| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway Posted by Ralph Ayres at 10:35, 8th September 2026 |     |
Good to see something a bit more unusual than the ex-industrial saddle tank that heritage lines of this size typically use. Must pay a visit once it's up and running.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway Posted by bobm at 09:40, 8th September 2026 | |
From an email to members
The Swindon and Cricklade Railway Trustees are thrilled to announce Steam is returning to the Railway in October.
The Railway will soon be welcoming the arrival of the ‘Lady Lisa’. Lady Lisa is a rare vertical-boiler “coffee pot” steam locomotive that has been operating on the Lavender Line in East Sussex. Built and manufactured in 1920 by Cockerill in Seraing, Belgium, as a shunting engine with a wheel arrangement of 0-4-0 VBT (Works No 2950).
Originally named Yvonne before being renamed Lady Lisa, the locomotive was withdrawn from service at Brussels Gas Works in 1967 and was stored until 1987. She moved to the Lavender Line in 2013 and returned to steam following extensive restoration.
With the arrival of Lady Lisa the railway is looking for any members who wish to be re-certified as steam crew and be rostered to operate her. Training for those who wish to be involved with the Loco can also be arranged. We will be offering Driver Experiences and Footplate Experiences to our customers.
Dates when the loco will be in action will be published on our website soon.
The Railway will soon be welcoming the arrival of the ‘Lady Lisa’. Lady Lisa is a rare vertical-boiler “coffee pot” steam locomotive that has been operating on the Lavender Line in East Sussex. Built and manufactured in 1920 by Cockerill in Seraing, Belgium, as a shunting engine with a wheel arrangement of 0-4-0 VBT (Works No 2950).
Originally named Yvonne before being renamed Lady Lisa, the locomotive was withdrawn from service at Brussels Gas Works in 1967 and was stored until 1987. She moved to the Lavender Line in 2013 and returned to steam following extensive restoration.
With the arrival of Lady Lisa the railway is looking for any members who wish to be re-certified as steam crew and be rostered to operate her. Training for those who wish to be involved with the Loco can also be arranged. We will be offering Driver Experiences and Footplate Experiences to our customers.
Dates when the loco will be in action will be published on our website soon.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 10:42, 28th May 2023 | |
With the glorious (and for a bank holiday weekend, unusual) weather I took another trip to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Oh OK there was a beer festival there too!
The principle steam loco there is GWR 6695. It was rescued from Barry in 1979 and ran for a time on the West Somerset but was damaged while on a low loader and hadn't been in steam since 2015. It was fully overhauled and past its boiler test last Autumn. It is now part of the Swindon & Cricklade's 45th anniversary celebrations.
Although the ride is short by comparison to some heritage lines - it has some of the best upholstered coaches I have seen!
| Re: Apparent arson at Swindon & Cricklade Posted by infoman at 18:52, 11th August 2021 | |
Extension of the line was/is featured on BBC points west on wednesday 11 august towards the end of the programme.
Available for TWENTY FOURS ONLY on the i-player catch up service
| Re: Apparent arson at Swindon & Cricklade Posted by broadgage at 14:00, 8th June 2021 | |
It is my belief that arson whether against railway equipment or otherwise needs to be taken far more seriously by the police and by the courts.
A prison term should be the norm for all but trivial cases.
And life imprisonment should be the norm if life is lost, even if the arsonist claims that killing was not the intention.
| Re: Apparent arson at Swindon & Cricklade Posted by grahame at 12:20, 8th June 2021 | |
https://www.wiltshire999s.co.uk/police-investigating-suspect-arson-attack-at-swindon-and-cricklade-railway/
Oh no - not again!
Wiltshire Police is appealing for witnesses after a suspected arson attack at Swindon and Cricklade Railway.
Fire crews were called to the site in Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, at around 5.50am yesterday morning (07/06) due to a railway carriage being alight.
The fire was quickly brought under control, but the recently-restored carriage had been completely destroyed.
Investigating officers believe the fire was started deliberately.
Fire crews were called to the site in Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, at around 5.50am yesterday morning (07/06) due to a railway carriage being alight.
The fire was quickly brought under control, but the recently-restored carriage had been completely destroyed.
Investigating officers believe the fire was started deliberately.
Thanks for your post, Hal ... I will probably merge this with previous incidents once we get past the hump of initial discussions.
| Apparent arson at Swindon & Cricklade Posted by Hal at 11:52, 8th June 2021 | |
https://www.wiltshire999s.co.uk/police-investigating-suspect-arson-attack-at-swindon-and-cricklade-railway/
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 14:08, 19th October 2020 | |
With the railway running compartment stock they are able to segregate individual parties quite easily and boarding and alighting was well organised. (and good value for ?7)
? Not sure? Or pesky fonts?
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by smokey at 13:26, 19th October 2020 | |
With respect to the Two Tadpole Farm pictures from bobm, I never reaiised that telegraph poles grew SO quickly
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 15:19, 18th October 2020 | |
Took a trip to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway today for their first steam operating day of the year. GWR 0-6-2T 5619, built in Swindon in 1925, was in charge. It is also planned to operate next Sunday before moving on to the Epping & Ongar Railway.
With the railway running compartment stock they are able to segregate individual parties quite easily and boarding and alighting was well organised. (and good value for ?7)
The trip also gave me the chance to see how much the Tadpole Farm development is changing the landscape near the railway.
2013 compared to 2020
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 20:07, 27th May 2020 | |
Sadly this thread is turning into a catalogue of vandalism incidents.
https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/18479215.vandals-cause-hundreds-pounds-damage-historic-swindon-railway/
VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.
This is not the first time that the historic site has been targeted by hoodlums but the fact that the railway has been closed for weeks and had none of the usual income from visitors will make this latest blow more difficult to recover from.
Volunteers are appealing for donations to help them cover repair costs.
A spokesman said: "Another heartbreaking discovery tonight at Taw Valley Halt. One of our members was taking his hour exercise and took the decision to check up on our station site.
(Continues in the link above)
This is not the first time that the historic site has been targeted by hoodlums but the fact that the railway has been closed for weeks and had none of the usual income from visitors will make this latest blow more difficult to recover from.
Volunteers are appealing for donations to help them cover repair costs.
A spokesman said: "Another heartbreaking discovery tonight at Taw Valley Halt. One of our members was taking his hour exercise and took the decision to check up on our station site.
(Continues in the link above)
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 16:44, 27th April 2020 | |
More problems for the Swindon & Cricklade..
Fences have been damaged as members of the public illegally accessed a railway line near Swindon.
It’s believed people have been visiting the site despite the locked gates to walk alongside the railway, or cross the tracks at Swindon and Cricklade Railway over the weekend.
It’s believed people have been visiting the site despite the locked gates to walk alongside the railway, or cross the tracks at Swindon and Cricklade Railway over the weekend.
More here
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by infoman at 08:01, 22nd August 2019 | |
Film footage being shown on BBC1 local news at 07:55 on thursday
Might be shown again at 08:25 and 09:05am
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 16:04, 21st August 2019 | |
Wiltshire Police appealing for witnesses after more vandalism.
We are investigating two incidents of criminal damage at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway where vintage carriages have been damaged by vandals.
Overnight into the early hours of Tuesday 13 August, three vehicles were damaged - six carriage windows were smashed on the Moonraker dining coach which is currently undergoing restoration.
A window on a carriage used for regular activities in the school holidays was also damaged, as well as a window on the recently acquired exhibition coach which had not long been refurbished.
Then overnight into Saturday 17 August, volunteers arrived at the site to find that two further railway vehicles had been attacked overnight. The Mk1 BR Brake Coach which was awaiting restoration had the majority of its windows smashed, while a specialised track maintenance vehicle was targeted and had a window broken.
PC Teresa Herbert said: "The railway is a charity and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who give up their time not just because they have a keen interest in the railways, but to enable members of the public, both young and old, to enjoy the facilities and it is extremely disappointing to hear of these latest incidents which have threatened to disrupt some of the school holiday activities they regularly host.
"The members tell me the impact on them is considerable. They are now facing a bill for several thousands of pounds, and in operational terms, it also puts them back several months, if not years.
"I'd like to appeal to those who are responsible for these mindless acts of vandalism to think long and hard about their actions, and the impact their behaviour can have on the local community."
Anyone with information should call 101 and ask to speak to PC Teresa Herbert.
Overnight into the early hours of Tuesday 13 August, three vehicles were damaged - six carriage windows were smashed on the Moonraker dining coach which is currently undergoing restoration.
A window on a carriage used for regular activities in the school holidays was also damaged, as well as a window on the recently acquired exhibition coach which had not long been refurbished.
Then overnight into Saturday 17 August, volunteers arrived at the site to find that two further railway vehicles had been attacked overnight. The Mk1 BR Brake Coach which was awaiting restoration had the majority of its windows smashed, while a specialised track maintenance vehicle was targeted and had a window broken.
PC Teresa Herbert said: "The railway is a charity and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers who give up their time not just because they have a keen interest in the railways, but to enable members of the public, both young and old, to enjoy the facilities and it is extremely disappointing to hear of these latest incidents which have threatened to disrupt some of the school holiday activities they regularly host.
"The members tell me the impact on them is considerable. They are now facing a bill for several thousands of pounds, and in operational terms, it also puts them back several months, if not years.
"I'd like to appeal to those who are responsible for these mindless acts of vandalism to think long and hard about their actions, and the impact their behaviour can have on the local community."
Anyone with information should call 101 and ask to speak to PC Teresa Herbert.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 22:06, 21st July 2019 | |
From This is Wiltshire
10 ways in and around Swindon to nip boredom in the bud
1 Swindon and Cricklade Railway is worth a visit at any time of year, but sunny summer days are ideal for experiencing all the much-loved heritage railway, based at Blunsdon, has to offer. This summer’s programme includes a series of services hauled by both steam and vintage diesel locomotives, as well as various special events.
[etc]
1 Swindon and Cricklade Railway is worth a visit at any time of year, but sunny summer days are ideal for experiencing all the much-loved heritage railway, based at Blunsdon, has to offer. This summer’s programme includes a series of services hauled by both steam and vintage diesel locomotives, as well as various special events.
[etc]
| Pacer to Swindon and Cricklade Railway Posted by PhilWakely at 08:55, 26th June 2019 | |
Sorry if this is old news, but apparently, Pacer unit 143603 is headed for the Swindon and Cricklade Railway upon retirement at the end of the year.
| Re: 35011 has arrived at Cricklade Posted by Phantom at 10:25, 16th April 2019 | |
Nice footage on BBC popints west local news on Monday 15 April.
https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org/general-steam-navigation-35011/
| 35011 has arrived at Cricklade Posted by infoman at 19:26, 15th April 2019 | |
Nice footage on BBC popints west local news on Monday 15 April.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 12:29, 12th August 2018 | |
Makes a change to read a story about the Swindon & Cricklade which doesn't involve vandalism - from Swindon Advertiser.
Police asked volunteers from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway for their help in moving the woman, who had broken her leg, from a remote field near Oakhurst back to the station. The Spartan steam engine came to her aid.
Adrian Thompson, a spokesman for the railway, said it was the first time the volunteers had been called to help with a medical emergency of this kind. He added: “We’re proud of having been of assistance in getting the patient to hospital.”
On Facebook, North Swindon police said members of the public had called 999 on Saturday morning after hearing screams for help near the old steam railway line in Oakhurst.
Adrian Thompson, a spokesman for the railway, said it was the first time the volunteers had been called to help with a medical emergency of this kind. He added: “We’re proud of having been of assistance in getting the patient to hospital.”
On Facebook, North Swindon police said members of the public had called 999 on Saturday morning after hearing screams for help near the old steam railway line in Oakhurst.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 08:50, 28th July 2018 | |
Disturbing story from the Swindon Advertiser
YOBS tried to derail a train as it approached a station on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
Staff on the train spotted two youths stood on the line at Taw Valley Halt, near Mouldon Hill, on Wednesday afternoon attempting to jam pieces of wood into the tracks.
Fortunately, the train driver managed to stop in time and one youth fled while the other was taken back to the station.
Railway spokesman Adrian Thompson was shocked by the the encounter.
He told the Advertiser: “When they saw the train coming towards them they ran towards the train would you believe.
(Continues in link)
Staff on the train spotted two youths stood on the line at Taw Valley Halt, near Mouldon Hill, on Wednesday afternoon attempting to jam pieces of wood into the tracks.
Fortunately, the train driver managed to stop in time and one youth fled while the other was taken back to the station.
Railway spokesman Adrian Thompson was shocked by the the encounter.
He told the Advertiser: “When they saw the train coming towards them they ran towards the train would you believe.
(Continues in link)
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by johnneyw at 21:55, 27th November 2017 | |
And I am going there soon
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Oberon at 21:49, 27th November 2017 | |
I think the original track was lifted later than stated, 1963-4
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by onthecushions at 18:52, 27th November 2017 | |
The photo in "This is Wiltshire" shows the clearing work being undertaken with the pinnacles of Cricklade's St Sampson's church tower in the near distance. Good news.
OTC
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 05:08, 27th November 2017 | |
From This is Wiltshire
HERITAGE volunteers have got up a head of steam clearing decades of undergrowth as they prepare to begin extending the track along its historic route towards the old Cricklade station.
The line shut more than half a century ago but Swindon and Cricklade Railway is working on a plan to re-open it and they will be using sleepers taken up by Network Rail during their own major project to upgrade the Great Western route.
“The track bed is severely overgrown with trees and alike which have been able to take root as the line was closed and lifted on this section by 1961 and we would appreciate any available help,” said Adrian Thompson, one of the volunteers.
The line shut more than half a century ago but Swindon and Cricklade Railway is working on a plan to re-open it and they will be using sleepers taken up by Network Rail during their own major project to upgrade the Great Western route.
“The track bed is severely overgrown with trees and alike which have been able to take root as the line was closed and lifted on this section by 1961 and we would appreciate any available help,” said Adrian Thompson, one of the volunteers.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 10:18, 18th February 2017 | |
Another vandal attack on the railway reported by the Swindon Advertiser
VOLUNTEERS at Swindon and Cricklade Railway are in despair after vandals targeted their rolling stock yet again.
The discovery comes after they were told the suspects arrested on suspicion of causing last May’s devastating fire, which destroyed one of their prized vintage diesel trains, would not be prosecuted.
Volunteers were already reeling after finding out that their insurance company would only cover 15 per cent of the £80,000 claim.
Then on Tuesday a working party discovered unsightly graffiti had been daubed over one of their prized trains and the Moonraker dining car.
“It is something that the railway can do without,” said secretary Roger Barber. “We have a limited amount of time to do the work and we don’t want to divert that effort to cleaning up after idiots.”
The damage is believed to have been done between volunteers leaving on Sunday and arriving on Tuesday morning.
“There were people working on them at the weekend so we’re sure it was not there on Sunday,” he said, adding that people had contacted them, offering to help with the clean up but the group was going to contact Swindon Borough Council’s graffiti team for expert advice because of the risk of damaging the delicate paintwork underneath.
The DMU train is believed to be the only one of its kind in working order in the country. “It was built by the Gloucester Carriageworks and it is relevant to this area,” said Mr Barber. “It is in the throes of restoration and we expect to have it running later this year.”
Suspects were arrested in the wake of the arson attack on May 20, but Mr Barber said they had been told by the Crown Prosecution Service that the case had been dropped because there was no realistic chance of a conviction. “It is gutting, simply because of the message it sends out,” he said.
As well as the train, two wagons containing rare electrical equipment collected to extend the signalling system were obliterated. It was this loss that the insurance company refused to pay out for.
The discovery comes after they were told the suspects arrested on suspicion of causing last May’s devastating fire, which destroyed one of their prized vintage diesel trains, would not be prosecuted.
Volunteers were already reeling after finding out that their insurance company would only cover 15 per cent of the £80,000 claim.
Then on Tuesday a working party discovered unsightly graffiti had been daubed over one of their prized trains and the Moonraker dining car.
“It is something that the railway can do without,” said secretary Roger Barber. “We have a limited amount of time to do the work and we don’t want to divert that effort to cleaning up after idiots.”
The damage is believed to have been done between volunteers leaving on Sunday and arriving on Tuesday morning.
“There were people working on them at the weekend so we’re sure it was not there on Sunday,” he said, adding that people had contacted them, offering to help with the clean up but the group was going to contact Swindon Borough Council’s graffiti team for expert advice because of the risk of damaging the delicate paintwork underneath.
The DMU train is believed to be the only one of its kind in working order in the country. “It was built by the Gloucester Carriageworks and it is relevant to this area,” said Mr Barber. “It is in the throes of restoration and we expect to have it running later this year.”
Suspects were arrested in the wake of the arson attack on May 20, but Mr Barber said they had been told by the Crown Prosecution Service that the case had been dropped because there was no realistic chance of a conviction. “It is gutting, simply because of the message it sends out,” he said.
As well as the train, two wagons containing rare electrical equipment collected to extend the signalling system were obliterated. It was this loss that the insurance company refused to pay out for.
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by patch38 at 13:31, 5th February 2017 | |
Yes, but 'Midland and South West Junction Coffee Shop' just hasn't got that ring to it...
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by JayMac at 00:27, 5th February 2017 | |
Clearly Midland and South West Junction and not GWR, right?
Depends. Are we talking pre- or post- 1923 grouping?
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by grahame at 22:10, 4th February 2017 | |
Anyone else think, from the topic title, that this was going to be about an opportunity to walk along some of the Settle & Carlisle line? 
On a Great Western forum? I mean, really chaps... 
Clearly Midland and South West Junction and not GWR, right?
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by patch38 at 22:42, 21st January 2017 | |
On a Great Western forum? I mean, really chaps...
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by ChrisB at 16:58, 21st January 2017 | |
Anyone else think, from the topic title, that this was going to be about an opportunity to walk along some of the Settle & Carlisle line?
A walk across Ribblehead Viaduct would be fantastic!
A walk across Ribblehead Viaduct would be fantastic!
Errrr....yup!
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by Western Pathfinder at 16:19, 21st January 2017 | |
It's quite a climb up the bank from underneath but a great view once you are up on top
I should add that at no time was I on the Railway .
| Re: Walk the S&C Posted by JayMac at 15:48, 21st January 2017 | |
Anyone else think, from the topic title, that this was going to be about an opportunity to walk along some of the Settle & Carlisle line?
A walk across Ribblehead Viaduct would be fantastic!
| Walk the S&C Posted by patch38 at 14:21, 21st January 2017 | |
From Wilts & Glos Standard
http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/15038361.Rare_chance_to_walk_Swindon_and_Cricklade_railway_line
Residents are being offered a unique opportunity to walk along the tracks of the Swindon and Cricklade railway.
The railway team are holding the sponsored walk on Sunday, February 26, to help raise funds to purchase a new marquee.
By finally owning a marquee, rather than hiring one at various times during the year, the railway will be able to make their various events more profitable.
The fundraiser promises to offer attendees the rare chance to walk along the railway line, which is seven miles long.
It will start at Mouldon Hill, Taw Valley Halt, and go to Cricklade, before returning to Hayes Knoll for a tour of the engine shed for those interested.
The walk will then continue to Blunsdon for tea, coffee and a cake, before the final stretch back to Mouldon Hill.
For walkers that do not wish to walk the full length, the route can be broken into smaller segments.
As an incentive, anyone raising more than £400 will get a free driver experience, for which there is an age limit of 18.
For under-18s that raise this sum, two family passes to events are on offer.
For more information, or sponsorship forms, contact Bill Daly by calling 01793 778110, emailing daly1968@hotmail.com or visiting swindon-cricklade-railway.org
The railway team are holding the sponsored walk on Sunday, February 26, to help raise funds to purchase a new marquee.
By finally owning a marquee, rather than hiring one at various times during the year, the railway will be able to make their various events more profitable.
The fundraiser promises to offer attendees the rare chance to walk along the railway line, which is seven miles long.
It will start at Mouldon Hill, Taw Valley Halt, and go to Cricklade, before returning to Hayes Knoll for a tour of the engine shed for those interested.
The walk will then continue to Blunsdon for tea, coffee and a cake, before the final stretch back to Mouldon Hill.
For walkers that do not wish to walk the full length, the route can be broken into smaller segments.
As an incentive, anyone raising more than £400 will get a free driver experience, for which there is an age limit of 18.
For under-18s that raise this sum, two family passes to events are on offer.
For more information, or sponsorship forms, contact Bill Daly by calling 01793 778110, emailing daly1968@hotmail.com or visiting swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Raising £400 and getting a drive sounds like a fair deal!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 15:36, 18th August 2016 | |
It would be a bit like using Red Rum, ... for kiddy-rides on Weston beach.
Red Rum, of course, used to carry little people (jockeys rather than kiddies) up and down Ainsdale beach.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/other-sport/horse-racing/legend-born-aintree-hero-red-9168179
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 09:09, 18th August 2016 | |
So it's a natural progression to see trains we knew in our youth running on preserved lines, and that today's youth will, as grandparents, take their grandchildren to see the trains they knew on the main line. The future may bring some significant challenges in running technically sophisticated trains with long-since unavailable electronic gizmos being a vital part of their systems, just as we see a dearth of operational third rail preservation today due to the additional issues with ground level electricity.
Exactly - a train capable over over 125 mph on the West Somerset would bring issues. Would the driver actually need the throttle? It would be a bit like using Red Rum, Shergar, and Nijinsky for kiddy-rides on Weston beach.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 07:03, 18th August 2016 | |
And of course I have seen HSTs at Minehead, but as visitors, not as heritage stock in use on a daily basis.
...yet.
On the Great Central (Nottingham) an original HST power car is said to be something of a regular already - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_41_(HST) - although that line runs only at weekends rather than daily and there seems to be plenty more stock listed on the line.
Preserved and heritage lines tend to "major" on previous generation equipment, I suggest. So it's a natural progression to see trains we knew in our youth running on preserved lines, and that today's youth will, as grandparents, take their grandchildren to see the trains they knew on the main line. The future may bring some significant challenges in running technically sophisticated trains with long-since unavailable electronic gizmos being a vital part of their systems, just as we see a dearth of operational third rail preservation today due to the additional issues with ground level electricity.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by trainer at 22:15, 17th August 2016 | |
And of course I have seen HSTs at Minehead, but as visitors, not as heritage stock in use on a daily basis.
...yet.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 21:58, 17th August 2016 | |
And of course I have seen HSTs at Minehead, but as visitors, not as heritage stock in use on a daily basis.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by PhilWakely at 16:24, 16th August 2016 | |
The thought of riding in a 153 - and a HST for that matter - on a heritage line does not compute. But it must happen one day.
nuff said!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 09:37, 16th August 2016 | |
The thought of riding in a 153 - and a HST for that matter - on a heritage line does not compute. But it must happen one day.
Works for me ....
Let's imagine 2 x heritage 153s based at the 'far end' of main line connected heritage railways that serve significant populations at the far end. One diagram, so that there's a robustness while the other is serviced, and perhaps a national pool and some sharing arrangement which would give the ability to have centralised specialist work done and for replacement units to be available at times of heavy maintenance.
"Offseason" ... a single 153 runs from Terminus to Junction at commuter times ... perhaps a few back and forths, then an evening peak service. "Onseason" the back and forths during the day may continue, or may be displaced by a "more heritage" train or by changing from the 153 along the way.
Above is written in general very intentionally - may be "blue sky" or may be "pie in the sky" but there are places it might work.
It's not beyond the realms of possibility for the Swindon and Cricklade to actually reach both Swindon and Cricklade in a "few" years time. And a service from Cricklade, calling at Blunsdon and Sparcells, to run into Swindon. I saw a picture of a field at Blunsdon with a note "this will become 1,700 houses" the other day ... and someone mentioned a park and ride for Swindon on the Kemble line, as I recall. Cricklade's not huge - it's only got about twice the population of Gunnislake, and perhaps not hugely different to Looe.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by John R at 08:54, 16th August 2016 | |
GWR ran an HST to Minehead a few years ago, and it got far more attention than those boring old steam locomotives for the many linesiders. Was a very good day out.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 08:48, 16th August 2016 | |
The thought of riding in a 153 - and a HST for that matter - on a heritage line does not compute. But it must happen one day.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:31, 15th August 2016 | |
There's a difference between "heritage" and "knackered", although I'm not sure how to put it into words.
'Heritage' is a 153.
'Knackered' is a 143.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 17:14, 15th August 2016 | |
Some on the 17:35 from Swindon on weekday evenings might suggest they are heritage now.
There's a difference between "heritage" and "knackered", although I'm not sure how to put it into words. Something on the lines of "If you see a rook on his own, he's a crow, and if you see a lot of crows together, they're rooks". Probably a better comparison would be Spike Milligan's "One man making a tactical withdrawal is desertion, but a whole regiment deserting is a tactical withdrawal" (or similar - from Puckoon)
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 23:24, 14th August 2016 | |
Some on the 17:35 from Swindon on weekday evenings might suggest they are heritage now.
Indeed ... but there's some wonderful and useful heritage stuff about. Recall the LHCS trains from Cardiff to Taunton that were preferred to the newer 150/1s? In fact the 153 are so popular that we need another couple now - attach one to the current diagram, and run a new single car service opposing it, passing around Chippenham.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 22:47, 14th August 2016 | |
Some on the 17:35 from Swindon on weekday evenings might suggest they are heritage now.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by TonyK at 22:45, 14th August 2016 | |
... and in 15 years time have a connection there from Swindon, or indeed a though service from Swindon to Cricklade using what will by then be a heritage 153!
Heritage 153 in only 15 years?
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 15:21, 14th August 2016 | |
A very enjoyable day but rather concerned that my travelling companion and I were the only passengers on the three coach train as we made our trip from Taw Hill and there were only six more on the return trip.
We went up there yesterday and it was MUCH busier.
Train to Swindon, No. 15 bus from the stop right outside the station to "The Tawny Owl", trains every Wednesday this month, every Saturday until the end of October, and every Sunday. On Sunday to help confuse you, it's the no. 19 such from Stop E on Fleming Way!
Written up on Facebook to help encourage others.
Here's a different picture to the ones on Facebook:
Generals comment?
Interesting day. Lack of information about getting there by train / bus - nothing at Swindon Station (applies to finding just about anywhere in Swindon!) and bus driver didn't know whether he was the bus to catch on not. Lack of information at Taw Valley Halt; timetable was just a timetable leaflet pinned up (they have an odd timetable layout) which had faded so that steam and diesel train days looked the same - I suppose that didn't matter once you had arrived. Nothing about where to get your tickets. They could probably do a few little things to get a lot more passengers, and to be that much more welcoming.
Sad to see lines of stock awaiting restoration; they're by no means unique in this, but it depresses me. Two locos in steam, 3 coach train which - let's put it like this - would probably need a lot of work to get it main line certified. Nice display (as it was a special weekend) of traction engines and vintage cards, good to see it a lot busier than on Bob's visit.
Lots of happy volunteers doing it because they clearly enjoyed it. A few might have benefitted from a little training in marketing and customer relations, but I do understand.
For what we got, I felt the price was a little high. I commented this to other couple waiting for the bus back, and they explained just how expensive it is to restore and run steam locomotives, and that they're all volunteers. Yes, I understand all of this but should it really have cost more from Taw Valley Halt to Brent Knoll (under 3 miles?) than it cost from Melksham to the Tawny Owl (just under 30 miles)
Clearly an ongoing project, and lots of potential. I hope they build on / up and do well. Who knows - in 5 years time they may have a station alongside the Kemble line at Sparcells, and in 15 years time have a connection there from Swindon, or indeed a though service from Swindon to Cricklade using what will by then be a heritage 153!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 19:27, 9th July 2016 | |
Made a return visit today to see how things were after the recent fire which destroyed one half of their "Thumper" and damaged the remaining part.
The railway operates a diesel service on a Saturday and without their DEMU they have pressed their Swindon built BR Class 03 2151 into service with three coaches.
Saw the replacement half of the Thumper they have managed to obtain at Hayes Knoll - still in rather flaky Network SouthEast livery.
A very enjoyable day but rather concerned that my travelling companion and I were the only passengers on the three coach train as we made our trip from Taw Hill and there were only six more on the return trip.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 18:36, 5th June 2016 | |
Answering my own question ...
http://www.emu.vintagecarriagestrust.org/Preserved%20Electric%20Multiple%20Units%20&%20Railcars.pdf
... looks like there's around 20 complete 3rd rail units around.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Oxonhutch at 14:18, 5th June 2016 | |
At the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway we are host to Linda the Lymington Flyer: a BR 411/9 - 3 car CEP.
She was out and about this weekend (4-5th June) being hauled by a guest Class 66 very kindly provided by DB Schenker.
Being only air-braked, the CEP usually requires haulage by our dual braked Class 08 as a third rail at 750V DC on a heritage railway would be a bit dodgy!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 11:42, 5th June 2016 | |
Thanks for that reference to the electric railway museum, very interesting site.
I never knew it existed and was unaware of the extensive collection they have there. I wonder how many could actually make it out onto the mainline.
I never knew it existed and was unaware of the extensive collection they have there. I wonder how many could actually make it out onto the mainline.
I've often wondered about this museum / whether to take a trip there but I wonder at how sad and perhaps decrepit some of the exhibits might be and whether I want to. Little in running order, I guess.
I've a fondness for Southern Electric having been brought up on it and would love to see a running site; health and safety would be an issue, with the 750v around, and I suspect that little stock would be mainline capable. Candidate lines could include Horsted Keynes to Ardingly which was once electrified, or perhaps Brockenhurst to Lymington Town alternating in the hour with the SWT service to Lymington Pier - the one in the hour that connects with the ferry. Think there could be space for a good enclosed depot off the main line, and history tells us the line's a candidate for special consideration at times.
Where else are there electric units / coaches preserved? There's a 4DD carriage at Sellinge and I think another one at Northampton Ironstone. There's a 4COR unit. Something at NRM ...
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Billhere at 10:49, 5th June 2016 | |
Whoops that should have been combined 5" and 7 1/4", I recognise some of it in the photo's
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Billhere at 10:46, 5th June 2016 | |
Thanks for that reference to the electric railway museum, very interesting site.
I never knew it existed and was unaware of the extensive collection they have there. I wonder how many could actually make it out onto the mainline.
I sold a load of 5 inch gauge track to them last Summer and just thought it was something fledgling and fairly small. Certainly wrong there then!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by onthecushions at 14:02, 4th June 2016 | |
There is indeed talk of reforming with a different trailer. Personally, I would like to see the opportunity taken to use one of these - though huge work needed: http://bulleid4dddoubledeck.co.uk/gallery.html
Failing that, choice at http://www.electricrailwaymuseum.co.uk/what.html perhaps making it up to 3 cars?
Failing that, choice at http://www.electricrailwaymuseum.co.uk/what.html perhaps making it up to 3 cars?
The ERM at Coventry has both a 2-HAP and a 2-EPB. The HAP unit with the 207 power car would then be very similar to a 3-H, Hampshire unit. I believe the power cars had buckeyes at both ends so only the jumpers would need extending.
OTC
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by grahame at 19:57, 31st May 2016 | |
There is indeed talk of reforming with a different trailer. Personally, I would like to see the opportunity taken to use one of these - though huge work needed: http://bulleid4dddoubledeck.co.uk/gallery.html
Failing that, choice at http://www.electricrailwaymuseum.co.uk/what.html perhaps making it up to 3 cars?
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by onthecushions at 21:28, 25th May 2016 | |
It seems that it was the DTSO (that's the driving trailer) not the DMB (the car with the diesel engine) that was gutted. An exact replacement may not be possible as the 207 trailers were narrower than standard for Hastings line use, it seems. A 2-EPB or 2-HAP would do nicely, drawgear permitting.
OTC
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by trainer at 20:42, 22nd May 2016 | |
How very sad for all. Monetary compensation is not enough for something so rare, I know, but can you get insurance for these things? I'm sure all the volunteer hours and care will be beyond calculation.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by patch38 at 20:04, 22nd May 2016 | |
Very sad.
Doubly so for me - I was due to drive it later this year, courtesy of an inventive birthday present.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Spaceship at 13:59, 22nd May 2016 | |
Thats a great shame
, I feel for those guys who spent their time refurbishing it earlier this year. | Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by PhilWakely at 18:19, 21st May 2016 | |
From the Swindon Advertiser
Blaze destroys vintage train
The ^Thumper^ train and destroyed wagons
A TRAIN valued at more than ^100,000 was completely destroyed by fire at Blunsdon this evening.
The vintage diesel Thumper unit owned by Swindon and Cricklade Railway was parked up near the Hayes Knoll end on the main line when the fire was discovered late in the afternoon.
^It is completely beyond repair,^ said a heartbroken trustee Dave Peacey.^
He said he was returning to the railway between late this afternoon he was told what had happened. ^We don^t know when the fire started. I would imagine it has been burning most of the day so how nobody spotted it I don^t know.^
^As far as I^m aware there are only three of these left in the country. It is a very rare train.^
The most depressing thing, he said, was that volunteers had spent January and February completely refurbishing it.
^We are all devastated to say the least,^ he said.
Three box wagons containing electrical equipment were also destroyed. Mr Peacey said it appeared the blaze may have started in the wagons and spread to the two-car unit.
He added that the railway volunteers would have to find an alternative engine and crew if it was to run a service over the weekend.
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service said the alarm was raised just before 6pm.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The ^Thumper^ train and destroyed wagons
A TRAIN valued at more than ^100,000 was completely destroyed by fire at Blunsdon this evening.
The vintage diesel Thumper unit owned by Swindon and Cricklade Railway was parked up near the Hayes Knoll end on the main line when the fire was discovered late in the afternoon.
^It is completely beyond repair,^ said a heartbroken trustee Dave Peacey.^
He said he was returning to the railway between late this afternoon he was told what had happened. ^We don^t know when the fire started. I would imagine it has been burning most of the day so how nobody spotted it I don^t know.^
^As far as I^m aware there are only three of these left in the country. It is a very rare train.^
The most depressing thing, he said, was that volunteers had spent January and February completely refurbishing it.
^We are all devastated to say the least,^ he said.
Three box wagons containing electrical equipment were also destroyed. Mr Peacey said it appeared the blaze may have started in the wagons and spread to the two-car unit.
He added that the railway volunteers would have to find an alternative engine and crew if it was to run a service over the weekend.
A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire service said the alarm was raised just before 6pm.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 17:06, 5th May 2013 | |
To be honest up until a couple of years ago I had never heard of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway but it has been on my list of places to visit since discovering it.
Popped in for three hours today and I wasn^t disappointed. It operates on a small part of the former Midland & South Western Junction Railway which ran from Andover to Cheltenham.
Bearing in mind it is ^land-locked^ with no rail access at either end there is an interesting array of rolling stock.
In the last year it has opened an extension south of its Blunsdon headquarters to Taw Valley Halt which now gives four miles of track with a trip from Blunsdon to Taw Valley, back through Blunsdon to Hayes Knoll and returning to Blunsdon ^ eight miles in total ^ taking around 50 minutes.
Blunsdon Station with the first train of the day about to depart
The main station at Blunsdon won an ^Highly Commended^ award in the National Railway Heritage Awards Competition 2012 for its buildings.
The stock itself is well preserved with the carriages nicely refurbished
The line currently has one operational steam locomotive, the 1942 built saddletank Salmon.
Salmon arriving at Blunsdon from Taw Valley Halt
To the right of that photo you can just see the railway^s caf^ which is based in two coaches which originated in Scandinavia and are licensed to stage weddings!
There is a small but well stocked shop with quite a large range of second hand books as well as new books and souvenirs.
Motorists on Tadpole Lane are in for a surprise as Salmon passes under the road bridge and prepares to pick up the token on the way to Taw Hill.
The car park looked to be full to capacity when I left, but the site is accessible by public transport. Buses to north Swindon reach to about a mile from the site and there is then a 20 minute walk along a moderately busy road which was quite pleasant in the sunny weather.
The view from the walk to railway ^ but soon to be the site of 1700 homes
The railway suffered last year because of major roadworks cutting it off from the Swindon direction but is bouncing back. It is certainly forward thinking with plans to extend further south, and also push the northern terminus forward to Cricklade which will certainly add to its popularity.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by eightf48544 at 20:01, 7th February 2013 | |
The people of Endon are going to be in a similar position when Moorland and City run through from Caldon Lowe to Stoke on Trant.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by stebbo at 18:12, 7th February 2013 | |
I've seen people walking their dogs along the GWR line near Winchcombe. The other year, as I was walking my dog and approached a bridge, a local resident scrambled down off the embankment with her dog just a minute or so before a well-known 9F arrived with a train.
Madness!
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by bobm at 10:24, 7th February 2013 | |
From the Swindon Advertiser
Trespassers warned to keep off rail track
From left, Brian Pound and Dave Peacey of Swindon and Cricklade railway warn about crossing the tracks
^STAY off the tracks before a serious accident happens^. That is the warning from volunteers at Swindon and Cricklade Railway.
They say they are constantly seeing adults and children crossing the railway tracks as a short cut into fields near Mouldon Hill.
Vice-chairman Dave Peacey said the problems were mainly happening on the southern side of the track.
^It is just sheer stupidity,^ he said.^People come out from behind the hedges, which means the drivers have to slam the brakes on, but what people don^t seem to realise is that if the trains are travelling at 10 miles an hour it can take 100 metres to stop ^ there^s no way they can stop any sooner.
^It^s an endless problem and we have got it all the time but it is probably only a handful of people who are doing it.
^We need to catch them and, if we do, we will be prosecuting because it is a criminal offence.^
In a bid to end the problem, the volunteers have put up wire fencing and warning signs but say trespassers have cut the fencing down and smashed the signs in a bid to cut a few minutes off their journey.
Chairman Brian Pound said: ^We see people walking dogs along the lines, lifting bikes over the fence and cycling along, holding their children^s hands and crossing the lines. ^We haven^t prosecuted anyone yet, but if we can catch them we will.
^We need to take a stand, we^d rather prosecute someone than somebody get killed.^
Dave said: ^We have to think of our crews. If something did happen, it would prey on their minds forever, but it wouldn^t be their fault.
^We travel that section of track all the time.
^At weekends we are up and down every hour, but we also go down there a lot for maintenance reasons so it is in use 24 hours a day.
^I know when people moved into the homes that back on to the railway, it was in their deeds that a railway ran along the back of their gardens so if they didn^t like us being there, they shouldn^t have bought the houses.
From left, Brian Pound and Dave Peacey of Swindon and Cricklade railway warn about crossing the tracks
^STAY off the tracks before a serious accident happens^. That is the warning from volunteers at Swindon and Cricklade Railway.
They say they are constantly seeing adults and children crossing the railway tracks as a short cut into fields near Mouldon Hill.
Vice-chairman Dave Peacey said the problems were mainly happening on the southern side of the track.
^It is just sheer stupidity,^ he said.^People come out from behind the hedges, which means the drivers have to slam the brakes on, but what people don^t seem to realise is that if the trains are travelling at 10 miles an hour it can take 100 metres to stop ^ there^s no way they can stop any sooner.
^It^s an endless problem and we have got it all the time but it is probably only a handful of people who are doing it.
^We need to catch them and, if we do, we will be prosecuting because it is a criminal offence.^
In a bid to end the problem, the volunteers have put up wire fencing and warning signs but say trespassers have cut the fencing down and smashed the signs in a bid to cut a few minutes off their journey.
Chairman Brian Pound said: ^We see people walking dogs along the lines, lifting bikes over the fence and cycling along, holding their children^s hands and crossing the lines. ^We haven^t prosecuted anyone yet, but if we can catch them we will.
^We need to take a stand, we^d rather prosecute someone than somebody get killed.^
Dave said: ^We have to think of our crews. If something did happen, it would prey on their minds forever, but it wouldn^t be their fault.
^We travel that section of track all the time.
^At weekends we are up and down every hour, but we also go down there a lot for maintenance reasons so it is in use 24 hours a day.
^I know when people moved into the homes that back on to the railway, it was in their deeds that a railway ran along the back of their gardens so if they didn^t like us being there, they shouldn^t have bought the houses.
| Re: Swindon and Cricklade Railway - heritage line Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 23:09, 6th November 2012 | |
From the Swindon Advertiser:
Swindon and Cricklade Railway receives ^6,000 grant
A renovation project in Swindon which has been hit by delays has been awarded a grant of ^6,000.
Swindon & Cricklade Railway has secured the extra cash from The Hills Group after its coach renovation project suffered a setback due to two extreme winters. The extra money will now ensure the project is finished and the fully-accessible coach is in use for Easter 2013.
The recent grant is in addition to ^21,000 awarded in 2009 through the Landfill Communities Fund, which is administered for Hills by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.
Mike Hill, chief executive of The Hills Group, said: "We have long supported the work of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway which not only provides a marvellous facility for local people and visitors, but maintains a piece of heritage which would otherwise be lost.
"The renovation project will provide them with much-needed extra resources, but they have been hampered by poor weather, a daunting set of repairs and marshalling the volunteers. We're happy to help to make sure all the hard work put in so far is not lost. I certainly look forward to riding in it once all the repairs are complete."
Swindon & Cricklade Railway is Wiltshire's only standard gauge railway and run by volunteer enthusiasts. It runs for three miles between Mouldon Hill and Hayes Knoll.
In 2009, Hills made the first grant to help convert a 1959 corridor coach into an open and integrated vehicle with wheelchair access including an onboard disabled toilet. It was badly damaged by rust and work repairing it was delayed by two ferocious winters and the loss of a volunteer.
Brian Pound, chairman of Swindon & Cricklade Railway, said: "Having the use of this coach will be a great asset to the railway as it means wheelchair users can ride in the same carriage as non-wheelchair users and in a much more comfortable manner."
A renovation project in Swindon which has been hit by delays has been awarded a grant of ^6,000.
Swindon & Cricklade Railway has secured the extra cash from The Hills Group after its coach renovation project suffered a setback due to two extreme winters. The extra money will now ensure the project is finished and the fully-accessible coach is in use for Easter 2013.
The recent grant is in addition to ^21,000 awarded in 2009 through the Landfill Communities Fund, which is administered for Hills by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.
Mike Hill, chief executive of The Hills Group, said: "We have long supported the work of the Swindon & Cricklade Railway which not only provides a marvellous facility for local people and visitors, but maintains a piece of heritage which would otherwise be lost.
"The renovation project will provide them with much-needed extra resources, but they have been hampered by poor weather, a daunting set of repairs and marshalling the volunteers. We're happy to help to make sure all the hard work put in so far is not lost. I certainly look forward to riding in it once all the repairs are complete."
Swindon & Cricklade Railway is Wiltshire's only standard gauge railway and run by volunteer enthusiasts. It runs for three miles between Mouldon Hill and Hayes Knoll.
In 2009, Hills made the first grant to help convert a 1959 corridor coach into an open and integrated vehicle with wheelchair access including an onboard disabled toilet. It was badly damaged by rust and work repairing it was delayed by two ferocious winters and the loss of a volunteer.
Brian Pound, chairman of Swindon & Cricklade Railway, said: "Having the use of this coach will be a great asset to the railway as it means wheelchair users can ride in the same carriage as non-wheelchair users and in a much more comfortable manner."
| Swindon and Cricklade Railway Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:24, 27th October 2010 | |
From the Swindon Advertiser:
Families have been flocking to the Swindon and Cricklade Railway this week for some exciting half-term entertainment.
More than 100 people queued for their chance to board a steam train at the station yesterday and hundreds more are expected at the weekend when the spooky Halloween ghost Trains get under way.
Dave Peacey, the vice-chairman of the railway trust, has been volunteering at the railway for about 20 years. He said: ^The Halloween ghost trains have been running for many years now and they are always a success. We have been working on all the Halloween decorations and there will be volunteers down here dressing the train out and the platform with lots of pumpkins and scary decorations.
^We are expecting about 300 people over the Friday and Saturday. We used to do it over one night but it was so popular we had to spread it out over the two nights.^
The station, which usually opens to the public on weekends, was open yesterday to keep families entertained during the school holidays.
^We have had a steady flow of families through,^ said Dave. ^I think they just like to ride in the trains, they get to see what is in the engine shed, the steam engines being serviced ready for Christmas, locomotives being restored and there is always lots of people here who are willing to answer any questions the youngsters or their parents may have."
The Ghost Trains run from 6.30pm to 8.45pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday. Hot soup and rolls will be served.
Dave said: ^d encourage anyone to come along on Friday or Saturday, it^s a great way to celebrate Halloween. All the children come in their costumes and lots of the staff dress up too. I^ll be the station master so unfortunately I won^t be able to dress up but there will be lots of ghoulish activities going on for the children.^
Family tickets cost ^22. For more information visit the website at www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.
More than 100 people queued for their chance to board a steam train at the station yesterday and hundreds more are expected at the weekend when the spooky Halloween ghost Trains get under way.
Dave Peacey, the vice-chairman of the railway trust, has been volunteering at the railway for about 20 years. He said: ^The Halloween ghost trains have been running for many years now and they are always a success. We have been working on all the Halloween decorations and there will be volunteers down here dressing the train out and the platform with lots of pumpkins and scary decorations.
^We are expecting about 300 people over the Friday and Saturday. We used to do it over one night but it was so popular we had to spread it out over the two nights.^
The station, which usually opens to the public on weekends, was open yesterday to keep families entertained during the school holidays.
^We have had a steady flow of families through,^ said Dave. ^I think they just like to ride in the trains, they get to see what is in the engine shed, the steam engines being serviced ready for Christmas, locomotives being restored and there is always lots of people here who are willing to answer any questions the youngsters or their parents may have."
The Ghost Trains run from 6.30pm to 8.45pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday. Hot soup and rolls will be served.
Dave said: ^d encourage anyone to come along on Friday or Saturday, it^s a great way to celebrate Halloween. All the children come in their costumes and lots of the staff dress up too. I^ll be the station master so unfortunately I won^t be able to dress up but there will be lots of ghoulish activities going on for the children.^
Family tickets cost ^22. For more information visit the website at www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org.
