Volunteer Liaison Update - 22/11/2022

ast week saw the final preparations for the Polar Express take place.

This included completing the electrics for the visual and audio displays at Grand Rapids station (Horsehay and Dawley), the Northern Lights (Heath Hill tunnel) and the North Pole (Lawley). 

The new Christmas tree has been put up, with lights and a shining star at the top and the new elements of the set built at the North Pole. Santa's sleigh has been delivered, and the reindeer harnessed to it ready for the main man.

The chocolate shack has been delivered and is ready to go, along with all our other catering outlets. The marquee is complete, and the shop stocked with lots of polar goodies for sale.

Andrew Barclay No. 2138 'Swordfish' has received its headlamp, bell and cow catcher. 

The dress rehearsals started on Saturday, the first one passed without incident but unfortunately, on the second run, BR Class 08 diesel 08757 'Eagle' suffered an issue and had to be taken off the rear of the train. Fortunately we had a replacement in the shape of class 37 diesel 37263 which was used for the rest of the trains on Saturday and Sunday, and will continue to 'stand in' until Eagle is fixed.

Early feedback from the public has been very positive, with lots telling us they think it's the best one ever! It's been a lot of hard work for our volunteers, but it is great to finally be started.

Next Saturday and Sunday (26th and 27th November), the railway will also be at the Warley National Model Railway exhibition at NEC Birmingham (stand C07). If you are attending, please come and say 'hello'.

As our volunteers will now be totally focused on operating the Polar Express trains until 23 December, this will be the last news update for a few weeks.

However, we will be back keeping you fully updated with everything going on with the railway in the New Year.