News Archive
29/12/09
The Ouse Valley Railway will soon again reach Lindfield station as planning permission was granted to extend the line West of Whimsey Hill. Initially, the line will terminate at Walstead, which has been part of a restoration plan since the early 2000's, all it requires is the track! Meanwhile work will also begin on reinstating the 2 bridges on the Lindfield section. It is hoped that clearance work and then track laying will begin in early 2010. It has also been confirmed that part of the Walstead section will be reinstated to double track, as it was when the line was open, to serve as a long passing loop. This section will continue past the Whimsey Hill stock yard but will then return to single track, like the rest of the line. We shall soon be launching an Extension page for you to keep up to date.
70004 William Shakespeare soon to arrive! It has been announced that BR Standard 7MT 70004 William Shakespeare will soon be the first locomotive to traverse the Uckfield level crossing, being the first steam engine across the gap since the 1960's, and the first train across the road since 1991 when the station was put out of use by BR. The loco is likely to arrive with support coach and is to be based at the OVR for the long term future.
25/10/09
41306, along will the Ouse Valley Bulleid set has returned from Horsted Keynes after a short but successful holiday. The group, loco and carriages were well looked after and the line was most pleased to be able to run some of its own locomotives with a Bulleid 3 car set. Further visits are planned to Horsted Keynes, but nothing has been finalised as of yet.
New additions to the carriage fleet
The Ouse Valley have recently made purchases of 3 non-gangwayed 57ft Mark 1 Second Compartments for use as strengthening vehicles. The first to arrive, M46074, in BR lined maroon is now at Uckfield awaiting some re-upholstery and internal work as well as bogie and vac cylinder checks. It is hoped this will be the first of the 3 to enter traffic. The C&W manager stated he was pleased to have these 3 vehicles as part of the fleet as, albeit not the right version of this build of carriage, they will be extremely useful during the busier summer weekends. The remaining 2 vehicles, which are yet to arrive will be outshopped in BR Crimson and currently require work to their windows and underframe gear. Further to this, negotiations are afoot to bring a Western Collett TK, which has recently been bought by a member and wishes to keep it on the line. More news on this to follow within the next few day.
Autumn Parade Gala
Just a reminder to you all that our annual Parade Gala will be held on 31st Oct-1st Nov where all available locomotives from our Winter Season will be in steam as well as our coaching stock arranged into appropriate high capacity sets, and a goods train. Locomotives in steam are: 92116, 34062, 33002, 31406, 30310, 30051, 41306 (which is making its service debut on the line). This gala will feature the pull off engine system at Whimsey Hill, where each locomotive will be pulling each set at some point in the day. This gala also features the 2 LSWR locomotives 30051 and 30310 double heading all day, and 41306 on an appropriate Maunsell set formed into an authentic local area suburban train. 33002 will haul the goods/engineers train and lastly, the gala will be the service debut for the newly arrived Mk1 Suburban stock. What better way to end the half term?
26/09/09
As the Summer Season comes to an end this weekend, the Ops department have been busy meeting and discussing motive power and rolling stock requirements for the off season. As a result, the following information was given to the Loco and C&W departments: Loco-wise, 3 Large engines (of class 5 and up), 3 medium engines (of class 4 to 1) and 1 small engine (class 1 to 0) will suffice to cover trains, meanwhile a small set based at Whimsey Hill for weekends will supplement a larger set based at Uckfield for weekends, whilst a small Goods train and Pullman set will also be kept. The C&W have decided to form up 2 Maunsell sets; one based on a Western Section local service formed of a BCK and BSK, with a TK or SO as a loose vehicle (to suit the Loco departments choice of medium engines), the larger set formed to represent a more common 3 car set with a TK and/or SO as loose vehicles to boost the train to a 5 car set. A Goods set will run on weekends and is to be formed of pre-grouping stock. The Pullman set will remain formed as a 4 car train. The locomotive department have issued a list of locomotives that will remain in service for the off season which are as follows: Large locomotives: 92116, 34062, 33002. Medium locomotives: 31406, 30310, 41306. Small locomotive: 30051. At least 1 diesel will remain in service as cover for failure at short notice, with a pool of other engines available to replace failures under a longer term notice.
Contract Maintenance news.
The S&RR's 41xx recently ran a special on the line being the 1st GWR locomotive on the railway, the special was a success and now the locomotive is parked outside the works who are currently awaiting parts to arrive. However, the N class has still not arrived and as a result, its space in the works have been filled with 80138 for some boiler work.
C&W News.
Ex-GWR Centenary Brake W4576W has arrived at the Railway, as requested by a C&W member who owns the vehicle. It operated on the GWR special but has since been stopped due to gauging issues. The Slinfold and Rudgwick Railway are in discussions to loan the vehicle for an extended period of time.
20/09/09
A miracle in steam preservation, someone said. Ivatt tank 41306 today moved under her own power. The locomotive moved about the yard as tests took place, all of which were successful. She was then hauled up to Whimsey Hill and back for gauging trials and lubricator testing. 41306 was shunted into the bay for a photo with some rolling stock (abit of fun!). The locomotive will be kept warm and will begin light steam testing tomorrow!
Contract Maintenance Locomotives arrive.
The Slinfold and Rudgwick Railway's Prairie tank and Jinty arrived at the railway today to being their contract maintenance in the Wonder Rail works. The Jinty will undergo some checks and retubing before moving to another railway whilst the Prairie is awaiting some machining to be done on the cab, including some new cast numberplates. The Prairie has also been given the authority to run on the line for this week only, as the historic moment of the 1st Great Western locomotive on the line is not to be missed. She will haul a special Pullman train for S&SR, Ouse Valley and Wonder Rail staff, and will be in public service for the week before entering the works, and then returning home. The N class, which was also meant to be coming, has been delayed but it is envisaged will arrive within the week.
18/09/09
The tanks and cab are now in place and fixed to the locomotive, and the lining/crests/numbering is nearing completion. The transfers for this were applied last night and all that remains to be done is varnishing. The mainframes were also quickly constructed and attached onto the engine, which is now looking rather complete. All that remains to be done to the locomotive is smaller jobs, the biggest of which is to fit the pipework under the tanks. The main injector is already in place as well as the fireman's side cab steps. A small team are working on fitting the other cab steps and running plate steps at the front. The vac bags and lubricators are in the process of being fitted today. A steam and vacuum "suck" test will take place tomorrow. It is hoped that, should the steam test be a success and 41306 moves for the 1st time under its own steam, that testing on the line will commence within the next few weeks.
16/09/09
A big step forward has taken place this week, with the new frame sections arriving and the rear pony truck. The pony truck was quickly fitted to the locomotive for clearance and load testing and was found to be almost perfect. Some adjustment was made and the axle inspected. Meanwhile, the boiler and running plate was re-attached and the tanks were lowered into place for fettling up. The next step is to attach the Tanks and cab permanently (the cab being rested on jacks at the rear) to enable the rear mainframes to be constructed around the existing bits. This should help with perfect fit as clearances can be measure from actual obstacles not drawings. Once this is complete, the pipework and painting will commence, the pipework under the cab and tanks is in the process of being measured up whilst the Injectors are being machined.
Loco Department News.
76079 has now arrived on the Railway and was undergoing steam tests on Monday. The loco has been passed fit for service and is likely to be working alongside sister 4mt 76069. Meanwhile, N class 31816 has been taken out of service after a hot box on the front pony truck lead to discovery of cracks. The offending items were removed and are in the machine shop for repair. The department are also gearing up for the contract work on behalf of the S&R Rly. In addition to 1824, the railway are sending a 51xx for some work, and machining of new number plates.
C&W Update.
A small update to the departments policy this week requested that the operating department considered using more Vans on Passenger trains to represent the kind of traffic seen on the line in BR days. Subsequently the main set now includes Midland BG, whilst the weekend Whimsey Hill set sports a BY, as does the Pullman set and the Mark 1 set includes a BR GUV.
08/09/09
To continue the Standard Theme on the railway, Ian Riley and the NYMR have agreed to send 76079 2-6-0 4mt to the Ouse Valley Line for running in and some light passenger work prior to heading off to Grosmont where the engine is now to be based. The "Pocket Rocket" will hopefully arrive via low loader this week and is due to stay for a month initially with scope to extend this period. 76079 will hopefully be in service alongside sister 76069 next weekend should all go well.
41306 restoration news.
New mainframe sections will be arriving this week along with a new rear pony truck for the locomotive. Once these have arrived it is hoped that the restoration will take a big step forward. Once the mainframes are repaired, the running plate and boiler are ready to be re-attached. Meanwhile at Whimsey Hill, work was done to repair the tank sides and remove the false number on the cab. It is envisaged that the engine will return to BR Black with Early Crest once complete.
C&W Update.
The department suffered bittersweet news yesterday as it was announced a buyer had been found for the surplus Bulleid stock. All 5 coaches were sold to a private individual and the carriages will be leaving the railway next week. In the meantime no buyer has been found for the goods stock that is still for sale.
Contractor Work.
Wonder Rail have recently been approached by the Slinfold and Rudgewick Railway to carry out some contract maintenance work on their N class 1824. The locomotive is hoped to arrive next week but plans are still yet to be finalised. The loco will be the first SR Green engine to run on the line (for testing when complete) since the line was taken over by BR in 1948. The locomotive requires extensive work to the tender frames and light work to pistons and boiler. The locomotive will be retubed whilst in the works.
04/09/09
BR Standard 4 Tank 80138, formally based in Norfolk was today delivered to the Ouse Valley Railway, a line it would have frequently visited in BR days. Much like the deal with 80012, 80138 arrived on a swap with fellow class mate 80097. This locomotive is in better condition than 80012 and requires less work to return her to traffic, which we hope will be in the near future!
41306 restoration news.
News has been traveling fast around the railway about the discovery of the " misidentity" of 41250. It appeared that the number on the cab and smokebox door was not correct for the locomotive as when the engine was dismantled it was found that the engine was indeed that of classmate 41306. This is good news for the Ouse Valley Railway as such a locomotive was a Southern Region allocated locomotive from new and so Wonder Rail have stepped up their efforts to keep the engine on the railway! Restoration news, on the other hand, is all good. The tanks and cab have been removed and taken up to Whimsey Hill for storage whilst work continues on the boiler and mainframes. The mainframes will require a new rear pony truck as the existing one is buckled and beyond repair.
C&W News.
The wagon gang are pleased to inform us of more new purchases to the fleet which will hopefully boost the railways comprehensive collection of BR southern region wagons. The group have sourced an SR built Pillbox 25 ton brake van, along with an SECR Dancehall brake in a local garden. Both have been rescued and will be arriving on the line this week. Both in need of work to enable them to run in service. Also sourced has been a rare SR 7 Plank wagon, of which most can be found on the Bluebell Line, it is not often one comes up from a private owner, of which this one is in need of some work, but the underframe is structurally sound. The paint shop have also been busy painting the 2 new wagons into BR Wagon Grey, all that remains is for the numbers to be found and applied! Lastly, C&W have taken a bold decision to put surplus stock up for sale. It was decided that some of our unused carriages and wagons would stand a better chance of running/restoration elsewhere. Items for sale are the Bulleid Blood and Custard Set (to make way for further green Bulleids), Bulleid Composite S5810S, Western Milk Tanks W2009 and W 44520 and Midland Cattle wagons and box van. These will hopefully be replaced in the collection with more appropriate Southern stock.
21/08/09
BR Standard 4 Tank, 80012, has finally returned to its original stamping ground of Sussex. In a swap for 80061, 80012, a Tunbridge Wells West based locomotive arrived at the Ouse Valley to join the rest of the fleet yesterday afternoon. This engine would have worked the line in BR days and so we are happy to accept her to the motive power roster. A similar swap will take place with another preservation society for 80097, in return for 80138 (another TWW based locomotive). More news to follow.
P-Way and Track news.
The P-Way gang have now completed the majority of the ballasting work to be done at Whimsey Hill, photos of which can be found in the gallery section.
C&W News.
The wagon gang have recently taken delivery of a very rare SECR 2 plank wagon and a 5 plank private owner wagon. Both examples would have been fairly common in the south and therefore are a good fit for the line. Both will be restored and painted into BR wagon grey. The 2 plank wagon is in remarkable condition and will not take long to enter back into traffic whereas the Private owner wagon will take a little longer to enter service.
14/08/09
The Mark 1 set has now been re-bogied and is under test and should hopefully be ready for the weekend services. Our thanks go to the gang who rewheeled and bogied the vehicles in record time.
SDTG News.
The SDTG have been in full action this week as some issues were spotted with E6003's bogies and thus the locomotive was stopped pending inspection. The bogies were quickly removed and are undergoing examination. Hopefully the problem will be quick to resolve and the locomotive will be back in service ASAP. In the meantime, the casters supplying replacement name plates for E6003 and now D6508 have told us today that the items should arrive by the weekend. The group decided it was time to replace the plates on D6508 with new replicas, as the current ones are showing signs of age. The new plates will arrive in Black, whilst E6003 will sport new Red plates.
11/09/08
The Sussex Diesel Traction Group came into existence on August 9th 2009 when a group of members from the Ouse Valley Railway decided that as diesels were a specialist subject to steam engines, and that not enough expertise was being shown on the Diesel front, they decided to approach Wonder Rail and ask permission to run the diesel fleet as a separate group. WR and OVRPS agreed all this and 3 diesels were leased to the group in the form of Class 33's D6508 and D6553 as well as 73 E6003. This will enable our diesel fleet to maintain a high standard of preservation as well as maintenance and operation. The diesel rostering has been handed over the the group along with maintenance space and responsibility over fueling and servicing. In commemoration of the groups formation a diesel day will be held next weekend where all trains will be diesel hauled. The group are also planning a diesel gala to coincide with our real ale festival in September. The gala is likely to be a smaller affair than those held at places such as the East Lancs and Swanage but we trust will be a success! The group have also taken the decision to rename E6003 and reunite it with its nameplates. The rededication will take place during the diesel day.
C&W News.
The Mark 1 set has been stopped for the next week or so pending bogie changes. A deal was struck whereby a supply of Commonwealth Bogies will be placed under the stock in return for its B1 type. We hope this will be completed by next week. Meanwhile to cover the missing set, the Bulleid Blood and Custard set has been bought out of mothballs as a spare set. In other news, as mentioned above, the SDTG are holding a diesel day and as a result C&W will be reforming the sets to enable maximum capacity on all trains. In other news, the C&W department have recently made a purchase of a Mark 1 RMB to add to the fleet.
Locomotive News.
News from the Locomotive department today came in the form that BR Standard 4 Tank 80061 will leave the railway for a more appropriate location in Lancashire. This engine was never a Southern based locomotive and as a result has been chosen for relocation. As part of the move, the Ouse Valley Railway will accept 80061 class mate 80012, a former Tunbridge Wells West locomotive. More news on the swap will appear here later.
05/08/09
The P-Way department have been very busy recently ballasting Whimsey Hill, the process of this has taken a few weeks but is nearing completion. The other big news in the track department is that Network Rail and East Sussex Council have agreed to install a mainline connection between the Ouse Valley station and Southern station at Uckfield across the road, using the old level crossing. This work is envisaged to only take an overnight possession on the NR side as the rails still exist under the road surface, which is due to undergo joint roadworks between ourselves and the council. The crossing will not be gated as in the past, and will be controlled by the local police when a train is due to cross. No signalling work is due to take place at Oxted as the crossing will be controlled by Uckfield signal box which is been fitted with necessary equipment to enable this already. More news to follow.
More Standards.
We are pleased to announce yet another locomotive owning group will be moving to our line, The Britannia Locomotive Group, owners of 2 members of the BR Standard 7MT class locomotives, have requested they bring their newly restored Britannia, 70004 William Shakespeare to the Ouse Valley Railway for running trials and to use the line as a base for its mainline and preserved railway operations. This engine was originally a Southern based locomotive being used on the Golden Arrow boat train frequently along with classmate 70014 Iron Duke. The locomotive will arrive by road during the month, however a date has not yet been set. The Ouse Valley Railway hope this locomotive will be the first to use the new mainline connection being installed at Uckfield.
SRS King Arthur.
We regret to announce that the Southern Railway society's King Arthur has been delayed at Copley Hill depot due to issues with transport. We hope to have this issue resolved soon.
21/07/09
This week marks the beginning of our weekday 2 train daily running season, and this year we are aiming to run our weekday trains a little differently. We are trying out a new timetable enabling a set to be stabled at Whimsey Hill, to run an earlier service to Uckfield, meeting the 1st down train at Piltdown. Weekend traffic has been boosted to run a 3rd set to meet the ex-Whimsey Hill service at Maresfield. Both Weekend and Weekday traffic require light engine movements to fetch stock. The up side to this is the use of smaller engines on the Whimsey Hill train which can be covered by the M7, 2MT and T9, whereas the Piltdown set and Uckfield set are larger and are to be covered by size 4MT locomotives. The demonstration goods will remain in the weekend timetable being covered exclusively by 31860
Ivatt News.
41243 was in service this evening on her final test runs, an issue with the motion had been discovered on previous runs but these have now been cured and the locomotive is ready to return to traffic in the nick of time to meet the new Operating Department requirements. It is hoped she will run the Whimsey Hill set this weekend. Meanwhile she can be seen running this week on further test trains which is formed of the railways vans.
Meanwhile, the US Ivatt group today took a step forward as the boiler was temporarily lifted from the frames to enable inspection of the inside frames. The boiler barrel has been inspected and seen to be in good condition, needle-gunning and re-tubing will start soon. Whilst the boiler is being worked on, a small team have been fitting the motion parts, which came spare with the locomotive and are practically new. It is hoped that the overhaul will be fairly swift due to the amount of work carried out at the museum but never completed. A request has been received from the Marsh Line to host the locomotive on loan as a "test period" and furthermore may wish to become a more permanent base for the engine. The group would like it be be known that now work has started, the locomotive will be staying at Uckfield until completion and then after a running in period, the locomotive may move home.
14/07/09
Following the successful gala held over the weekend, 80097 and 73082 bowed out of service. Both engines performed well over the gala and it will be a shame to lose them from traffic, a photo of 80097 departing from Whimsey Hill for the last time is seen to the right. In other news, talks have been held over the long term future of 80002, as she is now at the end of her loan agreement following the gala. It has been agreed that the loco will remain at the railway for an undetermined amount of time after its owners announcement (see article 09/07/09).
BR Gala.
The lines BR Gala was held over the weekend and pulled in record crowds to see the largest running collection of BR Standards together in one place. Photos from the event are now in the Gallery page. Wonder Rail would like to thank the owners of 80002 for loaning such a superb locomotive and without their help this gala would not have been as successful as it was.
09/07/09
After the recent sale of WD 2-8-0 90566, the locomotive left the line today en-route to its new home. Also 73136, which was stabled at the line following a traction motor issue after its return from Eastleigh, has now also left the railway and is back at Stewarts Lane depot. This has freed up some siding space for the 41250 Locomotive Group to park the locomotive out of the way whilst negotiations take place as to the future of their locomotive. Talks are ongoing with the Marsh Line at Elmers Marsh to run the locomotive there, however reports that the locomotive is joining their fleet for certain are somewhat premature. Meanwhile the Wonder Rail Works 08 shunter has arrived and is pressed into service on the weekly shunts, which it performs beautifully. Finally, 80097 and 73082 bow out of service this weekend at the BR Gala. The gala will host the last running of the engines prior to withdrawal for overhaul.
BR Gala.
A reminder that the lines BR gala will take place over the 10th 11th and 12th July, with the ceremonies kicking off on Friday with all 4 standard 4's running the services, with an added evening Pullman special for Redford Rail staff, hauled by 80002. The main gala will take place on the Saturday and Sunday with planned events all over the line, train wise it has been announced that 92216 will haul a large passenger and goods train on both days, and a cavalcade of locomotives will take place as the closure to the event on the Sunday. The recently arrived 08 shunter has been added into the attractions and will be shunting and giving cab rides in the Whimsey Hill goods yard. It has also been announced that this gala will be the last chance to see 80097 and 73082 in service as their withdrawal for overhaul will take place after the gala has finished.
Wonder Rail partnership News
Our closest partners, Redford Rail, have today announced that they are currently shelving their program to construct a site for their stock due to shortage of staff and money. It was written in a statement today that all staff have been transferred over Wonder Rail Jurisdiction on the new extension for the West Lulworth project (which Wonder Rail is mainly connected). This is good news for Whimsey Hill as Battle of Britain Class 34062 is now likely to stay on the railway for the long term future. The situation regarding the agreement covering 80002 is yet unknown however the railway will honour its loan agreement and offer the locomotive as surplus to requirements when the agreement has finished.
19/06/09
After almost a month without news updates, we thought we would catch up a little on the goings on! Ivatt tank 41243 has recently undergone a steam test and passed, and is now undergoing further tests before her release back into traffic, meanwhile the US Ivatt has arrived and is in very good condition, and is due to undergo some work now that 41243 is almost done. The loco department is now gearing up for the BR Gala due to be held in early July. Also the Wonder Rail works 08 shunter will be arriving on the line within the week whilst Wonder Rail constructs its new workshop facility. The shunter will be used for the weekly stock shunts during its stay.
BR Gala.
As announced back in May, the railway is to host a BR standard gala which has now been set for early July. The railway can now release the official details of locomotives and stock to be used at the 3 day:
Locomotives: 80002 (visiting), 80061, 80097, 76069, 73082, 92116, D6553, D6508, E6003.
Stock Sets: Maunsell 5 Car, Maunsell 3 Car + 2 Bulleids, Mk1 4 Car, Bulleid 4 Car, Van train, Goods Train
Shunting demonstrations will also take place. It is planned that every loco will haul every train at some point over the weekend.
The friday of the event will see all 4 Standard 4 locomotives running, with 3 service trains and a goods train.
The saturday will feature all the locomotives in steam with all available sets.
The sunday will feature all the locomotives in steam with all available sets.
22/05/09
The new signal post has now been installed and connected up to the levers along with the new shunting signal, which now replaces the original installation giving access to the sidings and Goods Yard. This now enables trains to utilise Platform 1 for departure. Further progress has been made on the new canopies with the Buffet now refitted and open for use. Attention has been turned to the new waiting rooms.
English Locomotive Liberated from the US .
Ivatt 2 Tank 41250, which has been exhibited in a museum in Norwood, Ohio, USA has since been liberated and is to return to English soil. A small consortium of individuals agreed a deal yesterday evening with the current owners, putting forward a strong case for the locomotives return to the UK. The individuals have had Wonder Rail's complete backing throughout the negotiations, so much so, the locomotive is planned to arrive at the Whimsey Hill Railway by early June. The preliminary running agreement so far merely states that the group may use siding space to keep the locomotive whilst a final draft is made for the locomotives future. It is hoped the engine will stay and run a period alongside our own Ivatt 2, however it is too early to say at this stage.
Other Locomotive News.
As mentioned above, Whimsey Hill will see the arrival of 41250 in the next few weeks, however we have some good news from the Home Fleet. 41243 is progressing well, and is due to have a steam test soon. Meanwhile the latter few weeks of this month have seen and will continue to see some veteran ex-SR locomotives on the mainstay of our trains, with all 3 N classes on services last weekend, and again this bank holiday weekend. Also, Redford Rail class 4MT 80002 has arrived safely on site to join the rest of their fleet currently stabled here. The engine will undergo testing next week ready for the BR Gala which we are gearing up for.
C&W News.
C&W has seen the arrival of a new Mark 1 CK number S15566 which has come to replace S15904. It was decided to sell 15904 based on issues found with her at her last repaint. Asbestos was found and at a similar time 15566 came up for sale, which was in complete working order. Thus it was deemed necessary to stop 15904. The new CK is already marshaled in the Mark 1 set but the set has been stopped whilst some work is carried out to the brake vehicles, and 15566 is smartened up.
14/05/09
The new signal post is currently being constructed, whilst ground works have been completed to accept the post. The pointwork modifications are completed as is the locking, meaning trains can depart from platform 1 road already, alas the missing starter signal forbids this movement taking place still. A new shunting signal will be provided on the new post. The old shunt signal is still in place for access to the goods yard.
Built By BR Gala.
Whimsey Hill are pleased to announce the next gala weekend, in celebration of BR locomotives. The gala will see 6 BR standard steam locomotives in service including visiting locomotive 4MT 80002, which will be operating alongside the other 5 standards housed on the line. 3 diesels will be in operation to compliment the steam locomotives, in the form of resident 33's D6508 and D6553 as well as Class 73 E6003. 5 Passenger carriage sets will be in operation, most of which will be formed into sets as per BR southern region practice. A goods train and van train will also run over the event. No date has been announced for the gala however more details will follow. It is hoped 4MT 80002 (loaned from Redford Rail) shall be arriving at Whimsey Hill next week.
Carriage and Wagon updates.
S15904 is now back in service having received paint and maintenance, however the paint staff are unhappy with the shade of green provided! The carriage however will run as is for the foreseeable future until the issue is resolved with the paint suppliers. Meanwhile the wagon group have completed the Cattle wagon projects, and 2 new wagons can be added to the Goods sets, B893343 and B893350 were outshopped today and marshaled into a short goods train for test runs which will take place tomorrow.
05/05/09
News on Whimsey Hill Updates.
As mentioned previously, the Whimsey Hill canopy project was nearing completion, we can now announce that the new buildings finished construction in ready for the bank holiday weekend. Some further painting and interior work is still left to do however. The old canopies also recieved some attention with replacing window frames and glass, some roof repairs, and now with the new buildings in place, the old waiting room is in the process of conversion back to the Refresment Room it once contained.
Bank Holiday Suprises for Visitors.
The bank holiday weekend was a great success in terms of passenger numbers, with all 3 trains running full on at least one trip per day. Many of our regular visitors commented on the suprise choice of motive power, seeing Whimsey Hill veteran 30051 running alongside new addition 30915, but also 9F 92116 running the 1st set of the day, this loco not having been in service for quite some time whilst recieving maintenance work. This engine will now feature more on service trains being very cheap to run dispite its size! She is booked to operate service trains all this week and weekend.
20/04/09
Updates for Whimsey Hill Station.
S&T department have been busy working behind the scenes installing facing point locks and necessary wiring to enable trains to depart from Whimsey Hill down platform. The only update needed now is to erect the signal post and install the signal arms. We envisage this to be completed within the next few weeks. In other news, money has been raised to rebuild the down platform canopies which were demolished for being "unsafe" in 1958. Construction on the canopies began a few weeks ago, and is hoped to be completed before the signalling upgrades begin. These upgrades are to enable better operating out of the station (to end running stop out into the single line when arriving in the down platform), and to upgrade facilities for visitors. The new buildings will house a refresment room and small museum showing photos and memorabilia of the Line in its hayday.
16/04/09
Loco News: One in, One out.
We send our thanks to the Cranleigh Line Trust for supplying yes with their Ex-LMS Jinty for the easter period, without which the railway would have been short of motive power. The locomotive left the railway today after running a special Pullman train yesterday for invited guests. We hope the locomotive arrives safely back at Slinfold. As for the shortage of locomotives; this is no longer the case as Schools Class 30915 'Brighton' arrived on the loaded booked to take the Jinty away. The engine was towed to Whimsey Hill yard for inspection and completed a test run only moments ago. We are very pleased to have this engine with us, enabling the Loco Works to concentrate on overhauling other locomotives, of which 4MT 80097 is due for one shortly.
C&W News.
Last night C&W completed a shunt of carriage sets ready for the start of the summer timetable season. Our 2 Maunsell 2 car sets have now become a 3 car set, formed as TK, BTK, BCK with the CK now as a spare vehicle. The CK is currently providing the 1st class accommodation on the Mark 1 set whilst S15904 is receiving attention. We hope this carriage is serviceable in the next few weeks. In the meantime the department are still on the hunt for more Green Bulleids, and also another Maunsell BTK to reform the current 2nd Maunsell set.
10/04/09
Easter Weekend Reminder.
This weekend sees our easter weekend special service, with revised plans as follows: Visiting Jinty 47354 from the CLTR will be performing the duties of out of action Ivatt 2 41243 and will see service on Milk Traffic, Goods trains and passenger services throughout the weekend. Special trains using T9 30310 will be running all weekend, trains starting from Whimsey Hill. This is a replacement for the planned double headed M7's which can no longer be run. The T9 has not yet seen passenger service so this is an equally big treat! The rest of the services will be hauled by resident N classes 31816, 31860 and the SLS's N, 31406. 76069 will also be running on public trains and 34062 shall be operating Easter Pullman trains. Extra goods traffic will be timetabled too, for running behind both steam and diesel traction.
30915 'Brighton' to join fleet.
Wonder Rail are pleased to announce the purchase of Ex-SR Schools Class 30915 'Brighton'. The locomotive will be a useful addition to the fleet and is currently in BR Green livery, a livery in which the locomotives would have run when visiting this part of the line. The locomotive is due to arrive after easter ready for the new timetable to come into effect.
Carriage Fleet News.
Whimsey Hill C&W today announced some changes to the carriage fleet, the main change being the stopping of Mark 1 CK 15904 for repainting, and removal of the black roof and yellow stripe to denote 1st class accommodation, as well as the BR crest on the body sides. These are incorrect for the vehicle as she is not a Royal Wessex carriage, and the stripe is not correct for the era thus a repaint has been needed for some time, but since she has been in service since arrival, there has been no time to carry this out. Time will be made for this to happen when the set is out of service. It is likely that the Mark 1 SO will act as a substitute should the set be needed. In other news, C&W are hoping to purchase some more examples of BR mineral wagons and standard Ox-fit wagons.
07/04/09
31406 Rededication success.
Southern Railway Society's N class 31406 rededication ceremony and special train, all run on the 4th April was hailed a great success and the society were very pleased with the outcome of the event and the way Wonder Rail have "bent over backwards" to accommodate their locomotive. The engine is now in steam at Whimsey Hill yard and running on trains over the easter period.
Easter Period Special Timetable and Summer Running.
A special timetable will be run over the Easter Period, which begins on 6th April and ends 17th April. The special timetable sees extra trains being run in an intensive service with extra goods service runs as well, some of which will be run behind visiting Jinty 47354 from the CLTR. The easter weekend will see a special double headed train as mentioned in a previous news article. Readers are also reminded that after the easter period the new Summer timetable will come into effect on the 18th April, which features some new services such as a Haywards Heath train on weekends. The summer timetable has also kept use of the 2 Maunsell 2 car sets however a revision of this is set to see the 2 set formed into 1 3 car set and spare vehicles.
03/04/09
31406 Touchdown at Whimsey Hill.
Southern Railway Society's N class 31406 today arrived on Wonder Rail metals having completed a short trip from White Rail works, Scaynes Hill, where the society has effectively been evicted. The locomotive was hauled down to Whimsey Hill yard where some some cosmetics and minor jobs will be completed before her first steam run on her Re-dedication train takes place tomorrow.
Easter period blow out.
Wonder Rail are sad to announce a change of plan for the easter period runnings previously laid out. The Cranleigh Line Trust has decided to sell M7 30023 during her loan stay here and as a result her new owners are requesting she move to her new home as soon as transport can be arranged, meaning the M7 specials are to be rescheduled. Whilst we are disappointed that CLTR sold the engine, we are still grateful to have Ex-LMS Jinty to cover for the under repair Ivatt tank. Easter weekend specials will now feature a double header behind resident Ex-LSWR M7 30051 and T9 30310, with these two engines running together the entire weekend (Good Friday to Easter Monday), whilst it is hoped the rest of the services will be run entirely by N classes, utilising new arrival 31406 as well as 31816 and 31860. A special Pullman service will be in operation behind Battle of Britain 34062 also.
24/03/09
73136 to return to Whimsey Hill.
The Class 73 Preservation Society have to day expressed their wish to have their locomotive return to Whimsey Hill prior to hand over to her new owner. The 73 will return on the 8th April to Whimsey Hill yard where she will have some minor work done to her by Wonder Rail before moving onto Eastleigh for their works event, where she will then move onto her new home with new owners.
22/03/09
Southern Railway Society Locomotive joins WR Fleet.
The Southern Railway Society, owners of a small collection of Southern Locomotives based on various railways in the south of england today were given notice to quit from long term partners White Rail, and are looking for a new home. White Rail are currently the main base for SRS locomotive repair and volunteers and have ordered the SRS to cease operations from their base by April in a shock announcement yesterday. Haste talks were held overnight and it was agreed SR N Class 1406, fresh from overhaul will be moving to Whimsey Hill and placed in the care of Wonder Rail, joining the Railway on long term loan shortly before the easter period. The locomotive was currently undergoing a painting into BR Black at the SRS/White Rail works whilst the announcement was made, and thus will be arriving on the railway in the new guise of 31406, complete with smoke deflectors, an accessory and livery she has not run with since BR days. A formal re-dedication will be held for the locomotive at Whimsey Hill (see other news). James Redford, Co-CEO of Wonder Rail issued a press release today stating: "we are very pleased that SRS have chosen to base their 1st and most prized locomotive in our care during this difficult time. We shall endevour to give them all the assistance they require in running and maintaining this engine. Having been an active part of the society before founding Wonder Rail, I am very happy that one of "my" locomotives will be returning to part of my operational fleet. We are also very pleased to be the first railway to run the locomotive in BR black and she will fit in very nicely with our resident N class locomotives!".
Formal Re-Dedication for Loaned N Class.
As above, the Southern Railway Soceity will be moving N class locomotive 1406 to Whimsey Hill. The locomotive is currently undergoing a painting into BR Black livery following overhaul which has only just been completed. This livery has not been carried on 1406 since BR days and thus the society had planned a formal rededication ceremony, in celebration of their 1st locomotive purchase over 40 years ago when 31406 first passed into the ownership of 4 students who were the founding members of the Southern Railway Society. Since White Rail have given SRS notice to quit operations from their Scaynes Hill site, a hastily re-organisation has taken place and the ceremony will now take place at Whimsey Hill with the founders of SRS formally announcing her return to traffic, with a special train provided society members and special guests. This will take place on 4th April.
C&W to scrap Blood and Custard Bulleid Scheme.
Our carriage and wagon department have decided, in a rolling stock meeting today, that the Blood and Custard Bulleids are to be repainted and/or sold in favour of BR(S) Green livery. A spokesman from the department was able to state that 'although representing early BR days with this livery, and that it is well suited to engines such as the T9, the livery is an expensive one to upkeep and therefore have decided to stick to green'. This has enabled the railway to consider selling some of the stock to purchase green varients, or repainting the existing carriages. A green brake, S3953S, has already been sourced and we are in negotiations to swap this with one of ours. We have placed CK S5907 and SK S101 up for sale and intend to use our spare green CK S5810S as a replacment in the set. The department are also on the lookout for another Green brake to complete the 3 car set.
18/03/09
Whimsey Hill S&T Update
Wonder Rail S&T department have been working behind the scenes for a while now to provide good facilities and apparatus working to a hig standard. Recently the department have been trying to source point motors to start motoring turnouts at Whimsey Hill, and as part of the Whimsey Hill Yard revamp. The department recently acquired several Magib electromagnetic throw units from GW Railways, a partner of Wonder Rail Engineering. These arrived a few weeks ago and 3 have been fitted in various locations, with a futher unit having prep work done prior to fitting. We hope to have more units turning up within the next week or so to continue the program.
Whimsey Hill comfirms affiliation with National Preservation
Wonder Rail have been in discussions with National Preservation Forum, run by Pres-Net and have come to an affiliate agreement enabling benefits to both Whimsey Hill and Nat-Pres. You may have noticed the National Preservation banners on the site; these will lead to the forum and thus supporting them. Whimsey Hill also recieve benefits from Pres-Net, so click on the banners and support Whimsey Hill and National Preservation!
09/03/09
Visiting Locomotives Arrive Early
30023 and 47354 arrived well before their loan was due to start from Slinfold today. The locomotives were offloaded and Whimsey Hill Goods Yard and were checked over in the yard and passed fit to run on the mechanical side, the locomotives are yet to be lit up and test run. The locomotives will stay at Whimsey Hill until track work on the yard is complete.
Ex-SR GBL S2390 to Cranleigh Line Trust, and BR GUV purchased
Yet another mention for the CLTR! The trust has agreed to borrow our GBL for an indefinite period of time as there is not much work for her at Whimsey Hill. Although she is a suitable vehicle for our parcels train, she is in the wrong livery, the fictitious BR dark blue and so is not so authentic to the period. The CLTR approached us requesting her use for storage during infrastructure work at their Slinfold site. Meanwhile, during the absence of the GBL, a BR GUV W85470 shall arrive at Whimsey Hill next week to take up residency in the parcels train. This should hopefully free up the Midland BG for use as a loose vehicle to the train and for use on Passenger services. An update to the C&W stocklist has been made to reflect this article.
T9 Arrives at Whimsey Hill
Ex-LSWR T9 30310 arrived at Whimsey Hill also today after the arrive of visiting engines and was also passed fit to run. She has been lit up and will be steam tested at Whimsey Hill tomorrow. The locomotive is due to be the first steam loco to run down onto the new and complete section of Whimsey Hill yard and back again to test both herself and the new formation.
Whimsey Hill Yard Update
The run round loop and siding is now complete and awaiting a final ballast train so our p-way can jack and pack the formation prior to rolling stock returning. Meanwhile the rest of the yard is taking shape, with the new pointwork installed. We are now awaiting the remainder of the track panels to arrive on site to complete the siding space. Meanwhile some stock has begun to arrive back, Locomotives 80061, 31816, 76069 and 73082 have arrived back and are currently residing in the new siding. A quick reminder that there will be a reduced train service next weekend whilst the trackwork enters its final stages. T9 30310 and a set of Maunsells will be in service.
06/03/09
Work begins on Whimsey Hill Yard
Trackwork began at the yard today with track being lifted, meaning there will be no trains this weekend as work is carried out to relay some of the main running line into the new run round loop. Whimsey Hill station will still be open, and visitors can see our resident ED Class 73 E6003 shunting goods wagons around the goods yard and station. It is hoped that the loop can be laid by the middle of the week to enable a reduced service can be run using passenger stock that is still on site. Meanwhile everything else has been moved to a secure site away from the work.
50019 leaves Whimsey Hill
Class 50, 50019 Ramillies, which was resident at Whimsey Hill yard for storage today left Wonder Rail metals on her way over to Whites Rail new site where she will now remain. The locomotive was moved out of the yard and loaded onto a lorry early this morning before the main track lifting took place.
04/03/09
Wonder Rail Purchases T9It can now be confirmed that Wonder Rail has taken a plunge and purchased ex-LSWR T9 30310. The locomotive is a wide cabbed version of the class without the additional splashers for the motion, and features an 8 wheeled 'watercart' tender. The locomotive is finished in BR black with early crest. Such locomotives rarely visited this part of Sussex however towards the end of their life they became more frequent and Wonder Rail took the opportunity to house a member of the class for historical purposes, as they are often rare. As of yet an arrival date is unknown.
Whimsey Hill Yard to be RelaidWonder Rail have recently purchased several lengths of track and some new pointwork to revamp the yard. It was decided this was needed after a review was made and space for stock and locomotives was bought up as an important issue. Whimsey Hill yard will recieve a new run round loop and newly relaid sidings, of which there will be 6 branching off to the right hand side of the yard. The left side will be referbished using existing trackwork until a plan, and funds can be found for its replacement. This side is intended to house the lesser used rolling stock, whilst the right side will house commonly used consists and locomotives. Work is due to start on this before the easter period, meaning that some trains will be compromised in their running whilst we deal with decreased siding space.
73136 to stay at SlinfoldClass 73 Preservation Society's locomotive, 73136, currently on loan to the Cranleigh Line Trust has had its loan terms extended to the end of March. The society have approved the application by the trust to keep the locomotive on their site to aid their extension plans before requesting the locomotives return to Whimsey Hill. The society have also expressed their wish to sign over the ownership of the locomotive to an owner who will be able to spend time running and worknig on her. Many options of this are currently being explored, including letting the CLTR operate her more permanently. A spokesman for the society said "due to one of the owners being of ill health we have decided to curtail our mainline outfit and concentrate on our other 73 at the Mid Norfolk. We have recieved a number of applications from various companies to take over ownership, but we have not yet decided on a worthy benefactor."
01/03/09
Whimsey Hill to Host LMS JintyLMS Jinty 47354 has been confirmed as visiting us on loan for one month, along with LSWR M7 30023 from Slinfold at the Cranleigh Line Trust. This will be the 1st time such a locomotive has visited these metals and so extra trains will be timetabled to make use of her. She will arrive along with the M7 in late March. (Photo left courtesy of Matt Judge)
Operating Department UpdateA few notes from the operations department about our current rolling stock and loco consists etc:
The operating department have recently requested the reformation of the milk train after the discovery that the BR brake used for this train would not have been prototypical. Van C S774S has replaced it, being a more authentic vehicle for such a train, enabling it to travel at a higher top speed. CCT's S2380S and M52704M have been passed fit to run and are back in traffic, running "as required" on passenger trains. 2 Maunsell 2 car sets are still operating as Tunbridge Wells based off peak trains, diagramed on the East Grinstead shuttles. One of these sets will be made spare for the summer period and the other shall have a loose TK marshaled on the end to boost capacity to a 3 car set. The summer operating timetable begins in April. Meanwhile it has been decided to send 4MT 80061 to shops during the visit of the Jinty, which will cover the diagrams. 30023 will cover 41243's diagrams on the milk trains and other Maunsell 2 car set.
Easter Weekend SpecialsOver the easter weekend, a special train will run consisting of a 5 car Maunsell set and the 2 M7's double heading all weekend. During this period, 73 E6003 will take over Milk Train duties, a rare opportunity to see this locomotive on goods traffic.
24/02/09
Work Begins on 41243
41243 has sat dead and damaged since 20th January, but today a major step was taken towards her re-introduction to service as workshop staff finally began working on her repairs. Work has been going on behind the scenes to gather new parts, all of which has now arrived on site. The locomotive's motion, cab and water tank were removed today ready for fitting of the new parts. We hope to have this locomotive back in service during April
30023 to Visit from Slinfold
Wonder Rail have just completed an agreement to borrow Ex-LSWR M7 30023 from the Cranleigh Line Trust to help cover easter trains whilst 41243 is out of action. We are grateful for the chance to house yet another M7, along side resident 30051. There will be an opportunity to double head the two locomotives over the easter period. 30023 is a short framed version of the engine, and is currently in BR black livery but features the late crest, unlike our own.
Whimsey Hill Bay Extended
Civil Engineering works have been completed at Whimsey Hill on extending the bay platform to accommodate a slightly longer train, to enable a 4 carriage train + long tender loco to fit inside the starting signal.
19/02/09
73136 Departs
73136 departed the railway on the 8th February and returned to Stewarts Lane for some light work and has now arrived at Slinfold on the Cranleigh Line Trust to help with extension work. As Wonder Rail, the Cranleigh Line Trust and 73 Preservation Society have now got a close working relationship we shall continue to give updates on her work there for the foreseeable future.
04/02/09
73 Special
As we are due to say goodbye to 73136, as she returns to London soon it has been decided to run a special train using 73136 and resident 73 E6003. The train will run on Sunday 8th February between service trains using appropriate rolling stock. The train will be double headed and a chance to visit the locomotives will be given after the train has arrived at Whimsey Hill as they pose in the Goods Yard during servicing. 73136 and E6003 shall return to Whimsey Hill later that evening light engine(s) ready for loading 136 onto the loader, which will take place on Monday morning, and E6003 will take over Engineers trains duties.
30/01/09
Staff Changes
Wonder Rail are sad to announce that acting head of Whimsey Hill sector, Jenson Cambridge, will be leaving us at the end of the month to pursue a career elsewhere in the Railway Industry. We wish her all the best in her new company. Meanwhile, all Whimsey Hill business (operation, engineering and 00 scale repairs) will be managed by co-CEO Tom Waghorn. All enquires should now be directed to [email protected]
Wonder Rail discussing new 00 scale venture
Wonder Rail have been in discussion with long-term partners, Redford Rail, in a possible merger deal. Redford Rail is an independent company, separate, but still headed by co-CEO of Wonder Rail; James Redford. This has been run as a private investment for his 00 stock. Whilst Tom and James have been working together on the 0 scale Wonder Rail project, their 2 personal 00 ventures have remained apart but still working together. Since the merger of WHRC and Wonder Rail back in November, the wheels have been in motion for Redford Rail to come on board as well. The discussions are still in their infant stages. Current ideas include running both 00 ventures under the sector of "Wonder Rail 4mm".
29/01/09
Class 73 JA E6003
At last, Whimsey Hill has a class 73 to call its own. JA number E6003 arrived early this morning, was started up and drove herself off the loader into Whimsey Hill yard and was paired up with visiting 73 73136 for a trip to Uckfield to fetch the Engineers train which was stabled overnight. Both 73's performed faultlessly and all our diesel drivers here are pleased to have one to play with after 73136 leaves.
73136 is due to leave the Railway at the end of next week to return to Stewarts Lane briefly before coming back down to Sussex for a spell with the Cranleigh Line Trust
26/01/09
Engineering News
Wonder Rail has kindly donated another BR Shark Brake from GW Railways to help with the Engineering works at Uckfield. The van, numbered DB993780, will arrive on site tomorrow. Meanwhile, D6553 and 73136 have been doing a superb job with the works trains. 73136 however will be leaving the railway on the 8th February to return to Stewarts Lane before a spell at the Cranleigh Line Trust.
Class 73 JA E6003 for Whimsey Hill
After the success of 73136 at the railway working on engineers trains, Wonder Rail have decided to invest in our own 73. This time a type JA number E6003, formerly named "Sir Herbert Walker". The locomotive will arrive in early February, just before 73136 is due to depart. The locomotive sports a BR Green livery with BR late totem.
21/01/09
73136 Arrives
Class 73, 73136 has now arrived at Whimsey Hill and after some gauging trials was run under her own power to Whimsey Hill yard to be checked over by workshop staff. The photo to the right shows her ticking over in the bay platform awaiting the road to depart.
Uckfield Resignalling Program
During the Uckfield resignalling work, Whimsey Hill goods yard will play host to a number of Engineers trains carrying new and old equipment to and from Uckfield whilst the work continues and will be used to store such equipment thus acting as a depot. It is likely the temporary depot will remain until the beginning of spring as not only must Uckfield be worked on but connected block posts must also have updates, such as Buxted and Isfield signal boxes, not forgetting our own! During the works, Wonder Rail are contracted to supply rolling stock and motive power and so we have hired in 73136 to work alongside our own diesel fleet, represented by D6553.
Locomotive News
We are saddened to announce that after an act of vandalism to one of our locomotives, we have had to withdraw her from service pending work. Damage to Ivatt tank 41243 was discovered this morning to the cab and bodyside was well as motion. The locomotive was due to visit the Blackhill Moors Railway and Cranleigh Line Trust during February however such loans have had to be cancelled for which we public apologise! We hope to have this locomotive repaired as soon as possible. In the meantime all her duties will be covered by any spare locomotive available.
20/01/09
ED for Whimsey Hill
It has been agreed that Class 73, 73136, will be joining the railway within the next few weeks to boost Diesel motive power and to add to the collection of Southern Diesels already based on the line. The loco is seen in Engineers Grey livery (see photo), and is likely to remain in this livery for her stay at Whimsey Hill.
Winter Gala Success
The winter gala was held over the weekend of the 10th/11th January and saw a record number of visitors attending the event. All available locomotives were in service at some point throughout the 2 day period, and ran problem free! The last minute decision to run an extra train, formed of the newly arrived Maunsell carriages, proved a good move as all trains were nearly full all weekend. The inclusion of the 3 Redford Rail locomotives proved popular and many people stopped by the Whimsey Hill goods yard to view the engines and chat to crews as well as people at the Redford Rail stand which was set up on the loading dock. The loading dock also saw stands from Wonder Rail and other departments within the railway itself. The timetable appeared to run without any problems, minor adjustments were made enabling it to be used again on future events. The last train on Sunday was a spectacular sight of a triple headed train using the 9F, Ivatt 2 and M7, a great way to round off an overall hugely successful celebration of the railway!
Carriage News
As already mentioned in the Gala article, the new Maunsell carriages have arrived at the railway and after some checking over they were pressed almost immediately into traffic formed up to make the 5th train for the gala. These carriages will now be shunted back into their formations of BSK+CK and BCK+TK ready for off peak trains. The rest of the coaching stock will also be reformed back into their original sets. This shunt will take place tomorrow at Whimsey Hill, for those who wish to visit! The Carriage and Wagon department have issued a list of coaching stock available for use in the winter low season, these are as follows:
Operational: Maunsell set 1, Maunsell set 2, Maunsell set 3, Mark 1 set, Bulleid set 1
Stopped for maintenance: Bulleid set 2, Pullman Set
All goods wagons available for service
Motive Power News
After the gala, Redford Rail have requested that Merchant Navy 35005 Canadian Pacific remain on the railway for storage along with the other 2 current residents of theirs. The engine is not planned to work any further services apart from a Redford Rail Pullman charter later on next month. In the meantime she will be winterised and stored. Other locomotive news sees the announcement by the Loco Department detailing the current operating situation for the winter low season:
Operational Locomotives: 76069, 30051, 41243, D6503, D6553, 33002, 80097, 31816
Winterised Locomotives (Steamable): 34062, 92116, 73082
Stopped Requiring Maintenance: 80061, 90566, 35005, 31860
05/01/09
Carriage News
Wonder Rail today has successfully purchased 4 more Maunsell carriages. We are expecting to take delivery of Brake 3rd S3736S, Brake Composite S6600S, Corridor 3rd S1123S and Corridor Composite S5682S. These carriages have been added to our C&W Stock List page. We have decided to use these vehicles to boost the off peak service by making two 2-car sets of BTK+CK and TK+BCK.
04/01/09
Class 50 50019
50019 "Ramillies" arrived at Whimsey Hill station this morning and was offloaded from the lorry into the Goods Yard. D6508 was on hand to shunt the diesel into the bay ready for the owner and crew to do some final checks before having her towed to the yard for storage. Meanwhile D6508 ran a test train of the Maunsell set + 2 Bulleid SO's to run in newly restored TK S1121S. The 33 returned later in the morning to collect 50019 and the formation successfully arrived in the yard by lunchtime where she was again checked over for hot boxes, was winterized and is now sheeted over pending a new home being found for her.
Webpages update:
Q1 and 34062 seperated, and 35005 added to Loco Stock List page
S1121S Added to C&W Stock List Page
03/01/09
Carriage and Wagon News
Our C&W department today outshopped newly restored Maunsell Corridor Third Number 1121. The carriage is the 4th of Maunsells design on the railway and will be used as a loose vehicle for all our 3 car sets. She is finished in BR Southern Region livery. She is intended for marshaling into the Maunsell train for our gala weekend subject to a running test which will take place tomorrow.
LMS 4F 44283
Our last news update mentioned the intended arrival of 44283 on site for storage. Due to a last minute decision, 44283 will no longer be coming to Whimsey Hill and continues to reside at the Cranleigh Line's base.
Class 50 50019
The owner of class 50 50019 "Ramillies" has requested to bring the locomotive to Whimsey Hill for an undecided amount of time whilst a new home is found. Ramillies is intended to arrive tomorrow morning and to be hauled to our yard and sheeted over for the period of her stay. She will not run on the line, being stopped due to Generator Flashover failure.
20/12/08
More Locomotive News.
It has just been announced that to free up space, the Cranleigh Line Trust have requested to bring one of their locomotives to Whimsey Hill for a period of storage and loan. The loan will last indefinitely until space or a new home for the locomotive can be found. The engine in question is LMS 4F 44283. She is expected to arrive tomorrow evening. She will be present for the gala weekend however as the main bulk of the timetable has now been finalised, it is likely she will not feature on this list of available engines unless a suitable space can be found to accommodate her. Alternatively she will be on display acting as an ambassador to the CLT. More details of this can be found on the Winter Gala page as and when they become available.
18/12/08
Canadian Pacific Arrives!
This evening, Redford Rail's Merchant Navy 35005 "Canadian Pacific" arrived at Whimsey Hill's fiddle yard. The locomotive was inspected and quickly given the all clear and she set off hauled by fellow Redford locomotive 34062 Battle of Britain "17 Squadron" on some gauging trials. This is infact the 1st time these 2 engines have met, despite being owned by the same railway! 35005 was then passed fit to run through both platforms at Whimsey Hill as well as all the pointwork and crossovers. This engine is now confirmed as joining the line up for the winter gala, and will stay on the railway indefinately until recalled.
Subsequent updates have been made to the Loco Stock List Page
Winter Gala page now added.
26/11/08
More Gala Updates
We are pleased to announce that Redford Rail have kindly allowed us to loan 35005 Canadian Pacific for our winter gala weekend. The locomotive will arrive in mid Decemeber and will stay for as long as Redford Rail are happy for it to remain. Whimsey Hill is already currently home to Redford Rail locomotives (34062 and 90566). We invisage that this will prompt further Redford Rail locomotives to visit Whimsey Hill in the furture for running trials and maintenance whilst they construct their own layout. The confirmation of this loco brings the tally of availble motive power up to 14! We shall report further news when this locomotive arrives.
15/11/08
Ivatt 2MT for a winter tour!
Ivatt 2MT 41243 will spend a long weekend in the north at the end of January during her visit to the Blackhill Moors Railway. Wonder Rail has just finalised all the paperwork and the locomotive shall be making her way north on January 30th, and returing after the 2nd February to be the Railways ambassador at Blackhill Moors "Closing Down" Gala. Blackhill Moors general manager, Matthew Alder said in a recent press release "we thank Wonder Rail for the chance to use one of their locomotives at our gala and are pleased to have a good working relationship with such a well known company as Wonder Rail". After her brief visit up north she will return to Whimsey Hill for some maintanence and then shall move onto the Cranleight Line Trust for 3 weeks from February 13th to March 6th. In return for her visit away, Whmisey Hill shall play host to Cranleigh Line's Jinty to cover the workload.
More Gala Updates
On the gala front, we have begun to plan a timetable of events and have decided that all passenger services shall be hauled by any one of 8 locomotives throughout the weekend, the Goods and Engineers services to be hauled by a pool of 4 locomotives, and a station pilot will be provided at Whimsey Hill for quicker shunting manoevers, as Whimsey Hill signalling only allows for passenger services to depart from one platform it is nessecary for down trains to arrive in the down platform, and then be shunted over to the up. The locomotives planned to be in action are as follows (subject to confirmation and availability):
Passenger Services: 31816, 80097, 80061, D6508, D6553, 73082, 34062, 92116.Goods and Engineers: 31860, 76069, 41243, 33002
Station Pilot: 30051
It is still planned to bring in a visitor, current negotiations are with Redford Rail for Merchant Navy, 35005 "Canadian Pacific" or the Cranleigh Line Trust for Collett Goods, 3210 *update* Collett Goods is now no longer available.
02/11/08
Long Standing Partner takes the Reigns.
WHRC is proud to annouce that our long standing partners, and contracted business associates, Wonder Rail, have now taken over at the helm of WHRC. From now on, all stock is owned and operated by Wonder Rail "Whimsey Hill Railway" sector. This has ensured a more stable future for the line as well as offering further in depth expertise and more business awareness and help. A statement today from Tom Waghorn, Co-CEO read: "I am pleased that, after much discussion with my co-CEO at Wonder Rail, we are to merge with WHRC and in the process take over all future operations. As some are aware, WHRC recieved alot of help from Wonder Rail, who were contracted to look after loans and engineering, and WHRC was indeed run by myself. Now I can bring both projects under one roof, as it were. I am also pleased to announce that Ms Jenson Cambridge will act as head of the sector"Wonder Rail will now take ownership of everything perviously owned by WHRC as the merger is finalised. This now means Wonder Rail has 3 main sectors, Fleet Support, Workshops, and the Whimsey Hill Railway. The Whimsey Hill Railway will take on all staff perviously employed by WHRC, and will remain a seperate sector to the other two. All operations and news involving Whimsey Hill can still be found at this site (whrc.weebly.com), whereas Wonder Rail Fleet Support and Worksop activities can still be found at www.wonder-rail.co.uk. Contact to Whimsey Hill is now via [email protected]
31/10/08
Motive Power For Sale
Due to some financial difficulties, WHRC has decided to part with some of its lesser used locomotive stock. Ex-WD 90566 is currently still up for sale, D2280 has already been purchased by a private bidder and shall be leaving the railway in a few weeks.Please contact [email protected] if interested in purchasing 90566. Photos are available in the Loco Stock Listsection.
08/11/08
Purchased Motive Power developments at Whimsey Hill.
Motive power recently for sale, the Drewry 04, left the railway to start a new life elsewhere. This locomotives was bought by private owners and shall be residing in Kent for the next chapter of their working career. We are saddened to see her leave as she have served us well however the sale was necessary to raise needed funds, and to create space in the yards! On the plus side, Redford Rail made a move to purchase the WD enabling the locomotive to remain at Whimsey Hill for a while longer along with the Battle of Britain. We thank Redford Rail for the chance to keep this wonderful engine with us.
Winter Gala planned
Whimsey Hill will play host to a gala weekend in the near future (date to be announced) where all our servicable locomotives shall make an appearance, along with 4 5 coach sets using all available rolling stock, a pullman train, goods and engineers trains. The gala marks the welcoming of Wonder Rail to the helm of the railway. More details to be announced. Watch this space!
24/10/08
BR Standard 4 2-6-0
This afternoon WHRC finally purchased the BR standard 2-6-0 number 76069. The locomotive arrived soon after the money was transferred and she was put to immediate use and tested on a goods service. She performed faultlessly and is likely to be a regular performer on the line in the future!
23/10/08
BR Shark Brake Van arrives
A lorry arrived this evening with the long awaited Shark brake van loaded on the back. By tea time she was offloaded and paired up with the Grampus wagons and the newly returned Ivatt 2MT for her trip to the yard. The test was a success and the van shall feature on the more frequent Engineers workings that will be booked on the timetable
BR Standard 4 2-6-0
WHRC are currently sourcing a BR standard 4 2-6-0 locomotive to join the current locomotive fleet, and to ease the load, and hopefully increase some timetabled services to Redhill from Whimsey Hill station. These locomotives frequently worked Redhill to Reading services, with a couple being shedded at Redhill depot. It is hoped, once purchased, to run passenger and newspaper/mail trains alternately with the Q1 and Standard 5. The example in question is 76069, fitted with BR1B tender, however this is subject to change.
Loan Agreement Extended
WHRC are pleased to announce the loan agreement with Bulleid Battle of Britain 34062 has been extended to keep the locomotive on the line until the end of the year, where the situation will be reviewed again.
19/10/08
SR Bulleid West Country 21C119 Sold
Bulleid West Country class 21C119 "Bideford", the resident Spam Can, was recently sold to the Goodswear Road Preservation Society. The locomotive was tested and found to be in good working order, was then loaded onto the lorry and taken away on the morning of the 16th October. The locomotive has since arrived at Goodswear Road.
WD 90566 and Ivatt 2MT 41243 Return
At the same time as Bideford leaves, the 2 holiday-makers return to Whimsey Hill from Goodswear Road. The locomotives were a great success and WHRC will be dealing in business with Goodswear Road again in the future.
