Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway Updates

Has Harry never run in preservation then? I was under the impression that it had, many years ago! Thanks for that info, very interesting!

 

Harry went to Chequerbent straight from NCB Walkden Central Workshops where it had been oou since 1973 (last used at Astley Coll.). Having checked it seems that Harry didn't go direct from J.K.Holt to Bryn but was part of the Shropshire Collection between 1992 and 2001.
Ray.

 

Harry was last used by the NCB in October 1970. Astley Green Colliery had closed in April 1970 and its washer remained open until October 1970 when rail traffic ceased. Harry was at Walkden yard by early November 1970 as I saw it there then. It wasn't overhauled for use at other collieries as the Workshop foreman at Walkden John Bronson told me it needed new crown stays.

 

A black saturated 0-6-0 tender engine purporting to be 52322 arrived at the railway this week.....

 

Haha. Surprised they haven’t tried to dress it up as something else!

 

Donald and/or Douglas ?

 

I believe it will be the genuine 52322. Douglas is on a long term deal with the Spa Valley

 

Went to a Polar express 'event' there over the festive Period, hauled by the above.. well organised and enjoyable thought it a tad expensive but that didnt seem to be putting people off and hopefully was a good earner
The Railway had to hire in carriages as the 'show' required opens which are not numerous at Embsay, we were lucky enough to be in a Gresley open 3rd (23956 ?)which was very nicely turned out - wondering where that came from...

 

From the NYMR, a few of the LNERCA teaks seem to go out on hire now over Winter as not needed at Pickering this time of year. Think that particular one went to Cholsey and Wallingford last Winter.

 

I’m delighted that Embsay’s polar express season has gone well.

They’ve invested hugely in Bolton Abbey Station including extending the platforms, completing or certainly making significant progress with platform 2, acquiring the parcel vans, improving the car park at BA and renovating/improving various other areas of the railway. Most of the money I think had come from Polar bookings, but the investment they’ve made means they’re set up for the long term with some fantastic improvements to their offering and have been able to complete some jobs that otherwise may not have been done for a few years.

Hopefully, this sets them up for a successful summer season, and the profits from next year’s Polars will put them on a better financial footing - I’ve seen their long-term plan and it’s really exciting.

 

Perhaps borrow an S160 for next years...

 

Would most passengers even notice the difference?

 

Some nice footage there, whilst i'll openly admit i'm partial to an s160, 52322 does look the part at Embsay either on a freight or the Polar Express complete with headlight and bell......

 

Nicely presented train...

 

Probably deserves it's own thread, but anyway, Embsay has anounced a gala! - https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/...ilway.org.uk/events/transport-festival&g4=yes

 

Good information there, and reasonable pricing.

 

More info - https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/events/transport-festival

 

Saturday TT - https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=875 ... 7384575564

I'll post the rest when I find them! I do have a picture version, but can't seem to be able to post images!!!