Colne Valley Railway News

ALL CHANGE

2012-02-01T03:32:00.000-08:00

It's all change outside the office. The bank has been flattened in readiness for the siting of a new building which will be our new entrance/ticket office/ shop

WD190 Breathes again!

2012-02-01T03:18:00.000-08:00

A warming fire was lit in the boiler of WD190 ready for pressure testing. Looked quite strange - I was waiting for the whistle to go saying the kettle had boiled!!

2011

2012-01-04T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well another year has swiftly gone and seen changes at the Railway.
On the operating front, we had visiting steam locos in the shape of J72 69023 'Joem' Peckett 2000 and Thomas, whilst Castle Donington No.1 has remained on loan from the Midland Railway Centre. Resident engines Victory and WD 190 both had boilers go away for major work. Work on both is progressing and they should be steaming before too long.

What was a temporary engine shed last year is now a carriage shed, the generator van has been painted to match the Pullman carriages it works with, other carriages are being repainted and the class 121 Bubble car and its trailer car have also been re-painted.

The model railway shed was opened and in operation most days, this is proving to be very popular as is the miniature railway which has taken delivery of another container for storage. The garden railway has had new track laid and seen different engines running.

We had several special events which were well attended, new events for 2011 included a Bus Rally and a Victorian Sunday. The educational Victorian schools days were well attended and we have had more private school visits than ever.

Signalling work has taken place along the line, with the main event for the S&T Department being the arrival of Kennett signal box in December. This is one of their projects for 2012.

We received VAQAS Accreditation again, this is the Red Rose scheme for Visit England. We were also runners-up in the Best Small Visitor Attraction category at the Essex Tourism Awards.

The British Transport Police are regular visitors now, they use the site for training purposes. They now bring the dogs in, lovely to watch them at work.

The format of the Santa Specials changed slightly this year, and seemed to work very well.
On a sadder note, earlier in the year one of the founder members of the Colne Valley Railway, John Holbrook, passed away after a short illness and on 23rd December one of our steam crew, Den Haggett passed away. Den was also a guard and will be greatly missed.

KENNETT SIGNAL BOX ARRIVES

2011-12-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

On the 18th December we had a Special Delivery from Santa in the shape of Kennett signal box.
We were given four days notice to arrange transport and a crane to lift the box at the CVR - quite a feat in the run up to Christmas. All went well though and the box arrived right in the middle of our busiest Santa day! It it now on the sturgeon, where it will remain until a base is ready for it at Drawell.

SANTA SPECIALS

2011-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

The Santa Specials have been running well. Santa and his helpers have been kept busy.
All trains are being worked by Castle Donnington Power Station using our Pullman carriages.
Numbers have been good, as has the weather although a little cold. One more to go on the 21st now

CHRISTMAS ARRIVES

2011-11-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

St Peter's church, Sible Hedingham had a Christmas tree festival on Saturday 26th November and a tree was decorated on behalf of the Railway. Thanks to Gay and Nick for doing this

BUSY WEEKEND

2011-11-27T12:58:00.000-08:00

We have had quite an active few days which included some members of the Hedingham Sidecars Owners Club spend a couple of nights camping on site as part of their Winter Warmer weekend.
I don't know the exact number, but there must have been around 30 bikes, old and new and attendees came from from as far away as Belgium.

Saturday morning we ran a Santa Special for a group of Brownies/Guides who met Santa on the diesel train.

Saturday evening we had our Christmas dinner and awards evening at The White Hart, Great Yeldham, 34 members and family attended and enjoyed a lovely evening.

A TREE-MENDOUS EFFORT

2011-11-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

The oak trees on the platform were long overdue for trimming, the signalmen couldn't see past them and you had to beware of falling acorns.

So, four fellers got to work and spent a few hours pruning - what a difference

VICTORY

2011-11-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

The tank of Barclay 0-4-0ST 2199 Victory was placed back on today. Now it is really beginning to look like a working steam engine, not long now hopefully.

Proud owners Dick and Tony Goulding are seen here with Victory on 5th November 2011

WIZARDS EVENING

2011-10-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

A very successful evening of fun and games was held on Saturday 29th October 2011.

The Wizard Wanderer diesel train (manned by a skeleton crew) and the miniature and garden railways carried witches and wizards and all their friends. Ghostly story telling proved very popular as did the drawing competition being run as part of the Big Draw Campaign.

HAWTHORNE LESLIE 0-6-0 ISABEL

2011-10-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Late August saw the arrival of 1919 built Hawthorne Leslie 0-6-0ST Isabel. This engine is on loan to the Colne Valley Railway from the Epping Ongar Railway. Our volunteers are now working hard to get her into a working condition, having been delivered minus several essential components. It is hoped Isabel might be ready to work our Santa Specials.

In the meantime, lots of cleaning and some painting has been done and she is beginning to look happier.

ESSEX TOURISM AWARDS

2011-10-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Essex Tourism Awards were held at the Radisson Blu, Stansted on 12th October.
The CVR was one of the three contenders for Best Small Visitor Attraction. After winning the title in 2010 we were runners up this year to Bridge End Garden, Saffron Walden - Congratulations to them.

Thomas

2011-09-26T15:23:00.001-07:00

Thomas the Tank Engine is with us again.

Saturday and Sunday fans old and young came along to have rides with Thomas and Daisy, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy all the other attractions.

Thomas is with us again this Saturday, October 1st

our next operating day then will be Sunday 9th for our new event - Victorian Sunday

September 2011

2011-09-14T14:10:00.001-07:00

A busy month this. Evan and Sally spent 2 days at the Country Show at Barleylands, Billericay in the Visit Essex marquee. It seemed quieter than last year but was still very busy.

This week we have three diesel driving experiences and are getting ready for a return visit from Thomas the Tank Engine - 24th, 25th September and 1st October.

The following week we have our 26th Victorian education event. This year we are having a public day on Sunday 9th. All staff will be in costume and Queen Victorian will be in attendance

CLACTON AIR SHOW

2011-08-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Evan, Ros and Sally attend the Clacton Air Show today with Visit Essex. Lots of people gathered in the hot sunshine to enjoyeverything on offer and of course to watch the aerial displays. The show opened with the unmistakable sound of a Spitfire and also included a Catalina flying boat, RAF trainer planes, a Brietling wing walker, Sea King helicopter and the RAF Falcons parachute display team.

VAQAS ACCREDITATION

2011-08-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Today we had our annual assessment by a representative from Visit England for their Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme - denoted by a red rose.

All went well and we have been awarded accreditation for a second year.

COLIN'S NEW FRIEND

2011-08-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Lots of visitors came today to see Colin, the Railway Bear, and to meet his new friend Andy Bear.

This larger-than-life bear seemed to be popular and I'm sure he enjoyed his day at the Railway, though he did threaten to have the guard for dinner!

Colin and Andy will be back again on the 24th August

BUS RALLY

2011-07-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

24th July saw the first Colne Valley Bus Rally. 30 buses attended, ranging from a 1939 Bristol K of Westcliff to a 2010 Enviro 400 from local operator Hedingham Omnibuses. A lot of interest was created by 4 Bedford OBs, two of them being rare examples - one had been converted into a motor-home 40 years ago (complete with flock wallpaper, mock beams and artex ceiling!) the other was known as a toast rack - it had no glass in the windows and this was its first rally.

An ex-Southdown open-top bus proved very popular running to Halstead on a warm day

For a first event it was a very good day, and it will happen again next year - 22nd July.

WD 190

2011-07-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

The boiler for WD190 was returned to the CVR today after having essential work carried out away from the site.

The boiler has been placed in the cradle vacated by Victorys boiler, ready for the tubes to be put back.

VICTORY

2011-07-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

The frames and boiler of Barclay 0-4-0ST Victory were reunited today as restoration continues steadily.

The pics show the frames ready to take the boiler,

the boiler on its way and finally in place.

She still looks a tiny engine!

COLNE VALLEY AT WAR

2011-07-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

The CVR went to war on the 10th July with 1940s re-enactors, military vehicles and lots of period costume.
Again the weather was very good, which helped in making this the most successful CVR at War event so far

MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION

2011-07-14T01:18:00.000-07:00

On the 26th June we had our annual Model Railway Exhibition.
Featuring trade stands and layouts in all shapes and sizes this event proved to be very popular.

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE

2011-07-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

Thomas visited the CVR during June along with other Friends, including Daisy and Sir Topham Hatt. There was lots of fun and games to be had and we also had steam on the 7 1/4" railway.

The re-enactment involved Fireman arriving in their Fire engine - great fun.

Lots of hard work and we do it all again in September.

THE TIERNEY MODEL RAILWAY

2011-06-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

After a lot of hard work by a small team of Colne Valley Volunteers, the model railway shed has been officially opened by
Mrs Radford, daughter of the late Mr Tierney.
There are still tasks to be finished - the boards surrounding the model need to be painted and not all the wiring is finished, but there are now 5 working circuits on the layout.
Displays of railways items are also being installed in the shed.

LOCAL MP VISITS CVR

2011-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Brooks Newmark, the MP for Braintree visited the Railway this afternoon.
He spent time learning the history of the Railway and listening to our plans for the future.

http://yfrog.com/ehg9lqj

Teddy Bears Day

2011-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Colin the bear was joined by his friend Paul, the panda today. They spent the day travelling on the trains and talking to our visitors.

CARRIAGE SHED

2011-05-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

At long last Syd has the shed he has waited many years for. What started out as an engine shed has been moved over the hedge, extended to contain a full length of carriage and widened to include a walkway around all sides. No more squeezing down the sides being harnessed to the framework for Ashley either.

We will probably find the pair of them in their harnesses swinging from the roof celebrating the fact that have room to work (and play)

STEAM LOCO REPORT

2011-05-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Lovely sight today - Victory in steam for the first time in about 10 years. It may have been coming out of the front end of the boiler and not the chimey but it is a positive sign that hopefully this little loco will be back in action within months rather than years.

The frames of WD190 have had the scaffolding removed from around them and they look shiny and new.

THIS WEEK

2011-05-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Work has started this week on replacing some of the timbers on the footbridge. It is hoped to get the first stage completed so we can open the bridge in time for the Thomas events in June.
The toilet block on Halstead platform is also being refreshed.

This Sunday, 15th May we have a Diesel Gala. Expected to be working are Classes 03, 31, 121 and 141.

ALL CHANGE

2011-04-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

This week J72 Joem left us for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Her final day with us, Monday 25th, saw her working a freight train alongside Castle Donnington No.1 on a passenger train.

The Steam Crews have enjoyed having this loco, and hope it's not another 17 years before she returns!

Peckett 2000 had a test run today and has its first full day of work tomorrow.

A NEW ARRIVAL

2011-04-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Peckett 2000 arrived today from Barrow Hill. This 0-6-0ST used to work at Ipswich sugar beet factory and will be with us for the next few months.

J72 Joem will leave us next Tuesday, looked highly polished in the sun today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEM

2011-04-17T15:07:00.000-07:00

J72 Joem was 60 years old today. Coming out of Darlington works as no.2151 she was based on a Wilson Worsdell design of 1895. Joem only has 8 more days left at the Colne Valley Railway, we shall be sorry to see her go.

VINTAGE VEHICLE RALLY

2011-04-08T12:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April we have our vintage rally, stationary engines, military vehicles, cars, bikes, lorries - a good mix will be in attendance. This year sees the introduction of trade and craft stalls. Gates open at 09.30 both days

THE SEASON STARTS

2011-03-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

We are now two weekends into the operating season. Joem is an added attraction and has been working on driver experience and steam days. Pullman Carriage Gresley is undergoing a repaint and is looking good. Meanwhile, the model railway has had the final section put in place, just needs a bit of tweaking to ensure the correct alignment.

Saturday 2nd April we have driver experiences with Joem and a diesel unit running, whilst on the 3rd (Mothering Sunday) Joem will again be working.

J72 69023 JOEM

2011-03-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

J72 Joem arrived on Tuesday 15th March for a 6-week visit. It is hoped that she will be operating on our first steam day of the season on Sunday 20th March.

THOMAS AWARDS

2011-03-11T15:03:00.001-08:00

We are very pleased to announce that we recevied two more awards from HIT Entertainment for our Thomas events during 2010. One was for the Best Day Out With Thomas Website, the other for the Best Imagination Station. Our thanks go to the Rainbow Childrens Centres for providing such an excellent facility.

GARDEN RAILWAY

2011-03-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

Peter and Tim have also been working hard on the Garden Railway over the last few weeks, the main job being replacing the whole outer track with new G guage track. This means there are now 6 different guages to be found at the CVR - N, G, O, OO, 7 1/4" and standard. Quite a variation. Other routine work has been carried out - bridges painted, fences repaired, push buttons to operate the lighthouse, fire engine and the Garden Railways own Waterside Railway have been re-installed. The new platform has been finished with a wooden fence and now means that visitors will look down onto the Garden Railway so hopefully they will see even more.

Model Railway

2011-03-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

The 'OO' gauge model railway layout is now forming a complete circuit.
Now its the job of connecting controllers and all the necessary items needed to make this a fully working layout once again. It is intended to install some items for visitors to operate via push-buttons.

TOURISM & LEISURE SHOW

2011-02-27T11:20:00.000-08:00

On 24th February Evan and Sally attended the Tourism and Leisure Show at Five Lakes Country Club, Maldon. With around 100 exhibitors this show was open to tour organisers and the general public and was a very busy day.

It was also a chance to show off our new pop-up banner which was collected that morning.

SIGNALLING WORK

2011-02-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

During the closed period the S&T gang have been making changes at Nunnery Junction, this has entailed the removal of a ground signal and a new post being installed.

HARWICH & DISTRICT MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION

2011-02-19T13:30:00.000-08:00

On the 19th February Paul, Sally and Vinny attended this exhibition. In spite of the awful weather there was a constant stream of visitors, and we met many interesting people.

Meanwhile back at the CVR, the model railway layout is taking shape, more panels have been put on their legs and attached, only about four more panels to go. It's hoped to have this up an running during the Summer.

NEW COLNE VALLEY & HALSTEAD RAILWAY BOOK

2011-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Andy Wallis, CVR Chairman, has written a book on the CV&HR. It takes an in-depth look at the forming of the Railway in 1860, the stations and locomotives. It also includes its absorbtion into the LNER and subsequent passing into state ownership and the ultimate closure of the line in 1965. It then covers the formation of the CVR and the work undertaken by the volunteers.
A soft-back book with 96 pages, this book will be released on 28th February at a price of £14.99. To purchase a copy please phone the office 01787461174 (if no reply please leave your name/number and we will get back to you)

J72 69023 TO VISIT CVR

2011-02-03T13:27:00.000-08:00

J72 69023 'Joem' is due late March on hire from NELPG.

This 0-6-0T will be staying until late April and as well as working on steam days, will be operating on some Driver Experience Courses (limited spaces available)

Joem visited the CVR in 1994, its boiler ticket expired in 1996, and the engine returned to service in June 2010.

January 2011 update

2011-01-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

The first sections of the model railway have been fixed to the back wall, the panels have a lot on them besides the track - buildings, people animals - there is so much to see.

Most of the panels for the new platform in Newmans Sidings are in place, its hoped to have this completed by the start of the season in March.

Pullman Coach Gresley is in the shed having a makeover.

S&T and P/Way have been working hard at Nunnery installing new signalling and sleepers.

MODEL RAILWAY SHED

2011-01-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

Today saw a gang of willing workers get all the large baseboards into the new shed. They have been put roughly into position on dustbins and pallets, ready for the legs to be fitted and the first boards fixed to the back wall. Hopefully it will all fit together nicely but there may have to be a bit of tweaking here and there to get it to fit.

At the same time the electrician was busy installing the rest of the ceiling lights and more sockets, and this afternoon the power was connected.

BOILER EXCHANGE

2011-01-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

This morning the boiler for Andrew Barclay 2199 'Victory' came back after having essential work carried out by Mervyn Mayes at Dereham, Norfolk. Hopefully this loco, now in private ownership, will be back in steam later this year. further details can be found on http://www.victory2199.webs.com/

The lorry then took away the boiler for WD190 which is also going to Mayes for work.

REVIEW OF 2010

2011-01-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

Another year gone and what a busy one it was - changes took place around the site including re-building one end of Aquila, getting a new toilet block and demolishing the old one, new fencing around the site, new steps at Nunnery signal box, improving the level crossing - all of which were helped by the Railway being awarded Liferaft Trust funding. The footbridge is also due to have steps replaced soon.

Two of the main highlights of 2010 were obtaining VAQAS Accreditation - this is the Visit Britain Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme which means we can display the red rose.

We were then voted Best Small Visitor Attraction in Essex.

October saw the 25th Victorian Schools Special, this event remains as popular as ever with schools already booked for the 2011 event.

The Santa Specials ran well until the 19th December - so much snow and unsafe conditions meant we had to cancel the days trains. An extra day on the 23rd helped accommodate passengers booked for the 19th.

On a sadder note to end the year, we have said 'Goodbye' to our General Manager Brian Smith, who is emigrating to Canada with his Wife Jenn in April. Our Best Wishes to them for a more relaxed way of life!

SUNDAY 19TH DECEMBER 2010

2010-12-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, due to the severe weather conditions late Saturday it was reluctantly decided to cancel the Santa Specials for today.
We are running an extra day now on Thursday 23rd December, see website for details.
Several volunteers were unable to even get out of the village last night and spent the night in carriages.
I am five miles away and we followed a snow plough out of our village this morning so we could check the sitation at the Railway. It was a 7" deep blanket.

MODEL RAILWAY SHED

2010-12-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

The shed has now been insulated and had the interior walls boarded with chipboard, work is underway to plasterboard the ceiling and walls.

LET IT SNOW

2010-12-03T13:54:00.000-08:00

Saturday evening we held our Christmas dinner and Annual Awards evening at the White Horse, Ridgewell, an entertaining evening all round.

This week has been taken up with preparations for the Santa Specials which start on Sunday 5th. The trains have been decorated - all that up and down putting the trimmings up is good exercise! Just a blitz on snow-clearing Saturday to do now.

WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING?

2010-11-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have seen various work being undertaken around the site.
Trees have been trimmed to give a clearer running line.
Newmans Sidings area is constantly changing and has had another track slew to lay the track for the new shed area. Concrete slabs are on order to finish off the platform.
The Model railway shed is being insulated,it is hoped to have this new attraction open during 2011

WIZARDS EVENING

2010-10-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Witches, wizards, skeletons, vampires and more visited the Railway Saturday evening. Luckily the weather stayed nice and didn't blow too many witches off course!

The diesel train was worked by a skeleton crew - we also had ghostly signalmen.

We are now shut until the first of the Santa Specials on 5th December. That doesn't mean we stop working though, always something to do.

WEEKLY UPDATE

2010-10-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

The final steam day of the season went very well on 27th with a visit from Colin the bear.
Our next event is the Wizards Evening on the 30th October, witches and wizards will be taking over between 16.30 - 20.00

GALA DAY

2010-10-25T14:20:00.000-07:00

A chilly start to Gala Day today although it stayed dry and the sun came out later.

Jennifer and Castle Donnington No.1 were in steam working passenger and freight trains, with two freight trains being topped and tailed.

On the diesel side, the class 141 pacer unit ran for most of the day with 31255 working during the afternoon.

NEWMANS SIDINGS

2010-10-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Another busy week has seen the track slewed across and foot crossing installed for access to the mini- rail.

Eventually the TPO will sit here allowing easy access, in it's previous position it was only accessible by a flight of steps.

DANIEL RADCLIFFE

2010-10-14T13:38:00.000-07:00

Today saw the arrival of a crew from Hammer Films. The makers of classic horror films are shooting The Woman In Black written by Jane Goldman. We have hosted film crews before but this was by far the largest, about 120 people setting up, filming and taking it all down again in 12 hours of hectic activity. The star of the film is Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) who was lovely to talk to, and he took the time at the end of day to come to the office for a chat.

VICTORIAN FANTASY

2010-10-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

We have just finished our 25th Victorian Fantasy - this educational event is still very popular, with each of the three days seeing over 1,000 Victorians on site. As well as meeting Queen Victorian and Princess Alexandra on the Royal Train, our visitors enjoyed the music hall and Punch and Judy, and had a lesson in the classroom, this seemed to be one of the favourites and watching a penny farthing being ridden was also highly popular.

BEER FESTIVAL

2010-10-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The beer festival went well, in spite of the weather trying to put a damper on things.
Those who came seemed to enjoy it and it is hoped we will hold another festival next year.

THIS WEEKEND

2010-10-01T04:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the opening day of our first ever Beer Festival in conjunction with Harwich Town Brewery. With over 30 beers and ciders to chose from and live music in the evenings it should be a great addition to the calendar. The music on Friday is provided by Songs from the Blue House, with the Flaming LLamas on Saturday

ESSEX TOURISM AWARDS 2010

2010-09-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce that we have won the Best Small Attraction Award. General Manager Brian Smith accepted the Award at Le Talbooth, Dedham on 23rd September. This is a credit to all the Volunteers who put in so much work to make the Railway what it is, and worthy of this Award. We have now been shortlisted for the Regional Awards to be held at Ickworth in November.

Thomas & Beer Festival

2010-09-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thomas has arrived for his second visit this year, and along with several friends and the Fat Controller will be entertaining our visitors on 25th & 26th September and 3rd October.
The first Beer Festival at the Railway will be held on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd October 12.00-23.00 both days, with an hourly bus service between the Railway and Braintree station from 12.00-23.00. Live entertainment from The Blue House on Friday and the Flaming Llamas on Saturday.

Model Railway Shed and More

2010-09-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

The model railway shed now has its walls in place, next step is finishing off the windows.

Sunday 12th saw the first Pullman Sunday lunch train since the refurbishment on Aquila and 11th/12th saw a small group of volunteers attend the Essex Country Show at Barleylands.

MORE IMPROVEMENTS

2010-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

60 square metres of turf was laid today by Evan and David - mostly in very heavy rain!

The area in front of the toilet block is now finished and I must say it looks very smart. Well done Boys.

The signalman at Nunnery reported some strange noises coming from the chimney of the new stove - during the day it produced one bat and a sparrow!

WE ARE A QUALITY ATTRACTION

2010-08-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's official, we are a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction (VAQAS) - represented by the Red Rose logo. We had a 'mystery visitor' assessment on 25th August and are very proud to have been given this accreditation on the first application.

NUNNERY SIGNAL BOX

2010-08-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Nunnery box has seen some changes this week.

A new wood-burning stove has been installed and the new steps have been put in place and the old ones removed.

MODEL RAILWAY SHED

2010-08-17T13:37:00.001-07:00

The main frame of the new shed for the model railway is really taking shape now.

A new wood burning stove has been installed in Nunnery signal box, so we will now have all the signalmen volunteering to work that box in the winter!!

NUNNERY SIGNAL BOX

2010-08-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Nunnery box is in the process of having new steps
fitted. This came from a local factory that closed down, and they have been painted and put into position. Wonder who will be the first to go up them before they are finished!

Sunday 1st August

2010-08-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Class 03 D2041 worked a freight train giving brake van rides and Castle Donnington No.1 a passenger train.

D2041 is being repainted, and at the moment

is at the undercoat stage.

DIESEL MINI-GALA 31st July 2010

2010-08-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Several hardy enthusiasts braved the rain and travelled great distances to come and see the star guest at this mini-gala - Traditional Traction owned 08511, it ran with two TPO carriages and a brake van.

Also running was Pacer 141108 showing off its new coat of paint.

08 511

2010-07-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

Class 08 511 arrived Wednesday afternoon to have some work carried out here.
It will be running on a special diesel day Saturday 31st July, working with 2 TPO coaches and a brake van. Newly painted 141108 will also be in operation

AQUILA

2010-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

26th July saw Aquila emerge from the shelter of the loco shed where she has been residing for the last 24 weeks. The end has been completely rebuilt and the roof and one side have been painted, and she has come out of the shed to have the other side painted now. The finishing touches will be the crests and lining.

TPO CARRIAGES

2010-07-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

The TPOs are now receiving attention from Wendy & Bernie and 80318, having been given a nice pink undercoat, is now getting its top-coat of red.

WEEK ENDING 16th JULY 2010

2010-07-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

The 141 is now resplendent in its new livery (after several shades of blue)

Brian, Sally & Natalie attended the Tendring Show, hopefully some business will come from that.

RIVERSIDE SIDING

2010-07-05T02:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday 4th July saw a track slew take place, enabling the staff coach, C&W workshop and the stores carriage be put in position. Thanks to the gang who carried out this heavy work on a very hot day.

TOILET DISPOSAL

2010-06-30T05:47:00.001-07:00

At long last -the old green toilet block is being demolished. Some of the fittings have been kept as stand-by, but most of it was rubbish! Evan disconnected everything yesterday and today, with help from Alan, David and a JCB the demolition started. All I can see from the window now is 1 end wall, 2 part walls and 5 loos!

Model Railway Exhibition

2010-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Model Railway Exhibition was held on Sunday 27th June, and in spite of the very hot weather and some football game there was a good attendance. With at least 10 layouts - ranging from 'ooo' to 'HO' and several trade stands there was something for everyone.

WEEKLY UPDATE

2010-06-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yet another busy week. Thomas the Tank Engine was here over the weekend again, even a very cold wet Saturday saw lots of visitors, with even more on the Sunday. Thomas left on Tuesday to go back to the Midland Railway. 14 schools came to our Old Smokey educational event over 2 days, everyone seemed to go away happy.
Pullman coach Aquila is looking grand in her new coat of brown paint and painting has been started on the TPO.
The old toilet block has now been closed off - hooray!! next job is to strip it out then remove it.
Model Railway exhibition is on Sunday 10.00-16.00 with layouts, tradestands and train rides.

THOMAS

2010-06-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

The first Thomas weekend of the year went
very well with lots of visitors riding on Thomas and Daisy. Mavis, Percy and Trevor were also in attendance and of course the Fat Controller made sure that everyone behaved.
We do it all again next weekend.

WHAT A BUSY WEEK

2010-06-11T12:30:00.001-07:00

We have been getting ready for a visit from a certain blue engine, Thomas events take place 12/13/19/20 June and a great deal of time has been spent getting everything ready. The bookings are looking good and we hope that the forecasted good weather will bring more visitors.
A big thanks to Brian, Evan, Sally, James, Natalie, Allan and Steve for their efforts

141 PACER

2010-06-11T05:11:00.000-07:00

The pacer has been seen in several colour combinations over the last few weeks thanks to the efforts of Bernie & Wendy. The two-tone blue and grey it is wearing at the moment looks quite good.

Pullman Carriage Aquila

2010-06-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

Pullman carriage Aquila is now starting to go back together, Syd is working almost non-stop, and Ashley has been working on the roof/body.

COLNE VALLEY AT WAR

2010-05-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday 16th May saw the the Railway go to War with a 1940s event. As well as Jennifer, CD1 and Barclay operating a mix of passenger, freight and ammunition trains, there were displays including a field hospital and defence post. Visitors and staff were dressed accordingly

Vintage Vehicle Rally 24th & 25th April

2010-04-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

There was a good turnout of vehicles for this event on both days including cars, buses and stationary engines.

Fencing

2010-04-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

The main fencing work was completed today by Yeldham Fencing and what a difference. Monday there was a large grassy mound opposite the office and the area was surrounded by an assortment of picket and wire fencing. Brian, Evan, Sally and a JCB flattened the mound and the new fencing looks great. Just in time for the vintage vehicle rally taking place over the weekend.

2010-04-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

The ramps and steps to the new toilet block are in place, just need tarmac on them, the water supply is connected but the electrics still have to be done and the groundworks finished off outside.
Yeldham Fencing started installing some of the new fencing today - looks better with just 2 panels up!
The cut wood for Aquila has been delivered so hopefully there will be parts going back in soon.

What's been happening this week?

2010-04-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend saw the return of Castle Donington No.1 to the working roster with a mixture of other motive power including the bubble car and 31255 and Romulus on the minirail. One of the access ramps to the new toilet block has been started and the plumbing has been done.

New toilet block

2010-04-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

At long last the Railway has taken delivery of a new toilet block, it finally arrived at 17.00 hours and was soon put in place. Over the next few weeks the area surrounding the block will be finished off, ramps/steps put in place and all plumbing and wiring finished, When fully commissioned the old green block will be demolished.

Diesel Gala 28th March

2010-03-29T04:28:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a busy day with diesels of varying shapes and sizes running - Hibberd Planet, 2 Class 03s, Class 121 bubble car and Class 31 along with 2 diesels on the mini-rail.

Model Railway Shed

2010-03-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Concrete was delivered this morning for the shed base, quite amusing watching it being levelled out. Syd has now started putting some pieces back in Aquila.

Update

2010-03-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Work is in progress on the site for the new toilet block, which will hopefully be delivered before Easter. Castle Donnington has been inspected and had the boiler washed out in preparation for steam testing. Next operating day Sunday 28th March for Diesel gala.

THE SEASON STARTS HERE

2010-03-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday 13th saw the first Driver Experiences of the season and Sunday 14th the first steam operating day. Jennifer was used on both days and performed well - Castle Donnington No.1 is still awaiting boiler inspection -and the miniature railway had steam loco Romulus visiting. Halstead canopy has had some timber replaced and the station area has had a repaint.

News

2010-03-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

6th March - Brian, Evan & Sally attended the annual Travel Fair at RAF Lakenheath, met some very interesting people.
7th - AGM held in the morning, various jobs done round site pm in preparation for running next weekend.
All the rotten wood has been removed from Aquila, the coach now needs to dry off. Think Syd is wishing he hadn't started the job as it gets more complex by the day.

GENERAL NEWS

2010-03-03T03:59:00.000-08:00

The CVMR construction crew completed laying and clipping the rails for the new Riverside storage siding today.
Halstead station/canopy are being painted, parts of the canopy have to be replaced.
School visits of 60+ children have kept us busy over the last 2 days

MINIATURE RAILWAY UPDATE

2010-03-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

The 7 1/4" guage line has seen plenty of work over the last few weeks. Track has been reballasted, new track laid in station area, 2nd platform area laid and a station canopy has been erected. First planned operational day is Sunday 14th March when live steam loco Romulus should be working.

PULLMAN CAR AQUILA

2010-03-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

Pullman kitchen car Aquila has been taken out of service for major refurbishment. The kitchen end has been stripped back, exterior panelling and some of the rotten framework has also been removed. This will all have to be replaced. The photo shows the stripped end.

TOURISM & LEISURE SHOW

2010-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Brian, Evan, Paul, Sally & Natalie attended the show at 5 Lakes Country Club, Maldon today. This show was open to the general public but was mainly aimed at group travel organisers. There was a lot of interest in the railway and a lot of positive comments from previous visitors. The younger visitors in particular liked Saffron - the 7 1/4" guage loco.

Filming

2010-02-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

On Saturday 20th we had a film crew on site, shooting a scene for a film about Pablo Piccaso. they were on site for around 8 hours and enjoyed a bright day. The requirement was for a 1950's station/train. Paul Freeman plays the lead role, Tim Newton directs.

Two Class 20s arrive

2010-02-21T12:57:00.000-08:00

On Thursday and Saturday last week, we had two class 20 diesel locomotives arrive. These are two of the four that were exported to France in the 1980s and repatriated to the UK in 2005. They have been in store at a road hauliers yard since then.

They are both lined up to be restored over a period of time.

Picture available at: http://geoffsangliaphotos.fotopic.net/

Welcome

2010-02-20T11:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Colne Valley Railway's frequent news service, which is designed to show what is actually happening at the Railway on a daily basis.