Kirkby stephen trip
Stainmore railway trip
Following Mike Thompson’s outstanding presentation on this railway in May 2023, we were offered the opportunity to make a trip to visit them to see their latest developments.
So, on Aug 5th we assembled for our visit in very clement weather. Mike Thompson gave us a tour of the station which has undergone a phenomenal amount of work, their work ethic is to safeguard the structures prior to developing the line, although they already have some areas of the track to Warcop under wraps to protect their investment.
The 2 engines, FC Tingey and Lytham St Annes, were both in evidence in the station. Both built by Peckett and Sons, the former in 1948 and the latter in 1949. After his introduction, Mike showed us the massive shed where most of the restoration of rolling stock is taking place. He outlined that he has projects to work on, but spends more time managing the railway.
Rob then showed us the work he and the team are undertaking on NER stores van No. 2. This was a complete wreck on arrival, but the transformation is staggering, the quantity and quality of work is incredible. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), the intention is to use this as an interpretation suite for educational purposes to tell the story of NER Class C No. 876 which is undergoing a contract overhaul at Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough.
They have recently been awarded a further NLHF project grant to restore the original 1861-built Stockton & Darlington Railway signal box to operational order and Dave took over to explain this aspect of the project. There is plenty to do here and, once completed, the signal box will also be used to train volunteers and staff from other heritage railways.
This is an outstanding heritage railway where the skill, dedication and endeavour deserve special mention. Thanks Mike, Rob and Dave for a superb visit.
Alan Sattenstall
10th aug 2023