Volunteer Liaison Officer update

As the 2025 running season draws to a close, our volunteers have been hard at work preparing for winter maintenance and making excellent progress across the railway. Here’s a round-up of what’s been happening recently:

GWR 56XX No. 5619

Continuing her 100th birthday celebrations, 5619 ran three round trips with a goods train on the last day of the season. This was the first goods train at the railway for at least 14 years. 5619 is now in the shed being prepared for Polar ExpressTM duties. Work being done includes a thorough clean and inspection of the firebox, ashpan, smokebox, boiler tubes and frames.

Doseley Halt Relay

Around 160 feet of new track has been relaid south of Horsehay & Dawley station, almost reaching the foot crossing. Final positioning, jacking, packing, and ballasting will take place over winter. The next stage will see the foot crossing replaced, with all materials already on site.

Spring Village Platform Road

To address a slight dip, the track was lifted, old ballast and clay removed, and fresh ballast laid before tamping and reinstatement.

Lawley Approach

The line has been levelled and packed where necessary, improving the ride quality and track stability.

Coaching Stock

Our Mk2 TSO coaches have been formed into the rake ready for The Polar Express™ Train Ride. Deep cleaning is underway, and festive decorations will be added soon!
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Mk2 BSO No. 9406 has had new vinyl flooring fitted, exterior panels filled and sanded, and primer applied. It’s now receiving its first maroon undercoat, and we plan for it to return to service next season.

Narrow Gauge & Industrial Locomotives

Our 2ft steam tram “Thomas Telford” has been undergoing routine maintenance following its successful return and naming ceremony earlier this year.
Peckett & Sons W6 No. 1722 “Rocket” continues to progress, with its boiler under overhaul off-site. The frames have been degreased and cleaned, with further work scheduled over winter.
Meanwhile, the 2ft Ruston 20DL No. 229633 has had its engine successfully started and is now being reassembled.

A huge thank you to Ian Heighway, Sean McKewan, Ben Hopkinson, Dave Jenkins, Andrew Davies and Shaun Owen for their contributions and photographs supporting this update.
We’re proud of the dedication and effort from all our volunteers and supporters who help keep Telford Steam Railway moving forward! 🚂💪