Volunteer Liaison Update - 12/09/2022

Telford Steam Railway was deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we send our thoughts and condolences to King Charles III and the Royal Family at this difficult time.

After discussion with the board and volunteers,   it was decided that the weekend services would go ahead, with a minutes silence held at 11am on Saturday, and the use of the 'Royal Special' headboard on both days as a mark of respect. 

MK2 Tourist Standard Open (TSO) No. 5220
New wood has been fitted to all of the doors, which now just need to be painted. 

MK2 Brake Standard Open (BSO) No. 9406
Access doors to the toilet end vestibule have now been fitted. The ceiling has been painted, with the carriage walls being prepared for painting, and more wood panels cut ready to be fitted. The next job is to put up the luggage racks.

A Great Western Railway (GWR) bench has been fixed to the platform at Horsehay and Dawley station, just in front of the station name board as it was in GWR and British Railway days.

At the Spring Village Platform extension, edging stones are now being laid. This project is still in track to be completed before the start of our Polar Express operations.

Dummy vacuum plugs have been fitted to GWR Fruit Van No. 79240 which will enable it to be used vacuum fitted on its own when required.

More lineside clearance has taken place at the headshunt, and at Heath Hill tunnel.

Severn Trent and Forkers Ltd, who are currently undertaking major sewage works around our site, have donated a community defibrillator to Telford Steam Railway and the residents of Horsehay. This is now fitted to the Old Loco Shed, and we thank both companies for their very generous gift.

On Tuesday 6th September the railway welcomed over 80 members from the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing. They were enjoying a night out during their 4-day annual conference being held at the Telford International Centre. This was a truly international group, with attendees from Norway, Austria, Germany, America, Australia, India and Malaysia to name a few.
They enjoyed a trip over the line in the Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), shed and yard tours led by volunteers, a ride on the Phoenix Miniature Railway, a visit to the model railway exhibition and a fantastic buffet laid on at the Furnaces Tearoom. 
Some guests even had the chance to drive Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 diesel mechanical No. 313394 'Jammo' over a short distance in Spring Village yard.
It was a great evening, finished off with a fish and chip supper. Our guests really enjoyed themselves and we have received very positive feedback for how the event was organised. It was a pleasure to host them, and we hope to  see them again in the future.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the railway will be CLOSED on Sunday 18th September and no public services will run.  We will, however, be putting the time to good use running training sessions for our diesel crews on our recently acquired Pacer trains. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Our next running days are Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September, which is the last weekend of our operating season. Peckett & Son W6 steam engine 0-4-0 No. 1722 'Rocket' will be hauling trains on both days. The first train leaves Spring Village at 11am. Tickets are just £8 for adults, £5 for Children and Seniors and a family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) for only £23. Pay once and ride all day. Free car parking at Spring Village (TF4 2NF). Furnaces Tearoom, Model Railway exhibition and Phoenix Miniature Railway (additional charges apply) will also be open.

All attractions are subject to availability. Telford Steam Railway reserves the right to amend, cancel or substitute any advertised services, attractions or locomotives if required.