Volunteer Liaison update 21 March 2023

Volunteer Liaison Officer update 21 March 2023


With less than 3 weeks to go until we open to the public, there is plenty of activity at the railway.


In a change to our planned running days, Peckett and Sons 0-4-0 saddle tank No. 1722 “Rocket” will be hauling trains for the public on Monday 10th April. Everyone is welcome to come and join us. Our normal fares and timetable will be in operation, with the first train leaving Spring Village at 11am (The Alice’s Adventures to Wonderland event is now running on just Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April only. It is not running on the 10th April).


MK2 Brake Standard Open (BSO) No. 9046.


New steel replacement under flooring for the coach has arrived and will be fitted shortly. More rotten wood has been removed from the floor and replaced with new. Interior painting continues on walls and doors. Costings for the remainder of the vinyl floor have been made and await purchase and delivery.


Although great progress has been made on restoring this coach, it will sadly not be available for use for the start of the season. The current plan is for it to return to service during the summer months.


BR class 08 diesel 08757 “Eagle”


The oil change on the loco has been completed, and on Saturday she passed a loaded test run between Spring Village and Lawley pushing Rushton Hornsby No. 525947 ‘Rusty’, North British No. 27414 ‘Tom’ and 37263 as weight. The 08 is now serviceable.


Great Western Railway (GWR) 56XX 0-6-2 No. 5619


Pipe work has been removed in preparation for its repair to take place


Permanent way (P-Way)


Rail continues to be cut and scrapped. The BUG and the engineers train was once again at Horsehay and Dawley station to load the reusable rail onto the lowmac. There is still some rail to be loaded next weekend, but all of it has been brought up to the station.


Points were greased on the running line at Lawley.


A tree was found to have fallen close to the line near Heath hill tunnel. This was cut up to prevent any potential damage to the running line and rolling stock.


The ‘Command Bunker’ (which is the volunteers mess room and holds the tea making facilities, therefore making it the most important building at the railway!) is being repaired. New wooden paneling is being fitted to the walls replacing those that have rotted.


Picnic benches have been made, ready for siting at the tearoom to provide much needed outdoor seating.


More tidying of the Cosford Shed and yards continue with unwanted items either being sold, recycled or scrapped.


With thanks to Doug and Ian for the additional information used in this update.


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.