Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening Gala

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Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC​

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Moorland & City Railways Limited​

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PRESS RELEASE​

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Moorland & City Railways ‘MCR’ is pleased to announce that subject to the ongoing renewal and upgrade work currently underway on the Leekbrook Junction to Cauldon Lowe line and final inspection by the ORR that it should be in a position to return the line to passenger traffic for a celebration event on the 13th & 14th of November 2010.

MCR was specifically setup to purchase the line from Stoke on Trent to Cauldon Lowe for commercial freight traffic. Given the generally better than expected condition of the infrastructure this opportunity has arisen to allow a passenger operation to be promoted ahead of the freight flows.

In collaboration with the Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC ‘CVR’ MCR are planning an intensive 3 train service over the weekend of the 13/14 November 2010 featuring some interesting steam motive power. The weekend of the 20/21 November 2010 will see a repeat of this with the addition of diesel locomotives to recreate a 1960’s theme. This new section of line will see the CVR expand operations from an 11 mile round trip to a 27 mile round trip.

The MCR line closed to passenger traffic on the 30th September 1935, to freight traffic on the 8th February 1988 and has seen only a selection of trains over the weekend of the 16/17th April 1994 with the final charter running on the 28th May 1994. Since then it has remained mothballed.

The route comprises 8 miles of steeply graded railway line offering truly magnificent views of the Moorlands unseen for many years. Steam and diesel locomotives will be working almost at full capacity to pull 6 & 8 coach trains up gradients ranging from 1:40 to in 1:59. The summit of the line at Ipstones is a staggering 1063 feet above sea level. These gradients will give the opportunity to see and hear the locomotives in action working hard.

Locomotives currently booked for this truly amazing event include (and subject to availability) 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’, Stanier Mogul 42968, 8f No. 48624, Large Prairie No. 5199 and a surprise visitor as yet unseen in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Diesel locomotives will include Class 37 37075, Class 33/1 33102 and a return visit by a truly local class of diesel loco. These will be joined by the CVR resident Class 104 DMU.

Pre booked tickets for the event will be available via the CVR website closer to the event at www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk. Special tickets will be available by pre booking only to ride on the first passenger train over the complete line that being the 09:55 ex Froghall to Cauldon Lowe on the Saturday which will be hauled by 71000 Duke of Gloucester.

More specific details of all the plans and special services being operated will be made available as soon as they are confirmed.

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

EVENTS CONFIRMED as of 15/11/2010
http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/
http://www.youtube.com/user/MCRailways

Saturday 13th November
09:50 MCR's first train along the Cauldon Line depart Froghall behind 71000. Pre-booking essential.

Sat 13 / Sun 14 – Steam Gala
Ex BR 8P No. 71000 Duke Gloucester, (courtesy of 71000 Trust)
Ex SR West Country No. 34028 Eddystone, (courtesy of SLL / Swanage)
Ex LMS 5MT No. 44767 George Stephenson, (courtesy of Ian Storey)
Ex LMS 8F No. 48624, (courtesy of 48624 Group)
Ex GWR Large Prairie No. 5199, (courtesy of 5199 Project)
Saturday Night 12 coach National Preservation Forum Special with 48624 banked by 44767 George Stephenson (1915 from Froghall),
LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon on selected services,
LMS Observation Saloon on selected services,
Moorlander dining set serving all day breakfasts on selected services,
Trade stands at Froghall,
Track / PWay equipment display at Cheddleton,
Hot food and beer tent available all day at Froghall,
Classic Fairground & Traction Engines at Froghall.
Timetable http://www.mcrailways.co.uk/documents/93.pdf?mcrailways=ca84ccb2346f7c337b06d2b249496ecb

Mon 15
Driver Experience course with 34028 Eddystone on the CVR. Pre-booking essential. £700 per person. Call 01782 621380 to book and for further information.

Wed 17 / Thurs 18
Private Charters. Fully booked.

Fri 19 - Steam Running Day/ NSRC & CVR Members Day
71000 Duke Gloucester + 34028 Eddystone + 44767 George Stephenson + 5199
Intensive 3 train timetable, with all Cauldon trips banked.
LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon on selected services,
LMS Observation Saloon on selected services,
Moorlander dining set serving all day breakfasts on selected services,
Trade stands at Froghall,
Track / PWay equipment display at Cheddleton,
Hot food and beer tent available all day at Froghall,
Classic Fairground & Traction Engines at Froghall,
Discounted travel to members of North Staffordshire Railway Trust / 71000 / 34028 / 44767 / 48624 / 5199.

Sat 20 / Sun 21 Nov – 1960’s Gala
71000 Duke Gloucester + 34028 Eddystone + 44767 George Stevenson + Class 37 No. 37075 + Class 33021 + Class 24 + Class 25 No. 25059.
Intensive 3 train timetable, including banked trips up Cauldon.
Saturday night 12 coach enthusiast’s special hauled by 34028 and 33021 TnT,
LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon on selected services,
LMS Observation Saloon on selected services,
Moorlander dining set serving all day breakfasts on selected services ,
Trade stands at Froghall,
Track / PWay equipment display at Cheddleton,
Hot food and beer tent available all day at Froghall,
Classic Fairground & Traction Engines at Froghall,
Birmingham Beatles tribute band at Froghall (20th only),
Gentleshaw Birds of Prey Show at Consall (20th only).

Wed 24 – Steam Running Day
34028 Eddystone + 44767 George Stevenson + Prairie 5199 (/8F 8624),
LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon on selected services,
LMS Observation Saloon on selected services,
Moorlander dining set serving all day breakfasts on selected services,
2 train timetable in operation, all trains to Cauldon will be banked,
Hot food and beer tent available all day at Froghall,
Track / PWay equipment display at Cheddleton.

Fri 26 / Sat 27 / Sun 28 Nov – Diesel Gala
Class 37 No. 37075, (courtesy of 37075 Group)
Class 37 No. 37109, (courtesy of owner)
Class 33 No. 33102, (courtesy of NSRCL)
Class 33 No. 33021, (courtesy of owner)
Class 25 No. 25059 (courtesy of KWVR)
Class 104 DMMU,
Intensive 3 train timetable, all trips to Cauldon banked,
DMU up the bank on Friday 26 ONLY.
Saturday night 12 coach enthusiast’s special hauled by Double-headed 37s with TBC TnT,
LNER Beavertail Observation Saloon on selected services,
LMS Observation Saloon on selected services,
Moorlander dining set serving all day breakfasts on selected services,
Track / PWay equipment display at Cheddleton,
Trade stands at Froghall,
Hot food and beer tent available all day at Froghall.

GENERAL INFO
There will NOT be a Bus service from Stoke-on-Trent station to Froghall as originally planned.
There are NO Lineside Passes for this event for any part of the railway.

PRICES
Day Rover Tickets
Adult Day Rover (over 15): £25.00
Optional Evening Service Ticket (Saturday Rovers only): +£5.00
Children Under 3: Free Of Charge
Child Day Rover (3-14): £10.00
Family Day Rover (2 Adults and 2 Children): £65.00
Platform Ticket for Froghall: £tbc

Period Rover Tickets
Including one free Saturday Evening Service Ticket for first Saturday in period of travel.
2 Day: £45.00
3 Day: £65.00
4 Day: £80.00
5 Day (unlimited day travel): £100.00

Specials
Evening Service Tickets (Beer Train Specials) £10.00 per person unless purchased with a period ticket or Saturday Adult Day Rover.

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Looking forward to hearing 8624 romp up the bank!

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

We are currently working out the events that will take place between the gala weekends I.E the 15th November - 19th November, I would think that we will use the visitors for the 1960's weekend on the 20th/ 21st November.

Regards

Chris

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Cheers Chris, shame 6046 isn't ready yet. That is definately something I am looking forward

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

That too! :lol:

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Very excited about this, will be there!!

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

http://www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk/main/events.php
With October's Diesel Gala now cancelled, does this make Nov 20/21 Diesel ONLY or Diesel AND Steam ?

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Booking essential, for a diesel gala? :s

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

The weekend of the 20/ 21st will be 1960's weekend that will feature upto 4 diesel and 4 steam locomotives. It will be an intensive 3 train service with an enthusiasts special on the Saturday night. More details will be announced soon.

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Due to a few issues at Cauldon Lowe it is not going to be possible to run round. All trains will therefore be "top n tailed" from Leekbrook Junction - Cauldon Lowe - Leekbrook Junction.

This means that some locomotives will be hauling trains of upto 400 tons up the 1 in 45 bank to Cauldon Lowe - bring your ear defenders!!

Regards

Chris

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Been a few speculative comments elsewhere but what will the speed limit be on the Cauldon Lowe branch? Incidently top and tail sounds excellent, added a new dimension to the recent Gloucs / Warks gala.

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Its the CVR operating trains so 25mph. MCR are just letting them operate onto their track, but as the locos (except 71000) don't have TPWS etc they can't run above 25. Also do you really need faster running with a 1in45?

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Would also require quite a good fireman!

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Maybe hard going UP the 1in45 but when you go up you always have to come back down which may require some hard braking to keep within limits!

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

You may say going up a 1 in 45 is hard but, an average of 1 in 30ish is a bit more harder working and harder braking than this mainline (ish) outfit... LOL Come to Foxfield... Engines in there proper enviroment

Rich

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

This is the offical verdict about the speed limit over CVR/ MCR metals.

Until higher speeds are needed the MCR network will be passed for 25mph. Given the gradient and weights of trains even on a commercial basis operating on the Cauldon Branch speed will still be limited to 25mph.

The second phase of MCR's plans is the section of line from Stoke to Leekbrook and the third being Leekbrook to Alton / Leek which could be passed for higher speed subject to refurbishment/ renewal work. The MCR network will run under separate authority (Safety Authorisation / Certification) from the CVR LRO in the long term hence why it can run at higher speeds, the CVR services will stay at 25MPH.

So to conclude the speed limit for this gala and also for the forseable future will be 25MPH.

The thing to remember is that MCR own the track etc so they are not governed by Network rail standards for track maintenance, loco and coach maintenance etc it will be the ORR/ HMRI that will govern this once MCR have written the mainenance procedures/ standards.

Regards

Chris

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Whilst the freight trains at your recent gala were impressive, i think our gradients over 8 miles and being able to ride on the trains will be more impressive! The locos at our gala will be doing hard work on a much longer bank and on heavier trains!

Regards

Chris

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Passenger trains do run over our 1in33, it's just the ONE IN NINETEEN that isn't YET passed for pax... You'll be able to hear us more often when that day comes! :lol:

 

Re: Churnet Valley Railway& Moorland & City Railways Cauldon Lowe Branch re-opening G

Perhaps we should just say that both railways will offer different challenges, both spectacular in their own right, and very good reasons for enthusiasts to visit North Staffordshire.