Two more videos...
posted 24th May 2005

We’ve added two more videos to our small video gallery, including the unusual site of City of Truro with a goods train. To visit the video gallery click here. You really need a broadband connection to download our videos (kindly provided by Mike Snow), since they are about 1.5MB each. However, they’ve proved so popular we’ve had to move them off the main site, so please download them once only, and save them to your hard disk.

Out with a flash
posted 22nd May 2005

On Wednesday, City of Truro will be on its way once again, this time to the Llangollen Railway. Its last weekend was certainly eventful: Saturday saw some some of the most extraordinary weather with one of the most violent hailstorms imaginable deluging Winchcombe.

Accompanied by spectacular lightning, hailstones, some the size of ice-cubes, hammered down blocking drains and causing localised flooding, the noise almost drowning out the thunder. The town ground to a halt as drifts of hailstones several inches deep made driving treacherous. Dozens of cars suffered minor damage such as small dents on bonnets and roofs and cracked windscreens. A bride had an unexpectedly white wedding at the parish church.

At the railway, the perspex roof on the wooden 'Santa Reception' building on Winchcombe station was peppered with holes as the surroundings took on an instant wintry appearance. And as engine crews will be only too ready to relate, City of Truro's footplate is quite exposed - making life uncomfortable regardless of the canvas tonneau which inadequately covers the area between cab and tender. The hail piled up on the running plate along with small branches and foliage cruelly stripped off the lineside trees, making both City of Truro and Foremarke Hall look as if they had been through a hedge.

The drivers of both locomotives needed all their skill, particularly on City of Truro, as the huge driving wheels crushed the ice onto the railhead reducing traction to almost nothing. Our intrepid photographer, Zol, bravely captured the drama, as illustrated in the picture.

Completing its three round trips to Cheltenham, both engines were out again during the evening - Foremarke Hall in charge of the first public Fish & Chip train of the season and City of Truro with Elegant Excursions' Jazz Evening. Fortunately, the storm had gone on to drench someone else by early evening and diners enjoyed their fish - cod and chips wrapped in paper and washed own with Rail Ale on one; poached salmon fillet washed down perhaps with a nicely chilled sauvignon blanc (well, there was certainly no shortage of ice for the ice buckets!) on the other.

Sunday saw both locomotives out again, City of Truro once again with Elegant Excursions, this time on Sunday lunch duties.

The GWR is discussing with the National Railway Museum the possibility of another visit by City of Truro, possibly next year. Keep watching these news pages for more information.

Loco roster updated - City of Truro's last stand
posted 20th May 2005

An interesting weekend is in prospect with the railway's oldest and youngest residents seeing service. No. 3440 City of Truro (built Swindon 1903) is operating for the last time during its stay on the GWR, sharing duties with relative youngster no. 7903 Foremarke Hall (built Swindon 1949).

For those interested in more modern traction, class 24 no. 24081 (built Crewe 1960) will be handling the 16.30 return working from Toddington.

Steam will also be out in force during Saturday evening. There are two contrasting dining trains - City of Truro will be in charge of 'Elegant Excursions', on board which guests will be enjoying the finest cuisine and wines, with crisp white linen table cloths and silver service. Conversely, Foremarke Hall hauls the first of the public Fish & Chip trains this year.* Patrons will enjoy excellent fish and chips delivered from Winchcombe, served in heatproof containers and wrapped in paper. Washed down with the railway's own Rail Ale brewed by Goffs of Winchcombe, this is probably just as enjoyable as the premier dining service aboard 'Elegant Excursions'.

Elegant Excursions will again be out on Sunday for a luncheon train. This means that, because it is not yet  possible to work three separate trains over the length of the line, public services will depart Toddington only at 10.30, 12.30, 14.30 and 16.30 and from Cheltenham at 11.15, 13.15, 15.15 and 17.15 (the last service diesel hauled).

Click here to view the locomotive roster.

* We regret that all Fish & Chip trains are fully booked for the remainder of 2005. Click here to go to the 'Elegant Excursions' website where you can book online, although Saturday's and Sunday's trains are now fully booked.

Third rail for the GWR?
posted 19th May 2005

With all that has been happening on the steam front over the past few days, many people might not have noticed that another locomotive slipped through the gates, hot on the heels of pannier tank no 9642.

This was class 73 electro-diesel no. 73129 ‘City of Winchester’, one of the few ‘ED’s’ to appear in full Network South East livery. These locomotives – designed for the Southern Region – operate either off the 750v DC third rail or, when away from the electrified system, off an on-board 600hp diesel generator set. This made the class ideal for working traffic where stock had to be taken over unelectrified lines – for example Southampton Docks, working cross London freights; travelling post office traffic and so forth. But linesiders won’t be shocked (groan) as there are no plans to put in an electrified third rail. Click here for a ‘News Extra’ on the class 73s, and a picture of 73129.

No 73129 is with the GWR for about 12 months during which time it is expected to work the permanent way train and is thus likely to play an important role later this year. Basically in working order (some relatively minor repairs are being undertaken) the locomotive still carries its Network South East livery. Its passenger debut is expected during the September diesel gala.

Repainting
posted 19th May 2005

The Brush Type 4 Fund’s Freightliner grey class 47, no 47376 has been withdrawn from service for roof repairs and a complete repaint. The locomotive has been a popular performer at recent diesel galas, especially when coupled with classmate no. 47105. It will be returned to its current colour scheme and will have its nameplates – Freightliner 1995 – refitted and is likely to be rededicated at Toddington later this year.

Also about to be repainted is the ever-popular class 20, currently in the David Page shed for exhaust system repairs. It will be turned out soon, once again in BR green, bearing the number D8137.

Regulars...
posted 19th May 2005

We’ve just updated a couple of our regular features in “The Sidings”. Firstly, the results of the current caption competition have been announced, and a new competition started. Well done Matthew Darby, who has achieved the distinction of winning two consecutive competitions.

Secondly, we’ve got another excellent desktop wallpaper for you, again courtesy of Zol. As many of you will know, Zol has taken over our photo galleries, and is doing a great job of bringing them up-to-date.

Stand back from the platform edge - express train approaching!
posted 16th May 2005

Well, that might be taking it a bit far, but the first train of the day didn't stop at Winchcombe on its way to Cheltenham, with City of Truro at its head - proudly bearing the 'Cheltenham Spa Express' headboard. There was nostalgia like this by the shovel-full over the weekend of the 13th to 15th of May, the GWR's 'Named Trains' steam event. And although there were only four locomotives in steam, there seemed to be trains everywhere.A goods train - with some nicely turned out GWR vans and a lovely SR brakevan - rolls through the station. Minutes later, a stopping train squeals to a halt - made up of two well-filled coaches and three vans. Soon after 'The Cornishman'  approaches, with an immaculately turned out Modified Hall at its head. The weekend seemed to capture the very essence of a country line on a summer weekend during the '50's or '60's. Many commented on City of Truro's appearance on the local, its formation typical of the stopping trains which this engine handled during one of its ventures out of the museum, during the early 1960's.

And 3205 really did look the part with a dozen or so wagons dutifully following it over the pointwork. Highlights were perhaps the double heading with City of Truro on Friday; double -headed Halls on both days and City of Truro's non-stop runs to Cheltenham - trains surprisingly well filled considering the 09.15 departure from Toddington.

Many people made this weekend possible and the figures speak for themselves. Over the weekend, 2,418 people bought train tickets (easily beating last May's figure of 1,775), and dozens of lineside passes were sold. There were batteries of hi-viz-clad photographers at the best vantage points along the line - we hope some will find their way to the railway media and this website soon! On-train catering, the Flag & Whistle and the shop seemed to be constantly busy too.

It was a great weekend and firmly places the GWR as a 'not to be missed' venue for its special events.  Look out for news of our September event and plans for our centenary year in 2006!

Working timetable confirmed
posted 12th May 2005

Click here for the working timetable for this weekend's Gala. No 9642 won't, unfortunately, be available for the weekend so the timetable excludes this locomotive.

Key features include what is possibly the longest non-stop run on a preserved railway - 10 miles behind City of Truro, departing 09.15 from Toddington to Cheltenham on both Saturday and Sunday; and double headed Hall class 'The Cornishman' departing from Cheltenham at 17.00 to Toddington, again on Saturday and Sunday. Local freight and passenger trains will alternate between Winchcombe and Toddington on Saturday and Sunday.

On Friday, there is an interesting mix of mainline services and plenty of freight action with Collett 0-6-0 no 3205 will be in charge of the local goods between Winchcombe and Toddington. There is no local passenger service on Friday.

It will be a great event with a very intensive pattern of train services - come and enjoy!

A weekend for everyone!
posted 11th May 2005

The railway's Spring steam event now just two days away - and it promises something for everyone.

A previous news item cast some doubt about the availability of newly arrived pannier tank locomotive no 9642 but the loco department is working hard to get the engine ready in time. Whether it's running or not, here's a run-down of what you can enjoy:

• For the early birds: City of Truro running non-stop to Cheltenham on Saturday and Sunday, departing Toddington a 09.15, is likely to be a popular feature. At 10 miles, is this the longest non-stop run on a heritage railway?
• Double-headed Halls of fame: Kinlet Hall and Foremarke Hall at the head of 'The Cornishman' express from Cheltenham, departing 5 pm, will be a spectacular feast of sight and sound. The Cornishman once plied this route and on heavily loaded holidays was often double-headed.
• Goods pick-me-up: Can you remember the pick-up goods gently clanking through the countryside? 3205 is in charge on Friday and all engines get a turn on Saturday and Sunday (who'se seen City of Truro on a freight before?) The goods runs between Toddington and Winchcombe. On Friday either 9642 or 3205 will be in charge.
• The stopper: The local train for local people. Two carmine and cream coaches and parcels vans recall the 1950's when local trains picked up everything from people to poultry and parcels. Those who recall City of Truro in the late 1950's running over the long lamented Didcot, Newbury and Southampton line will get an instant shot of nostalgia - but all engines will take a turn. The local passenger runs between Toddington and Winchcombe, alternating with the goods and between the 'express' services to and from Cheltenham.

Working timetables: You can download the working timetables below, and just in case 9642 isn't ready in time, there is one with and one without the loco. If it is not working, you'll have the spectacle of Kinlet Hall being added to the train in the charge of Foremarke Hall at Winchcombe, on the outward journey to Cheltenham on Saturday and Sunday. Otherwise, this train will be double-headed entirely in both directions (Dep Toddington 16.10; Cheltenham 17.00). Kinlet Hall and City of Truro share this duty on Friday.

To download the working timetable with 9642 click here (this is a printable PDF file)
To download the working timetable without 9642 click here (this is a printable PDF file)

This really is an event not to miss - so if you've made other arrangements, now is the time to postpone them and spend a day or three at the GWR!

Note to linesiders: Please make sure you are in possession of a valid lineside pass (day and annual passes obtainable from the Toddington booking office) and a high visibility jacket (if you forgot to bring it, obtainable from the station shop). Please heed any special instructions given to you by railway staff. Please respect the safety of yourself and others at all times. Entry into Greet Tunnel is strictly prohibited. Copies of photographs you take for the galleries on this site will be very welcome!

Revised timetable for Gala
posted 10th May 2005

Unfortunately, the remaining work required on Andrew Goodman‘s newly-acquired 57xx class pannier tank locomotive, no. 9642, may not be completed in time for the Gala. However, if the engine isn't available, it does not affect the spectacle of double heading and the non-stop run that will be made on the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend.

"If we end up only turning out four locomotives, that's twice as many as on a normal operating day." says Adrian Dorraine, who is responsible for the railway's operating fleet. "It’s not going to spoil the enjoyment of a special weekend."

On Friday 13th May, Collett 0-6-0 no. 3205 will be substituted if no. 9642 doesn't run. On Saturday and Sunday, the locomotive roster will be changed to reflect the loss of the pannier tank and this will be posted on site as soon as the engine's availability is confirmed.

City of Truro back in action
posted 10th May 2005

With a short whistle and the regulator cracked open, GWR driver Ian Windscheffel gently eased no 3440 City of Truro out of Toddington station on its way to Cheltenham Race Course, for the first time since the National Railway Museum's record-breaker was delivered to the GWR five weeks ago. This was on Saturday the 7th of May and follows protracted repairs to the locomotive's mudhole doors (see explanation in news item of 14th April).

Also on the footplate were fireman Kevin Markham and the NRM's Ray Towell and, despite weather that ranged from icy hail to warm sunshine, the locomotive seemed instantly at home, on a line that back in the late 1920's it regularly worked over.

Zol captured this image of the engine at Winchcombe - offering a fresh perspective for photographers, since no 3440 is facing south - during its visit last year it was pointing north. But make the most of City of Truro while it is working. It will star at next week's steam gala (click here for the working timetable) and is expected to be rostered for the following two weekends, before moving on to fulfil further commitments on other heritage railways. During the Gala, the engine will undertake a variety of turns including freight and a local passenger service similar to those it used to handle over the Didcot Newbury and Southampton Line during the early 1960's.

Other locomotives working during the Gala are Collett 0-6-0 no 3205, Hall class no 4936 Kinlet Hall, and Modified Hall class no 7903 Foremarke Hall.

Passing out on the footplate
published 8th May 2005

Great sighs of relief over a pint of beer in the Harvest Home during the evening of Sunday 1st: this was the celebration enjoyed by Adrian Dorraine and George Forrest, the latest two members of the locomotive department to be ‘passed out’ as drivers on the GWR.

The examination is in two parts – one theory and one practical. The testing is extremely rigourous and demands intimate knowledge of the management of steam locomotives, with a particular emphasis on safe operation. Indeed, George commented afterwards that the exam was “one of the hardest exams I have ever had to do.” The practical involves driving the locomotive during the day, the examiner taking note of the candidate’s understanding of how the engine is performing, examination during preparation, running and disposal and ensuring that the locomotive and train are worked within the railway’s rules. Adrian was passed out on Foremarke Hall (Adrian is a member of the locomotive’s restoration team) while George passed out on Kinlet Hall.

Both Adrian (pictured left) and George (right) are experienced members of the locomotive department and excellent firemen. Adrian is also working engines manager, with day to day responsibility for the fleet of operating engines. Between them is Jeff Madge, a former British Railways steam locomotive fireman and driver and the GWR’s driving instructor. The practical examination is undertaken by an independent manager.

Many congratulations to both Adrian and George. If you recognise either of them on the footplate during coming weeks, then feel free to offer your own congratulations and shake them by the hand!

Steam 'named trains' gala coming up!
posted 6th May 2005

We've a real treat in store for the following weekend - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 13th to the 15th of May with our Spring Gala. Four engines will be in steam on Friday and five on Saturday and Sunday. An intensive service will operate, including freight and local passenger. Highlights include:

• 3440 non-stop to Cheltenham at 9.15 on Saturday and Sunday
• 'Dirty' pannier tank 9642 on local services on Friday
• The ‘Cornishman' double-headed Halls non-stop from Cheltenham to Toddington with the last turn of the day on Saturday and Sunday
• Local passenger made up of carmine and cream coaches and parcels vans on Saturday and Sunday - including haulage by 3440
• 3440 on a freight turn - a first in preservation?
• Some services with express headboards
• Much, much more!

Click here to download the working timetable for this event (this is a PDF file; please note that the working timetable is subject to change without notice).

City of Truro passes steam test
posted 4th May 2005

The National Railway Museum's 1903-built 'City' class 4-4-0 no. 3440 City of Truro successfully passed its steam test for the insurance boiler examiner on Wednesday the 4th  of May, following trouble with its mudhole doors (see previous news items for an explanation of what these are!). As a result, the engine will be operating this coming weekend, the 6th and 7th of May, in company with Collett 0-6-0 no. 3205.

City of Truro is facing south this time (last year it was facing north). This should present some new photographic opportunities for visitors - please remember, if you plan to photograph the locomotive by the lineside, make sure you have a valid lineside pass and high visibility jacket. The pass is available from the Toddington booking office and, if you forgot your hi-viz, you can buy one from the station shop.

The locomotive roster has been updated, and now includes details of the locomotives we hope to run in the upcoming gala. More details including a working timetable will follow shortly.

9642 arrives!
posted 4th May 2005

Andrew Goodman’s pannier 57xx class 0-6 -0PT has arrived from the Dean Forest Railway, ending speculation about if and when it might reach Toddington. The engine is now undergoing full mechanical and boiler inspection with the boiler inspector expected this week. If it passes it is expected to play a starring role at the forthcoming gala.

Here is a photograph (courtesy of Mike Pember) of the locomotive shortly after arrival at Toddington. The locomotive is a little grubby – recalling the days when steam locomotives were not turned out in the pristine condition the public has come to expect on heritage railways such as the GWR. So, just to give a taste of how things used to be in the ‘good old days’, we are not going to clean the engine for the Gala over the 13th, 14th and 15th of May – so coupled to a freight or local passenger train, it might bring back a few nostalgic memories for those of us in our 50’s or 60’s…!

Best ‘Thomas ever?
posted 1st May 2005

“Having just returned from spending the day at your Railway's wonderful "Day out with Thomas" event, I felt that I must express my thanks to all concerned for putting on such a wonderful event and making the day so enjoyable. The staff were warm, patient and friendly which contributed to a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day, and most of all, our two Children LOVED it! Many thanks!”

That message to this website’s visitors book really sums up what a wonderful weekend it was for our visitors and volunteer staff over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of April when Thomas and friends visited. The number of visitors exceeded 3,800, one of our best attendances ever. Last year, we ran a shuttle service from Cheltenham Race course to Winchcombe for the first time and this has proved a popular option for those not wanting to drive all the way to Toddington or those using public transport. This year, 10 per cent of our visitors took the diesel-hauled train service to enjoy the day.

The figures show that numbers attending Thomas fell to a low of just over 2,000 in August 2003 but have since risen sharply. So why this success? It may be that a new generation of youngsters are becoming fascinated with Thomas; it may be that parents are looking for interesting and enjoyable ways to entertain their children away from TV and computer games. But perhaps it is simply because we offer the best Thomas experience around – where can you join in a race between Thomas and Bertie the Bus? Indeed, where else can you actually ride behind Thomas?

But maybe the answer can be found amongst our own volunteers, who really do rise to such occasions and do such as splendid job. The message above says it all. It’s events like this where we truly can hold our heads up high as ‘the friendly line in the Cotswolds’.

Click here to return to the News Archive.