Volunteer Liaison Officer update

GWR 56XX 0-6-2 tank 5619


5619 passed its steam test on Thursday and is now back in service. Many thanks to our fantastic volunteers for their hard work, sweat, blood and tears over many months to get her operational again. 5619 is due to be working our trains on the following Sundays; 10th, 24th September and 1st October. The plan is for 5619 to then haul our Polar Express trains in November and December.


North British diesel hydraulic No. 27414 ‘Tom’


Tom has had new compressor drive belts fitted and a new stainless steel through exhaust. This will let the engine ‘breathe’ and of course, sound better!


Brake Standard Open (BSO) No. 9406


Vinyl flooring for the rear part of the coach has now arrived and will be fitted shortly. Once down, the seats and fittings in this half of the coach can be refitted, as well as the bar area. This will then leave just the ‘guards’ part of the coach to complete.


Permanent way and infrastructure


Further ballast has been removed from the sleeper ends of track in platform road at the platform extension. The track will be realigned closer to the platform edge to enable passengers to leave the coaches easier during Polar.


Telford Steam Railway recently signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a pledge to understand that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in communities, economy and society they serve with their lives.


On Sunday the railway was proud to host our first Veterans Breakfast morning. Around 20 veterans and their families attended, and everyone enjoyed the food and the chance for a chat and a catch up. It was fantastic to be able to do this for the veterans, and we hope that it becomes a regular event.


Also on Sunday, the railway was proud to support ‘Scarecrow Day’, which is held in the village around Horsehay Pool, and is organised by the Friends of Horsehay Pool. We had two scarecrows on show at the railway, and donated prizes to their raffle, and offered travel incentives on the day to anyone who purchased a raffle ticket. There were lots of people walking around the village and the event was a great success


The railway had a stand at the Guildex Exhibition in Stafford over the weekend. Did anyone see us there?


Thanks to Doug, Mark and Ian for the additional information used in this update and for the use of their photos.


The railway is next open on Sunday 10th September, when Great Western Railway 56XX 0-6-2T steam engine No. 5619 is due to be hauling our trains.


First departure from Spring Village (TF4 2NF - free car park) will be at 11am, with further departures at 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.


Tickets £8 Adults, £5 Children and concessions, £25 Family. Tickets allow unlimited travel on our standard gauge trains, entry into our model railway exhibition and (if open) museum.


The gift shop, second hand book stall and picnic area will also be open


The Furnaces Tearoom will be offering hot and cold drinks, ice creams, snacks, cakes and light meals to eat in or take away. Breakfast is now being served between 10:15am and 12pm.


The Phoenix Miniature Railway will also be open for rides (additional charges apply)


Our online shop has been revamped and enlarged to include railway books, take n play Thomas and Friends, soft toys and other items for sale.


Please visit http://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/store/c44/Freight_Stop_Gift_Shop.html


We currently have an appeal to buy a new boiler for our narrow gauge steam tram. You can help us greatly by donating at


https://gofund.me/093e7130


As a thank you, we are offering rewards for certain levels of donations, although every single one is gratefully received and will help put our tram back into operation.


Please also consider supporting Telford Steam Railway through the Telford and Wrekin Community Lottery, which is open to anyone in the UK over 16 years old. This weekly draw gives you the opportunity to win prizes up to £25,000. Tickets cost £1 per week and 50p from each ticket sale goes directly to the railway.


Sign up at
https://www.twincl.co.uk/support/telford-steam-railway


Our 2023 special events are on our website: www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/events