Volunteer Liaison Officer update

GWR 56XX No. 5619.


The firebox fuseable plugs have been removed, inspected, polished and replaced. The safety valves have been lifted back on and reconnected. The ashpan has been sketched to identify where repairs are required.


The MK2 TSO’s continue to be cleaned on the inside. The outsides will be cleaned when the weather improves.


Further wooden panels have been cut, preserved and trial fitted to MK2 TSO no. 5193, to replace those that are worn.


8 more lengths of rail (some 60ft) have been brought up from Doseley. These rail will either be used to extend our line towards the foot crossing or in sidings or be scrapped.


A cable trench has been dug for the distant signal at Heath Hill tunnel. The signal lamp has also been fitted, and the signal post painted.


BR Class 08 diesel 08784 left the railway on 30th January to return to The Great Central Railway (Nottingham). Our thanks to both them and the owners, the English Electric Preservation Group, for the hire of the loco.


Pacer No. 144013 has been started up and has run to Lawley to ensure all is working properly. The Pacer is not at Spring Village platform for cleaning and winter maintenance. No. 144013 is the only current vehicle which is wheelchair accessible, and is planned to be in service on the following dates in 2025 (all Sundays), May 11th, June 8th, June 29th, August 10th and August 31st.


A platform trolley has been donated to the railway. Originally from Craven Arms station, we are very grateful to the previous owner for their very generous donation.


We now have bee hives at the railway. We are doing our bit to help save these important insects, and to encourage learning about their lifestyle and habitats, with hopefully some “Horsehay Honey” as well!


Thank you to Ben, Ian, Dave and Shaun for the additional information and photographs used in this update.


Our latest video highlights the signal box rebuild at Horsehay & Dawley station


https://youtu.be/MDVYaZIptKk?si=b8jeIEUGhsbqDYSI


All the Polar decorations and set have been dismantled and stored away until November. Planning is already underway for 2025 and we have had many requests already asking when tickets will be on sale.


Our 2025 special events are also now on our website. We have lots of favorites returning, plus a new family event - Dinosaur Adventure on 1 June.


https://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/events.html




More information and booking details will be added to our website soon.


The railway reopens on Easter Sunday.


We look forward to seeing you in 2025.