And we open again to visitors on Thursday 16th March.  William Murdoch, our cherished steam locomotive, is still undergoing boiler work so we will be opening with our trusty diesel locomotives and brake van as in previous years.

And again as usual we will be open on Thursdays and Sundays.

For the Easter weekend we will be open on Friday, Sunday and Monday and with Easter Eggs for our younger visitors and an Easter Egg trail.

So what has been happening over the winter months?  Well there are three notable events.

Young Volunteers Day

Firstly we held our first ever day for young volunteers and after a very important safety briefing were taken to the Pump House approach to learn how to cut and remove lineside vegetation.  Some of our young volunteers are working on their Duke of Edinburgh’s award and others just wanted to come and help out on a railway.  We will be running more of these days so watch this site and our Facebook page for more information.

William Murdoch Work

Next big bit of news is that William Murdoch is part way through the work on her boiler.  We are taking the opportunity to do a full 10 year inspection which will then get us in a sound position for the future.  A full boiler inspection means she has had to be taken apart to make sure that it is capable of withstanding the steam pressure.  Remedial work on the boiler is now underway and we hope to have her back in one piece – and with a new top coat – very soon.

Truthall Halt Progress

Finally we have made superb progress with the rebuilding of Truthall Halt.  The Platform itself is nearing completion and the drainage works have been done.  So all we now need to do if finish it off and we will be able to use it.  Come along for a ride and see the progress for yourself!