Poole Park Railway

Similar news in yesterday's Bournemouth Echo: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/n...rk-railway-new-engine-doubt-contractor-issue/
Not good.

 

At the risk of stating the obvious, there's only one 'story' being reported here, albeit one picked up by more local outlets than normal. Let's hope there's some speedy and satisfactory resolution, as I'd hate to see another long established miniature railway go the way of the 10¼in gauge* line at Brooklands Park, Lancing.


* started life as 9½in gauge, ended (11 years after a non-novelty train last operated) due to a revised "master plan" for Brooklands Park There's currently a hoarding advertising some new development, which for now seems adjacent to, rather then in the park. Slice one. Way to Go, Worthing UDC.

 

https://bcpprojects.net/poole-park-railway/
I'm not certain about the end of this sentence "The new 32-person capacity, wheelchair accessible & dog-friendly railway carriages look resplendent in their green livery, paying homage to the Southern railway that operated in this area from 1923. " if the colour depicted in the photographs is anywhere near the actual colour.
It does look a trifle 'bright' so-to-speak to be paying homage (sic). Would have thought no mention about the livery would have been preferable.
Possibly the Council did not specify the colour or (if they did) the person writing the specification did not trouble to ask anyone who might know Southern Railway liveries for advice.

 

Only ⅔ of a shade brighter than fresh malachite. Perhaps black ends might help (with set number, natch!). Nice spot of 'sunshine' lettering would sit a treat on the sides.

 

Type in Malachite green on gogggle and open images; there are all shades of this colour. I do not think is was BCP decision.........!

 

The carriages are made from Ali. They appear not to have been properly primed. I think it will be not to long before the look tatty. There will be some PPR logos applied on Thursday fro the Poole Park Railway Official Opening on Saturday 15 October at 10.00am. Ribbon cutting by the Mayor of Poole, a Ukulele band, BCP Councillors and staff, Local MP, PPR Volunteers. Free rides till midday. I will be there possibly having to drive the guests around the railway!!!!! BBC South TV will be filming the event.
In the early evening Lewis Manning Hospice will be having their Candles on the Lake. http://lewis-manning.org.uk/candles-on-the-lake/.

 

Nick, were the coaches built to a price then, rather than a standard? has anyone who might have purchased any of the old coaches offered them back to you on loan, or has the changes now rendered them unsuitable?
Are there any additional coaches available that could be borrowed for next season, to enable you to increase the loadings, should public demand take off

 

Bulleid himself waxed fairly lyrical on the subject.

Best wishes for the grand reopening.

 

I will have to wait before I can say much about the two carriages. There are three of the old carriage and a lot of lovely new spares. They will be up for disposal. There are no carriage that we can use that I know of....Certain legal matters have to be signed off before I can put them on social media.

 

Any updates? i was in the UK in August and I was impressed with the PPR track and an employee gave me a sneak peak into the Engine Shed. Despite all the naysayers ,as a native of Poole i hope that the line prospers

 

The railway had an outside audit of track, ballast, locomotive and carriages by a leading miniature railway manufacturer on Wednesday 2 November. I will share what I can when the report is finished.
The half term week, several days were wet, was a great success with around 2000 passengers being carried. This is hard work with such a limited seating capacity.
It was probably me that allowed the sneaky look in the shed. Always happy to show anyone behind around the shed.
The train is running at present with a Poppy Wreath, see photo attached.
A lot of progress is happening which at present I am not at liberty to report.

 

Its has been awhile since the last PPR update.
Passenger numbers from September to the end of December have been above 13000. More like 16000 since then to date.
Allen Keefe conducted a detailed survey and report on the PPR highlighting a number of recommendations.
BCP council have purchased the locomotive Howard from Lappa Valley Railway.
Howard is going to Allen Keefe for overhaul and repaint in March. Returning to PPR for Easter. A darker green has been chosen and this will apply to a new covered carriage that will be commissioned. The two currently in service will be repainted to match asap.
The track will be re-ballasted with finer ballast in the March close down and realigned. Fishplate greasing and other PW works will be undertaken during this time.
There has been one supervisor since the beginning of December 2022. A second supervisor vacancy has been advertised with a March 12 deadline.
The railway is primarily run by volunteers. A recruitment drive will be commencing in March to increase the volunteers. thanks

Nb

 

Today saw PPR's 'Howard' going to Allan Keef 's Ross on Wye for overhaul wheel set change and repaint. One of the bogies from the Track Systems carriages went along for the ride as well.
We are hoping to have both back before the Easter break.

 

https://poolepark.uk/poole-park-railway/ finally updated about current happenings.

 

Update:
A finer ballast has been laid on to the pw. Will need a bit of settling and topping up over the next few months. The fish plates have been started to be greased...just over a third to date.
The vacancy for the second supervisor has has 5 candidates apply.
PPR locomotive 'Howard' has been repainted. see photograph.
There is a second covered carriage order from Alan Keef, due to arrive July/August time. Will be in the same colour.

 

Thank you,Nick. Continued success to this iconic park railway!

 

'Howard' with lining.

 

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https://poolepark.uk/poole-park-railway/
You are advised to check the Friends of Poole Park Railway Facebook page for service updates.
SPRING/SUMMER TIMETABLE = Open daily ’til summer’s end. 10am – 5pm Subject to weather conditions & volunteer availability
TICKET PRICES = Standard ticket £3.50 · 2 yrs & under Free . Family ticket £13.50 (max 2 adults & 3 children)

 

closing time has been adjusted to 4.00pm with leeway till later if required.