I just wanted to post in praise of this railway, as I visited it for the second time yesterday.
I had a great day out, starting with the Routemaster which picks up passengers from Epping station to take them to the railway.
To my own personal delight, I was told on the bus that "unfortunately" there was no steam. No need to apologise - jackpot well and truly hit!
Sure enough, two 20s were in operation, one dragging their DMU - not sure if the DMU has a problem or if they just did it because they can.
The other was hauling a rake of MK1 and Mk2 stock which looked internally in the same original condition as when they acquired it. What a treat! I am always on the lookout for replicating the BR 70s/80s experience as closely as possible, and sitting with a carriage to myself and surrounded by trees and fields with the 20 coasting along, it really felt like I could have been rounding the curve from Seamer towards Scarborough on a summer Saturday in 1979.
I could see the staff were disappointed with a low turnout, so I do urge you to get along there if you can on a "normal" running day. That's when they really need custom but also when you will have the most room to relax and travel up and down as much as you want.
You can plan your visit here:
Epping Ongar Railway website
I had a great day out, starting with the Routemaster which picks up passengers from Epping station to take them to the railway.
To my own personal delight, I was told on the bus that "unfortunately" there was no steam. No need to apologise - jackpot well and truly hit!
Sure enough, two 20s were in operation, one dragging their DMU - not sure if the DMU has a problem or if they just did it because they can.
The other was hauling a rake of MK1 and Mk2 stock which looked internally in the same original condition as when they acquired it. What a treat! I am always on the lookout for replicating the BR 70s/80s experience as closely as possible, and sitting with a carriage to myself and surrounded by trees and fields with the 20 coasting along, it really felt like I could have been rounding the curve from Seamer towards Scarborough on a summer Saturday in 1979.
I could see the staff were disappointed with a low turnout, so I do urge you to get along there if you can on a "normal" running day. That's when they really need custom but also when you will have the most room to relax and travel up and down as much as you want.
You can plan your visit here:
Epping Ongar Railway website