Ecclesbourne Valley Railway News & Updates

[12LDA28C]

Nice the road to Cowers Lane opened in time.

It didn't, which was why the move was delayed until the road reopened.

 

[Trainman40083]

Oh. I thought the road had opened on time. Good job the load didn't set off from the EVR base.

It didn't, which was why the move was delayed until the road reopen

 

[43055]

@nferguso has done a video update of the works at Duffield. If all goes well with the test trains, Duffield will re-open next Friday with the 1940s weekend.

 

[43055]

31601 is now due to leave the railway. It's last running day is Thursday.

 

[m79900]

31601 is now due to leave the railway. It's last running day is Thursday.

Where to? It's a shame, a like a 31.

 

[43055]

Where to? It's a shame, a like a 31.

Apparently off to the Northampton and Lamport railway.

 

[Iskra]

Where to? It's a shame, a like a 31.

Agree it's a shame, with 31's being nice thrashy locomotives, but it has been rumoured for a while and with it being announced in advance there's still time for anyone to organise a ride if they wish. Also, while it's a negative, if it makes space for something else then that's a positive.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Jul 2024 ==

@nferguso has done a video update of the works at Duffield. If all goes well with the test trains, Duffield will re-open next Friday with the 1940s weekend.

That's a most interesting and informative video, thanks for sharing.

 

[m79900]

Looking through the Preserved Railcars site, and reading the (recently updated) articles on vehicles at the railway and their plans, it makes it appear that the intended fleet is:

The 122
The 119
The 3 car 101
The Derby Lightweight twin car.

Can this be confirmed or denied? That sounds like a manageable fleet with good flexibility, but I understand that this site isn't necessarily accurate.

 

[43055]

Looking through the Preserved Railcars site, and reading the (recently updated) articles on vehicles at the railway and their plans, it makes it appear that the intended fleet is:

The 122
The 119
The 3 car 101
The Derby Lightweight twin car.

Can this be confirmed or denied? That sounds like a manageable fleet with good flexibility, but I understand that this site isn't necessarily accurate.

W55006 should enter service tomorrow on the incline.
Derby Lightweight is being done at the moment with the unpowered car completed.
The 119 was being discussed the other day on Facebook and sounds like it is still in a reasonably good condition but other projects are more pressing.
No idea about the 101.

 

[nferguso]

Looking through the Preserved Railcars site, and reading the (recently updated) articles on vehicles at the railway and their plans, it makes it appear that the intended fleet is:

The 122
The 119
The 3 car 101
The Derby Lightweight twin car.

Can this be confirmed or denied? That sounds like a manageable fleet with good flexibility, but I understand that this site isn't necessarily accurate.

Well, why don’t you ask me Chris?

 

[m79900]

Well, why don’t you ask me Chris?

Chris?

 

[43055]

W55006 will be out on Saturday morning for a early service to Wirksworth Farmers Market. Return ticket with the normal Steam service later in the day is just £5!

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway | Matlock

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Wirksworth. 9,226 likes · 550 talking about this · 8,499 were here. We operate steam and heritage diesel trains on the line between Wirksworth and Duffield

www.facebook.com

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Launches Exciting New Service to Support Local Shopping in Wirksworth
31st July 2024: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is thrilled to announce a new initiative designed to champion local businesses and make shopping local more accessible than ever. Starting this Saturday, 3rd August, a special £5 railcar service will whisk passengers directly to the heart of the Wirksworth Farmers Market, a treasure trove of local produce, crafts, and unique gifts.
This convenient and scenic journey departs Duffield Station at 08:20 winding through the picturesque Ecclesbourne Valley before arriving in Wirksworth well in time for market-goers to browse the stalls and discover the best of what local artisans and farmers have to offer. And to make the experience even sweeter, passengers can return on any steam train service back to Duffield, enjoying a delightful round-trip for just £5.
"We're incredibly excited to launch this new service," said Neil Ferguson-Lee, the Chairman at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. "We believe in the importance of supporting our local communities, and this initiative provides a unique and enjoyable way for people to connect with the vibrant local businesses in Wirksworth. By choosing to travel by train, passengers are also making a sustainable choice, reducing their carbon footprint and helping to protect our beautiful countryside."
The Wirksworth Farmers Market is renowned for its diverse range of locally sourced products, from fresh, seasonal produce to handcrafted cheeses, baked goods, artisan crafts, and so much more. It's a true celebration of Derbyshire's rich culinary and artistic heritage.
By offering this special service, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway hopes to encourage more people to discover the joys of shopping local and experiencing the unique charm of Wirksworth. With its affordable price and convenient schedule, this new, special service is the perfect way to start a Saturday morning, supporting local businesses while enjoying a scenic and sustainable journey through the heart of Derbyshire.
Further Information contact the Railway on 01629 823076

 

[The_Train]

31601 is now due to leave the railway. It's last running day is Thursday.

Did it leave in the end?

 

[43055]

Did it leave in the end?

I can see at the weekend if it still in the yard. Not heard any reports that it has left yet.

Update: it is still in the yard waiting to leave.

 

[Iskra]

Anyone know what Steam Loco is operating on Friday please? Online roster is a little out of date.

 

[43055]

Anyone know what Steam Loco is operating on Friday please? Online roster is a little out of date.

Will be the duke. 80080 is still having work done in the shed.

 

[Iskra]

Will be the duke. 80080 is still having work done in the shed.

Thanks!

 

[43055]

Thanks!

No problem.

Diesel returns this month with W55006 taking the reigns on Thursdays on the normal 3 train timetable and for this weekend only, special early services on Saturday (0820) & Sunday (0930) from Duffield for Wirksworth market and festival.

 

[m79900]

Also worth a mention that it's the miniature railway's 10 year anniversary gala this weekend with guest locos and the new extension.

 

[Iskra]

The Severn Valley Raiway have announced that they have acquired the 3-car 101 from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

A second Diesel Multiple Unit boosts the Severn Valley Railway’s home fleet - Severn Valley Railway

svr.co.uk

The Severn Valley Railway’s permanent home fleet is to increase with the addition of a three-carriage Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU.)
The DMU will arrive on Wednesday 11 September from its former base at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
Nos 50170 and 50253 have previously appeared at the SVR during the Railcar 50 event in 2004. Together with the third vehicle, 59303, they’ve been returned to their original, as-built condition in BR green livery.
‘These latest residents will be a welcome addition’ said the SVR’s managing director, Jonathan ‘Gus Dunster. ‘We already have a Class 108 DMU well established at the railway, and the return-to-service of three of its vehicles last year has proved incredibly useful.
‘These agile vehicles are ideal for running shuttle services along part of the line, and for providing services at times when a full-size train wouldn’t be economic. Before the closure of the Severn Valley by British Rail in the 1960s, DMUs like these were a familiar site on passenger services. Their quirky, retro appearance is very popular with our visitors who particularly enjoy the forward-facing view of the line you can see from the front carriage!’
The Class 101 DMU is owned by the SVR-based DMU Group (West Midlands) and its purchase was made possible thanks to a generous donation.
The board of the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited has approved the vehicles coming onto the line, as is required for any additional permanent rolling stock.
Apart from a small amount of cosmetic work to one unit, the set is fully operational.
‘This is an exciting development for the DMU Group (West Midlands),’ said the Group’s chairman James Cooper. ‘Acquiring the Class 101 will allow us to provide the SVR with an operational DMU of suitable passenger capacity, at the same time as allowing regular downtime for maintenance of all our DMU vehicles.’
Metro-Cammell built the set built in 1957 in Saltley, Birmingham, and it was allocated to the eastern region of British Railways. It was one of the final sets to be withdrawn from main line service in 2003 as set No 101692.
‘The Class 101s share many common parts with the Class 108, including the engines,’ added James, ‘And because they are what’s termed “blue square rated”, they can work in multiple or combined with Class 108 vehicles.
‘Of the existing Class 108 DMUs on the SVR, 52064 has recently been repainted at Bridgnorth, and the other two operational vehicles are scheduled to be painted before the 2025 season. They have performed well in service this year with a few repairs required recently. We’re looking at options to get the bogies overhauled on the remaining two Class 108 vehicles.’

 

[m79900]

The Severn Valley Raiway have announced that they have acquired the 3-car 101 from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

A second Diesel Multiple Unit boosts the Severn Valley Railway’s home fleet - Severn Valley Railway

svr.co.uk

Bit of a shame, but it's better than sitting in the sidings. I'd noticed it'd been put back into formation and at the loading point ahead of the 31, so I've seen it coming, but it was one of my favourites at the line. Hopefully we'll see it in use at Kidderminster soon!

 

[Iskra]

Yeah it does make a lot of sense if it frees up space, cash and is going to get used more.

 

[12LDA28C]

That's the second DMU to leave the EVR since June.

 

[Bletchleyite]

That's the second DMU to leave the EVR since June.

Have they switched to loco hauled now?

I think that's the 101 I drove...

 

[xotGD]

Have they switched to loco hauled now?

A DMU replacement service. Proper 1980s vibe!

 

[12LDA28C]

Have they switched to loco hauled now?

I think that's the 101 I drove...

They still have various DMUs at the railway as well as a selection of locomotives with Thursdays being all-diesel operation.

 

[43055]

Have they switched to loco hauled now?

I think that's the 101 I drove...

We are mostly loco hauled now. The only operational DMU is W55006 at the moment running on Thursdays during September and market trains on the first Saturday of the month.

 

[The_Train]

Has the 101 left the EVR for SVR now?

 

[m79900]

Not yet.

 

[Dood75]

I'm due on the EVR on Sat 21st Sept for Afternoon Tea....will it still be planned for steam or will I get a nice surprise I wonder