Heritage lines prepare to reopen
Rail Express|August 2020
Easing of lockdown rules has allowed railways to make plans to welcome the public again.
David Russell
Heritage lines prepare to reopen

THE announcement regarding the relaxation of lockdown rules, allowing the leisure industry to cautiously reopen from July 4, has enabled the UK’s heritage railways to start preparing for a resumption of operations, writes David Russell.

Various different approaches are being taken, with some hoping to restart as soon as possible, but others are taking a more cautious approach. At all lines, however, the experience is likely to be somewhat different to what people have been used to previously.

One of the first lines planning to reopen is the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway, which was looking to restart on July 6. Screens have been put up in the carriages between seating sections and capacity is being reduced.

Two days later, the North Norfolk Railway was due to begin operating, using a single steam loco working two round trips – pre-booking is advised.

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