Ecclesbourne Valley Railway News & Updates

[STINT47]

Presumably the Midland Railway Centre think they need a steam locomotive more so didn’t want to renew the deal.

Moorbarrow will not be at Butterley for long. Its shortly to leave for the North Norfolk Railway.

 

[43055]

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 agree that 5 is probably the limit for Moorbarrow. Hence the first few weeks had either Top-Tail with Diesel or load 4 but with the catering starting up again we do need load 5 (sometimes 6).

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.

I have only known it once so far and it was on the last trip of the afternoon on a Saturday so it could be fixed for Sunday. With Moorbarrow staying for the year and when the Duke is back we will have 2 loco's to share the load. Also in May/June that could be 3 with the LNWR Coal tank.

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.

Hence why I decided to make Idridgehay and Shottle request stops on the last return trip. Saved 10 mins going down hill!

 

[Teds]

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.

North Norfolk have just announced that 80080 will be arriving there in late May and expected to stay for five years.https://nnrailway.co.uk/80080-to-join-poppyline/

 

[STINT47]

Looks like the EVR is trying something new this year with break van dinning experiences. It will be an unusual experience and I'm not sure how it will work but worth a try at least as it may get some extra revenue in.

Post from Facebook is posted below

**NEW ** Brake Van Dining Experience!

Get to know your fellow guests as you tuck in to a 3-course meal served aboard our LMS brake van. Due to the limited onboard facilities, passengers are asked to bring their own fold up chairs and tables.

 

[TheLancsNinja]

Are we sure that's not an April Fool's gag...?

 

[87electric]

I once enjoyed a Tesco meal deal on a brake van around Scunthorpe steel works.

 

[The_Train]

Do loco allocations usually get announced for the Twin Peaks gala along with the planned times of the connecting bus?

 

[43055]

Do loco allocations usually get announced for the Twin Peaks gala along with the planned times of the connecting bus?

The timetable without the allocations is available at the bottom of the event page. Click to the left and right for Saturday and bus times. Peak rail also has a pdf of both railways times.

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

 

[The_Train]

The timetable without the allocations is available at the bottom of the event page. Click to the left and right for Saturday and bus times. Peak rail also has a pdf of both railways times.

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

Thanks a lot. I'd find the TT on the websites but I'd missed the arrows to cycle through them.

Will a TT go live in advance with loco allocations as well? Providing I can swap a day off at work, I will definitely be visiting but I am definitely a planner for galas as I like to get as much in as possible

 

[alexl92]

I’ve seen it posted elsewhere that Moorbarrow is staying at EVR for the year. Gwili Railway, its home base, have shared the news today that they’ve purchased GWR 55xx L150 so with Austerity tank Haulwen due back soon they’ve got sufficient cover.

I’ve seen it posted elsewhere that Moorbarrow is staying at EVR for the year. Gwili Railway, its home base, have shared the news today that they’ve purchased GWR 55xx L150 so with Austerity tank Haulwen due back soon they’ve got sufficient cover.

 

[xotGD]

For the Diesel Gala, the Peak Rail web site has a bit more gen than the EVR web site:

At the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Class 33 33103 ‘Swordfish’
Class 47 D1842
Class 73 73001
Class 122 DMU
Derby Lightweight Trailer Car Launch (Saturday Only)
Class 08 08168 (Running as D3236)

At Peak Rail

Class 44 D8 “Penyghent”
Class 108 DMU
Class 09 09001 (Courtesy of the Heritage Shunters Trust)
Further Visiting Locomotives to be announced!

The Heritage Bus Service

SFJ904 Bedford SB
KNU446 AEC Regal

 

[43055]

For the Diesel Gala, the Peak Rail web site has a bit more gen than the EVR web site:

At the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

Class 33 33103 ‘Swordfish’
Class 47 D1842
Class 73 73001
Class 122 DMU
Derby Lightweight Trailer Car Launch (Saturday Only)
Class 08 08168 (Running as D3236)

At Peak Rail

Class 44 D8 “Penyghent”
Class 108 DMU
Class 09 09001 (Courtesy of the Heritage Shunters Trust)
Further Visiting Locomotives to be announced!

The Heritage Bus Service

SFJ904 Bedford SB
KNU446 AEC Regal

Peak Rail will also have 44004 'Great Gable' which has just been announced.

Breaking news!

44004 ‘Great Gable’ to star in our Twin Peaks Diesel Gala!
Prepare for a truly unforgettable experience as we celebrate ‘Twin Peaks at Twin Peaks’

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th April

08:30-18:30

https://peakrail.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/64438...
We are thrilled to announce, that this year’s Twin Peaks Diesel Gala will feature a very special guest – 44004 Great Gable!
This will be the first time the iconic diesel locomotive has worked alongside her sister D8 ‘Penyghent’ in preservation.
We bring you the perfect match of Diesel Locomotive power and railway heritage. 44004 will be working solo and with D8, offering plenty of chances to see this magnificent locomotive in action!
Don’t miss out on this incredible event.
Keep an eye on our page for the working timetable that will be released over the coming days!

A massive thanks to Rail Adventure for all their help with organising the move!
#railway200 #diesel #44004greatgable #gala #twinpeaksdieselgala

 

[The_Train]

Peak Rail will also have 44004 'Great Gable' which has just been announced.

Ideal! I will get both of the remaining 44's into the book at the same event then

 

[xotGD]

Ideal! I will get both of the remaining 44's into the book at the same event then

Great Gable is the only loco at the two galas that I don't require.

I've had it on three different heritage railways. I've even had it fail on me, having to be rescued by an 08 to drag it into Bridgenorth.

I imagine the double headed 44s will be a popular turn.

 

[The_Train]

Great Gable is the only loco at the two galas that I don't require.

I've had it on three different heritage railways. I've even had it fail on me, having to be rescued by an 08 to drag it into Bridgenorth.

I imagine the double headed 44s will be a popular turn.

I think I need every loco that is planned to operate - plus I have never done either line so it is the perfect way to get them both in whilst ticking off lots of required locos. Looking forward to it!

 

[xotGD]

I think I need every loco that is planned to operate - plus I have never done either line so it is the perfect way to get them both in whilst ticking off lots of required locos. Looking forward to it!

I'm in a similar position - never been to the EVR and Peak Rail has been extended since the only time I have visited.

Red pen and yellow pen ready for action!

 

[43055]

Thanks a lot. I'd find the TT on the websites but I'd missed the arrows to cycle through them.

Will a TT go live in advance with loco allocations as well? Providing I can swap a day off at work, I will definitely be visiting but I am definitely a planner for galas as I like to get as much in as possible

Timetables have been updated today to include the allocations.

 

[The_Train]

Timetables have been updated today to include the allocations.

Perfect, thanks for advising

 

[xotGD]

Allocations now available for Peak Rail too.

 

[43055]

Great Gable's move to Peak Rail tonight.

Realtime Trains | 0Q26 1945 Butterley M.R.C. to Matlock Peak Rail | 10/04/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q26 1945 departure from Butterley M.R.C. to Matlock Peak Rail on 10/04/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Iskra]

Interesting, I assume it’s so late at night to avoid interfering with the regular service on the Matlock branch?

 

[43055]

Yes I believe so. The 69 last year was something like 4-5am just before the first train.

 

[Iskra]

Yes I believe so. The 69 last year was something like 4-5am just before the first train.

Out of interest does anyone know what happens when it reaches Peak Rail at Matlock? Do the HST's (presumably dragging/sandwiching it) depart and leave it to run under its own power on the heritage line, or do they all continue to Rowsley together? There is a return working back out of Matlock at 0103 Friday morning.

Out of interest does anyone know what happens when it reaches Peak Rail at Matlock? Do the HST's (presumably dragging/sandwiching it) depart and leave it to run under its own power on the heritage line, or do they all continue to Rowsley together? There is a return working back out of Matlock at 0103 Friday morning.

And does anyone know when HST powercars last reached Matlock? (Possibly more recently than I’d expect considering the proximity to Derby?)

 

[43055]

Out of interest does anyone know what happens when it reaches Peak Rail at Matlock? Do the HST's (presumably dragging/sandwiching it) depart and leave it to run under its own power on the heritage line, or do they all continue to Rowsley together? There is a return working back out of Matlock at 0103 Friday morning.

I would imagine it will be taken to Rowsley but an hour seems quite tight time wise.

 

[DDB]

If there is the right point work presumably it could be left at the Matlock end on peak rail metals and a peak rail loco could fetch it during more civilised hours for getting volunteer staff?

 

[xotGD]

Anyone looking for lunch options, one of my colleagues who lives in the area recommends the Mistral in Wirksworth.

I'll take some sandwiches, and stick to the bashing!

 

[m79900]

Anyone looking for lunch options, one of my colleagues who lives in the area recommends the Mistral in Wirksworth.

I'll take some sandwiches, and stick to the bashing!

I reccomend the Sizzling Pig, for what its worth.

 

[Forty29]

Great Gable's move to Peak Rail tonight.

Realtime Trains | 0Q26 1945 Butterley M.R.C. to Matlock Peak Rail | 10/04/2025

Real-time train running information for 0Q26 1945 departure from Butterley M.R.C. to Matlock Peak Rail on 10/04/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Woo hoo a class 44 back at Toton for a couple of hours!

 

[08221]

2 class 20s moving 44004

 

[Iskra]

2 class 20s moving 44004

Interesting!