Churnet Valley Railway General Discussion

Is there any news on repairs to the Blue S-160 after it's mishap earlier in the year?

Hope the damage wasn't too severe and repairs are going well.


Chris

 

In progress, we'll let everyone know when she's ready.

 

Fantastic visit to Rail Ale Trail yesterday, hopefully another big success for the CVR.

It was clear the new marquee at Cheddleton was a big success. Although the bar capacity seemed to struggle a bit.

It certainly felt a little busier than last year which is good to see. Hopefully signals well for its ongoing success and expansion, along with the majority of sold out dining dates for the rest of 2026.

Even with 7 carriages it did make me wonder if/when leek opens, just how much more popular this event could be! And how much more capacity it would need or could be created.

 

Rail Ale 2026 was indeed a success, with income up on previous years. The Chedd tent is a 2yr trial for ourselves, this year showed promise and so next year the provisional plan is to expand slightly further.

Operationally next year we will have a 2-train service on the Saturday, this year I just ran out of time to retrain the Signallers and complete work needed at Cheddleton. Hopefully this should be all rectified by the Autumn. There are exciting times ahead...

 

That’s great news I’m really pleased. The 14 of us certainly played our part in upping the coffers. It’s one of my favourite days of the year. Especially with great weather again despite some drizzle in the morning.

A two train operation will be great, the carriages on the Saturday were very full. Not unbearable but very busy.

Allegedly there’s a great big flat space in Barnfields that would look great with a marquee on it next to a platform next year…

I really could imagine with Leek and potentially Oakamoor Holiday park via the sand sidings far in the future the popularity of the line will just skyrocket.