November 21st 2023 Funding update
Raffle
The Peak Railway Association annual raffle has generated over £8,500 to date. This is a record amount for the time of year. From previous raffles most of the income was generated in December with the Santas. If you are a member and haven’t already done so, please return your raffle tickets to help the fund.
The raffle money usually goes to a large project at Peak Rail, which will benefit the organisation and enhance the attraction to the visitors. With the money from last years raffle we bought the toilet block which is in the car park at Rowsley. This is a welcome addition to the busy weekend and special events the railway operates.
We are still looking for members to come forward to volunteer to sell raffle tickets on the Santas, so if you can spare half a day or more, please get in touch with us at rosters@peakrail.co.uk
Royal Pioneer
The donations for Royal Pioneer have now exceeded £18,300. This has been a fantastic response to the appeal. We are in discussions with a boiler repair company and hope to soon announce that the boiler has left Rowsley for the specialist work to commence.
Meantime, work has continued on Royal Pioneer at the engine shed in Rowsley. The work is under the supervision of Peak Rail’s General Manager Mark Sealey. The majority of the work occurs through the “Thursday Club” which is open to all members of PRA. If you would like to help, contact Mark on 07979 496488
November 17th 2023 FRIENDS OF PEAK RAIL 100 CLUB
See the latest results here
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HERE November 11th 2023 Water Tower update
The structure for the water tower was erected last week over 3 days. The time was chosen as we have stopped running services while we decorate the train and platform ready for the Santas specials.
On Monday all the parts were checked and organised. The frame had previously been assembled by the manufacturer Swift Engineering in Buxton before it went to paint. All the fixings were sorted into bags ready for assembly.
On the following day two of the largest sides were assembled on the ground and then lifted into place. A small issue with the position of the mounting holes alignment was quickly resolved.
The short days meant we had to finish early afternoon, but we managed to get the structure up and leave it in a safe condition for the following day.
On the Wednesday the tower structure was completed with the end gantry fitted.
The next steps are to complete the ladder assembly. This is currently being made in the Rowsley workshop.
The water tank is making progress. Most of the fittings have been manufactured and are now being assembled. There are a few more due before we can lift the tank onto the tower structure. All the labour to erect the tower has been from the Peak Railway Association volunteers. There are many skilled members who have contributed their time to this. We should also remember that the funding for this project has been made possible from the donations made by the members through the Covid pandemic and a most generous donation.
The illustration below is a computer generated image from the drawings produced for the water tower and shows the completed project.
October 11th 2023 PRA cabin refurbishment
The relocation of the PRA cabin from the old picnic area into the car park happened earlier this year.
Its condition was looking a little tired. As it was sited next to the newly acquired toilet block it was decided that the exterior needed blast cleaning and then painting.
Due to the vagaries of the Derbyshire weather this was completed this week. There is still some minor works to be completed but now the two cabins match they look more in keeping with the railway.
September 1st 2023 PEAK RAIL NEWS 2
Royal Pioneer Appeal:
The appeal began with a letter sent to all PRA members in May with the AGM papers as well as being on the PRA website. The amount raised in donations to the appeal stands at £5,745. There is also £7,500 held by the Plc from donations made to their Covid appeal in 2020 which altogether gives a total of £13,245. This is an impressive start to an appeal that will need to raise around £80,000. Thank you to all who have contributed so far. For details of the appeal and how to donate please visit the PRA website. Jointly the Plc and PRA are currently investigating engineering facilities that can progress the boiler work required as fund raising progresses. Other work necessary on the loco will be completed ‘in house’ by the Thursday night shed team. This will require the sourcing of appropriate lifting jacks to lift the frame clear of the wheels.
Loco Update:
In early June, 1955 built, Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T S102 Cathryn, Works No 1884, arrived following a two year agreement from Ecclesbourne Valley Railway (EVR). Built to a design used for the supply of locos to the Port of London Authority it was bought by the National Coal Board. Cathryn worked at various pits in the Wakefield area but mostly at Newmarket Colliery, Stanley. She was withdrawn in March 1977.
0-4-0ST No 15 Eustace Forth, Robert Stephenson & Hawthorne Ltd Works No 7063, has continued to be the backbone of steam hauled services and steam experience courses.
Class 44, D8 and Class 47, D1501 have shared Saturday services along with the occasional use of Messrs Briddon’s 03, D2128.
A recent new arrival is ex British Railways Class 108 DMU consisting of DMBS 51950 and DMCL
52062. This is in need of some internal restoration which a team of volunteers have already started on. It will be able provide a useful addition to our existing services when finished.
Another arrival at Rowsley has been Network Rail ex Class 37 97301 which joins their Class 73 73138 in storage on site.
Thursday Shed team:
Throughout late June and July work was focussed on S102 0-6-0T Cathryn. Whilst at the EVR the boiler had been sent to Israel Newton & Son at Cromford and passed its hydraulic test in Nov 2020. Although an overhaul of the loco had been mostly completed there remained some work to be finished before it successfully underwent a steam test at the end of July. After a period of running in and rectifying a few further niggles the loco entered service on the weekend 12/13th August. Special mention must go to Tom Dakin, Archie O’Neill and Josh Hough who have worked on the loco many hours beyond Thursday nights.
The Clack Valves on Eustace Forth have been problematic, particularly on the fireman’s side. After attention by the Thursday team failed to produce a lasting solution the valves were removed and sent away for full refurbishment.
Peak Railway Association:
The 2023 Peak Railway Association Raffle is well under way. Towards the end of August sales of raffle tickets stood at £6,389. Books of raffle tickets were sent out to all PRA members with the AGM papers. Huge thanks to all members who have sold/purchased tickets. Volunteers have also been selling raffle tickets on Peak Rail (PR) service trains and during special events. Proceeds from the raffle will enable the PRA to fund projects that will improve the visitor experience and develop the railway. Those identified so far are a new entrance for visitors to Rowsley station and a paved patio area for the Rowsley Buffet.
The proceeds of the 2022 raffle have been used to purchase further toilet facilities for Rowsley. The refurbished toilet cabin was delivered at the end of June and located on the concrete pad in the car park. This pad was put in by Derbyshire County Council due to the original toilet facilities having to be removed to make way for their Multi User Trail extension. All the service connections were provided at the same time. The drains and water supply were connected by PR volunteers with a certified electrician carrying out the necessary electrical work.
The PRA funded project to install a water tower and crane at Rowsley is progressing at pace. The base for the water crane has been completed by PR volunteers. The steel work fabrication for the tower supporting the water tank has just been completed by outside contractors and sent for application of a protective coating before delivery to Rowsley. The next task is to dig a trench to take the water supply to the installation point of the watering facilities.
The Peak Railway Association AGM duly took place on Saturday 10th June in Darley Dale Methodist Church. All the resolutions were passed. The directors would particularly like to thank the members for voting in favour of the special resolution regarding electronic communication. The directors will work towards holding the next AGM earlier next year, preferably in late February when the Railway is not operational, so that volunteers can attend.
P-Way:
A variety of tasks have been undertaken over the past few months. Work has begun on cleaning and greasing all fishplates in the main running line. A start was made from Bridge 37 northwards with progress made beyond Bridge 38 over two Mondays. The plates are removed and cleaned along with the rail by scraper and wire brush. Occasionally the bolts and nuts have to be replaced for which the Dept has purchased a quantity of 100 at £3.75 + VAT each new as replacements. Expense soon adds up when considering that a tub of the grease is £112 + VAT and two were purchased.
Preliminary training has taken place cutting rail with the Disc Cutter. This was on lengths of scrap rail that needed cutting to shorter lengths ready for removal from site. Altogether this looks like producing some 6-7 tonnes for scrap. Further training and examination for competency will occur on the Disc Cutter and Rail Drill in the autumn. This is an essential pre-requisite to track works planned for November, January and February.
Scrap material collected from a clear up and sorting out of P-Way materials, particularly between sidings 1 & 2, was recently loaded and removed the same day. The proceeds from the sale of all the scrap will help towards funding of the P-Way Dept.
The underpass at Bridge 37, originally a cattle creep, has received attention over a couple of Mondays. Firstly, a considerable amount of vegetation required removal to allow access to the underpass.
This then allowed the team to find the drains as the underpass regularly fills with 2-3” of water after significant rainfall. Given how wet July was the team worked in less than ideal conditions. On the second visit the source of the excess water under the bridge became obvious.
The boundary drain on the down side of the embankment at this location was not draining under the access to the underpass and beyond because of a blocked pipe. Instead the water was draining very effectively under the bridge.
The team managed to channel this excess water to the boundary drain on the up side. After a few hours of using drain rods and digging out the drainage ditch on the down side to the south of Bridge 37 the water successfully drained. However on both sides of the railway embankment at this point the ditches drain the water relatively slowly.
It might well be that the ditches require digging out to a greater depth to the south of this location. More immediately a mini digger will be used to scrape out 3-4” of material from the underpass and its access paths at both sides. A perforated drainage pipe will be laid in the underpass and stone added to create a suitable walking surface.
Towards the end of August work started to remove track materials, crossing noses and point blades, off the ground between sidings 1 & 2. Thanks to Andrew Briddon for the use of the HATRAMM. Andrew was also able to move two point motors which are due to go to the Churnet Valley into a more accessible location for collection. Also a number of items belonging to the Briddon’s were retrieved.
ORR Visit.
In early August the ORR made a planned return to follow up on their visit last October. The original meeting was focussed on structures. Peak Rail is one of several heritage railways chosen, as part of an ORR brief, to look into what these organisations understood about the structures they were responsible for. Whilst it was clear that PR did understand its structures and had inspection regimes in place both some internal and external improvement was required. Improved documentation and inspection regimes have been developed which reflect an effective Safety Management System (SMS) along with ensuring that all of the knowledge and understanding is not just with one person. A really valid question asked during the October meeting went something like: ‘What happens if the P-Way Manager gets hit by a bus tomorrow?’ Another point raised by Mark at the original meeting was the lack of an effective SMS but that PR had approached a company called Aspect Rail to address the situation. This document was in place soon after the October meeting. At the follow up meeting the ORR were satisfied that PR had addressed the necessary improvements and also started to deal effectively with the advisory issues they highlighted in their original report. It was really helpful that Ian Hughes of Aspect Rail attended the follow up meeting to support PR.
Operations
Passenger numbers and revenue appear to be holding up well. Wednesdays in particular are proving very popular and an extra coach has been added to the train formation. On Saturdays the Afternoon Tea service is attracting capacity or near capacity bookings.
A number of special event days have been held in conjunction with Fox and Edwards Events. These have included Murder Mystery, Peppa Pig, Paddington Bear and most recently a meet Peter Rabbit day. Fox and Edwards are responsible for promotion, ticketing and entertainment, with PR providing all operational aspects of these events.
In early August the Santa Special ticket sales went live with very encouraging sales so far.
PR has received a revised draft of a Lease from Derbyshire Dales District Council. Negotiations are currently ongoing between the two parties.
Roger Hallatt.
August 31st 2023 Friends of Peak Rail 100 Club Results
A total of 300 members were eligible to take part in the Third Draw of 2023. The Draw took place at a meeting of Sheffield Branch of Peak Rail. The results of the draw were as follows:
1st £225.00 (225) G Smith, Colwick, Notts.
2nd £90.00 (267) G Smith, Colwick, Notts.
3rd £45.00 (342) M Wieteska, Sheffield
3rd £45.00 (189) M Rummery, Liverpool.
3rd £45.00 (320) E Stockdale, Shirebrook, Derbys.
by Colin Peskett, Trustee
August 16th 2023 Water Tower project report
Things are moving on quickly on the project. The blockwork plinth for the water crane has been built and just requires the voids in the blockwork filling with concrete.
The fabrication work for the water tower will be completed this week. The structure is being test assembled to check that everything goes together as designed and after a few “tweaks” will be ready for collection next week.
The image below is the gantry which fits at the side of the water tank 6 metres in the air. There will be a ladder to gain access to it to enable the filling mechanism to be serviced.
The face of the frame has been assembled and the side will be checked this week.
The transport has been booked to collect the steel and deliver to the specialist coaters. The process chosen involves sand blasting every component and then epoxy priming and top coating in a gloss black. This paint protection is a heavy duty process deigned to last well over 20 years. This should be completed and delivered back to Rowsley by mid September.
There are still many jobs to complete including assembly of the tower and tank, digging a trench for the water supply, finishing the refurbishment of the water crane and assembly to the plinth.
It is worth remembering that this has been paid for by the members of PRA and all on site work has been done by volunteers. Where possible all other materials and services have been sourced from with 20 miles of Rowsley.
August 6th 2023 Rowsley site news
There have been a few updates at Rowsley recently following some moves on site. Box vans situated by the engine shed have been moved. The first one moved to the sidings area by the location of the mess coach and the second box van sold.
The space vacated by these vans will allow a new-ish portacabin on site for the EMH group. The group provides support to people in the community and their teams have been at Peak Rail for a number of years. The new facilities will provide a more suitable base for their activities.
Another move has been a container belonging to Peak Railway Association. This was located in the picnic area and has now been moved to the main car park next to the new toilet facilities. This container will be blast cleaned and painted to match in the next few weeks.
The water tower and crane project is progressing. The foundations for the tower have been completed as previously reported and now the water crane foundation has been cast. The next stage is to build the plinth. Rain stopped work on this during the week but it is hoped to commence in the next few days.
The construction of the tower is also underway in Buxton. The walkway has been fabricated, all of the cross members have been drilled and the uprights are in fabrication. Once the test assembly has been completed it will be off for painting.
July 11th 2023 Model Railway Exhibition
This Saturday 15th July the Gauge 1 Yorkshire group have their annual exhibition at the Agricultural Centre Bakewell. The PRA Derby group will have a stall manned by Nigel Carabine.
More details can be found at www.gauge1north.org.uk
July 6th 2023 Water tower update
More progress has been made by volunteers. The concrete for the water tower foundation was poured a few weeks ago, the shuttering was removed and the excavation back filled. This image shows the completed slab and the reinforcement for the water crane foundation.
The foundations for the water crane are very complicated. The design has been dictated by our structural engineers. As well as being a supporting slab similar to the water tower they also have to support a blockwork structure 1125mm or just over 44” above the top of the slab. This blockwork structure has to be connected to the slab with vertical steel reinforcement through the hollow sections of the blockwork and the hold down bolts which will secure the water crane. Once built the hollow sections of the blocks will be filled with concrete. The top of this blockwork is the same height of the surface of the platform, which will allow for a future platform extension.
This computer drawing shows some of the complexity in the blockwork structure.
A few weeks ago, we had the services of an excavator and driver to dig the hole for the water crane foundations.
As before the shuttering was installed with the steel reinforcement. Richard Johnson made the hold down bolts which extend from the foundation slab to secure the water crane. These 4 bolts were nearly 1.5m long and had a M24 thread cut to one end. To ensure the accurate positioning of both the steel reinforcement and hold down bolts a computer drawing was produced by Andrew Treves and then a supporting template frame made with all the correct hole spacings.
This week the structure and all the steel work were assembled. The next stage is to pour the concrete.
As well as the foundations the water supply to the tank has to be made. The location of the water supply has been located and now we need to get excavator back to dig the 65metre trench for the supply.
The fabricators for the steel tower should have all the material to start construction at the end of next week. Once all the steel has been cut to length and the holes drilled it will be test assembled to ensure everything fits together. We expect this to be completed early in August.
The final stage before delivery of the tower to Rowsley is the painting of the structure. We have had some quotes for this as it requires all the steel to be blast cleaned and then spray primed and then top coated. This is the next item to be confirmed.
Finally, a reminder that all this work is being funded by the generous donations and membership renewals during covid made by members of Peak Railway Association.
June 27th 2023 Royal Pioneer Appeal
We are pleased to announce that the Appeal for the restoration of Royal Pioneer has reached £12,746. This has enabled us to commission some welding on the boiler. Also a big thank you to a non member of the PRA who sent us a cheque for £250.
June 21st 2023 FRIENDS OF PEAK RAIL 100 CLUB
Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to those who donated their prize to the Peak Rail Association. Due to the Covid lockdowns from Summer 2020 until Autumn 2021, the 100 Club Draws took place in the street outside my house with witnesses to each Draw. The Draws have returned to Sheffield Branch Meetings. During the lockdown period we introduced payments for Prizes by Bank Transfers instead of Cheques which makes administration easier.
The 100 Club is administered by Sheffield Branch and licensed by Sheffield City Council. If you would like to join the 100 Club then contact me for an application form by either writing to me at 10 The Ridge, Sheffield, S10 4LL or phone 0114 230 7740 and give me your address. The minimum cost is just £1 per month, payable quarterly by standing order. There is no limit to the number of entries you may hold. Existing members can increase their number of entries. If you move home please advise me, as well as the PR Membership Secretary, otherwise it causes me problems sending your prize. Don’t forget the odds are better than the National Lottery.
Prize Draw Information
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HERE June 20th 2023 New toilet cabin
The toilet cabin which has been funded from the 2022 annual raffle has arrived. The cabin was refurbished to our specification by a company in Manchester who delivered it a few weeks ago. It has been positioned on existing hard standing in the car park. All the service connections were installed when the hard standing was put down years ago. The drains and water supply were connected by PRA volunteers and the electrical connection outsourced to a certified professional. The bus and coach gala this last weekend was the first time they were open to the public.
This purchase was made possible by the people who supported our raffle and the volunteers who sold tickets. Building upon this success, we have already started the 2023 raffle and hope to announce what projects will be supported soon.
June 2nd 2023 Water Tower update
The foundation preparation required a full day to set up the ‘bolt boxes’. As the photo below shows, a piece of plywood with 4 holes corresponds to the holes in the tower legs. The long bolts with large square wasters are fitted inside waxed cardboard cones and tightened up. The cones are sealed to the plywood with a caulked sealer. These 4 ‘bolt boxes’ are accurately positioned within the steel reinforcement in height and to fit the pattern of the 4 tower legs. Cross bracing was installed to ensure no movement before the concrete arrived.
Another day and fortunately a dry one we were ready for the concrete. The specification for the concrete was a ‘strong’ mix given by the structural engineers. We opted to use a local company who mix the exact amount required on site. This means you don’t over or under order. The delivery was a little late so we used the time to dig the foundation pad for the steel access ladder for the water tower.
With the cross braces removed the concrete was poured while we stood around and watched.
Note the vertical plastic pipe in the foundation, this is a duct for the water supply. Finally, when the concrete was poured and tamped down, we all stood for a team photo. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped
The next step is to dig the foundation for the water crane, install the wooden shuttering and add the steel reinforcement ready for the next concrete pour. When that is completed, we have to build a blockwork plinth for the water crane.
May 28th 2023 Peak Rail News
Train Operation.
Train services in 2023 resumed over the February school half term holidays. Due to local authorities choosing two different weeks the decision was taken to run on a couple of Wednesdays with the weekend in-between as well. The Wednesdays proved very popular especially with grandparents wanting to occupy grandchildren, taking advantage of the offer for kids to travel free.
The service pattern used was three return services a day. This is the pattern being adopted for the rest of the year. The change from the pattern last year of four return trips is because of operational changes at the Matlock end of the line. Peak Rail services are now operating into Platform 2 at Matlock and then being propelled back to Matlock Riverside and over Bridge 35.
This movement is controlled by the Guard from a cubicle in the rear coach of the train. Communication between guard, driver and signaller is via two way radios. These were purchased for this method of working by the PRA. Once over Bridge 35 the loco then pulls the train into Riverside platform and runs round the train ready for departing north to Darley Dale and Rowsley. The necessary extra movements at Matlock require additional time and hence the reduction from four to three return services per day. This revised procedure was approved by Network Rail and trialled last December when all staff were fully trained.
Regular weekend working began over the weekend of March 11th&12 but unfortunately heavy snow caused the Saturday to be cancelled.
Regular weekend working began over the weekend of March 11th&12 but unfortunately heavy snow caused the Saturday to be cancelled.
Track Inspection after heavy snowfall previous day forced cancellation of services Saturday 12th March
As per last year Saturdays will have diesel haulage of the service train with steam on the ‘Afternoon Teas’ Palatine set. Before this duty the steam loco will be used for Steam Experience footplate courses. A change to previous courses is the use of the LMS Brakevan with the loco to carry accompanying guests on two hour courses which includes a return run down to Matlock Riverside with a Guard provided. Sundays will see services operated by steam.
The Easter period saw very good passenger numbers which was reflected in ticket, shop and buffet revenue.
The Afternoon Teas have proved very popular with passenger numbers either at or close to maximum.
Coach companies are again making bookings which makes a healthy contribution to revenue on operating days.
Special Events.
Railwayana Fair
Sunday 12th March. Usually held at Quorn on the Great Central Peak Rail hosted the event because it couldn’t be accommodated at its normal venue on this occasion. Considering the weather over the previous two days it was an encouraging first venture into this type of event.
Joint ‘Twin Peaks’ Diesel Gala
Over the weekend of 15th & 16th April Peak Rail and Ecclesbourne Valley Railway held the first joint Gala. It proved to be a hugely successful event. Peak Rail operated a two train timetable utilising D8(North Notts Group), D7659, D1501(Waterman Heritage Trust) along with D2128 provided by Peter & Andrew Briddon. The latter proving to be extremely popular with the visiting enthusiasts.
As per last year Saturdays will have diesel haulage of the service train with steam on the ‘Afternoon Teas’ Palatine set. Before this duty the steam loco will be used for Steam Experience footplate courses. A change to previous courses is the use of the LMS Brakevan with the loco to carry accompanying guests on two hour courses which includes a return run down to Matlock Riverside with a Guard provided. Sundays will see services operated by steam.
The Easter period saw very good passenger numbers which was reflected in ticket, shop and buffet revenue.
The Afternoon Teas have proved very popular with passenger numbers either at or close to maximum.
Coach companies are again making bookings which makes a healthy contribution to revenue on operating days.
Special Events.
Railwayana Fair
Sunday 12th March. Usually held at Quorn on the Great Central Peak Rail hosted the event because it couldn’t be accommodated at its normal venue on this occasion. Considering the weather over the previous two days it was an encouraging first venture into this type of event.
Joint ‘Twin Peaks’ Diesel Gala
Over the weekend of 15th & 16th April Peak Rail and Ecclesbourne Valley Railway held the first joint Gala. It proved to be a hugely successful event. Peak Rail operated a two train timetable utilising D8(North Notts Group), D7659, D1501(Waterman Heritage Trust) along with D2128 provided by Peter & Andrew Briddon. The latter proving to be extremely popular with the visiting enthusiasts.
03.901 approaching Red House cutting
D8 waits for D7659 at Darley Dale
On the Saturday evening there was a very well attended social event for volunteers from both railways.
Car Meets.
With a large car park at Rowsley Peak Rail can accommodate groups of car enthusiasts. Three such events have already taken place.
Sunday 2nd April. Cheshire VW car group.
Sunday 23rd April. Vintage vehicle rally. A wide variety of cars but quite a number of Morris Minors and MG’s.
Fine collection of Morris Minor cars at Rowsley
Sunday 7th May. Midland Ford Enthusiasts Club.
Further car meets are planned on a monthly basis by the Midland Ford Enthusiasts Club.
Coronation Event.
On Monday 8th May Peak Rail provided extra train services for an event sponsored by Darley Dale Town council at the Whitworth. Peak Rail was paid to provide Park&Ride facilities from Rowsley to Darley Dale. Two return services were operated by D8 and were well patronised despite poor weather.
The car park at Rowsley is regularly used for caravan and motorhome clubs.
Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards.
Peak Rail volunteers were put forward by General Manager, Mark Sealey, for the ‘Team of the Year ‘award. This was to recognise the way in which all the volunteers on Peak Rail had worked together throughout 2022 to develop the railway and which cumulated with an exceptional Santa Special season. At the award ceremony in Birmingham on ……Peak Rail volunteers were pronounced the winners and collected the award which is now displayed in the lobby outside the Ticket Office at Rowsley.
Other News
On Friday 24th March a joint meeting took place between the directors/trustees of Peak Rail plc, Peak Railway Association and Derwent&Wye Valley Trust. This was the first of what will be a series of meetings to develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ for Peak Rail.
Peak Rail Plc would wish to reopen Matlock Shop but as a themed Tea Room. To this end consultation has taken place with the landlord, Arch Company, as to the possibility of financial help, through a grant, towards refurbishing the building. The building requires significant work and therefore expenditure including re-roofing, rewiring, plumbing, a heating system, toilet and re-plastering. Estimates are being prepared for submission for a proposal to the Arch Company.
Every Thursday evening there is a now a ‘Shed Team’ working in Rowsley Engine shed under the guidance of General Manager Mark Sealey. The main tasks are to keep up to date with the routine maintenance of our one and only steam loco at the moment, No 15 Eustace Forth. Some remedial work is being carried out on Austerity No 72. This is coming to a conclusion and the loco will hopefully be leaving by mid June. Work will then turn to the Plc Austerity ‘Royal Pioneer’ formerly named ‘Warrington’. Progress is being made on getting parts ready for returning Class 08,
08870 to service. In the coming months a repaint of a Mk1 SK will be undertaken. All volunteers are very welcome with training and banter freely given.
Waterman Heritage Trust Small Prairie 5553 is on hire to the Bodmin&Wenford railway for 2023. Class 25 D7659 will also shortly on its travels to various railways. Two other locos will soon join 0-4-0 Eustace Forth in the steam fleet at Peak rail. After a delay 0-6-0 Austin No 1 will arrive in mid June from the Llangollen Railway. Also another 0-6-0, Kathryn, will join from The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Meanwhile work will soon start on the boiler and firebox of the Plc’s own 0-6-0 ST Austerity ‘Royal Pioneer’. Another recent loco arrival has been Network Rail Class 37 for storage 97301.
As previously mentioned the members of PRA have funded, through their generous donations during the Covid pandemic, the manufacture and installation of watering facilities at Rowsley. The foundation work and manufacture of a new tower has started. The aim is to complete installation of the water tower, tank and water crane by later this year.
Also, the PRA, through its annual raffle, has funded a modular toilet block which will be installed on the hardstanding in the car park at Rowsley. Currently this is planned for June.
Toilet block during refurbishment
The P-Way team continues to meet every Monday, Bank Holidays excepted. Current work includes sleeper replacement at Darley Dale and cleaning/greasing of fishplates on the main running line and loops. On Saturdays work takes place at Rowsley unless a track inspection is due.
Sleeper replacement at Darley Dale
Compiled by Roget Hallatt
May24th 2023 Royal Pioneer joint appeal launched between PRA and Peak Rail
“Royal Pioneer” 0-6-0 NO WD 150
Most of you will know Royal Pioneer was taken out of service nearly 10 years ago. This was to enable a complete overhaul. Progress has been slow despite volunteers giving a lot of their time to the work. To date the motion and brake equipment has been refurbished together with most of the body and tanks.
The next big item is a full overhaul of the boiler to obtain a 10-year ticket. It is estimated that this will cost £75,000. The earliest a specialist boiler company can start work is 18 months and we now need to commit to that timing. This gives us a window in which to find the monies.
This year Peak Rail plc and Peak Railway Association (PRA) are jointly running a new appeal. All money raised will be ring fenced for this specific project by the PRA and will not be spent on anything other than Royal Pioneer. Our first target is the purchase of 180 boiler tubes required. Presently these cost approximately £45 each, making £8,100 in total. If you would like to purchase one or more please send your donation to Peak Railway Association.
Peak Railway Association already has £2,500 in a ring-fenced account and approval has been given to release this for specialist welding on the boiler. This year Peak Rail plc will be allocating the £7,500 donated to them by the shareholders appeal in 2021. This makes a good start to the appeal.
You can donate in two ways; either send your single donation via bank transfer using the reference Royal Pioneer: -
Account Name: Peak Railway Association Ltd
Sort Code: 16-25-21
Account No: 10052935
Or by post with a cheque made out to Peak Railway Association and short letter stating “Royal Pioneer donation” to the Peak Railway Association Treasurer at: -
P. H. Waller, Fern Cottage, Main Road, Eyam, Hope Valley, S32 5QW.
Progress can be seen at www.peakrailwayassociation.co.uk or www.peakrail.co.uk
Any support you can give will be much appreciated.
The above appeal letter was sent out to all PRA members with the Annual General Meeting papers on 18th May and in the last 6 days we have received £659.51.
May 10th 2023 Water Tower progress
As mentioned in the News page in September 2022 and February 2023, the PRA are funding a water tower and crane at Rowsley.
Work started at Rowsley on May 3rd for the excavation for the foundations.
The hole for the foundation was dug in a morning. A service duct was installed for the mains water supply and marker pegs installed to get the correct depth on stone. Eight 1 tonne bags of Type 1 MOT stone was levelled and compacted, but we soon realised that more would be required.
This brought an end to the first day, thanks to Mick, Clive, David and Martyn with his telehandler.
Second day Tuesday May 9th.
With another 5 bags of stone delivered and the hire of the vibration plate collected by Harvey, the team completed the stone layer for the foundation.
The foundation design was specified by our structural engineer. The steel reinforcement was ordered a few weeks ago and was installed on 50mm concrete spacers. The stuttering was installed and the boards backfilled.
The next stage is to install the hold down bolts in the steel reinforcement and get the concrete poured.
During a lunch break one of the team asked how much it had cost and did we get any quotes for labour. The team over 2 days work have saved almost £3000 in labour costs. All materials used so far have been sourced from within 20 miles of Rowsley which is in line with our policy using local suppliers.
March 11th 2023 HRA Awards
Peak Rail volunteers have won the HRA award for Team of the Year Award at the annual award and dinner held in Birmingham.
This is a new award sponsored by the Heritage Railway Association is for outstanding contributions from groups of staff or volunteers at heritage railways and tramways.
The award was received by volunteers Jacob Short, Jack Thompson, Sue Morgan, Adam Bennett and General Manager Mark Sealey.
The finalists for this award were
- Peak Rail – Peak Rail volunteers
- Railway Preservation Society of Ireland - The Curatorial Committee
- East Lancashire Railway – Santa Special Team 100+ volunteers
- Great Central Railway – The Heavy Tractor Group
- The Terrier Trust CIO – Tracks through Poplar project team
March 9th 2023 Buxton branch meeting cancellation
Due to the severe weather waring for the Peak District, this evenings meeting of the Buxton branch has been cancelled. The slide show by Graham Wood of local Buxton Steam will be re-scheduled.
February 23rd 2023 PEAK RAILWAY ASSOCIATION LTD AGM
The AGM will be held on Saturday 10th June 2023 at 13.00 in the Church Hall of Darley Dale Methodist Church.
February 23rd 2023 P-WAY UPDATE 9th 2023 PRA NEWS
The most recent work has been to make a start on removing vegetation from the space between P-Way Sidings 1&2. Unfortunately, this has engulfed track material which has been stored on the ground for many years. Liberated so far have been a Buffer Stop, short lengths of rail and a couple of Crossing Noses. There is still a way to go before all is uncovered. Material suitable for further use will be stored more appropriately and the rest scrapped. Work will then move onto to the space between sidings 2&3.
A task that is required from time to time is unblocking the drain from the Ashpit. Not a pleasant job at the best of times. Unfortunately, when undertaking this task a few weeks ago, the drain was found to be well and truly clogged up with a thick sludge. The middle of three inspection pits was found to be the heart of the problem. Sludge had collected in this and then into the drains leading into and out of it. Having removed dozens of buckets of water and sludge the drains were then rodded free. This meant someone being down the inspection pit in two foot of sludge. So I was volunteered!
Roger Hallatt
P-Way Manager.
February 9th 2023 PRA NEWS
The Directors of the PRA would like to thank all the members and visitors who supported the 2022 PRA raffle. This has raised £12,000 towards improvements for visitors to Peak Rail at Rowsley South. Following discussions with the Plc the Directors have decided that the proceeds should firstly fund the provision of extra toilet facilities. Research is currently underway on companies that refurbish ex construction site container toilet blocks. Such a unit would fit on an existing concrete pad in the car park at Rowsley where all the necessary utilities exist. Any remaining monies will help the Plc to develop a new visitor entrance to Rowsley South station.
As previously mentioned the Directors have ring-fenced the donations received by the PRA during the Covid pandemic which amounted to nearly £10,000. This has been allocated to provide watering facilities at Rowsley South. The drawings and calculations for the water tower, tank and foundations have been passed by a firm of Structural Engineers. The Plc has also received approval from Derbyshire Dales District Council, as per a requirement of the Lease, for erection of the watering facilities. The Directors have sought quotes from several companies for the steelwork fabrication and finishing.
Another item of expenditure agreed by the Directors is the purchase of two way radios, at a cost of £1100, for the new method of working out of Matlock Platform 2. After satisfying Network Rail regarding appropriate risk assessments, method of working, modification of a Mk1 coach and training Peak Rail can now propel out of Matlock and run round at Matlock Riverside. This means there will no longer be the necessity to top and tail services using Matlock Platform 2 or as in the past two years to operate services only to Matlock Riverside and run round. The six hand held sets come with ear pieces and a charger with six slots. The purchase also includes a Technically Assigned Licence which allocates a frequency for Peak Rail use only to avoid outside interference when the radios are being used by drivers, guards, signallers and station staff.
The sheeting used to cover the Steam Crane has proved ineffective in strong winds becoming torn to shreds. The Directors have approved the purchase of four large rubberised sheets, at a cost of £900, which should give much more effective protection from the weather.
Roger Hallatt
31/01/23.
February 3rd 2023 P-WAY REPORT
Over the last couple of weeks the Monday team have been working at Darley Dale. The first task was to replace a broken fishplate on the Down Line within the station environ. Unfortunately, when both plates on the joint were originally removed the rail contracted due to the ongoing cold weather conditions at the time. The solution was to knock the keys out of several track panels and adjust the expansion gaps at each joint accordingly. At the same time the fishplates and rail ends were cleaned and greased. The next task was immediately the other side of the Level Crossing again on the Down Line. In a 45ft track panel four sleepers had been identified for replacement. This work was planned for completion in January/February due to the Railway being closed. The presence of the Up Line on one side and point rodding plus a concrete trough on the other presented a problem to undertaking the usual method of sleeper replacement. So the rails were removed onto timber blocks in the 4ft. This then allowed the removal of the life expired sleepers and their replacement with quality second hand hardwoods. Thanks to Ian Salisbury for instructing the team in the Safe Method of Working for removal and replacement of the rail. The work on this panel will be completed next Monday.
Last Friday, with help from Martin and his machine, Paul Downer and I moved the old oil drums containing track materials. This has taken them off the ground and onto a flat wagon. All the drums have been covered with sheeting as protection against the weather. This has opened up access to the rest of the space between P-Way sidings 1&2. This will allow the removal and assessment regarding the condition of further quantities of track materials stored there for the last couple of decades.
Over the past few weeks the admin side of the P-Way Dept has moved from the Works Train into the Engine Shed office. A refurbished computer and a filing cabinet have been added.
Roger Hallatt
P-Way Manager
January 7th 2023 Raffle Draw
First of all a Happy New Year to all the members of Peak Railway Association and the volunteers who support Peak Rail. Also a thank you to all the visitors who have supported us and the railway in 2022. The Santas Specials which ran in December were sold out at the end of November making it a very successful end to the year.
Our annual raffle was drawn today at the buffet on Rowsley Station at 12.00. Our thanks go to Nigel Carabine who organised the event and he drew the first ticket with a prize of £500. All winners of the 13 prizes will be contacted in the next few days. Thank you for supporting Peak Rail whether you bought the ticket as a member of a visitor on the Santas Specials. All the proceeds from the raffle will go to improving the facilities at Rowsley.
The winners of the 2022 raffle are:-