A very Happy Christmas to one and all!
Monday, 24 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Virgin Extension
Yesterday, the 9th of December, saw the introduction of the new Winter Timetable and should have seen the start of a new era on the West Coast Main Line, as First Group took over from Virgin. As we all know, that all went horribly wrong in October, leaving the line in limbo since then.
Virgin were asked to continue to run the WCML while the various reviews into the debacle were completed, and a new bidding process was started. However, with days to go before the end of the franchise period, nothing had been agreed. Directly Operated Railways had long since abandoned any idea of taking over the line (as happened on the ECML), leaving Virgin holding all the cards.
Last week though, agreement was finally reached on a deal which will see Virgin in the driving seat for another 23 months. A new bidding process will begin following the completion of two reviews, with the winner of that competition beginning their tenure on 9th November 2014.
Virgin were asked to continue to run the WCML while the various reviews into the debacle were completed, and a new bidding process was started. However, with days to go before the end of the franchise period, nothing had been agreed. Directly Operated Railways had long since abandoned any idea of taking over the line (as happened on the ECML), leaving Virgin holding all the cards.
Last week though, agreement was finally reached on a deal which will see Virgin in the driving seat for another 23 months. A new bidding process will begin following the completion of two reviews, with the winner of that competition beginning their tenure on 9th November 2014.
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Whittingham book review
David Hindle's new book about the Whittingham Hospital Railway is available now.
The book will appeal to anyone with an interest in local history, but especially those with a leaning towards railways. It tackles the darker reasons for the WHR’s existence and looks at the how it affected those who were incarcerated at the hospital, those who worked there and the considerable number who simply took advantage of what became something of a local, yet world-renown tourist attraction!
This is a comprehensive and very readable account of one of the most curious and quaint railways ever to have existed.
Read our full review here
Sunday, 18 November 2012
Lizzie
Although the tour didn't actually pass Preston with 6201 Princess Elizabeth in charge, it seems wrong to miss the chance to post a photo of her...
This outstanding image of Lizzie departing from Carnforth, is courtesy Mark Baczkiewicz.
This outstanding image of Lizzie departing from Carnforth, is courtesy Mark Baczkiewicz.
Friday, 16 November 2012
Railway Growth Animation
Here's an interesting little gem; an animated map of the UK, showing the opening of stations down the years.
http://www.thetrainline.com/news/british-railway-stations
http://www.thetrainline.com/news/british-railway-stations
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Preston PSB Simulation
PC Rail Simulations has released its sim of North Lancashire - part of the area covered by Preston Power Box.
The timetable is based on a weekday in May 2009 with 269 virtual trains for the signalling sim enthusiast to control.
More Information Here
The timetable is based on a weekday in May 2009 with 269 virtual trains for the signalling sim enthusiast to control.
More Information Here
Monday, 15 October 2012
Virgin to continue for another year
Following the dramatic u-turn over the WCRC franchise earlier this month, Virgin have been asked to continue running West Coast services for an extra nine months beyond the end of the current contract in December. Given that Richard Branson has previously offered to do precisely this, it seems unlikely that Virgin will turn down the contract extension.
The implication is that new bids for the WCRC prize will have been submitted, scrutinised and a decision made by some time in September 2013. Whilst all this will be seen as good news by some, the whole debacle has cost the tax-payer an eye-watering sum and perhaps more importantly, set-back any schedule for investment and station upgrades on the line by as much as a year.
The implication is that new bids for the WCRC prize will have been submitted, scrutinised and a decision made by some time in September 2013. Whilst all this will be seen as good news by some, the whole debacle has cost the tax-payer an eye-watering sum and perhaps more importantly, set-back any schedule for investment and station upgrades on the line by as much as a year.
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
More Photos - old and new
10 more 1960s photos from David Eaves added to the Archive
The Ribble Steam Railway Diesel Gala, photos from Mark Bartlett
The Ribble Steam Railway Diesel Gala, photos from Mark Bartlett
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
West Coast Main Line Deal Scrapped
It has been announced overnight that the decision to award the WCML franchise to First Group, has been overturned and the whole bidding process must begin again.
Ministers have agreed with Richard Branson's assertions, saying that there were were "significant technical flaws" in the way the risks for each bid were calculated.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin described the mistakes made by his department as "deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable".
It's unclear whether Virgin will continue to operate on the WCML until the re-run process has been complete, or whether the line will return to public operation as has happened on the ECML.
Two reviews will now take place looking into the WCML deal and the wider franchise bidding system.
Ministers have agreed with Richard Branson's assertions, saying that there were were "significant technical flaws" in the way the risks for each bid were calculated.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin described the mistakes made by his department as "deeply regrettable and completely unacceptable".
It's unclear whether Virgin will continue to operate on the WCML until the re-run process has been complete, or whether the line will return to public operation as has happened on the ECML.
Two reviews will now take place looking into the WCML deal and the wider franchise bidding system.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Whittingham Hospital Railway Book - Available Now
David Hindle, author of a number of local history books, including the excellent All Stations to Longridge: A History of the Preston to Longridge Branch Line and Associated Railways, has turned his attention to the famous Whittingham Hospital Railway.
David's book takes a detailed look at this railway curiosity, in the context of Victorian Preston, looking at the conditions which led to the rise of the Workhouses and the Mental Hospital which were the last resort for those at the fringes of society. Also included, are lots of photographs, many of which have not previously been published.
Victorian Preston & the Whittingham Hospital Railway is available from Amazon and local book retailers now. Look out for a full review here soon.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Preston and South
Irwell Vale Railway Meetings : A talk and slide show by Mike Taylor
Saturday 17th November 2012
A black and white digital presentation from the camera of the late Peter Ditchfield featuring the steamscene at Preston during the period late 1964 to the end of steam in 1968
7.30pm start, at the Church at Irwell Vale; entrance at the tea rooms is £3.00 and an extra £2.00 for pie, peas and a cup of tea at our half time interval. The doors open a good half hour beforehand for a free tea or coffee and plenty of time for a good natter before the show starts.
More information on the Lostock Hall MPD website.
Saturday 17th November 2012
A black and white digital presentation from the camera of the late Peter Ditchfield featuring the steamscene at Preston during the period late 1964 to the end of steam in 1968
7.30pm start, at the Church at Irwell Vale; entrance at the tea rooms is £3.00 and an extra £2.00 for pie, peas and a cup of tea at our half time interval. The doors open a good half hour beforehand for a free tea or coffee and plenty of time for a good natter before the show starts.
More information on the Lostock Hall MPD website.
Saturday, 15 September 2012
RSR Steam Gala
Don't forget the Ribble Steam Railway's Steam Gala is this weekend. In addition to "John Howe" and "Walkden", the newly overhauled Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway No.1300 will be in use.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Poulton & Wyre Railway - Update Report Talk
The Railway Transport & Industrial Archaeology Section has announced their programme of events for the 2012/13 season.
First up on 17th September is a talk by the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society, who will report on progress to re-open the mothballed line between Poulton and Fleetwood.
Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, at the BAe Lightning Club at Warton and cost £2 for non-members.
First up on 17th September is a talk by the Poulton & Wyre Railway Society, who will report on progress to re-open the mothballed line between Poulton and Fleetwood.
Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, at the BAe Lightning Club at Warton and cost £2 for non-members.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Virgin fights on as Greening goes
As you may have seen in the mainstream media, Richard Branson and Virgin Trains have launched a legal challenge against the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to First Group. The government have signaled their intention to fight the challenge, despite Virgin's ePetition gaining over 160,000 signatures.
Virgin, along with a number of railway insiders point to the fact that the First deal sees payments back to the treasury start very low, but ramp up dramatically towards the end of the franchise period, by which time a failure of the franchise (which seems inevitable given the sums of money involved), would likely be another government's problem.
Virgin may be quietly pleased though to see Justine Greening, the Transport Minister who over-saw the selection of First Group, ousted from her post in yesterday's Cabinet "re-shuffle". Patrick McLoughlin will replace Ms Greening. The move has been widely seen as a step towards the possibility of expansion of Heathrow Airport, but it may also make a U-turn on the WCML deal just a little less politically embarrassing.
Virgin, along with a number of railway insiders point to the fact that the First deal sees payments back to the treasury start very low, but ramp up dramatically towards the end of the franchise period, by which time a failure of the franchise (which seems inevitable given the sums of money involved), would likely be another government's problem.
Virgin may be quietly pleased though to see Justine Greening, the Transport Minister who over-saw the selection of First Group, ousted from her post in yesterday's Cabinet "re-shuffle". Patrick McLoughlin will replace Ms Greening. The move has been widely seen as a step towards the possibility of expansion of Heathrow Airport, but it may also make a U-turn on the WCML deal just a little less politically embarrassing.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Free Exhibition of West Lancs Line Paintings
At the Market Square, Preston on Mon-Weds 10.00 - 15.00 on 3rd, 4th and 5th September.
The Paintings are by a local painter John Matthews and feature scenes including the cold West Lancs Line to Southport (closed 1964, but not forgotten!).
The Paintings are by a local painter John Matthews and feature scenes including the cold West Lancs Line to Southport (closed 1964, but not forgotten!).
Monday, 20 August 2012
Virgin Support E-Petition
Many in the rail industry believe that Virgin's bid was the responsible, deliverable one and that First Group will not be able to make the promised payments in the longer term. It is suggested that in the shorter term, they will cut staff and levels of service and undo the progress which has been made during Virgin's tenure. The concern is that the WCML franchise will fail, just as it did on the East Coast route, in the meantime, jobs and passengers could be lost.
From an enthusiast's point of view, it seems almost certain that under First, Preston will no longer be an open station, with ticket barriers being installed.
If you feel that the decision to award the WCML franchise to First Group is a bad one, please consider signing the e-petition, which urges the government to reconsider.
http://virg.co/supportvt (hold down Ctrl and click)
The e-petition has been organised by Virgin staff, rather than the company itself. They hope to get 100,000 people to sign by 28/08/12.
From an enthusiast's point of view, it seems almost certain that under First, Preston will no longer be an open station, with ticket barriers being installed.
If you feel that the decision to award the WCML franchise to First Group is a bad one, please consider signing the e-petition, which urges the government to reconsider.
http://virg.co/supportvt (hold down Ctrl and click)
The e-petition has been organised by Virgin staff, rather than the company itself. They hope to get 100,000 people to sign by 28/08/12.
Friday, 17 August 2012
New Whittingham Hospital Rly Book
'In commemoration of Preston Guild, 2012, David Hindle takes a journey into history to explore the social, cultural and economic background to Preston during the Industrial Revolution, primarily to see if Preston lived up to the affectionate claim to be the ‘good old days'
David Hindle's extensive research suggests that the level of squalor, prostitution, pauperism and unwanted pregnancies contributed to poor health and the need for the penniless and mentally ill to be fully institutionalised in the established workhouse or the new asylums such as Whittingham, which was served by its own private railway.
This book is an altogether fascinating insight into the social history of Preston linked with a Victorian anochronism, 'The Whittingham Hospital Railway. '
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Virgin Loses WCML Franchise
As had been widely speculated, First Group has been selected to take over the West Coast Main Line franchise instead of Virgin.
First Group's bid was substantially higher than that from incumbent, resulting in higher payments back to the Treasury. However, industry insiders and Virgin themselves have voiced fears that the bid is unsustainable. In a statement, Virgin boss Richard Branson said "We did not want to risk letting everybody down with almost certain bankruptcy at some time during the franchise, as happened to GNER and National Express who overbid on the East Coast mainline,"
Other than worries over First Group's ability to deliver on their promise, the concern is that there will have to be a substantial lowering of service standards and heavy job-losses. This news comes on the back of yesterday's announcement that rail fares in general will rise by over 6% early in 2013.
Perhaps in a bid to sweeten the pill, today's announcement includes news of the intention to add to the existing services, with direct trains to London from Blackpool and Bolton, and a strengthening of the service between London and Preston.
First Group's bid was substantially higher than that from incumbent, resulting in higher payments back to the Treasury. However, industry insiders and Virgin themselves have voiced fears that the bid is unsustainable. In a statement, Virgin boss Richard Branson said "We did not want to risk letting everybody down with almost certain bankruptcy at some time during the franchise, as happened to GNER and National Express who overbid on the East Coast mainline,"
Other than worries over First Group's ability to deliver on their promise, the concern is that there will have to be a substantial lowering of service standards and heavy job-losses. This news comes on the back of yesterday's announcement that rail fares in general will rise by over 6% early in 2013.
Perhaps in a bid to sweeten the pill, today's announcement includes news of the intention to add to the existing services, with direct trains to London from Blackpool and Bolton, and a strengthening of the service between London and Preston.
Friday, 10 August 2012
Prototype DELTIC extended stay.
Originally planned as just a short stay for the Guild, it now looks like DELTIC will remain at the Ribble Steam Railway for much longer. With the NRM needing to find space for six LNER A4s, including two being repatriated from North America, they will be more than happy for groups like the RSR to borrow an exhibit or two.
At present, it looks like the Preston-built DELTIC will remain in the city for as long as a year. Hopefully, this will allow for some imaginative photo-opportunities, as long as the NRM don't insist on it remaining in the museum building throughout its stay.
Click on the Photo of the Day link (above) for photos of DELTIC's journey back to Preston.
Interesting DELTIC fact : One of the first test-runs of the Deltic prototype was from Preston to Grimsargh, on the old Longridge Branch. It reportedly travelled up the branch under cover of darkness and remained in the sidings at Grimsargh over-night. No photos of this have come to light (unless you know better!)
At present, it looks like the Preston-built DELTIC will remain in the city for as long as a year. Hopefully, this will allow for some imaginative photo-opportunities, as long as the NRM don't insist on it remaining in the museum building throughout its stay.
Click on the Photo of the Day link (above) for photos of DELTIC's journey back to Preston.
Interesting DELTIC fact : One of the first test-runs of the Deltic prototype was from Preston to Grimsargh, on the old Longridge Branch. It reportedly travelled up the branch under cover of darkness and remained in the sidings at Grimsargh over-night. No photos of this have come to light (unless you know better!)
Thursday, 9 August 2012
DELTIC en-route
The DELTIC prototype, built at the Dick Kerr works in Preston, is on its way back to its birthplace... The unique EE machine will reach the Ribble Steam Railway this afternoon, travelling by road from the NRM's Shildon outpost.
See the Photo of the Day gallery for a shot of the locomotive at Tebay.
See the Photo of the Day gallery for a shot of the locomotive at Tebay.
Friday, 3 August 2012
Reunion Specials at RSR
The Ribble Steam Railway (RSR) is to hold a 'Guild Reunion' event over the weekend of 4th & 5th August, featuring the first visit preservation-era visit of a London Midland region locomotive to the dockside line.
With 2012 Guild year once again, the RSR hopes to reunite a number of old faces from the twilight of the steam era in Preston.
Star of the show will be 'Jinty' No. 47472, which was the Preston station pilot for the bulk of the 1950s and 1960s. This locomotive seemed to be a permanent fixture in the busy station environs, and was thus dubbed 'City of Preston' by a generation of spotters. With the original locomotive sadly having been scrapped in 1967, classmate No. 47406 will be specially renumbered and provided with an appropriate 10B (Preston) shedplate for one weekend only.
Double book-launch - ‘The London & North Western Railway around Preston’ Bob Gregson's companion to the sell-out ‘The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway around Preston’. ‘The Railways of Preston – Half a Century of Change’ from RSR volunteer Andy Fowler. Both Authors will be on-hand.
More info : www.ribblesteam.org.uk/
A photo charter featuring No. 47472 is also planned to take place during the locomotive’s stay in Preston. This is being organised by 30742 Charters, and full details can be obtained by e-mailing Mail.30742@btinternet.com.
The cost of the full-day photo-charter event will be £35.
More info : www.ribblesteam.org.uk/
With 2012 Guild year once again, the RSR hopes to reunite a number of old faces from the twilight of the steam era in Preston.
Star of the show will be 'Jinty' No. 47472, which was the Preston station pilot for the bulk of the 1950s and 1960s. This locomotive seemed to be a permanent fixture in the busy station environs, and was thus dubbed 'City of Preston' by a generation of spotters. With the original locomotive sadly having been scrapped in 1967, classmate No. 47406 will be specially renumbered and provided with an appropriate 10B (Preston) shedplate for one weekend only.
Double book-launch - ‘The London & North Western Railway around Preston’ Bob Gregson's companion to the sell-out ‘The Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway around Preston’. ‘The Railways of Preston – Half a Century of Change’ from RSR volunteer Andy Fowler. Both Authors will be on-hand.
More info : www.ribblesteam.org.uk/
A photo charter featuring No. 47472 is also planned to take place during the locomotive’s stay in Preston. This is being organised by 30742 Charters, and full details can be obtained by e-mailing Mail.30742@btinternet.com.
The cost of the full-day photo-charter event will be £35.
More info : www.ribblesteam.org.uk/
Thursday, 19 July 2012
The Railways of Preston - Half a Century of Change - OUT NOW!
Andrew Fowler's superb new book is now available. Timed to coincide with the 2012 Guild, the book takes a nostalgic look back at the railways of Preston, covering the 50 years up to the beginning of the new millennium.
There's something for everyone, from the golden age of steam through the transition years and into the diesel /electric era. The book is packed with colour images charting the history of our favourite station and the railways which radiate from it.
The book can be bought on-line now and will be on the shelves in all good bookshops over the next couple of days...
There's something for everyone, from the golden age of steam through the transition years and into the diesel /electric era. The book is packed with colour images charting the history of our favourite station and the railways which radiate from it.
The book can be bought on-line now and will be on the shelves in all good bookshops over the next couple of days...
Monday, 16 July 2012
The Train now standing at Platform Zero...
From Wednesday, a special shuttle service for the Open Golf will run between Preston and Ansdell & Fairhaven. The service runs at half-hourly intervals from the RES platform - the pre-1972 platform 2.
The last time the RES platform was used for passenger services was during a closure on the East side of the station, when Preston gained a Platform Zero for a short while. Since the old footbridge is long-gone, the only access is via the subway from the main station.
The last time the RES platform was used for passenger services was during a closure on the East side of the station, when Preston gained a Platform Zero for a short while. Since the old footbridge is long-gone, the only access is via the subway from the main station.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Steam Spectacular - Diesel Doldrums
The first Fellsman of the season kicked-off the regular steam season for 2012 yesterday. The Fellsman is now an established feature of the railtour calendar, and is all but sold out every Wednesday through to August.
This year though, the Fellsman isn't the only regular steam at Preston, with The Cumbrian Mountain Express and Welsh Mountaineer trains running in regular slots on Saturdays and Tuesdays respectively. Add to that the new kid on the block, The Mersey Moorlander Express, and we have the prospect of weeks like the following, with steam on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday!
Saturday, August 11 [STEAM] The Cumbrian Mountain Express - via Manchester
Monday, August 13 [STEAM / DIESEL] The Mersey Moorlander
Tuesday, August 14 [STEAM] The Welsh Mountaineer (Preston - Blaenau Ffestiniog
Wednesday, August 15 [STEAM] The Fellsman
All great for the steam-fans, but preserved diesel tours are again looking less than exciting, still with no class 40 or Western available and even 55022 currently on only one engine. All the more reason to take advantage of this weekend's class 20 tour.
This year though, the Fellsman isn't the only regular steam at Preston, with The Cumbrian Mountain Express and Welsh Mountaineer trains running in regular slots on Saturdays and Tuesdays respectively. Add to that the new kid on the block, The Mersey Moorlander Express, and we have the prospect of weeks like the following, with steam on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday!
Saturday, August 11 [STEAM] The Cumbrian Mountain Express - via Manchester
Monday, August 13 [STEAM / DIESEL] The Mersey Moorlander
Tuesday, August 14 [STEAM] The Welsh Mountaineer (Preston - Blaenau Ffestiniog
Wednesday, August 15 [STEAM] The Fellsman
All great for the steam-fans, but preserved diesel tours are again looking less than exciting, still with no class 40 or Western available and even 55022 currently on only one engine. All the more reason to take advantage of this weekend's class 20 tour.
Saturday, 16 June 2012
Today's tours
 SRPS Railtours 1Z53 Glenrothes-Llandudno. 47854 leading. |
|
 SRPS Railtours 1Z53 Glenrothes-Llandudno. 47270 bringing up the rear. |
Video - footage of 46233's exploits in the area today Here |
Friday, 15 June 2012
New Timetable Features
The new calendar system for the Gen / Timetable page has a few extra advantages. If you have a Googke account of your own, you can import events from our Timetable into your own calendar, to receive reminders. That's very useful if you want to nip -out for a quick photo of a tour.
Full times for this weekend's tours, including the 46233 Duchess of Sutherland tour to Blackpool, are now on the Gen/Timetable page
Full times for this weekend's tours, including the 46233 Duchess of Sutherland tour to Blackpool, are now on the Gen/Timetable page
Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Father's Day Classic Cars at RSR
Sunday 17th June
On Fathers Day, this Sunday, its the Annual Classic Cars and Bikes day. The event has been getting bigger and better each year. Amongst entrants this year there's everything from a 1930s Austin 7 to an Aston Martin DB4, E-Type Jaguar and even a Green Goddess fire engine! On the motorcycle front, we're expecting a number this year, including scooters, mopeds and a wartime Ariel.
The railway will run as normal, open 1000 to 1700 and your ticket gives unlimited free rides for the day plus visits to the museum and workshop.
Adults £6, Children (from 3yrs) £4 and Family Ticket (2+2) £18 - there is no need to book in advance.
www.ribblesteam.org.uk
On Fathers Day, this Sunday, its the Annual Classic Cars and Bikes day. The event has been getting bigger and better each year. Amongst entrants this year there's everything from a 1930s Austin 7 to an Aston Martin DB4, E-Type Jaguar and even a Green Goddess fire engine! On the motorcycle front, we're expecting a number this year, including scooters, mopeds and a wartime Ariel.
The railway will run as normal, open 1000 to 1700 and your ticket gives unlimited free rides for the day plus visits to the museum and workshop.
Adults £6, Children (from 3yrs) £4 and Family Ticket (2+2) £18 - there is no need to book in advance.
www.ribblesteam.org.uk
Gen / Timetable Page Upgrade
Keeping the Gen page up-to-date requires a fair amount of effort, so I haven't always been able to add everything which may be of interest. To try to improve the information on offer, there have been some changes to the format and a move to Google Calendars.
The big advantage is that this way, the job can be shared out. There is now a small band of us who keep the page current and I'm sure you will agree that it's a huge step forward.
Not only will there be more trains listed (more ECS and light engine movements), the information is more complete, with full sets of times round the North West, where available.
Thanks to Dave Felton and David Stuart for their efforts.
The big advantage is that this way, the job can be shared out. There is now a small band of us who keep the page current and I'm sure you will agree that it's a huge step forward.
Not only will there be more trains listed (more ECS and light engine movements), the information is more complete, with full sets of times round the North West, where available.
Thanks to Dave Felton and David Stuart for their efforts.
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