THE Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s long-serving driver Nick Helliwell had a treble reason to celebrate this year’s winter gala.
After many years of trying and six hard months of negotiations, he was able to see a GWR Hall appear on ‘The Valley’ for the first time when Dr John Kennedy’s No 4953 PitchfordHall appeared as the 17/18 February event’s star guest.
Furthermore, Nick was rewarded with the privilege of being rostered as the first driver during the Saturday timetable.
And to make his celebrations complete, his rostered fireman for the day – selected purely on merit – was his daughter Frances, providing the rarity of a father and daughter crew in steam preservation.
When Pitchford Hall arrived on the previous Thursday evening after a light engine move from Tyseley Locomotive Works, it became the 103rd guest locomotive to appear on the KWVR.
However, it needed to be subjected to clearance tests before finally being confirmed as fit to operate on the line without apparent restriction.
This story is from the Issue 261 edition of Heritage Railway.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 261 edition of Heritage Railway.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Storms Close ‘Last' Section Of S&D In Regular Use
NEARLY 150 years after the line was opened, the last surviving part of the original Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway main line – and the legendary system’s westernmost extremity – has been taken out of public use.
Driving A Deltic!
Chris Newton recalls his recent driver experience course at the Nene Valley Railway on Deltic diesel locomotive No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier, which he enjoyed with his brother after seeing it advertised in Heritage Railway.
Norfolk Loco-Hauled Finale
A POPULAR class of diesel locomotive first introduced in 1960 has finally ceased regular timetabled passenger services on Norfolk’s GreatYarmouth and Lowestoft branches.
Britain's ‘First' Public Railway Rises From The Ashes
A HISTORICALLY important scheme to restore part of what is claimed to be Britain’s first public railway is set to have its first track laid this year.
Homefleet variety
THE Mid-Hants Railway’s (MHR) October 18-20 autumn gala provided a varied line-up from the line’s resident fleet of locomotives – and also acted as something of a farewell event for a popular performer.
Building On A Successful Year
Gareth Evans talks to A1 Steam Locomotive Trust trustee Mark Allatt about the latest developments at the operator of popular A1 No. 60163 Tornado, its current new-build £5 million P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales and the next project – the LNER V4.
At Last –Corwen Back On Line After 51 Years!
A MAJOR milestone was passed on October 17, when the Llangollen Railway’s running line into its new Corwen station was physically connected.
1501: The Final Bow... For Now
New Year’s Eve 2006 brought down the curtain on the activities of WR 0-6-0PT No 1501 at the Severn Valley Railway. J Crosse pays tribute to a one-time colliery shunter’s nine-year stint on serious passenger duties.
Pitchford Hall Produces Rich Pickings
Britain’s most expensive Great Western Hall stole the show at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s hugely successful winter steam gala, while a long-time admirer of the 4-6-0s had the good fortune to make the occasion a real family affair, writes Fred Kerr.
‘Instant' Extension Launches Churnet Valley Push To Leek
AFTER years of planning and negotiations, the first 659ft of the Churnet Valley Railway’s (CVR) eagerly awaited £1 million extension into Leek has carried its first passengers.
