Preserved Railways
Sat, 10 Nov 2007 13:33 moomooland |
The East Lancashire Railway![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The East Lancashire Railway opened in 1846 to link the Manchester to Bolton line with Radcliffe and was a popular passenger and freight route which served the Irwell Valley from Bury, via Ramsbottom, to Rawtenstall and beyond. 1972 saw the last passengers travel on the Bury to Rawtenstall section, and that would have been the end of an era had the East Lancashire Preservation Society not been committed to restoring the line to its former glory. On 25th July 1987 the first four miles of line were reopened for regular passenger services between Bury and Ramsbottom. In the first short season 35,000 passengers traveled on the railway, a figure which increased to 60,000 by 1988. Reaching the present average of 120,000 passengers per year. The railway now operates every weekend throughout the year, with some weekday running during the months of May,June,July,August and September. The line passes through a total of 23 grid squares from Rawtenstall to Heywood they being the following SD8022 SD8021 SD7921 SD7920 SD7919 SD7918 SD7917 SD7916 SD7915 SD7914 SD7913 SD7912 SD8012 SD8011 SD8010 SD8110 SD8210 SD8310 SD8309 SD8409 SD8410 SD8510 SD8610 For more information click on East Lancashire Railway This was a rare sight in March 2008 ![]() It's a brand new Stoneblower undergoing final testing on the East Lancashire Railway before being commisioned for Network Rail. These huge machines are built by Harsco Track Technologies and are used to maintain the main line railways across the country. The Stoneblower in the picture is a brand new machine developed specifically as an alternative to traditional tamping methods for the restoration of track's vertical and lateral alignment. The machine utilizes a process which pneumatically injects ballast under the tie to achieve track positioning to an accuracy of 1.0 mm without disturbing the pre-existing compacted foundation. The machine travels over the site at up to 10 mph measuring the pre-maintenance condition of the track. On-board computers use the data collected during the measurement process to determine the profile of the track and calculate the required lift, slew and stone quantity for each tie. The design uses a pre-selected track quality level to minimize lifts and the quantity of ballast required The result is a smooth track surface which is immediately available for unrestricted line speeds. |
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Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:07 UrbanSpaceman |
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre - Quainton Road
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Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:36 silverwhiskers |
Churnet Valley Railway
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() These two links to the railway's website will give historical details and excellent larger photographs. http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/ http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/railway.htm |
Sat, 8 Dec 2007 22:51 Tribble |
West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway recaptures the era of the branch line country railway in the days of steam. Enjoy 20 miles of glorious Somerset scenery as the train gently rolls back the years on its journey beside the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel coast. Just sit back in your seat and watch the steam and countryside drift past the window... ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The Railway has all the atmosphere of a Great Western Railway branch line. There are ten restored stations along the route, each having its own charm and character; many have signalboxes, engine sheds, museums, displays, steam engines and other rolling stock to see. http://www.wsr.org.uk |
Sun, 9 Dec 2007 15:57 Mr Blue Sky |
More of and from the West Somerset Railway...
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Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:38 dace83 |
Post removed as making new thread |
Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:40 dace83 |
post removed as making new thread |
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