Volunteer Liaison Officer update

Some unfortunate news to start this weeks update.


Our class 144 Pacer No. 144013 was broken into last week and vandalised. Two windows were broken, fire extinguishers set off, a fire axe was stolen and a number of seats slashed. Despite having security measures in place, this is sadly an ongoing issue affecting us and many other heritage railways and will be an unnecessary drain on our finances and volunteer labour that we could well do without.


Much better news is that we now have a boiler for our steam tram. It is 2nd hand, but we don’t think it has ever been used before. The wooden cladding has now been removed as we prepare it for the visit of the boiler inspector. Once it has passed its steam tests, the boiler will be adapted to fit the tram.


The tram body continues to be worked on with the water tank now removed for cleaning and painting. Work is also continuing on the tram shed.


Many thanks to everyone who has, and continues to generously donate to our tram appeal. Every penny given helps to bring our steam tram closer to being operational again, which we hope will happen in 2024.


Dismantling of Peckett & Sons W6 steam engine No. 1722 “Rocket” continues. All of the insulation has now been removed from the boiler. In the smokebox, the concrete layer (which seals the smokebox so that a vacuum can be created) was broken up and removed, together with the bricks and sand that were underneath. A good clean with a vacuum cleaner and dustpan and brush finished the job. The bricks were retained for possible reuse. Only a couple more jobs to do and the boiler will be ready for lifting.


The privately owned Sentinel 0-4-0VBT. No. 9366 is due to leave the railway on Wednesday to go on hire to the Chasewater Railway.


Taking advantage of it currently being in the shed, the roof of BR Goods Van No. 767478 is being repaired and made watertight again.


Painting of the metal work of 12t Ventilated Fruit Van No. B758542 continues outside.


Deep cleaning of the MK2 TSOs that will be used during the season has been completed.


Following work started on MK2 TSO No. 5221 last weekend, to identify what repairs are needed, some of the seats have been removed so that the floor can be lifted up and repaired.


More brash and wood has been cleared to open up the view of Horsehay Pool from the picnic area.


The rear yard continues to be prepared for the arrival of new storage containers. When in position, this will allow us to create an additional covered area for the storage and maintenance of plant machinery.


Filming for the next edition of our railway round YouTube video was completed


Thanks to Ian, David, Jacob and Ben for the additional information and photographs used in the update.


Our latest video (a review of 2023) has been uploaded onto YouTube.


https://youtu.be/UtrRAtJ5udo?si=g4bhDqCfFcpUVg1B


We are asking our supporters to complete the following nomination form to hopefully receive a donation of £1000. The more nominations we receive, the more chance we have of getting it. It takes less than a couple of minutes to complete so please help us if you can


https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1003150&ct=heritage_arts#nominateACharity




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, 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