TYNEDALESMAN
MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
NUMBER 153�������������SPRING 2008“TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO” ARTICLE
Twenty Five Years Ago
by Steven DykeA look back through Tynedalesman No. 52, published in May 1983, gives an insight into progress towards the opening of the first section of our line:-
“Through the efforts of working parties during recent weekends, and despite continued unfavourable weather, construction of the first section of the line is now nearing completion. Structural repairs to bridge no.57 [South Tyne river] have been completed, enabling the track across the bridge to be re-instated at Easter, although only on a temporary basis at present, as more fill is required to re store the correct level of the trackbed. The re-instatement of track has permitted the passage of works trains, so that track-laying work could resume, and track is now in situ as far as the site for our initial terminus, where construction of a run-round loop is proceeding rapidly.”
“The bodywork of both passenger carriages is now complete except for the fitting of doors, which will be done as soon as the necessary locks are available. Construction of the bodywork has been undertaken largely by staff on the Manpower Services Commission scheme, while painting has been done mainly by Society members; the carriages are in a maroon livery with a lighter red band at waist level, and grey and cream interior paintwork. Work on the Hibberd diesel locomotive [no.1] has also continued and its new appearance, with enlarged cab and bonnet, is now almost complete. The Simplex diesel locomotive [no.5] has continued in regular use on works trains, for which the bogie van [no.21 - the former ambulance van] acquired last year has also proved very useful.‘
“Work to be undertaken in the immediate future includes completion of the run-round loop, including installation of lever frame and point rodding, and ballasting the remainder of the line. Operating rules are being drawn up and arrangements made for staff training. As always, work on site remains in the hands of a small group of ‘regulars’, and as yet there has been little response to our request for operating staff.” Sounds familiar?
“The Society’s A.G.M. has usually been held in June or July, but this year it has been decided to defer the meeting until later in the year, when construction of the first section of the line has been completed. In future, it may well prove more convenient to arrange the meeting for a date after the end of the main summer operating season as a matter of course.”
Even before the railway opened, a special event attracted a large attendance: “The road run and display organised by the North-East Club for Pre-War Austins on Sunday 22 May proved to be a successful and popular event. Entrants from several starting points converged at Alston and displayed their vehicles in the station car park for the afternoon. A quick count gave a total of 74 vehicles, filling the car park to capacity; parking space for other visitors being arranged on the playing field nearby ... It was heartening to see crowds at the station once again, giving a foretaste of what we hope will soon become a regular scene when trains begin running.”
South Tynedale Travel rail excursions were a feature of the Society’s activities at that time:-
“The ‘Pennine Panorama’ excursion to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway on Saturday 9 April proved to be very successful; a fully booked train, with several late bookings having to be turned down. On the day, all went according to plan, with the added benefit of good weather, enabling passengers to see the scenic Settle and Carlisle route and the Worth Valley to best advantage.” That proved to be the first of several ‘Pennine Panorama'’ trains, which gave a major boost to the Society’s finances.
“Our next excursion is the ‘Severn Valley Venturer’, from Carlisle, Tyne Valley line and Newcastle ... at a fare of �13.95 inclusive of unlimited travel on the Severn Valley Railway for the afternoon ... Fortunately, the landslip which recently closed part of the Severn Valley line has been remedied!" Sounds familiar?
And “The Lovely Viaduct at Lambley” was ex-tolled in verse by Jane G. Sowerby:-
“Oh! Noble bridge, of beauty, bright,
For years you’ve given such delight,
Your lovely arches - strong and tall,
And now - so sadly, left to fall.No more along you runs the train,
To see you scorned, it gives us pain.
You’re just abandoned, I do fear,
To travellers all you were so dear.”Fortunately, in more recent times, the viaduct was restored rather than being “left to fall’, but whether it will ever carry trains again is another matter. From the several other verses, there is one that recalls unofficial use of the viaduct by pedestrians in an era less concerned with safety:-
“And some, who trespassed by the side,
Did meet the engine — face to face.
No space to wait and safely bide,
Their feet, they dangled into space.”Steven Dyke
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For more information about the South Tynedale Railway, please contact:-
THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY,
Registered Office Address:-
The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.
Telephone 01434 381696.
Talking timetable - Telephone 01434 382828.
Registered Charity No. 514939.
Limited by Guarantee: Company Registration No. 1850832 (England).E-mail enquiries - please click on links below:
South Tynedale Railway information - Send e-mail to South Tynedale Railway
STRPS membership information only - Send e-mail to Kathy Aveyard
Tynedalesman information only - Send e-mail to Tynedalesman compilersMission Statement for the South Tynedale Railway:-
�To provide satisfaction for our customers and volunteers
by operating a friendly, safe and efficient narrow-gauge railway.�
� South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, June 2008.