Ecclesbourne Valley Railway News & Updates

[xotGD]

To add to the two events above the twin peaks diesel gala will return on April 11th to 13th with Peak Rail.

Over the last few weeks some of the loco's have been getting some attention whilst no passenger services are running. This also includes 33103 which has been out of service for a few years so looks like it will be making a comeback soon.

I might have to pop down if the Crompton puts in an appearance at the diesel gala.

 

[43055]

Excellent. Any news on when 80080’s next appearance may be?

No idea I'm afraid. I would like to see it back as well.

 

[31160]

If 73210 is out ill pop along, plus I need the line anyway I just went to the peak rail do last year for the 69 so I'll be nice to see the other half

 

[The_Train]

Not visited either of these railways so the Twin Peaks gala would be a perfect way to do that. Unfortunately the Saturday clashes with a railtour so it may depend on whether I can get the Friday off work or not

 

[43055]

If 73210 is out ill pop along, plus I need the line anyway I just went to the peak rail do last year for the 69 so I'll be nice to see the other half

73210 is having a lot of work done so it will be a while before it is out again.

Class 14 D9525 is off to Llangollen for 12 months.

Llangollen Railway | Llangollen

Llangollen Railway, Llangollen. 29,607 likes · 168 talking about this · 7,512 were here. Llangollen Railway takes you on a stunning journey through the beautiful Dee Valley between Llangollen and...

www.facebook.com

We are delighted to announce that the second visiting locomotive for our Branchline Gala on April 11-13th will be Class 14 No D9525. Built by British Railways at Swindon in 1964, it will provide a 4th Western Region locomotive alongside visiting 6880 Betton Grange and residents 3802 and 7754. D9525 will be only the second Class 14 to work on the railway, the last time being a short visit from D9521 in 2010.
D9525 will be joining us for a minimum of 12 months and should be arriving at Llangollen by the end of February. Nicknamed “Teddy Bears” by Swindon Works and powered by a 650 horsepower Paxman Ventura engine driving a Voith hydraulic transmission, this interesting little loco is in full working order and recently received a repaint into British Railways two-tone green livery. The locomotives had very short careers with British Railways as the short freight trains they were designed for had disappeared whilst they were being built. Nevertheless, many of the class went on to work in industry for many years, with D9525 spending nearly 20 years working for the National Coal Board in Northumberland before being preserved in 1987.
We are all looking forward to welcoming a "Teddy Bear” back to the railway and seeing D9525 make her debut in the spring.

 

[12LDA28C]

No idea I'm afraid. I would like to see it back as well.

Rumours suggest that the EVR has no serviceable steam locomotive currently so expect the home diesel fleet to see additional use.

 

[STINT47]

Rumours suggest that the EVR has no serviceable steam locomotive currently so expect the home diesel fleet to see additional use.

A visiting steam loco is set to arrive on Thursday and be in use this weekend.

Trains are set to be top and tailed giving the opertunity to be hauled by steam and diesel.

 

[Iskra]

A visiting steam loco is set to arrive on Thursday and be in use this weekend.

Trains are set to be top and tailed giving the opertunity to be hauled by steam and diesel.

Interesting news! Sadly I'm not available this weekend, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities. Good effort by the railway to get an external locomotive in!

 

[43055]

A visiting steam loco is set to arrive on Thursday and be in use this weekend.

Trains are set to be top and tailed giving the opertunity to be hauled by steam and diesel.

Certainly looks to be the case.

Interesting news! Sadly I'm not available this weekend, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities. Good effort by the railway to get an external locomotive in!

While it is as the railway I would imagine it will be the main steam loco. Probably depends on how long the duke and 80 will be off for for how long it stays.

Confirmed today that the visiting loco is 'Moorbarrow' from the Gwili Railway. Will be around at least until late March.

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

Our operating season is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the year than with a visiting engine!
'Moorbarrow', built in the twilight of steam in 1955 by Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn, worked for the National Coal Board in Northumberland until 1973. It was then preserved and moved to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway before moving on to the Gwili Railway in South Wales where it has been a regular performer ever since.
Our great thanks go to the Gwili Railway and Fox and Edwards Events for the loan of this stunning engine.

 

[Iskra]

Certainly looks to be the case.

While it is as the railway I would imagine it will be the main steam loco. Probably depends on how long the duke and 80 will be off for for how long it stays.

Confirmed today that the visiting loco is 'Moorbarrow' from the Gwili Railway. Will be around at least until late March.

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

Thanks for the heads up! Looks a nice locomotive

 

[Denis103]

Is the plan to still top and tail and if so what diesel is it please. Thank you.

A visiting steam loco is set to arrive on Thursday and be in use this weekend.

Trains are set to be top and tailed giving the opertunity to be hauled by steam and diesel.

 

[43055]

Is the plan to still top and tail and if so what diesel is it please. Thank you.

Top and tail with the 47 D1842 on the south end.

 

[Denis103]

Top and tail with the 47 D1842 on the south end.

Thank you.

 

[43055]

Tickets for the twin peaks diesel gala is now available from both railways.

Confirmed so far:
EVR: D1842, 73001, W55006, Derby lightweight trailer car.
Peak Rail: D8, Class 108

Further loco's are apparently to be announced. I suspect the aim is to get the 33103 working for the event.

Twin Peaks – Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

www.e-v-r.com

Twin Peaks Diesel Gala - Heritage Railway and Steam Train Rides Midlands, UK, Derbyshire Peak District

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th April

www.peakrail.co.uk

 

[Iskra]

Tickets for the twin peaks diesel gala is now available from both railways.

Confirmed so far:
EVR: D1842, 73001, W55006, Derby lightweight trailer car.
Peak Rail: D8, Class 108

Further loco's are apparently to be announced. I suspect the aim is to get the 33103 working for the event.

Twin Peaks – Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

www.e-v-r.com

Twin Peaks Diesel Gala - Heritage Railway and Steam Train Rides Midlands, UK, Derbyshire Peak District

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th April

www.peakrail.co.uk

Looks good. There’s a strong chance of me being able to get there with it being on a Friday The price is very reasonable too if booked in advance. Hopefully one of the visiting locomotives is something English Electric!

 

[43055]

33103 confirmed to return at the gala. Another announcement is expected later in the week.

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

Return of the Crompton!

Our first special announcement is that BR Class 33 33103 '' is scheduled to make its' welcome return to traffic at the Twin Peaks Diesel Gala weekend on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April.
The locomotive is also rostered to operate some services on Sunday 13th April which will be a diesel running day.

 

[xotGD]

33103 confirmed to return at the gala. Another announcement is expected later in the week.

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

Excellent news! I may just have to pop down...

 

[43055]

And just like that LNWR Webb Coal Tank 1054 will be joining us in May and June from Keighley.

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

Special Announcement

We are pleased to announce that LNWR Webb Coal Tank 1054 will be paying us a visit later this year courtesy of The Bahamas Locomotive Society.
The engine will be with us for our Vintage Road & Rail day on Sunday 11th May and the Wirksworth 'Back to the 40s' event 13th-15th June

Prior to the outbreak of the Second World War, this engine was in the queue to be scrapped, but due to the increased demand for motive power to support the war effort, it continued in service up until 1958 when it once again loomed under the shadow of the cutter's torch. This time, it was saved by a group of dedicated enthusiasts and it has survived in preservation ever since and is now based at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

 

[Iskra]

And just like that LNWR Webb Coal Tank 1054 will be joining us in May and June from Keighley.

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

A lovely little loco. Should be fun on the relatively long EVR trains

 

[43055]

A lovely little loco. Should be fun on the relatively long EVR trains

Might run with load 4 for a the first day or two like Moorbarrow did before going back to 5.

Two more announcements!

08168 will be joining us for the twin peaks gala from Nemesis at Burton.

If you're gronky and you know it clap your hands

Class 08 08168 (running as D3236) will be visiting us for our Twin Peaks diesel gala on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April courtesy of Nemesis Rail.
The loco last worked a passenger train in 2016.
Get your tickets for the Twin Peaks gala here

https://peakrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/64438...&

Though tickets are now available again from National Rail which I believe is thanks to the work of @nferguso. From what I can see it will only work for stations served by EMR and on National Rail at the moment. Image below shows a search from Stoke to Wirksworth for next Saturday.

 

[m79900]

Might run with load 4 for a the first day or two like Moorbarrow did before going back to 5.

Two more announcements!

08168 will be joining us for the twin peaks gala from Nemesis at Burton.


Though tickets are now available again from National Rail which I believe is thanks to the work of @nferguso. From what I can see it will only work for stations served by EMR and on National Rail at the moment. Image below shows a search from Stoke to Wirksworth for next Saturday.
View attachment 176480

Are Idridgehay and Shottle included?

I feel like this would be an opportunity for more midweek running with diesels/dmus so some people would use it as a service, not just an attraction.

 

[43055]

Are Idridgehay and Shottle included?

I feel like this would be an opportunity for more midweek running with diesels/dmus so some people would use it as a service, not just an attraction.

Idridgehay is showing. Shottle does show on the intermediate stops but with no name.`

 

[Iskra]

An excellent initiative. Can I just clarify, does a ticket as bought above act as a rover when on the EVR or is it meant to be one journey each way only?

An excellent initiative. Can I just clarify, does a ticket as bought above act as a rover when on the EVR or is it meant to be one journey each way only?

To answer my own question after visiting today- yes the online ticket does act as a Rover on the EVR.

An excellent visit today, my first time on the railway behind a steam locomotive and it was very enjoyable. I did learn that the Standard 4 Tank engine is heading back to the Midland Railway Centre imminently. One thing that struck me today was the warmth of the volunteers, while it seems unfair to single him out; Charlie was fantastic and he’s clearly very proud of his position - his artwork isn’t bad either! Moorbarrow was a lovely little locomotive and the KWVR Tank Engiine should be an excellent sight on the line, hopefully I can catch a ride. The new National Rail ticket is a fantastic way to reach the railway from Sheffield without driving on the country roads to Wirksworth as I have done previously and it’s good value too. Hopefully it helps drive footfall. Thanks all!

 

[43055]

An excellent initiative. Can I just clarify, does a ticket as bought above act as a rover when on the EVR or is it meant to be one journey each way only?


To answer my own question after visiting today- yes the online ticket does act as a Rover on the EVR.

An excellent visit today, my first time on the railway behind a steam locomotive and it was very enjoyable. I did learn that the Standard 4 Tank engine is heading back to the Midland Railway Centre imminently. One thing that struck me today was the warmth of the volunteers, while it seems unfair to single him out; Charlie was fantastic and he’s clearly very proud of his position - his artwork isn’t bad either! Moorbarrow was a lovely little locomotive and the Taff Vale Tank should be an excellent sight on the line, hopefully I can catch a ride. The new National Rail ticket is a fantastic way to reach the railway from Sheffield without driving on the country roads to Wirksworth as I have done previously and it’s good value too. Hopefully it helps drive footfall. Thanks all!

View attachment 177016View attachment 177017

Thanks for the kind words and glad you had an excellent day. I was your guard yesterday so the first photo looks very familiar to me!

 

[Iskra]

Thanks for the kind words and glad you had an excellent day. I was your guard yesterday so the first photo looks very familiar to me!

Thank you for that! Nice to chat with you too!

 

[Dave S 56F]

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2025/0...to-visit-the-ecclesbourne-valley-railway.html

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has announced that LNWR Coal Tank No. 1054 will be visiting them in 2025.

Visiting courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society, the locomotive will be running at the Vintage Road and Rail Day as well as the Back to the 40s event in June

1054 is usually based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and actually was meant to be scrapped before the Second World War – but due to demand for a locomotive, 1054 was kept in service to support the war efforts.

1054 L.N.W.R. coal tank courtesy of Bahamas loco society (at K.V.W.R. Ingrow west) to visit Ecclesbourne valley railway on the road and rail event 11 May 2025 and "Back to the 40s" on 14 and 15 June.

 

[43055]

'80' ready to leave on Saturday. I believe she has already gone looking at the webcam. Moorbarrow is expected to stay a bit longer until at least the end of April whilst the Duke is still under maintenance.

 

[STINT47]

Moorbarrow is now staying to the end of the year.

Running Moorbarrow is OK depending on who is crewing it. Some steam teams get it running fine and keep to time but.others struggle and end up having to stop at some point to raise steam. After that 30 to 45 minuets late running can occur. It's probably a bit to small for five coaches and the gradients

Loosing the standard 4 is a really shame. I'm not sure what went wrong as at one time all parties were keen for it to run again.

 

[m79900]

Moorbarrow is now staying to the end of the year.

Running Moorbarrow is OK depending on who is crewing it. Some steam teams get it running fine and keep to time but.others struggle and end up having to stop at some point to raise steam. After that 30 to 45 minuets late running can occur. It's probably a bit to small for five coaches and the gradients

Loosing the standard 4 is a really shame. I'm not sure what went wrong as at one time all parties were keen for it to run again.

I've heard that Moorbarrow's been 'thrashed' a bit, and it seems to be breaking down regularly. I've known a few times the 47 had to step in. The railway needs a couple of steam locos of its own really, but if it means more diesel running, I'm not complaining.

 

[Iskra]

Moorbarrow is now staying to the end of the year.

Running Moorbarrow is OK depending on who is crewing it. Some steam teams get it running fine and keep to time but.others struggle and end up having to stop at some point to raise steam. After that 30 to 45 minuets late running can occur. It's probably a bit to small for five coaches and the gradients

Loosing the standard 4 is a really shame. I'm not sure what went wrong as at one time all parties were keen for it to run again.

I don’t think anything is wrong, from what I’ve heard, the contract of the Standard 4 was completed, hence why it is leaving. Presumably the Midland Railway Centre think they need a steam locomotive more so didn’t want to renew the deal.

I agree with your comments about Moorbarrow, it was struggling somewhat on my recent visit. Most customers wouldn’t have noticed, but I did and it was losing time. I still had a nice time overall though. It’s good news that the locomotive is staying, it should help with Dining train sales.