.
Cornish granite was exported in the early days for such famous landmarks as
Waterloo Bridge, Chatham Docks, Gibraltar Docks and Glasgow Docks. The
harbour is now operated by Imerys Minerals Ltd, and still sees thousands of
tonnes of China Clay shipped each year. Today the port has eight berths,
although not all can be used for commercial traffic.
With Judy scheduled to return to Bodmin in a few weeks time, a photographic
session was called for and organised under my 30742 Charters banner. Normal
operation at Bristol sees the engines propelling the two passenger carrying
wagons, which is less than ideal for photography, although the impish charm of
the engines is on full view when they are both the same height as the wagons they
haul, plus being likely to smoke their occupants out! With a number of people
delayed by the Bank Holiday weekend traffic, we were a little late starting and
with two wagons selected we first made use of the branch line alongside the
Channel for the River Severn, before returning to the quayside. Chris, our
contact at the railway, had laid on a little surprise for us, and with a small group

Scottish Steam
Jonathon Gourlay
Top left - 46512 departs Boat of Garten
Top Right - 44871 at Tomatin with the
Inverness-Oxenholme section of the GB9
Bottom left - 60103 departs Spittal for York

Diesels on the Purbeck - Swanage Diesel Gala
Words by James Batcheler, Images by James Corben
The annual Swanage Railway ‘Diesel Gala and Beer
Festival’ took place in the first weekend of May,
featuring a vast array of visiting diesels running
alongside the resident fleet. The 2016 event was to be
no exception, with many firsts being seen over the
weekend. The visiting guests consisted of Class 20s
20142 and 20205, both of which are owned by the
Class 20 Locomotives Limited – with the former being
recently repainted into BR Blue, having carried Balfour
Beatty grey livery for several years. The next guest was
to be the Great Central Railway’s Class 31 No. 31162,
running with the loco’s original number ‘5580’. The
weekend would see the first ever appearance of a Class
40 on the Swanage branch, with D213 ‘Andania’ making
the trip to Dorset from Barrow Hill. Since withdrawal
from BR service in the 1980s, the loco has been
restored to full working order, and the weekend would
mark the loco’s official return to service! The next
visitor came in the shape of a Western Hydraulic, a
Class 42 ‘Warship’ to be precise – D832 ‘Onslaught’.
The loco is one of just two surviving examples of the
class, and it follows the visit of a ‘Hymek’ in the
previous year, with D7076 visiting Dorset 12 months
previously. There was also a first appearance of a Class
46 to Swanage, with the Midland Railway Centre-based
D182 paying a visit. The final guest was Class 50 No.
50035 ‘Ark Royal’. The ‘Hoover’ was to be a late
replacement for sister-loco 50049 ‘Defiance’, which
was unavailable due to ongoing repairs at the Severn
Valley Railway. The strong visiting line-up was
complemented with the home fleet, consisting of three
Class 33s – D6515 ‘LT Jenny Lewis RN’, 33111 and
33201.
In addition to the three-day event, a ‘Preview Day’ was
to take place on Thursday 5th May – running to the
theme of ‘Route 62’, celebrating the Waterloo to
Exeter line, with appropriate motive power running to
a standard two-train service. In service on this day was
D6515, D832 and 50035 – with the addition of steam
power, in the shape of Standard 4MT 80104.
I was to visit the event from the 5th to the 7th. The
Preview Day ran without any real hiccups, with the
highlight of the day being the afternoon Dining Train,
which ran from Swanage to the Network Rail boundary
at the River Frome. Called the ‘SconeX’, the outward
journey hauled by D6515, with D832 attaching at
Norden for the trip back. The sound of the Warship
roaring through Harmans Cross with a rake of five
coaches (with a dead 33 on the back) was something
rather special! Even though it was a Diesel Gala, it was
nice to see the addition of Steam on the preview day.
There was even a working with D832 piloting 80104
from Swanage to Norden!
The following day saw the first day of the Gala, and the
late arrival of the stock from Corfe Castle saw the first
few trains delayed by around 15 minutes, but with some
spirited performances the deficit was wiped out by the
afternoon. The majority of the trains were full and
standing, with the lineside packed with photographers,
soaking in the beautiful sunshine that had been
forecasted for the weekend. There were to be a few
changes to the diagrams, with D6515 piloting 50035 on
the 16:45 from Norden to Swanage – a result of a fuel
leak being discovered on the latter. Thankfully, this was
fixed in the evening. Another change was D213
replacing 20142 and 20205 on the 17:50 from Norden,
with the ‘Choppers’ suffering from a brake problem at
Norden. Like the 50, this was also fixed later that
evening.
I arrived bright and early on Saturday morning, in
readiness for another intensive day. Norden station
was rather busy, especially for 9am! The first train was
near-enough full, and this was to be the case
throughout the weekend. Some people even had to be
turned away because there was just standing room only
on some trains! Once again, photographers had
congregated in large groups to capture the sight and
sound of diesels in the Purbecks. The Railway even had
the honour of hauling wedding guests from Corfe
Castle to Harmans Cross, including the Bride and
Groom! To mark the special occasion, the driver
played “Here comes the bride” with the two-tone
horns of D832! The highlight of the day was the Peak
double-header, with D213 and D182 pairing up for the
16:45 from Norden. With beautiful evening sun, the
pair produced impressive performances departing
Norden and Corfe Castle!
A fantastic event, and by far the busiest Diesel Gala that
has ever been held at the Railway! Over 4,000 people
attended over the weekend, with all trains full and
standing! Having attended this annual event every year
since 2013, it was the best one yet!

Exposure.
- A selection of UKHH’s best
pictorial submissions-
RAF SAR XT604 Westland Wessex HC.2 with G-ANUW De Havilland Dove East
Midlands Aeropark Si Beedie
LMS Black5 44871 crossing Invershin viaduct while heading for Thurso.
Jonathon Gourlay
New build Peppercorn A1 60163 “Tornado” works the Belmond British Pullman
Matt Prosser

Recently out shopped in Great Western Green, LMS Ivatt 2MT 46521 works a GW Freight at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
Kenny Felstead

Riddles Standard 4 Tank 80072 (as long past Scotish Sister 80126) works
towards Moorsgate on the North Yorkshire Moors Andrew Southwell
Bewdley Box as GBRF class 66 passes by during the SVR Diesel Gala
Joe Connell
An Aveling & Porter Steam Roller works its way along the A6
Loughborough Road Christopher Ball

Chester Cathedral Part 2
Words and images by Christopher Jones
Many cathedrals lie on an east-west axis, Chester being no exception. The chancel
lies to the eastern-most end, and the façade to the west. The general plan is one of
a cruciform, that is to say, in the shape of a cross with a large central tower.
However, the plans deviate from the cruciform layout style with two transepts –
north and south, the latter being somewhat larger than is usual while the former
dates from the remnants of an earlier building and is not equal in size to the southern
transept, being rather smaller than its “twin”. However the “higgledy-piggledy” style
of layout continues with the northern tower dating from the Norman building of the
12th century, whilst the southern tower dates from over three and a half centuries
later from some point in the 16th century.
The cathedral is predominantly constructed of a red sandstone, this stone is
xcellent for carving and shaping but is easily susceptible to air pollution and acid rain,
a more common phenomenon since the onset of the Industrial Revolution during the
18th century. This means the exterior of the cathedral is tired and somewhat worn
in places and other places across the expanse of external stone has been heavily
restored over the 19th and 20th centuries. Indeed, it could be argued that Chester is
one of, if not the most heavily restored cathedral in England.
There is a useful map found through Google Image search (from Wikipedia of all
places!) which the highlights what remains of various periods of architecture in the
modern building; I would encourage anyone with an interest like mine to check it out:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/Chester_cathedral_plan3.jpg
This map also highlights or would seem to highlight at least; the way the Cathedral
would seem to have expanded to the north as time went on, losing its symmetry but
gaining extra chapels and spaces for worship.
As can be seen from the map, Chester Cathedral is predominantly made up of
Norman and Early/Mid Goth periods as well as a fair amount of Modern period work.
In a sense, this means the Cathedral is something akin to a patchwork quilt – made
up of different bits but it is also fantastic in my interpretation as it shows the best
work of various periods of architecture over the past 900 years and means it is a
living exhibit to ecclesiastical architecture.
In addition to the architecture, there is a fantastic variety of stained glass, using rich
reds and blues to depict scenes from the Bible or parables told by Jesus and so on.
They could also be sponsored by the wealthy or their families as memorials after they
had died.
Now, the next article is a toss-up between different options: Bradford Cathedral,
York Minster, Sheffield or perhaps the Roman Catholic cathedral in Middlesborough?
In addition to this, as I am currently writing this, or finishing it in Scarborough, I might
well visit Whitby and do a shoot in the famous ruined Abbey.

The Great
Britain
9
LMS Black 5 44871 Kenny Felstead
LMS Shaddows James Kirby
LMS Jubilee 45690 Leander Shep Wooleey

LMS Black 5 44871 James Corben

LMS Jubilee 45699 James Kirby
LMS Jubilee. 45699 'Galatea' in charge of GBIX Day 4 works passed
Park South Signal Box Shep Woolleey
LMS Black 5 44871 passes Clachnaharry Signal Box James Corben
LMS Black 5 44871 Kenny Felstead

Locomotive Availability
Compiled by Matthew Collier
Here are a selection of locomotives expected to be working at a few heritage railways
It is advised that you check the railways website before making any special journeys for a given locomotive
Epping Ongar Railway
BR ‘9F’ 2-10-0 92214 (Gala Visitor)
BR ‘4MT” 2-6-4T 80072 (June Visitor)
GNR ‘N2’ 0-6-2T 1744 (until September)
Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T No. 20 ‘Jennifer’ (June Visitor)
BR ‘Class 31’ 31 438
BR “Thumper” DEMU 205 205
Mid Norfolk Railway
LMS ‘7P’ 4-6-0 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ (Gala Guest)
LMS ‘8P’ 4-6-2 46233 ‘Duchess of Sutherland’ (Gala Guest)
WR 0-6-0PT 9466
BR ‘Class 45’ “Peak” 45 133
BR ‘Class 47’ 47367 & 47596 “Aldeburgh Festival”
BR ‘Class 73’ 73 210 “Selhurst”
BR ‘Class 101’ DMU
Gloucestershire Wawickshire Railway
SR ‘Merchant Navy’ 4-6-2 35006 ‘P & O S. N. Co.’
BR(W) Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-0 46521 (Visitor)
GWR ‘Hall’ 4-6-0 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall’
GWR 2-8-0T 4270
GWR 2-8-0 2807
BR ‘Class 20’ D8137
BR ‘Class 24’ 5081 BR ‘Class 26’ D5343
BR ‘Class 37’ 37215 BR “Class 47’ 47376
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
Taff Vale ‘02’ 0-6-2T 85
LNWR “Coal Tank” 0-6-2T 1054
Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T No. 1704 ‘Nunlow’
MR ‘4F’ 0-6-0 43924
BR ‘4MT’ 4-6-0 75078
WD ‘8F’ 2-8-0 90733
BR ‘Class 08’ 08 266 & 08 993 (launch)
BR ‘Class 20’ 20 031
Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 7820 ‘Dinmore Manor’
GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 7827 ‘Lydham Manor’
GWR “Small Prairie” 2-6-2T 5542
GWR 2-8-0T 4277
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway
GWR 0-6-0PT 1369 (Gala Guest)
WR 0-6-0PT 1501 (Gala Guest)
Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1219 ‘Caledonia Works’
Hunslet 0-6-0ST 71515 ‘Mech Navies Ltd.’
Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1385 ‘Rosyth’
North Norfolk Railway
GER ‘Y14’ 0-6-0 564
LMS “Black 5” 4-6-0 45337
BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 76084
BR ‘9F’ 2-10-0 92203 “Black Prince”
Hunslet 0-6-0ST No. 1982 ‘Ring Haw’
BR ‘Class 101’ DMU 101 693
Llangollen Railway
GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’
GWR “Large Prairie” 2-6-2T 5199
GWR 0-6-0PT 6430
Waggon & Maschinenbau Railbus 79960 (DMU Gala)
Wickham ‘Class 109’ DMU
BR ‘Class 104’ DMU BR ‘Class 108’ DMU
BR ‘Class 127/108’ DMU
Mid Hants Railway
SR “Schools” 4-4-0 925 ‘Cheltenham’
LMS Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-2T 41312
LMS “Black 5” 4-6-0 45379
BR ‘9F’ 2-10-0 92212
Wensleydale Railway
NER ‘J72’ 0-6-0T 69023 “Joem”
BR ‘Class 37’ 37 674
BR ‘Class 47’ 47 715
BR ‘Class 121’ DMU 121 032 (Ex-Arriva)
BR ‘Class 117’ DMU 117 420
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
NER ‘Q6’ 0-8-0 63395
LMS “Black 5” 4-6-0 45428
BR ‘4MT’ 2-6-0 76079
USATC ‘S160’ 2-8-0 6046 (summer visitor)
BR “Deltic” 55007 ‘Pinza’ (55022)
BR ‘Class 25’ D7628 “Sybilla”
BR ‘Class 37’ 37264
BR ‘Class 101’ DMU 101 685
West Somerset Railway
SDJR ‘7F’ 2-8-0 53808
SDJR ‘7F’ 2-8-0 53809 (until late August)
LMS ‘4F’ 0-6-0 44422
GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 7828 ‘Odney Manor’
GWR ‘Hall’ 4-6-0 6960 ‘Raveningham Hall’
BR(W) “Hymek” D7017
BR(W) “Western” D1010 ‘Western Campaigner’
BR ‘Class 47’ D1661 “North Star”
South Devon Railway
GWR “Collett Goods” 0-6-0 3205
GWR 0-6-0PT 1369
GWR 0-6-0PT 6412

Railtours - May 2016
Compiled by Matt Evans
Date Locomotives Tour TOC
11/06/2016 GBRF class 66 Derby - East Midland Parkway - Loughborough - Leicester - Nuneaton - Coleshill Parkway - Saltley - Dorridge (pu) GBRF
50007 & 50050
- Leamington Spa - Banbury - Bournemouth - Wareham - Corfe Castle - Swanage - Corfe Castle - Bournemouth -
Banbury - Leamington Spa - Porridge - Saltley - Coleshill Parkway - Nuneaton - Leicester - Loughborough - East
Midlands Parkway - Derby
11/06/2016 WCRC 47/57 Woking - Guildford - Reading - Newbury - Taunton - Exeter St. Davids - Paignton - Kingswear - Paignton - Exeter WCRC
34046
St. Davids - Taunton - Westbury - Newbury - Reading - Guildford - Woking
11/06/2016 WCRC 47/57 Cleethorpes - Grimsby - Barnetby - Scunthorpe - York - Newcastle upon Tyne - Benton Junction - Blyth & Tyne - WCRC
60103 Newsham - Bedlington - Morpeth - Newcasstle upon Tyne - Durham - Darlington - York - Scunthorpe - Barnetby -
Grimsby - Cleethorpes
11/06/2016 WCRC 47/57 Lincoln Central - Collingham - Newark Castle - Lowdham - Carlton - Nottingham - Langley Mill - Alfreton -
Chesterfield - Chinley - Marple - Carnforth - Ulverston - Ravenglass & return
WCRC
14/06/2016 WCRC 47/57
WCRC Steam
Hereford - Ledbury - Great Malvern - Worcester Foregate Street - Droitwich Spa - Bromsgrove - Walsall -
Bloxwich - Cannock - Rugeley Trent Valley - Carnforth - Shap- Carlisle - Cumbrian Coast Line - Carnforth -
Preston - Rugeley Trent Valley - Cannock - Bloxwich - Walsall - Bromsgrove - Droitwich Spa - Worcester
Foregate Street - Great Malvern - Ledbury - Hereford
14/06/2016 46100 Crewe - York DBC
15/06/2016 86259 London Euston - Milton Keynes Central - Northampton - Rugby - Crewe - Chester - Bangor - Holyhead - Bangor - WCRC
60103
Chester - Crewe - Rugby - Northampton - Milton Keynes Central - London Euston
16/06/2016 WCRC 47/57
WCRC Steam
18/06/2016 DBS CLass 67
D9009
18/06/2016 WCRC 47/57 &
TBC
18/06/2016 WCRC 47/57
60103 & TBC
18 June 2016 Heritage Diesel
WSR Steam
Carnforth - Hellifield - Skipton - Keighley - Shipley - Leeds - York - Scarborough - York - Leeds - Shipley - Keighley
- Skipton - Hellifield - Carnforth
Derby - Duffield - Belper - Chesterfield - Dronfield - Sheffield - Doncaster - York - Newcastle upon Tyne -
Berwick upon Tweed - Edinburgh Suburban - Tweedbank - Edinburgh Waverley - Berwick upon Tweed - Newcastle
upon Tyne - York - Doncaster - Sheffield - Dronfield - Chesterfield - Belper - Duffield - Derby
Sheffield - Chesterfield - Alfreton - Derby - York - Scarborough - York - Derby - Alfreton - Chesterfield - Sheffield
London Kings Cross - Welwyn Garden City - Huntingdon - Peterborough - Newark - York -Newark Northgate -
Grantham - Peterborough - Huntingdon - Welwyn Garden City - London Kings Cross
Tyseley Warwick Road - Birmingham Moor Street - Stourbridge Junction - Worcester Shrub Hill - Bristol Temple
Meads - Taunton - Bishops Lydeard - Minehead - Bishops Lydeard - Taunton - Bristol Temple Meads - Worcester
Shrub Hill - Stourbridge Junction - Birmingham Moor Street - Tyseley Warwick Road
25/06/2016 WCRC 47/57 Norwich - Diss - Ipswich - Stowmarket - Bury St. Edmunds - Ely - March - Peterborough - Hellifield - S&C -
Appleby - Carlisle - Workington - Ravenglass - Ulverston - Grange over Sands - Carnforth - Peterborough - March
- Ely - Bury St. Edmunds - Stowmarket - Ipswich - Diss - Norwich
WCRC
WCRC
DBC
WCRC
WCRC
WCRC/
Vintage
Trains
WCRC
The Jacobite also runs daily from 9th May operated by WCRC

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