Volunteer Liaison Update 20/02/23

Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST No. 2138 “Swordfish”


This loco left the railway on Tuesday 14th February. It proved very popular with crews during its stay and we are sorry to see it go. Thanks once again to the loco owner and Buckinghamshire Railway Centre for allowing Swordfish to haul our Polar Express trains last year.

Great Western Railway Class 56XX 0-6-2T No. 5619.


Our flagship locomotive returned to the railway from secure storage on Friday 17th February. Our thanks to Andrew Goodman for his help in bringing No.5619 back home. The loco is now under cover in the shed.


Ruston and Hornsby 0-4-0 Diesel Mechanical No. 382824 “Hector”


With No.5619 going into the shed, Hector is now back in Spring Village yard. Whilst still being worked on by her dedicated team, Hector is operational, and was soon in use shunting stock. It also took a trip to Lawley for possibly the first time ever.


North British 0-4-0 Diesel Hydraulic No. 27414 “Tom”


Tom has also vacated the shed, now that it is operational and is back at Spring Village. It too saw recent use shunting stock in the yard.


BR Class 08 Diesel 08757 “Eagle”


A replacement cylinder head has been obtained and refurbished, and it will shortly be fitted onto the locomotive. After testing, Eagle will hopefully be operational and back in service.


Class 142 Pacer No. 142004


Work has been undertaken on this locomotive by it’s owning group


LMS CCTZ 6 Wheel covered carriage


This vehicle has been sold. It has been moved from a siding to the front of the yard so that it can prepared for departure.

Patrolman training has taken place for some of our volunteers. This mixture of classroom and practical training was delivered by Bycroft Consulting, and everyone involved found it very useful and informative.

Permanent Way (P-Way)


The rail brought up from Doseley has been measured and graded. Approx 30% of it will be scrapped. The rest will be reused in the yard at Spring Village.

Lineside Clearance is continuing, this time at the Barrow Crossing south of Horsehay and Dawley station.


A volunteer open day will take place on Sunday 26th March. A morning (10am) and afternoon (1pm) session will take place for prospective new volunteers and members, to see the work that we do and the mental and physical benefits that volunteering at the railway can bring. Visitors will be able to see our steam and diesel locomotives, visit a coach undergoing restoration, see P-Way demonstrations and enjoy a brake van ride to Horsehay and Dawley station. At all times, existing volunteers will be on hand to explain and discuss their roles and answer any questions. Please see our website for full information.


Please 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 now on our website: www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/events


The railway is currently closed to the public. We reopen on the 8th April with our Alice’s Adventures to Wonderland event.