HERITAGE DIARY

Where to go for steam & classic traction in March & April

▼Events: April 10-13 Easter Event Days.

EMBSAY & BOLTON ABBEY STEAM RAILWAY March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 4/5, 7, 10-14, 18/19, 25/26 Bolton Abbey station, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF (01756 710614). Website: www. embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk Events: April 10-13 ‘Days out with Thomas’.

EXBURY GARDENS RAILWAY Daily from March 7 Exbury Gardens, Southampton SO45 1AZ (023 8089 1203).

FFESTINIOG RAILWAY March 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 25/26, 28-31 April — See FR website Harbour station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF (01766 516073). Website: www.ffestiniograilway.co.uk

FOXFIELD RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 10-13, 18/19, 25/26 Caverswall Road station, Blythe Bridge, Stoke-onTrent ST11 9EA (01782 396210/259667). Website: www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk Events: Station and museum open on above dates in March. April 4 Real Ale Train, 10-14 Easter Fete.

GARTELL LIGHT RAILWAY April 13 May 4, 25 Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset BA8 0NB (01963 370752). www.glr-online.co.uk

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE RLY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 8-13, 15,/16, 18/19, 25/26 The Railway Station, Toddington GL54 5DT (01242 621405). Website: www.gwsr.com Events: April 4/5 Spring Diesel Gala, 18 Fish and Chip Special (bookings on number above), 25/26 Postman Pat visits the G/WR with Jess the cat!

GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 10-14, 25/26 Great Central Rd, Loughborough (01509 230726). Website: www.gcrailway.co.uk Events: Mar 21/22 ‘60s Experience’. April 10-14 Easter: Tank engine gala / Walking festival, 25/26 Diesel Gala. May 2-4 ‘Days out with Thomas’, 9/10 40th anniversary of closure of the GCR.

GREAT COCKCROW RAILWAY Season re-opens on May 3 Hardwick Lane, Lyne, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 OAD (01932 565474). www.cockcrow.co.uk Open 14.00-17.00.

GWILI RAILWAY April 4, 10-13, 25 Bronwydd Arms, Carmarthen SA33 6HT (01267 238213). Events: April 10-13 ‘Days out with Thomas’, 25 Special event.

GWR PRESERVATION GROUP See www.gwrpg.co.uk/news/news.html Southall Railway Centre, Collett Way, Southall, Middx (close to Southall stn) (020 8574 1529). www.gwrpg.co.uk

HAYLING SEASIDE RAILWAY March 1, 4, 7/8, 11, 14/15, 18, 21/22, 25, 28/29, April 1, 4-19, 22, 25/26, 29 Beachlands station, Hayling Is., Hants PO11 0AG (023 92 372427). www.haylingseasiderailway. com/ Events: April 10-13 ‘Easter Bunny Runs’.

ISLE OF WIGHT STEAM RAILWAY March 20-24, 26/27, 30 April 2, 5, 7-16, 19, 22/23, 26, 29/30 The Station, Havenstreet, Isle of Wight PO33 4DS (01983 882204). Website: www.iwsteamrailway. co.uk Events: March 22 Mothers’ Day specials.

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-19, 25/26 Haworth station, Keighley BD22 8NJ (01535 645214). Website: www.kwvr.co.uk

KENT & EAST SUSSEX LIGHT RAILWAY March 21/22, 28/29 April 4-19, 25/26 Tenterden TN30 6HE (01580 765155). Website: www.kesr.co.uk Events: March 21/22 Branch Line Weekend, 28 Kent’s Big Day Out. April 18/19 Grandparents’ Weekend. May 2-4 The Great K&ESR Gala Weekend, 16/17 1940s Weekend.

KEW BRIDGE STEAM MUSEUM Open daily except Mondays Green Dragon Lane, Brentford, Middx TW8 OEN

(nr Kew Bridge stn) (020 8568 4757). Website www.kbsm.org

KIRKLEES LIGHT RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-19, 25/26 Clayton West station, Huddersfield HD8 9XJ (01484 865727). Website: www.kirkleeslightrailway.com Events: March 28/29 ‘Days out with Thomas’. April 10-14 ‘Easter Eggspress’.

LAKESIDE & HAVERTHWAITE RAILWAY March 21/22 April 4-November 1 Haverthwaite stn, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 8AL. Tel: 015395 31594. www.lakesiderailway.co.uk Event: March 21/22 ‘Days out with Thomas’. April 10-13 Easter Egg Weekend. April 21, May 1, 8, 15, 22 Pensioners’ Days.

LAVENDER LINE March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 10-13, 18/19, 25/26 Isfield station, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5XB (01825 750515). Website: www.lavender-line. co.uk Events: May 16/17, 24/25 ‘Ivor the Engine’ (subject to locomotive availability).

LEIGHTON BUZZARD RAILWAY March 15, 22, 29 April 5, 10-13, 15, 19, 26 Page’s Park station, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard LU7 4TN (01525 373888). Website: www.buzzrail.co.uk Event: March 22 Mothering Sunday.

LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS RAILWAY March 29 April 12/13, 26 Ludborough stn, Grimsby DN35 5QS (01507 363881). Website: www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-26 The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN (01978 860979). Website: http://llangollenrail. llangollen-railway.co.uk Events: March 8 Community Day, 22 Mothering Sunday. April 18-26 ‘Steam, Steel and Stars II’.

LOCOMOTION: THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM AT SHILDON Open Wednesdays-Sundays Shildon, Co Durham (Open Weds-Sun 10.0017.00) (01388 777999).

LYNTON & BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY Ring railway for 2009 services or consult website for details when available Woody Bay station, Parracombe, Devon EX31 4RA (01598 763487). Website: www.lynton-rail. co.uk

MANGAPPS RAILWAY MUSEUM Weekends and school holidays Southminster Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex (01621 784898). Website: www.mangapps.co.uk Opening times: 11.30am-5pm every Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday, daily throughout August. Ring for details of other school holiday openings.

MIDDLETON RAILWAY April 4/5, 11-13, 18/19, 25/26 The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd., The Station, Moor Road, Leeds LS10 2JQ (0113 271 03200. email info@middletonrailway.org.uk www.middletonrailway.org.uk Events: April 5, 19, 26 Steam services, 11-13 Easter Bunnies.

MID-HANTS RAILWAY March 7/8, 13-15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-13, 18/19, 25/26 The Station, Alresford, Hants SO24 9JG (01962 733810). Website: www.watercressline.co.uk Events: March 13-15 Spring Steam Gala, 22 Mothers’ Day. April 4-13 ‘Days out with Thomas’, 25/26 St George’s Day events.

MIDLAND RAILWAY-BUTTERLEY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-19, 23-26, 30 Butterley station, Ripley, Derbys (01773 747674). Website: www.midlandrailwaycentre.co.uk Events: March 7/8 & 14/15 ‘Days out with Thomas’, 21 Branch Line Shuttles, 28/29 DMU Gala. April 18 Branch Line Shuttles, 23 St George’s Day Celebrations, 25/26 Diesel Gala.

MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY March 15, 27-29 April 4/5, 10-13, 18/19 then consult railway’s website for services to be confirmed Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk (01362 690633). Website: www.mnr.org.uk Events: March 15

Behind the Scenes Day, 27-29 Spring Diesel Gala.

MID-SUFFOLK RAILWAY April 12-13 Brockford station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 5PW (01449 766899). www.mslr.org. uk Event: April 12-13 ‘Easter for Children’.

NATIONAL COAL MINING MUSEUM FOR ENGLAND. Open daily Caphouse Colliery, New Rd, Overton, Wakefield WF4 4RH (01924 848806). 10.00-17.00. Adm: free.

NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM Open daily Leeman Road, York YO26 4XJ (01904 685753). Open daily: 10.00-18.00. Free admission. Website www.nrm.org.uk

NENE VALLEY RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21, 28/29 April 4/5, 8, 10-19, 25/26 Wansford stn, Stibbington, Peterborough PE8 6LR (01780 784444). Website www.nvr.org.uk Event: March 7/8 Spring Diesel Gala.

NORTHAMPTON & LAMPORT RAILWAY April 11-13, 19, 26 Brampton station, Chapel Brampton, Northants NN6 8BA (01604 820327). Website: www.nlr.org. uk Events: April 11-13 ‘Easter Egg Specials’

NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 7-19, 21-23, 25/26, 28-30 The Station, Sheringham NR26 8RA (01263 820800). Website: www.nnrailway.co.uk Events: March 7/8 M&GN anniversary steam gala.

NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28-November 1 Pickering station YO18 7AJ (01751 472508). Website: www.nymr.co.uk

PEAK RAIL March 8, 15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 11-14, 18/19, 25/26 Matlock station, Derbyshire DE4 3NA (01629 580381). Website: www.peakrail.co.uk Event: April 11-13 Easter Teddy Bear Hunt.

PONTYPOOL & BLAENAVON RAILWAY April 10-13, 18/19, 25/26 Off the B4248 between Blaenavon and Brynmawr. www.pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk Events: April 12-13 ‘Easter Bunnies’.

RAVENGLASS & ESKDALE RAILWAY March 7/8, 14/15, 21-November 1 Ravenglass, Cumbria (01229 717171). Website: www.ravenglass-railway.co.uk Events: ‘Steam and the Romans’ – a special event every Wednesday from April 22 to October 28. April 10 & 13 ‘Two days of Romanus Britannicus activities for citizens young and old, plebeian and patrician!’

RIBBLE STEAM RAILWAY April 5, 10-13, 19, 26 Albert Edward Dock, Riversway Docklands, Preston. www.ribblesteam.org.uk Events: April 10-13 Easter Egg Hunt.

ROMNEY, HYTHE & DYMCHURCH RAILWAY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28-November 2 New Romney stn, Kent (01797 362353/6). Website: www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/home_flash.html Events: March 22 Mothers’ Day, 28 Kent’s Great Day Out. April 11/12 Easter Bunny Specials.

RUTLAND RAILWAY MUSEUM Museum opening times below Ashwell Road, Cottesmore, Oakham LE15 7BX (01572 813203 or 01780 764118 after 16.00). Museum open to visitors every Thursday & Sunday from 11.00 until 16.00. Volunteer working days on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

SCOTTISH INDUSTRIAL RAILWAY CENTRE May 31, June 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26 Dunaskin Heritage Centre, Dalmellington Road, Waterside, Patna, Ayrshire (01292 269260). www. arpg.org.uk Open: 11.00-16.30.

SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY March 1, 6-8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4-19, 25/26 Bewdley, Worcs DY12 1BG. www.vr.co.uk or ring 01299 403816. Events: March 6-8 ‘Festival of Steam’. May 9/10, 16/17 ‘Days out with Thomas’.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY March 1, 8, 15, 22-November 1 The Station, Buckfastleigh, Devon (0845 345 1420). Event: March 21-22 Half-price weekend.

SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY April 10-14, 16, 18/19, 25/26 The Station, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3JB (01434 381696). www.strps.org.uk Steam days: April 10-13.

STEEPLE GRANGE LIGHT RAILWAY April 5, 10-13, 19, 26 Wirksworth, Derbyshire (Running days: 07769 802587). www.steeplegrange.co.uk

SPA VALLEY RAILWAY March 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 10-13, 16-19, 25/26 West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY (01892 537715). www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Events: March 21/22, 28/29 ‘Days out with Thomas’. April 4/5 Members/volunteer recruitment weekend, 10-13 Easter Specials, 25/26 Spring Diesel Weekend (no steam on this weekend).

STEAM — RAILWAY MUSEUM OF THE GWR Open daily Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2TA (01793 466646). Open: 10.00-17.00. The library and archive is open Monday to Friday 10.00-16.00 by appointment only. If you would like to visit please contact Elaine Arthurs on 01793 466607 or email steamlibrary@swindon.gov.uk

STRATHSPEY RAILWAY March 28/29, April 1-5, 8-13, 15/16, 18/19, 22/23, 25/26, 29/30 Aviemore stn, Dalfaber Road, Inverness-shire (01479 810725). www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

SWANAGE RAILWAY March 1, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 4/5, 7-November 1 Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB (01929 425800). www.swanagerailway.co.uk Events: March 21-22 Railway at Work. April 10-13 Easter Specials.

SWINDON & CRICKLADE RAILWAY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 28/29 April 5/6, 10-13, 18/19, 25/26 Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon SN25 2DA (01793 771615). www.swindon-cricklade-railway. org Open 11.00-16.00. Events: April 10-13 Easter Egg Specials (11-13 steam hauled).

TALYLLYN RAILWAY March 8, 15, 22, 29 April 4-November 1 Wharf station, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9EY (01654 710472). Website: www.talyllyn.co.uk Tywyn shop, museum and cafe open daily. Event: March 22 Mothering Sunday.

TANFIELD RAILWAY March 8, 15, 22, 29 April 5, 10-13, 19, 26 Sunniside, Tyne & Wear. Postcode for the railway is NE16 5ET (for Sat Navs) (0845 463 4938). Directions to the railway on website www. tanfield-railway.co.uk Events: March 22 Mothers’ Day, April 10-13 ‘Easter Eggstravaganza’.

TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY April 12/13, 19, 26, May 2-4 Old Loco Shed, Bridge Road, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF (07765 858348). www. telfordsteamrailway.co.uk Open for static viewing on Saturdays from April 11 to September 26. Events: April 12/13 Easter Bunnies, May 2-4 150th anniversary steam gala.

WELLS & WALSINGHAM RAILWAY April 4-November 1 Stiffkey Road, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1QB (01328 711630). Stations at Wells-Next-The-Sea (off A149) and Walsingham (Egmere Road). www.wellswalsinghamrailway.co.uk

WELSH HIGHLAND RAILWAY (C) March 28-31 April: Consult railway’s website for summer timetable when available Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd LL49 9NF (01766 516000). Booking offices: Caernarfon 01286 677018, Porthmadog 01766 516024.

WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY March 7/8, 14/15, 21/22, 26-29, 31-April 2, 4/5, 7-19, 21-23, 25/26, 28-May 7 The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG (01643 704996; timetable: 01643 704996). www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk Events: March 21/22, 26-29 Spring Steam Gala, 23, May 16 & October 17 Old Mineral Line Tours. May 27 and Wednesdays until end of September Hestercombe Expresses. June 12-14 Mixed Traffic Event, July 4/5 ‘Days out with Thomas’.

58 • The Railway Magazine • April 2009 The Railway Magazine news digest The Railway Magazine news digest TRACKRECORD

Gauging tests at Telford IRFP Freight: p92

P60 STEAM & HERITAGE Royal Scot goes to Crewe P76 NETWORK Weymouth Quay line sold P80 MINIATURE Dispute in Dobwalls project

ALSO INSIDE: P71 RAILTOURS P78 NARROW GAUGE P82 TRACTION & STOCK P89 CLASSIC TRACTION P92 METRO P93 WORLD NEWS P94 OPERATIONS P100 TRACTION UPDATE