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Reading General started following Preservation and Southern Electrics
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i think what I would do is imagine a scenario where Grouping didn't happen and some Railways ,in dire straits financially, were taken over by Hudson "Railway King" type figure to create a large Company transcending boundaries. It would take a lot of research to do it properly but something like the idea of the GCR which started "up North" with a view to running to France, taking in the MSLR, Met and SER iirc.
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Possible return of railways to Ashburton
Reading General replied to Highlandman's topic in The railways of Devon
I don't think extending to Ashburton would solve the "caged in" situation you perceive. Personally I think it's a very nice ride to Riverside and long enough for the kids not to get bored. Possibly it needs more to see and do at the Totnes end of the line. Don't forget they did have access to Totnes mainline station but presumably found it wasn't worth the expense and time involved The limitations of the line have been apparent for decades, the DVR bailed out from that site when a better opportunity arose but they are a commercial company, it's not likely a voluntary Society would do that. -
GWR Castle No. A1 / 100A1 "Lloyds"
Reading General replied to WR Tim's topic in UK Prototype Questions
reviving an interesting thread, I just realised today that 100A1 was actually withdrawn before the last Castle was built. -
well nothing will be happening until 2019 at least as the Council have put it on ice until then. By then all the sleepers will need replacing (some were redeemable when we inspected it) 5T 's boiler however is not the basket case you imagine. It was inspected by Peter Scott of the RPSI who quoted €28000 ()it might have been sterling, can't recall) to cut out the affected area and weld in new material on the throat plate. He reported the inner copper firebox and the barrel to be in good condition. I imagine it would need a full overhaul including probably re-tubing . I'm not involved any more but I don't think anything more has happened. The group aren't hard t get hold of . Contact Eddie Barrett at Rea North Estate Agent Tralee (tell him I sent you) or check out facebook https://www.facebook.com/traleeanddinglerailway/ For what it's worth I don't think it will run again in any meaningful form whilst the Council want to run the show.
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Reading General started following West Clare Railway, Moyasta, Ireland. and Paltfrom 4a Reading General
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yes, you are right there isn't a large (or even modest) body of Enthusiasts to rely on and there isn't the same Volunteering tradition either. Developing Tourism is the reason for the interest in the locality , something that will benefit all the local population. It's no co-incidence that the small nucleus of Railway minded persons involved includes a few UK ex-pats.
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The managing group have achieved a great deal in winning the hearts and minds of the Owners of the line. You may not see much on the surface, but due-diligence is currently taking place and we expect to move forward shortly. Funding is 99% in place and motive power and materials have been sourced. Loco 5T has been inspected and a quote for boiler repairs received which is about a tenth of previous guesstimates. We are currently in the hands of bureaucrats , so it's anyone's guess how long this process will take. It's a game of diplomacy and many obstacles have been overcome. Yes, there is a great deal to do but if we don't do this no one will. Rather than joining the ranks of the negative, why not join us to save this line? It has huge potential, with Tralee Town at one end and a restored windmill at the other, and a wetlands park in the middle. Not to mention the parallel ship canal and backdrop of spectacular mountains. The current plan is to rebuild the line next summer and open at Christmas 2016. The Town of Tralee and it's various organisations are fully behind the scheme, which seen as the No1 priority for tourist development so vital to the local economy. Steaming 5T again is seen as of paramount importance. Yes we've a mountain to climb and we need help from the enthusiast community. We've had a rocky ride getting where we are at times, but we aren't dwelling in the past. The original operators made mistakes which we aim to rectify. A train operating from one bare platform to another is not a preserved line and we intend to improve on the railway ambience side and create more than just a train ride. All we need is Kerry Co Council to give us the go ahead. That's from the horses mouth so to speak, you won't get real info elsewhere.
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Oops! - learning photography by making mistakes
Reading General replied to eastwestdivide's topic in Photography