10800 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Completing my selection of pics from the recent holiday, we had a very pleasant day on the Dean Forest railway, including Sunday lunch on the Royal Forester dining train. Starting at Norchard: Our train arrives from Lydney Junction The Mk1 RB and RMB look a bit worn on the outside, but they've done them up nicely inside Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 I took advantage of the DFR's offer to have footplate rides from Parkend to Lydney (a nice touch I thought, on a first come first serve basis for a £20) Then back to Norchard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 Finally a few pics at Parkend, for the time being the northern extent of the line Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium DavidLong Posted September 26, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 26, 2012 Finally a few pics at Parkend, for the time being the northern extent of the line I love Parkend. What an excellent job they have made of it. I called in on my way back from the Wells show a couple of years ago and I must try and get back soon. I'd like to see the new Whitecroft as well. Thanks for the pictures. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MJI Posted September 26, 2012 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 26, 2012 I haven't been there since the 1980s, was pretty good then. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold The Fatadder Posted September 26, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 26, 2012 How was the dining train? It was something I was thinking about for the next time I go there (without the dog of course) Was quite pleased with my visit past Saturday, and more importantly although she was a bit unsure when the loco entered the station, she seemed to quickly acclimatise and was loving it by the end (the railways provision of dog water at stations also helped.) Just wish the Severn rail bridge and sharpness or Berkeley station were still in existence, the line is so close to home yet takes an hour to drive there! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
APOLLO Posted September 26, 2012 Share Posted September 26, 2012 Nice photos, thanks for posting. DFR is my favourite preserved line, we always make a visit when we stay at Ross, every couple of years or so. Wonder why the bogie hoppers / track is so overgrown. Being "preserved" they should be a little tidier !!. Good to see Parkend looking so "right". Are there plans to go further north from Parkend ? Brit15 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted September 26, 2012 Author Share Posted September 26, 2012 How was the dining train? It was something I was thinking about for the next time I go there (without the dog of course) Hi Rich It was OK but not the best IMO. Service fine, choice a bit limited (only pork or chicken when we went plus a veggie option which I think was salmon). Starts from Norchard, up to Parkend, back to Lydney and by the time you're back at Parkend again they are serving coffees. Doesn't compare with the Pullman diner on the Bluebell for example, but that is quite a bit more expensive. Still good value though and includes all-day rover tickets. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted September 26, 2012 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 26, 2012 Nice photos, thanks for posting. DFR is my favourite preserved line, we always make a visit when we stay at Ross, every couple of years or so. Wonder why the bogie hoppers / track is so overgrown. Being "preserved" they should be a little tidier !!. Good to see Parkend looking so "right". Are there plans to go further north from Parkend ? Brit15 I agree re the overgrown wagons - that's a bit of a surprise for a heritage railway, we've got one at Tiverton Jct that's only marginally more overgrown than those examples! As for extending, I believe it is the DFR's stated aim to reach Speech House Road. Given that Travellers Rest is only 1/4 mile from Parkend, and Coleford Jct another 1/4 mile after that, I expect that Coleford Jct would be the first intermediate goal? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10800 Posted September 26, 2012 Author Share Posted September 26, 2012 I agree re the overgrown wagons - that's a bit of a surprise for a heritage railway, The crew on the Pannier referred to them as the railway's 'mobile garden'! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kev_Lewis Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 Great photo's. I've had two great days out on the DFR this year, once by myself and with parents, sister and our dog. It's a lovely railway and I thoroughly recommend it as a really good day out. I'd really like to make it back up there for one of thier "bygone branchline" days where they have 1450 and the two auto coaches running. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
br2975 Posted November 8, 2012 Share Posted November 8, 2012 I couldn't agree more with the sentiments expressed. . Now I'm the grandfather of twin boys, they provide an excuse for additional trips to the DVR - for a 'Day out with Thomas' of course, something which they do very well. . Brian R Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-UnitMad Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Ooops... I haven't been keeping track of this section of RMweb, sorry I'm a bit late to this thread!! Never mind the Dogfish hoppers - that crane has been stuck in the undergrowth at St Mary's Halt almost as long as the DFR has existed, hasn't it..??!!?? Nice pics - Parkend has always been my favourite station on the DFR, as it was that end of the line I discovered first. Sad that they had to cut the track that used to lead to Marsh Sidings when they put in the loop; as it looks like they're relaying track by the Goods Shed, anyone know if there are plans to link that siding to the loop? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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