What's been the single most exciting development for UK heritage railways in 2023?

[railfan99]

The calendar year is almost finished. Thoughts are with Christmas gatherings, whether social or (if religious) church-related. Plus your limited wintry (and my country's extensive Christmas/summer) holidays.

But let's give a thought to the preserved rail scene.

What's been the best achievement you can think of during calendar 2023?

I'm cheating by naming three:

(a) passenger numbers recovering at many larger (i.e. longer, or more popular) heritage railways, although the net effect on finances won't be known for months
(b) the Great Central Railway's ongoing progress towards its much discussed extension and 'unification' (I patronised its September 2022 - not 2023 - Steam Gala - amazing)

and based upon a visit facilitated by the generous paul1609 :

(c) the Kent and East Sussex Railway's progress towards its extension to Robertsbridge, with some facilities already completed (that look great).

As an aside, a quick thank you to thousands of volunteers (and paid staff), some of whom I met during 21 days in England in September 2023. Without you ladies and gents (especially selfless volunteers), much or all of this wouldn't be possible. (Plus wonderful RailUk Forums moderators and administrators).

 

[43096]

That there is now a preserved, passenger-carrying train running at 125mph on the main line.

 

[47434]

It might sound glib but I would say that all have survived - often through having to change their operating model - less steam, more Disneyfication events etc, even though a few have some battle scars. Pres faces a huge issue with volunteers as people now work longer and the days of the classic 'final salary pension at 55' seem a distant memory.

 

[LittleRedTrain]

I'd give a shout out to the Darjeeling Tank Locomotive Trust who, with just a couple of months notice, managed to galvanise enough support and raise enough funds to secure 19B and coaches at auction, organised her a new home at Statfold, ran a successful 'supporters day' and have made good progress towards preparation for the next overhaul.
Having corresponded with the team, and met some of them at Statfold, they come across as very professional, organised and competent, with the right contacts in the right places, so I'm very happy to be sending a bit of cash their way.
Something other nascent preservation schemes could really learn from.

A second mention has to go to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway and Welsh Highland Heritage Railway's joint WHR 100 event in June.
These were two organisations that, for many years, were constantly at each others' throats and there was a lot of bad blood involved.
To be able to see the two groups having properly buried the hatchet and running a successful event encompassing both lines, including the WHHR's flagship loco hauling a F&WHR train along the full length of the WHR, was wonderful to see.

 

[david l]

It might sound glib but I would say that all have survived - often through having to change their operating model - less steam, more Disneyfication events etc, even though a few have some battle scars. Pres faces a huge issue with volunteers as people now work longer and the days of the classic 'final salary pension at 55' seem a distant memory.

Absolutely agree. Lots of GM's and finance people with much greyer hair than previously, who know the real world..........

 

[John Luxton]

Corwen Station is pretty impressive took much longer than planned but looks superb.

The other highlight for me is the new build FWHR Fairlie JAMES SPOONER.

A second mention has to go to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway and Welsh Highland Heritage Railway's joint WHR 100 event in June.
These were two organisations that, for many years, were constantly at each others' throats and there was a lot of bad blood involved.
To be able to see the two groups having properly buried the hatchet and running a successful event encompassing both lines, including the WHHR's flagship loco hauling a F&WHR train along the full length of the WHR, was wonderful to see.

Would agree with than hopefully these close links will develop further.

A second mention has to go to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway and Welsh Highland Heritage Railway's joint WHR 100 event in June.
These were two organisations that, for many years, were constantly at each others' throats and there was a lot of bad blood involved.
To be able to see the two groups having properly buried the hatchet and running a successful event encompassing both lines, including the WHHR's flagship loco hauling a F&WHR train along the full length of the WHR, was wonderful to see.

Would agree with than hopefully these close links will develop further.

 

[Rail Quest]

Corwen Station is pretty impressive took much longer than planned but looks superb.

Not only that but with the background of a very rough financial situation that Llangollen have - it's mega impressive to me that Corwen managed to open

 

[John Luxton]

Not only that but with the background of a very rough financial situation that Llangollen have - it's mega impressive to me that Corwen managed to open

Yes the survival of the Llangollen line considering the circumstances has been noteworthy as has the line's ability to make progress running a predominantly diesel service as well.

Some out there questioned if heritage diesel would prove attractive - I think that Llangollen have proved it is and perhaps other lines will follow suit.

Whether this changes at Llangollen remains to be seen as their steam fleet appears to be getting up and running again. I see a Steam Gala is planned for 2024.

 

[Titfield]

Swanage Railway's restoration of the T3 No 563 and placing it in service.

 

[paul1609]

The calendar year is almost finished. Thoughts are with Christmas gatherings, whether social or (if religious) church-related. Plus your limited wintry (and my country's extensive Christmas/summer) holidays.

But let's give a thought to the preserved rail scene.

What's been the best achievement you can think of during calendar 2023?

I'm cheating by naming three:

(a) passenger numbers recovering at many larger (i.e. longer, or more popular) heritage railways, although the net effect on finances won't be known for months
(b) the Great Central Railway's ongoing progress towards its much discussed extension and 'unification' (I patronised its September 2022 - not 2023 - Steam Gala - amazing)

and based upon a visit facilitated by the generous paul1609 :

(c) the Kent and East Sussex Railway's progress towards its extension to Robertsbidge, with some facilities already completed (that look great).

As an aside, a quick thank you to thousands of volunteers (and paid staff), some of whom I met during 21 days in England in September 2023. Without you ladies and gents (especially selfless volunteers), much or all of this wouldn't be possible. (Plus wonderful RailUk Forums moderators and administrators).

Whilst I'm obviously dead chuffed with the result of our individual case re the Robertsbridge Extension.
I think that the granting of the RVR Transport and Works Order is by far the most exciting 2023 development for the preservation movement (and maybe in some areas for the wider rail industry) because it sets a precedent and benchmark in a huge amount of areas ranging from level crossings through compulsory purchase to flood prevention and enviromental issues. i think that when the movement looks back on the enquiry and the documentation put together in the future it will definantly be seen as a milepost in the development of the wider preservation movement.

 

[Dunfanaghy Rd]

Corris No. 10.
Pat

 

[8H]

Whilst I'm obviously dead chuffed with the result of our individual case re the Robertsbridge Extension.
I think that the granting of the RVR Transport and Works Order is by far the most exciting 2023 development for the preservation movement (and maybe in some areas for the wider rail industry) because it sets a precedent and benchmark in a huge amount of areas ranging from level crossings through compulsory purchase to flood prevention and enviromental issues. i think that when the movement looks back on the enquiry and the documentation put together in the future it will definantly be seen as a milepost in the development of the wider preservation movement.

Good positive substantive points hope you are proved right regarding precedent too!

 

[Trainlog]

The new build Falcon running in on the Corris railway was an exciting event for preservation.

t might sound glib but I would say that all have survived - often through having to change their operating model - less steam, more Disneyfication events etc, even though a few have some battle scars. Pres faces a huge issue with volunteers as people now work longer and the days of the classic 'final salary pension at 55' seem a distant memory.

I also agree with this - i'm glad that the Severn valley railway has done well with its survival appeal and that Llangollen has come back from near closure.

As an honorable mention i want to bring up the Swanage railway's Wareham attempt with a DMU. It was flawed with low advertisement's around it so only rail enthusiasts knew about it, along with other factors - but they took an interesting risk in running the service. At least the T3 has worked out well for them.

 

[railfan99]

Whilst I'm obviously dead chuffed with the result of our individual case re the Robertsbridge Extension.
I think that the granting of the RVR Transport and Works Order is by far the most exciting 2023 development for the preservation movement (and maybe in some areas for the wider rail industry) because it sets a precedent and benchmark in a huge amount of areas ranging from level crossings through compulsory purchase to flood prevention and enviromental issues. i think that when the movement looks back on the enquiry and the documentation put together in the future it will definantly be seen as a milepost in the development of the wider preservation movement.

Yes, I found it amazing when you toured me around that in 2023, a reconstructed railway level crossing would be approved given it crosses quite a busy road. A great achievement to have the extension approved.

Hopefully, Robertsbridge locals understand that for the annoyance of a few trains a week holding them up for two minutes at a time, eventually there will be some more jobs created locally given visitor spend at heritage railways.

It might sound glib but I would say that all have survived - often through having to change their operating model - less steam, more Disneyfication events etc, even though a few have some battle scars. Pres faces a huge issue with volunteers as people now work longer and the days of the classic 'final salary pension at 55' seem a distant memory.

I had thought of including that, but my list would have extended to four - too much. It's not 'glib': you made a cogent point.

 

[steamybrian]

I will give a second vote to the previously stated projects-

1. RVR approval to rebuild Robertsbridge- Bodiam which has come some 50 years after it was originally rejected by the Minister of Transport.
2. During the summer I travelled over the Llangollen Railway extension and was very impressed by the magnificent build of the new Corwen Station.

 

[Steven Taylor]

I would also mention the Rother Valley Railway obtaining the Transport and Works Act to re-instate the railway from the outskirts of Robertsbridge to Junction Road (Udiam).
I remember clearly that fateful weekend in 1967, when I read in a Saturday newspaper that the Kent and East Sussex Railway had to apply for a High Court injunction to stop British Railways from lifting the track a few days later.
As others have stated, it really is amazing that permission to rebuild was given despite a requirement to have a new level-crossing on the A21 Robertsbridge by-pass, which did not exist in 1967.

 

[snowball]

A second mention has to go to the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway and Welsh Highland Heritage Railway's joint WHR 100 event in June.
These were two organisations that, for many years, were constantly at each others' throats and there was a lot of bad blood involved.
To be able to see the two groups having properly buried the hatchet and running a successful event encompassing both lines, including the WHHR's flagship loco hauling a F&WHR train along the full length of the WHR, was wonderful to see.

I read a lot about their enmity at the time when it was strongest but this is the first I'd heard about their reconciliation. I'm delighted.

 

[railfan99]

Since I love preserved (and main line/branch line 'real') railways, it's a great Advent present (even though 17,000km away) to read of many achievements in the heritage railway subsector.

Straitened economic times in many nations and what in media here (and I assume also the UK) is numerous articles per day on the Middle Eastern war (compared to almost nothing on the Russia: Ukraine matter) mean some positivity is most welcome.

 

[bramling]

Whilst I'm obviously dead chuffed with the result of our individual case re the Robertsbridge Extension.
I think that the granting of the RVR Transport and Works Order is by far the most exciting 2023 development for the preservation movement (and maybe in some areas for the wider rail industry) because it sets a precedent and benchmark in a huge amount of areas ranging from level crossings through compulsory purchase to flood prevention and enviromental issues. i think that when the movement looks back on the enquiry and the documentation put together in the future it will definantly be seen as a milepost in the development of the wider preservation movement.

I have to say there’s a part of me that is glad to see this gone through if for no other reason that we hopefully won’t any more have to hear those two farmers going on about it. Whilst I can get that they don’t have to want a railway going through their land, their opposition to the whole thing has always been grossly disproportionate to the realities of the situation.

 

[DarloRich]

That there is now a preserved, passenger-carrying train running at 125mph on the main line.

This! Not puffer buffer though is it?

 

[32475]

I would also mention the Rother Valley Railway obtaining the Transport and Works Act to re-instate the railway from the outskirts of Robertsbridge to Junction Road (Udiam).
I remember clearly that fateful weekend in 1967, when I read in a Saturday newspaper that the Kent and East Sussex Railway had to apply for a High Court injunction to stop British Railways from lifting the track a few days later.
As others have stated, it really is amazing that permission to rebuild was given despite a requirement to have a new level-crossing on the A21 Robertsbridge by-pass, which did not exist in 1967.

Another vote for the RVR plus the KESR’s relatively healthy position

 

[JKF]

The two ends of the 4-DD unit being reunited after about 40 years. Took a lot of effort from a small but dedicated team. A few years back neither end was in their ownership.

 

[DJ_K666]

The two ends of the 4-DD unit being reunited after about 40 years. Took a lot of effort from a small but dedicated team. A few years back neither end was in their ownership.

Yep. To my mind it's a miracle anything of it survived. I did hint to Hornby that since they have a complete 4SUB in their custody at Margate it'd be a great idea to scan it.

The RVR getting that TWAO is awesome news and possibly the standout story of the year. The ability to board a train at Robertsbridge and alight at Tenterden is tantalisingly close now.

The GCR making another step towards joining the two halves of their respective railways to make one 18 mile long whole is also worth watching thd latest being the A60 bridge. Although this might be more a 2024 thing but next is the factory flyover and this will be a win-win for everyone. The GCR get a new piece of railway and Preci-Spark staff get some nice dry(ish) covered car park spaces. An embankment and other bits and pieces adds up to some very exciting news indeed.

 

[30907]

In my part of the country the total of £6m in grant awarded to the KWVR for the Bridge 27 rebuild at Haworth plus the major signalling/diesel depot upgrade just announced is pretty good stuff. Not that I'm biased at all

 

[xotGD]

In my part of the country the total of £6m in grant awarded to the KWVR for the Bridge 27 rebuild at Haworth plus the major signalling/diesel depot upgrade just announced is pretty good stuff. Not that I'm biased at all

Seconded!

And let's not forget the development of a visitor centre in the Keighley water tower and the happy news that the Rat is being overhauled and should be able to provide steam heat once it is back in action.

All we need is the 37 to be painted blue to make me even happier!

 

[Dave S 56F]

Yep. To my mind it's a miracle anything of it survived. I did hint to Hornby that since they have a complete 4SUB in their custody at Margate it'd be a great idea to scan it.

The RVR getting that TWAO is awesome news and possibly the standout story of the year. The ability to board a train at Robertsbridge and alight at Tenterden is tantalisingly close now.

The GCR making another step towards joining the two halves of their respective railways to make one 18 mile long whole is also worth watching thd latest being the A60 bridge. Although this might be more a 2024 thing but next is the factory flyover and this will be a win-win for everyone. The GCR get a new piece of railway and Preci-Spark staff get some nice dry(ish) covered car park spaces. An embankment and other bits and pieces adds up to some very exciting news indeed.

I think personally that's just old infastructure canal bridge A60 bridge just getting a refreshed. However it was impressive watching the midland mainline G.C.R. overbridge been reinstated,The real proof in the pudding will be in the bridge the gap project will be to witness the factory flyover (preci spark) and missing embankment to be constructed if the G.C.R. is hell bent on a 18 mile line it most certainly looks promising at Ruddington a new carriage storage shed been built on to the G.C.R. (N) workshops and hotchley Hill S.B. been revamped.

 

[williamn]

Another vote for RVR / K&ESR, especially as it's always felt like a hard line to reach by public transport, so the extension will be transformative for my frequency of visits! I think it'll be a huge help for tourism to Bodiam and Tenterden too.

 

[railfan99]

Another vote for RVR / K&ESR, especially as it's always felt like a hard line to reach by public transport, so the extension will be transformative for my frequency of visits! I think it'll be a huge help for tourism to Bodiam and Tenterden too.

The former was my similar perception: for a 2023 UK foray, I laboriously found how to get to and from Tenterden by bus from the closest railway station, but then paul1609 came to the rescue and kindly guided me.

Had he not done so, I'd still have visited, but not as easily as I could to Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Mid Hants Railway, North Norfolk Railway or South Devon Railway. NNR was 2022: the rest, 2023.

The K&ESR wouldn't come to my mind as the first preserved railway to visit, but it sure deserves recognition for what will in not too many years be the case at Robertsbridge. No doubt a mainline tour operator will eventually run a train from London for a half day at Bodiam Castle, and some time at Tenterden.

 

[paul1609]

The former was my similar perception: for a 2023 UK foray, I laboriously found how to get to and from Tenterden by bus from the closest railway station, but then paul1609 came to the rescue and kindly guided me.

Had he not done so, I'd still have visited, but not as easily as I could to Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, Mid Hants Railway, North Norfolk Railway or South Devon Railway. NNR was 2022: the rest, 2023.

The K&ESR wouldn't come to my mind as the first preserved railway to visit, but it sure deserves recognition for what will in not too many years be the case at Robertsbridge. No doubt a mainline tour operator will eventually run a train from London for a half day at Bodiam Castle, and some time at Tenterden.

Without repeating what has been said in the preserved railway public transport thread we at the K&ESR along with Southeastern, Arriva and Stagecoach have done a lot of work with through ticketing, bus links and even with East Sussex CC dedicated buses over the years. Unfortunately none has come even remotely close to breaking even.
With Robertsbridge we have a good idea what traffic we can get from Southeastern.
Fairly uniquely Network Rail let us put in our mainline connection at Robertsbridge but I can't see that running to putting in a crossover for through rail tours to be viable for many of the reasons we won't be using the original bay.

 

[williamn]

Without repeating what has been said in the preserved railway public transport thread we at the K&ESR along with Southeastern, Arriva and Stagecoach have done a lot of work with through ticketing, bus links and even with East Sussex CC dedicated buses over the years. Unfortunately none has come even remotely close to breaking even.
With Robertsbridge we have a good idea what traffic we can get from Southeastern.
Fairly uniquely Network Rail let us put in our mainline connection at Robertsbridge but I can't see that running to putting in a crossover for through rail tours to be viable for many of the reasons we won't be using the original bay.

Out of curiosity why isn’t the original bay being used?

I do think a rail to rail connection is hugely more attractive than a rail to bus to rail.