Heritage Railway Issue 322

OPINION CORNISHMAN RichardTrevithick’s invention of an effective self-propelled vehicle in the form of railway locomotives sowed the seeds that changed the globe, but long after he died penniless. His invention was widely taken seriously only with the outbreak of the NapoleonicWars, when colliery owners suddenly found an urgent need to replace the huge number of working horses that were taken for military service. Several decided to giveTrevithick’s invention more than a second glance. Phase three took place in 1825 when, 21 years after Trevithick gave the first public demonstration of a steam railway locomotive on the Penydarren Tramroad in South Wales, they were used to haul public passenger trains on the Stockton & Darlington Railway – and the concept went on to reshape public transport the world over. The S&DR…

HEADLINE NEWS PEPPERCORN A2 Pacific No. 60532 Blue Peter pulled its first main line train in almost 23 years after a formal rededication at King’s Cross station on July 13. Following the ceremony, the A2 undertook a demonstration run between King’s Cross and York, with the trustees of its owner, the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust, and other invited guests travelling behind to celebrate its return The trust’s founding chairman, Jeremy Hosking, said:“I would like to thank my fellow trustees for bringing this seven-year £5 million project to completion and to our engineering colleagues at Crewe. “The modern railway has an enormous role to play in continuing to serve the nation, so it’s important to pay homage to our transport heritage, including the 150-year steam era, without which we…

A3 Pacific No. 60163 Flying Scotsman the star attraction in the first four weeks of the Summer at Locomotion festival at owner the National Railway Museum’s Shildon outpost. On July 18, the world’s most famous steam locomotive was hauled by a Class 37 from York to Shildon for the six-week gala. Schoolchildren from the local Timothy Hackworth Primary School were treated to a ride behind the A3 ahead of the start of the festival, which runs until September 1. The crew was even able to give a teacher a retirement gift to remember as she took a ride inside the cab on her final working day. Flying Scotsman steam rides are now available to book, including an exclusive cab ride experience, the chance to ride in a brake van hauled…

THE Nene Valley Railway has received a £20,000 grant towards its emergency £300,000 public appeal to rebuild its financial reserves in the face of soaring running costs. The Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded the grant towards the railway’s core costs, including overheads and non-capital spending. As part of the appeal announced in HR issue 320, the NVR has been applying to a variety of benevolent organisations. The foundation is a family-founded grant-maker supporting UK charities which donates about £90 million each year. An NVR statement said: “The money does not go to a specific purpose but makes a significant contribution to the general funding level within the railway, keeping wheels turning and boilers steaming. We have been explaining the depletion of reserves as the recovery from Covid-19 and the economic…

NORTH Norfolk Railway managing director Hugh Harkett has retired after 17 years, it was announced at the annual general meeting on March 20. During his time in charge he oversaw the development of the line into one of the UK’s leading heritage railways, which attracts about 150,000 passengers annually. Hugh, who had reduced his workload after being taken ill earlier this year, suffered a relapse in June and was recuperating with his family in Wales. NNR chairman Steve Allen told the meeting:“Hugh’s management of the finances has helped us keep our head above water – especially during Covid-19, when he stoically captained the ship.” Directors also reported that the financial outturn in 2023/4 was a marked improvement on the previous year, with the line posting an operating profit of £58,798…

THE debut of new-build Brighton H2 Atlantic No. 32424 Beachy Head draws near and following its first movements within Sheffield Park station limits on the Bluebell Railway, as reported last issue, another key moment in the locomotive’s timeline was set on June 27 when it undertook its first trip along the entire length of the line. Residents of and visitors to East Grinstead were pleasantly surprised when the 4-4-2 turned up at the heritage line’s station outside the main town a few hours ahead of the arrival of the day’s first public service train as the railway’s engineering department commenced running-in trials of the locomotive. Following its trip to the line’s northern terminus, it then headed back south, pausing at Horsted Keynes for all the bearings to be checked and…