Spirit of the Titfield Thunderbolt.

[Mutant Lemming]

In the film (of the above title) the aim of those fighting to keep their railway was to operate a passenger service as opposed to creating a tourist attraction or an outlet for a hobby.
Are there any preserved railways that come close to operating in the spirit of the ethos of the Titfield Thunderbolt (as in operating a regular reliable option for the travelling public to use)?

 

[Bill EWS]

The recently reopend Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Duffield to Wirksworth appears to have been formed on these lines and links up with mainline trains at Duffield station. It also creates a link on their Ravonstor branch (From Wirksworth) for visitors to To the High Peak Trail.

There also appears to be plans for the Sheephouse narrow gauge railway to extend towards Sheep Pasture summit or Black Rocks, which in the future would be a link within a few minutes walking distance from Ravenstor station. This would be a fantastic tourist attraction with a mainline connection.

Check out my High Peak Trail Walks, which covers this very area....

http://theatreorgans.com/hammond/keng/kenhtml/High%20Peak%20Railway%20Walks/High%20Peak%20Railway%20Walks.htm