Volunteer Liaison Officer update

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. We hope to see you all in 2024.

Our 2023 POLAR EXPRESS trains have been a resounding success.


Between November 24th and December 23rd the railway was open for 25 days, running 95 trains which carried 20,300 excited passengers to meet Santa at the North Pole. GWR 56XX 0-6-2 Tank No. 5619 hauled all the POLAR EXPRESS trains in a top and tail formation with either BR Class 08 diesel No. 08757 ‘Eagle’ or BR Class 09 diesel No. 09107 (on loan from our friends at Severn Valley Railway). All locomotives performed faultlessly.


The taking down of the shop, set and decorations began as soon as the last passenger left the railway on the 23rd December and has continued over the Christmas period.


Special thanks must be given to our hard working volunteers who not only gave up their time to run the POLAR EXPRESS but also came in on the days we were closed to prepare 5619 and the railway for the next days services. We could not run without their hard work and commitment.


09107 is due to return the SVR shortly, a move which should see a TTA wagon arrive at the railway (not from the SVR).


5619 is now in the loco shed for winter maintenance and preparation for the 2024 season


Peckett and Sons steam engine No 1722 “Rocket”, which was used during Polar as a water carrier, has also moved into the loco shed where stripping down for her 10 yearly overhaul will now take place.


Work on BR Class 03 diesel D2051 continues, with the cab being made water tight and the motion being oiled and greased.


Some work has been undertaken on the privately owned 12t Ventilated Fruit Van No. B758542, with a vacuum cylinder being removed and its overhaul started.


Our friends at the Phoenix Miniature Railway have been busy laying new track at Spring Village which will be available to travel on when reopens in March. The tunnel will be rebuilt throughout the season.


Our website, www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk has been given an overhaul and now contains more up to date information about our railway, rolling stock, what to see and do, and special events. Tickets are on sale and already selling for our Fish and Chip specials, and Alice’s Adventures to Wonderland event on 5th, 6th and 7th April.


Please take a fresh look at our website and let us know what you think.


The railway reopens to the public on Sunday 31st March.


Our online shop has been revamped and enlarged to include railway books, take n play Thomas and Friends models, 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