Ecclesbourne Valley Railway 2017 Plans

RichmondCommu · 6 May 2017

From memory that's the level crossing where BR installed a solar powered mechanism.

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Kneedown · 6 May 2017

RichmondCommu said:
From memory that's the level crossing where BR installed a solar powered mechanism.

My memory is rusty so I stand to be corrected, but was that Idridgehay?

xc170 · 6 May 2017

Yeah Idridgehay crossing was the one BR installed the solar panel controlled equipment at, if you look at the left of the cab window in my photo, you can just make out the tower with the solar equipment. The volunteer on the train I was on earlier in the year did explain what it was all for but I can't quite remember what was said.

RichmondCommu · 24 Jun 2017

My wife and I enjoyed a ride behind the Jinty today; absolutely wonderful and a 'must do' if you're in Derbyshire this summer.

Two things that I noticed today:-

Although the branch is quite lengthy at 9 miles there are 16 foot crossings which cannot be easy for the driver, despite the use of the whistle. I'm guessing it must be much easier driving a DMU or one of the loco's as you have a much wider view.

Secondly, at Idridgehay I'd not noticed that the two signal posts are still in place that would have protected the level crossing during BR days. A question for forum members Neil Ferguson and Tim Oakes, were the signal heads still in position when you got hold of the line? Also, just north of the level crossing there is a freshly laid concrete base; is this in connection with the level crossing?

Thanks again,

Richmond Commuter!

trash80 · 24 Jun 2017

xc170 said:
Yeah Idridgehay crossing was the one BR installed the solar panel controlled equipment at, if you look at the left of the cab window in my photo, you can just make out the tower with the solar equipment. The volunteer on the train I was on earlier in the year did explain what it was all for but I can't quite remember what was said.

They powered lights on the level crossing i believe

nferguso · 27 Jun 2017

RichmondCommu said:
My wife and I enjoyed a ride behind the Jinty today; absolutely wonderful and a 'must do' if you're in Derbyshire this summer.

Two things that I noticed today:-

Although the branch is quite lengthy at 9 miles there are 16 foot crossings which cannot be easy for the driver, despite the use of the whistle. I'm guessing it must be much easier driving a DMU or one of the loco's as you have a much wider view.

Secondly, at Idridgehay I'd not noticed that the two signal posts are still in place that would have protected the level crossing during BR days. A question for forum members Neil Ferguson and Tim Oakes, were the signal heads still in position when you got hold of the line? Also, just north of the level crossing there is a freshly laid concrete base; is this in connection with the level crossing?

Thanks again,

Richmond Commuter!

Hi Richmond Commuter (or can I call you Richmond?)

First of all, I'm delighted you enjoyed our railway that much - please spread the word!

Yes, you're right about the foot crossings, indeed we recently slapped a TSR on a farm crossing because we were not happy with sightlines due to vegetation growth, so until it gets cut-down, we have had to take action. You need eyes everywhere, especially with walkers who think the line is a footpath and sheep who are the world's greatest escapers!

At Idridgehay, the posts were for white flashing lights to indicate to the driver that the AOCL was clear. We've kept the posts but they never carried signals in the traditional sense.

The concrete base is for a crossing keeper's hut. At Gorsey Bank, we have a little tin hut in place but the plan is to install a Buildings Bespoke reproduction box at each crossing for use when traffic is heavier. Certainly having a crossing keeper takes five or more minutes out of running times.

Here's the temporary hut at Gorsey Bank with me in front:

Thanks again for asking and thanks also for your support!

Neil

Ash Bridge · 27 Jun 2017

I'll just add my comments after RichmondCommu's if I may, I and forum member APJ62 visited the line on 30th May taking advantage of the through ticketing from Derby mainline station, I must say we were both very impressed with the line and thoroughly enjoyed our visit, lovely views all the way to be had out of the window of the mk1 SK that we rode in with 31206 providing the power. We were also surprised at what a very interesting and picturesque little town Wirksworth is at the end of the line and my future plan now is to visit again with my wife & daughter perhaps next year when a suitable event is taking place on the EVR and stopover for the weekend, it's a real credit to all involved to have made such progress in a relatively short space of time, I'll also just add that I can't wait to sample some of your DMU fleet especially M79900 & the Gloucester class 119. (Btw those afternoon teas provided onboard one of the afternoon departures from Wirksworth look fabulous, one to sample with the wife next time we visit I think

)

RichmondCommu · 27 Jun 2017

nferguso said:
Hi Richmond Commuter (or can I call you Richmond?)

First of all, I'm delighted you enjoyed our railway that much - please spread the word!

Yes, you're right about the foot crossings, indeed we recently slapped a TSR on a farm crossing because we were not happy with sightlines due to vegetation growth, so until it gets cut-down, we have had to take action. You need eyes everywhere, especially with walkers who think the line is a footpath and sheep who are the world's greatest escapers!

At Idridgehay, the posts were for white flashing lights to indicate to the driver that the AOCL was clear. We've kept the posts but they never carried signals in the traditional sense.

The concrete base is for a crossing keeper's hut. At Gorsey Bank, we have a little tin hut in place but the plan is to install a Buildings Bespoke reproduction box at each crossing for use when traffic is heavier. Certainly having a crossing keeper takes five or more minutes out of running times.

Here's the temporary hut at Gorsey Bank with me in front:

Thanks again for asking and thanks also for your support!

Neil

You are very welcome to call me Richmond

Until the age of 18 (1984) I lived on Avenue Road in Duffield and from 1979 until 1984 I would sometimes cycle with three of my friends to Wirksworth if we were certain that there would be a loco already up there. We would stand on the bridge above your water crane and watch with interest as the yard was shunted by the train loco / locos.

Certainly earlier on almost all services would be in the hands of class 20s, sometimes a single 20 if the load was light. In later years we would start to see the odd class 45 and class 31.

Finally (at least for now) I can remember seeing the semaphore signals at Idridghay including at least one that was a Midland Railway lower quadrant. It's such a shame that they were lost before you and your friends got your hands on the line.

Tim Oaks · 18 Dec 2017

The floor slabs for the new station building at Wirksworth are now complete

The crossing keepers cabins have been erected on brick bases at Gorsey Bank and Idridgehay; there is still much to do before they are complete, meanwhile the first two signals have been completed - made from scratch on new poats - and taken down to Shottle for erection.

TSO No.4440 has had several side panels welded into place; the windows are being refurbished ready to refit. The LMS brake and Derek Mason's Mk1 brake are also making good progress.

The hire of 3F 47406 for the 2018 season is confirmed; it will arrive for the Whit Bank Holiday weekend and stay until the beginning of August, with about 24 days in steam. We had an increase in passenger traffic of around 40% this year, at least partly due to the efforts of our members as "guerrilla marketeers" on social media sites. We aim to do even better next year. The 2018 timetable has already been printed.

Also on the steam side there is a reasonable chance that Bagnall 2746 will steam during the year - regular reports of the work are posed on the "Industrial Updates" thread on Nat-Pres.

There will be an open day for prospective volunteers on Saturday 17th February.

xc170 · 18 Dec 2017

Can I ask what the open day will entail?

Looking forward to my next visit to the EVR, steam is of no interest to me so didn't visit much over the summer, so looking forward to a ride on a railcar or two in the new year.

Adam.

Tim Oaks · 18 Dec 2017

The various departments and projects will be manning stands, photo displays, guided tours of the various projects, DMU service. 47406 is booked to work for 24 days so there will be plenty of alternative workings. E.G. diesel traction weekend, 17th/18th march with visiting Hymek, Multiple Memories Gala 19th/20th May, Diesel Locomotive Weekend, 11th/12th August

xc170 · 19 Dec 2017

Working full time and having a 2 year old son, I'm not really in a position to volunteer unfortunately, would I still be welcome to come along and have a look around, just out of curiously?

Looking forward to the Multiple Memories Gala, last years event was really enjoyable!

M79900 by Adam P, on Flickr

153 383 by Adam P, on Flickr

Regards,

Adam.

Tim Oaks · 19 Dec 2017

Everyone will be very welcome whether they have any intention of becoming a volunteer or not. Nice pictures of the DMU gala.

Tim

xc170 · 20 Dec 2017

Lovely, something to look forward to. Maybe in a few years time I'll be able to offer some assistance. Never really had much interest in preserved lines but I do enjoy the EVR and follow your progress.

xc170 · 11 Jan 2018

Edited another couple of photos from 2017.

Anyone able to shed any light on what this green thing is?

Wirksworth by Adam P, on Flickr

Duffield by Adam P, on Flickr

153383 by Adam P, on Flickr

31206 by Adam P, on Flickr

Adam

BrunswickGreen · 11 Jan 2018

A bit of a guess but as a narrow gauge enthusiast 'SBR' stands for Statfold Barn Railway. I am sure there used to be a similar standard gauge diesel based at Statfold. Just checked the SBR guide book and the loco appears to be Thomas Hill (Rotherham) 4wDH 188c of 1967. I know the railway has been divesting a few items from their non core collection.

xc170 · 12 Jan 2018

I've lived in Tamworth for 26 years and had no idea the Statfold Barn Railway existed!

BrunswickGreen · 12 Jan 2018

xc170 said:
I've lived in Tamworth for 26 years and had no idea the Statfold Barn Railway existed!

Similar to me, an utter relevation when I visited some years back and have been a regular visitor ever since. The SBR is definitely Tamworth’s hidden jewel. N.B. This is a private railway and visits are by invitation only via their web site.

xc170 · 12 Jan 2018

Yeah I've just had a look, will have to apply for an invite.

Trainfan344 · 12 Jan 2018

Visited with a coach party from the East Anglia Transport Museum and had an excellent return trip in October, Hopefully be able to visit the railway again soon.

mushroomchow · 15 Jan 2018

47406 is a great little runner! Barely been out of steam this Santa season, no problems to note. Perfect for the EVR's services - look after our baby please.

nferguso said:
Hi Richmond Commuter (or can I call you Richmond?)
Yes, you're right about the foot crossings, indeed we recently slapped a TSR on a farm crossing because we were not happy with sightlines due to vegetation growth, so until it gets cut-down, we have had to take action. You need eyes everywhere, especially with walkers who think the line is a footpath and sheep who are the world's greatest escapers!

I can vouch for that, Neil - I've visited the EVR twice, and both times our train was stopped by sheep on the line. Both ways. Derbyshire for you.

Tim Oaks · 25 Jan 2018

Latest news from EVR is that D832 Onslaught will visit the March Diesel Gala instead of the Hymek

Meanwhile the PW team have completed assembling the track after a deep dig and relay at the Duffield end, just in time for a tamper to arrive on a testing/training contract. Another TH diesel is due to arrive imminently.

xc170 · 26 Jan 2018

Been following the posts on the Wyvern Rail facebook page in regards the Duffield track work, glad to hear it's nearly complete!

Tim Oaks · 1 Feb 2018

One of the new signals at Shottle, photo courtesy of Richard Buckby. If anyone has any mechanical signalling gear for disposal, especially signal post fittings, we would like to hear from them and it will all be put to good use.

Ash Bridge · 1 Feb 2018

If of any use, I have in my possession a white diamond track circuit indicator plate as were fitted to semaphore signal posts, complete with post attachment fitting but in need of rubbing down and repainting.

Tim Oaks · 21 Feb 2018

Thankyou for the offer, but diamond track circuit indicators appear to be about the one thing we have enough of.

Ash Bridge · 21 Feb 2018

Tim Oaks said:
Thankyou for the offer, but diamond track circuit indicators appear to be about the one thing we have enough of.

That's no problem, although if you do ever find that you're short of one, such as when reinstating the mainline connection at Duffield

you know where to come.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway 2017 Plans

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