RAILDATE: the weekly newsletter of the Hursley Park Model Railway Society: http://www.ibmhursleyclub.org.uk/ss/hpmrs/
This is the last issue before Christmas, and includes your bumper Events, Radio and TV Guide. RAILDATE will return in the New Year - probably (but not definitely!) on 4th January.
Ralph Rawlinson recommends the modestly priced "Boots on the Line" written and published Stephen Lewis. This brand new 362-page book contains details of 32 former standard gauge lines in England and Scotland all walked by Stephen between January 2000 and June 2006. There are plenty of photos but as Stephen says in his intro, this is a book describing the routes in detail, not a "nice" picture book, and no attempt has been made to cover each lines history.
Copies can be ordered by sending a cheque or postal order for £17.50 (£15 + £2.50 p&p) to: Mr S Lewis, 14 Glen Moriston Drive, Cairney Hill, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 8YS.
Mike Morant has uploaded a set of 51 archive images: http://gallery62603.fotopic.net/c1420452.html
And a second collection, which is of New Zealand/Australian archive stuff: http://gallery62603.fotopic.net/c1421024.html
Mike wants to set the railway gallery to one side for a while, and will be starting to upload some 8,000 or so road transport negs.
Ralph Rawlinson has spotted a report in Rail magazine that Imperial Wharf, a new station planned for the West London line in Chelsea, has appeared on new OS maps even though it hasn't been built yet! The reason is that it should have been completed in September but Network Rail and Transport for London are still discussing how the project will be funded. If it does get built, it will be just west of Lots Road south of King's Road: http://www.alwaystouchout.com/project/53
This would be amusing were it not for the fact that Ralph has found several instances of new cyclepaths/important trails that also don't exist. It would appear that the OS, in an effort to keep their maps current, ask local authorities and Sustrans what paths are due to open and if they don't - hard luck!
Ralph also reports that a new tourist railway is in the process of being developed close to the Welsh border in Shropshire. In 2006 the Snailbeach District Light Railway (SDLR) announced that it intended operating steam trains again over the 3½ mile narrow gauge line between Pontesbury and Snailbeach. The original Act has never been repealed and the Snailbeach District Railways Company Limited (as legal successors to the original company) maintains the right to rebuild either in part or whole what was the original railway. Recent updates have indicated that they will be placing a contract for Phase 1 with Hunslet for new stock and tracklaying later this month: http://www.sdrailway.com/html/index.php
Ian Coster has uploaded a short clip of Sir Lamiel & Clan Line on 11th December 2007: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=qP7kPUDDmn8
Abingdon & District Model Railway Club has a new website: http://www.abrail.org.uk/
You may have views about online petitions, but equally, I hope you'll have strong views views about our heritage being left to rot away. Thanks to Richard Buckby for forwarding this appeal from Andy Savage. It's worth a visit to Andy's site (although I don't believe he's right about Flanagan and Allen writing "Underneath the Arches" about this bridge!)
Growing up with the bridge, as I did, you tend to take it for granted - it's only when you visit other towns and realise that in similar situations they just got a plain girder bridge, that you realise just how wonderful Friargate bridge is. I don't suppose it's unique, but I can't think of anything as decorative off the top of my head (and made in the town by Handysides as well).
Andy Savage writes...
Not sure if you are aware but Friar Gate bridge is in a real mess. Lots of people have been complaining about the poor state of it in the paper so I decided to use my Photographic and web design skills to make a difference by launching a online petition to restore it. Can you please take a real good look around what I have done so far, sign the petition and pass on this message to everyone YOU know that may be interested and also ask everyone to pass the message onto everyone they know too. I need lots and lots of signatures.
I have created a dedicated section on my website to the bridge with lots of photographs showing the poor state of maintenance. There are also several 360x180 VR Photographs which allow anyone to take a look around the bridge for them selves to see just how bad it is. And also a few Then and now photographs. It will take you less than a minute to add your name to my list of signatures on my petition as all you need to do is put your name and a few words as to why you think it should be restored.
Before you sign it take a look.....
If you have not seen the state of the bridge then have a look at my photographs first then sign the petition.
Please visit : http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/features/friargatebridge/
Photographs showing the bridge : http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/features/friargatebridge/photos/
For those with a broadband connection and Quick Time installed you can take a virtual look around the bridge : http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/features/friargatebridge/360s/
To sign the petition follow the instructions : http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk/features/friargatebridge/petition/
To see who has already signed it see here : http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/restoration-of-friar-gate-railway-bridge/signatures.html
Pass the message on please!!!
Thanks, Andy
Nick Wheat asks, "Travelling to Honduras Any Time Soon?" http://www.airlinefan.com/view_video.php?photoid=8685669
Sustrans tops TV lottery vote: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7140621.stm
More protests over FGW timetable: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/7141755.stm
New trains from Bombadier for London Midland: http://www.londonmidland.com/index.php/news/news_items/view/22
New station at Llanharan: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7134665.stm
Problems with old rolling stock in Devon: Video: http://tinyurl.com/ysorgd
Plan for Liverpool Central extension: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7142567.stm
Delays to reopening of Ebbw Vale line: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/7140952.stm
Inmates learn rail repair skills: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/nottinghamshire/7140262.stm
Virgin Trains gobbledygook (scroll down - it's worth it): http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7138145.stm
St Andrews rail link wanted: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7136954.stm
Freight train between North & South Korea: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7137739.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7138776.stm Video: http://tinyurl.com/ys5mky
Coal mine named as Scotland's most treasured place: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7139267.stm
Spotters: Richard Buckby, Neil Kearns, Reg Nerps
| Sat Dec 15 | 2000-2100 | BBC2 'Coast' Series 3 - Berwick-upon-Tweed to Aberdeen |
| Sun Dec 16 | 1750-1850 | BBC1 'Cranford' Period drama of social change 4/5 |
| Sun Dec 16 | 2100-2200 | BBC1 'Cranford' Period drama of social change 5/5 |
| Tue Dec 18 | 1100-1130 | BBC Radio 4 'Andy Cave's Expedition Underground' The Thirlmere Aqueduct |
| Tue Dec 18 | 1930-2000 | BBC4 'Wainwright Walks' The work of the renowned fell walker |
| Tue Dec 18 | 2000-2100 | Five 'Columbia's Final Flight: the True Story' |
| Wed Dec 19 | 1930-2000 | BBC4 'Wainwright Walks' Borrowdale and Castle Crag |
| Thu Dec 20 | 1930-2000 | BBC4 'Wainwright Walks' Scafell Pike |
| Thu Dec 20 | 2305-2345 | BBC4 'The Signalman' Dickens ghost story with Denholm Elliott |
| Sun Dec 23 | 1045-1230 | ITV1 'The Great St Trinians Train Robbery' 1966 comic caper |
| Sun Dec 23 | 1640-1740 | BBC1 'Cranford' Period drama of social change 5/5 |
| Mon Dec 24 | 1015-1115 | BBC1 'How We Built Britain' Elizabethan homes |
| Mon Dec 24 | 1215-1415 | ITV1 'The Railway Children' Hooray for Bernard Cribbins |
| Tue Dec 25 | 1015-1115 | BBC1 'How We Built Britain' Scottish architecture |
| Wed Dec 26 | 1015-1115 | BBC1 'How We Built Britain' Georgian architecture |
| Thu Dec 27 | 1015-1115 | BBC1 'How We Built Britain' Architecture of Northern England |
| Fri Dec 28 | 1040-1140 | BBC1 'How We Built Britain' Architecture of Southern England |
| Mon Dec 31 | 2000-2100 | BBC2 'Coast' Series 3 - Galway to Baltimore |
| Tue Jan 01 | 1910-2010 | BBC2 'Coast' The Journey Continues 1/2 |
| Wed Jan 02 | 2000-2100 | BBC2 'Coast' The Journey Continues 2/2 |
| Thu Jan 03 | 2200-2415 | Five 'Get Carter' 1971 thriller |
See Mainline Steam Tours page for up-to-date info on many of these tours, and others, often with timings.
| For up-to-date information on many of the tours mentioned in RAILDATE (and others) often with timings, see the Steam Tours pages at: http://www.uksteam.info/index.shtml and also http://railwayherald.co.uk/railtours/ | ||
| All details are correct to the best of my knowledge. No responsibility is taken for inaccuracies or changes. | ||
| Sat Dec 15 | ? | Main Line Steam: Victoria-Chichester 'Sir Lamiel' http://www.steamdreams.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 | 1400 |
National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wakefield
The Caphouse Mineral Railway - John Goodchild Free admission Start at 1400 in the Conference Centre at the Museum Lasts 45 mins to 1 hour http://www.ncm.org.uk/ |
| Tue Dec 18 | ? | Main Line Steam: Victoria-Winchester 'Tangmere' http://www.steamdreams.co.uk |
| Thu Dec 20 | ? | Main Line Steam: Waterloo-Sherborne 'Tangmere' http://www.steamdreams.co.uk |
| Thu Dec 20 | 1930 |
Mid Hants Railway, Sussex Branch
Southwick Community Centre, Southwick, Sussex The Bishop's Christmas blessing by J Bishop Starts 1930 |
| Sat Dec 22 | ? | Main Line Steam: Victoria-Stratford-Norwich 'Tangmere' http://www.steamdreams.co.uk |
| Wed Dec 26 | ? |
'The Bygone Leicester Moving Picture Show' by Rob Foxon
Phoenix Arts, Newarke Street, Leicester Commences 2.30pm |
| Wed Dec 26 - Wed Jan 02 | ? | Eastleigh Lakeside Railway: A Day Out With Thomas http://www.steamtrain.co.uk |
| Thu Dec 27 | ? |
'Railways Remembered' introduced by Rob Foxon
Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, Leicestershire Commences 7.30pm |
| Thu Dec 27 - Tue Jan 01 | ? | Kent & East Sussex Railway: Post-Christma Running http://www.kesr.org.uk/ |
| Fri Dec 28 | ? |
'Railways Remembered' introduced by Rob Foxon
Library Theatre, Tudor Square, Sheffield Commences 7.30pm £5.50 - profits to Peak Rail Association Sheffield Branch |
| Sat Dec 29 | ? | Mid-Hants Watercress Line: Christmas Leave http://www.watercressline.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 29 | ? | West Somerset Railway: Winter Steam Festival http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 29 - Tue Jan 01 | ? | Spa Valley Railway: End of Season Sale (25% off fares) http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/ |
| Sun Dec 30 | ? | Churnet Valley Railway: Winter Warmers http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk |
| Sun Dec 30 | ? | Dean Forest Railway: Mince Pie Specials http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/ |
| Sun Dec 30 | 1000-1600 |
Halifax Model Railway Club Exhibition
Clubrooms, 5 Deal Street, Halifax 1000-1600 |
| Tue Jan 01 | ? |
Friends of King Alfred Buses Running Day
Free heritage buses in and around Winchester http://www.fokab.org.uk/ |
| Tue Jan 01 | ? | Dean Forest Railway: Mince Pie Specials http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/ |
| Wed Jan 02 | ? | Churnet Valley Railway: New year Special http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk |
| Sat Jan 05 | 1000-1700 |
Marlow, Maidenhead & District MRC Exhibition
Cox Green Community Centre, 51 Highfield Lane, Maindenhead 1000-1700 http://www.mmdmrc.org.uk |
| Sat Jan 05 - Sun Jan 06 | 1100-1700(Sat) 1000-1600(Sun) |
The South Wales Model Show
Rhonnda Fach Sports Centre, East St, Tylorstown, Rhonnda 1100-1700 (Sat), 1000-1600 (Sun) |
| Mon Jan 07 | 1945 |
West Somerset Railway Taunton Group
The Great Western Staff Association Club, Taunton Station Member's slides and photo competition Starts 1945 http://www.wsra.org.uk |
| Fri Jan 11 | 1930 |
Purbeck Railway Circle: The Age of Steam at Home & Abroad
Nick lera shoes his latest DVDs Catholic Church hall, Rempstone Road, Swanage Starts 1930 |
| Sat Jan 12 | 1400 |
National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wakefield
The Bowes Railway - Anthony Coulls, Curator, Locomotion - The National Railway Museum at Shildon Free admission Start at 1400 in the Conference Centre at the Museum Lasts 45 mins to 1 hour http://www.ncm.org.uk/ |
| Sat Jan 12 - Sun Jan 13 | 1000-1800(Sat) 1000-1700(Sun) |
Chiltern Model Railway Association Exhibition
Alban Arena, St Peter's Street, Sy Albans 1000-1800 (Sat), 1000-1700 (Sun) |
| Sat Jan 26 - Sun Jan 27 | 1030-1700(Sat) 1000-1700(Sun) |
Southampton Model Railway Society Exhibition
The Eastpoint Centre, Burgoyne Road, Thornhill, Southampton 1030-1700 (Sat), 1000-1700 (Sun) http://smrs.hampshire.org.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Royal Victoria Railway: Santa Specials http://www.royalvictoriarailway.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Kent & East Sussex Railway: Santa Specials http://www.kesr.org.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Spa Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Mid-Hants Watercress Line: Santa Specials http://www.watercressline.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Swanage Railway: Santa Specials http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Dean Forest Railway: Santa Specials http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.e-v-r.com/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Peak Rail: Santa Specials http://www.peakrail.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Middleton Railway Leeds: Santa Specials http://www.middletonrailway.org.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Santa Specials http://www.nymr.org.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Ffestiniog Railway: Santa Specials http://www.festrail.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 15 - Sun Dec 16 | ? | Welsh Highland Railway: Santa Specials http://www.festrail.co.uk |
| Sun Dec 16 | ? | Barrow Hill Roundhouse: Santa Steam Trains http://www.barrowhill.org.uk |
| Sun Dec 16 | ? | Seaton Tramway: Santa Specials http://www.tram.co.uk/ |
| Wed Dec 19 | ? | Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk |
| Thu Dec 20 - Sun Dec 23 | ? | Royal Victoria Railway: Santa Specials http://www.royalvictoriarailway.co.uk |
| Thu Dec 20 - Sun Dec 23 | ? | North Yorkshire Moors Railway: Santa Specials http://www.nymr.org.uk/ |
| Thu Dec 20 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Spa Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk/ |
| Fri Dec 21 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Kent & East Sussex Railway: Santa Specials http://www.kesr.org.uk/ |
| Fri Dec 21 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Mid-Hants Watercress Line: Santa Specials http://www.watercressline.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 22 - Sun Dec 23 | ? | Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.e-v-r.com/ |
| Sat Dec 22 - Sun Dec 23 | ? | Ffestiniog Railway: Santa Specials http://www.festrail.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 22 - Sun Dec 23 | ? | Welsh Highland Railway: Santa Specials http://www.festrail.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Swanage Railway: Santa Specials http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Dean Forest Railway: Santa Specials http://www.deanforestrailway.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Seaton Tramway: Santa Specials http://www.tram.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Churnet Valley Railway: Santa Specials http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Peak Rail: Santa Specials http://www.peakrail.co.uk/ |
| Sat Dec 22 - Mon Dec 24 | ? | Middleton Railway Leeds: Santa Specials http://www.middletonrailway.org.uk/ |
| Sun Dec 23 | ? | Barrow Hill Roundhouse: Santa Steam Trains http://www.barrowhill.org.uk |
| Cheers, Howard. editor at raildate.co.uk (spam-proofed) | ||
|
Previous issues of RAILDATE are at: http://steam.to/raildate
This page includes a master catalogue of items that have appeared in previous editions of RAILDATE. | ||
| (C) Howard Sprenger and Hursley Park Model Railway Society 2007. | ||
| The external edition of RAILDATE may be freely distributed without permission as long as no changes whatsoever are made to the original document distributed by the Editor. | ||