Volunteer Liaison Office Update - 24/10/2022

MK2 Brake Standard Open (BSO) No. 9406
Kitchen Units are in the process of being modified to make a buffet area for passengers.

All the MK2 coaches being used for Polar have had their Fitness to Run examinations (All have passed).

The new metal framed Christmas tree has been moved into the shed ready to be welded together. 

The waiting room at Horsehay and Dawley is being transformed into the 'hero boy's' bedroom ready for the Polar Express. The walls of the Station Masters office have also been painted.


The reindeers have been given some TLC and running repairs, especially around the antler and ear areas!

A lot of volunteer's time is now being spent on Polar Express matters.

The fence along the platform at Spring Village continues to be painted.

All the remaining 'Paddington' fence items have been loaded onto the flat wagons. Tidying up of the yard at Spring Village continues when time and volunteers allow.

Ramps to get the mini digger onto the trailer have been built and painted.

The class 144 Pacer has been started to make sure everything is working fine.

A delivery of MOT aggregate was delivered. This will be used on the platform extension and to level off the car park at Spring Village.

With regards the platform extension, the final platform edging stones have been concreted in place and the aggregate levelled and compacted. We are now ready for it to be tarmaced. It is still on track to be completed before the first Polar Express trains on 25 November.

Permanent Way (P-Way)
The three panels of track that had spot sleeper replacement work last weekend have now been clipped and tamped. The next job is to 'jack and pack' a small section of track at the summit of the line.

Ruston and Hornsby diesel mechanical 0-4-0 No. 382824 'Hector'
Work continues with the brakes being freed up and the painting of new bare metal. This is because Hector will shortly have to vacate the shed (I wonder what will be replacing it - I'm sure we will find out soon!)

Thanks to Ben and Paul for the additional information used in this update.

The railway is currently closed to the public.

Our next event is the Polar Express which starts on 25th November. Tickets are selling fast and are available to buy from our website.