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News 2019

November 2019

Time to look back on the 2019 season. Both 'Chaka' and 'Tourska' were used at various times on train services, backed up by the Simplex diesel whilst the Hunslet diesel also made a couple of passenger trips when the Simplex needed attention. There were busy days and quiet ones, but overall it was a satisfactory year. We were able to run all advertised running days, though of course like every other railway, new recruits are welcome, particularly for guarding duties.

Justines boiler steam test [Photo R.Parsons].

'Tourska' is about to reach the end of its ten year boiler life, so will not be available next season and will be missed. 'Chaka' has been taken out of service for winter storage. The good news is that 'Justine' has completed its extensive boiler overhaul, passed the insurance tests, and should soon be back at Toddington with a view to having it ready for next year's train running.

Autumn leaves and linside cuttings [Photo M.Wilsden].

Track and lineside maintenance is always ongoing, with more sleeper replacement and cutting down of dead trees and foliage scheduled during the winter. California Signal Box has continued to receive attention and looks much better, but there is more to do. It will also be rewired over the closed months. The 16mm live steam garden railway is a great attraction as ever, not just for children but older visitors as well!

The 16mm railway [Photo J.Corris].

The 2019 season is not quite finished at the time of writing. A private 'Farewell to Tourska' steaming is due shortly and we have just negotiated two visits in late November and early December by a tour operator with diesel hauled trains. Plans for 2020 running dates are being prepared and will be published here when available.