Life in Victorian Preston - Book Launch

David Hindle has been responsible for a number of excellent local railway books over the last few years. His latest offering isn't an out-and-out railway title, but will still be of interest to anyone with a wider interest in Preston's history. The book does include chapters on the Transport of Victorian Preston, so will cover the railway and tram systems that existed at that time.
With Christmas looming, I'm sure the book will do well. It can be purchased on-line - or you could pick a copy up at the book launch at Waterstones in Preston on Saturday 29th November.

Preston Trams... Back from the dead?

Just as everyone was writing it off, it seems that Preston City Council have shown some interest in the scheme being proposed by Tram Power Ltd. The company attended a Planning meeting last week at which its proposal to re-open part of the former Longridge branch through Deepdale, was expected to be refused. However, instead of finally quashing the scheme, a number of councilors expressed support for the ambitious plan, seemingly swayed by the environmental benefits and news of £25m of funding which Tram Power has secured.

An early motion to approve the application wasn't allowed to go forward, due to insufficient information being provided, but Tram Power have been given until December to fill the gaps, at which point the application will be considered.

The plan under discussion forms the first stage of a vision which would see trams on Preston's streets again, beginning with the line linking Deepdale Retail Park with the City, via the Longridge / Deepdale branch trackbed and terminating at the former site of Deepdale St Coal Depot, where the tram-shed would also be sited.

BlogPreston

Northern Loco-Hauled Services

It seems that Northern will be hiring in locos and Mk2 coaches from DRS to cover an extra diagram for shoppers on Saturdays between now and Christmas - 8th November to 20th December.
Locos are likely to be class 57, which will work several services on each day - see our Timetables / Gen page for times...

End of the Line for Preston Trams?

From Railway Herald Issue 430:
Signs are increasingly likely that the proposed tram scheme for Preston will not proceed.
Plans were lodged with Preston City Council earlier this year by Tram Power Ltd, to use part of the old Deepdale branch as the first section of a new city tram network.
It is understood that several objections were raised, including comments from Lancashire County Council's Highways Officers, who said that the tramway would impact on the highway network, adding that there were concerns over safety issues regarding the line.
The application is to be debated by the planning committee at a meeting on 3rd November.

1964 - The Last Summer of the Duchesses

A new book by Alan Castle has been published by Atkinson Publications, who have also been responsible for a number of Preston-related railway books in recent years.
The new book, as the title suggests, chronicles the final weeks of the reign of the Princess Coronation Class locomotives on North West metals.

More information here

Fellsman 2014 Timings

The Fellsman season starts on Wednesday 18th June. Here are the timings for the Preston Area.

Outward
Lancaster 0808
Garstang & Catteral 0824
Preston 0838-0845
Farington Curve Jn 0849
Lostock Hall Jn 0852

Return:
Lostock Hall Jn 1951
Farington Curve Jn 1957
Preston 2002-2004
Garstang & Catteral 2015
Lancaster 2028

See our Timetables page for full details of the Fellsman and other tours / ECS etc

DELTIC photo shoot

For those of us who missed the previous chance to photograph DELTIC DP1 during the night-shoot last year, there will be another opportunity on at the RSR 5th April, courtesy Lure of Steam Photographic Events.

More Information

Improving Your Railway Photography.

Railway Herald have published a very excellent (and free!) guide to railway photography, available to read online or download as a PDF.

Improving Your Railway Photography

"Preston Corporation" Night Shoot

An industrial steam night shoot that takes place at the Ribble Steam Railway on 15th February. The shoot will begin at 6pm and last for approximately two hours; one or more wagons are being returned to Preston Corporation guise to match the Bagnall, and two separate cameos will be presented. Places are limited and MUST be booked in advance; the cost per person is just £15. This will be the first time No. 2680 has been seen in steam in preservation, having been restored from what the owner describes as 'Barry scrapyard condition'.
For full details and booking email andrew_fowler@me.com

Preston Docks Bagnall Comeback

Preston Docks Bagnall (in name and fittings, at least!) was back on Preston Dock metals yesterday, as Bagnall No. 2680 'Courageous' underwent a series of light engine test runs. The loco should be the star of Ribble Steam Railway's Steam Gala on 15th/16th February.

The Bagnalls were once a daily site on the Preston Dock system, and many photos of them can be seen on our Preston Dock page.

There will be more information in this week's Railway Herald!

S&C Reprieve Anniversary Tour

The Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company (SCRDC) are running a special charter charter train hauled by DRS Class 37s from Leeds to Carlisle and return on Friday 11 April 2014
This is the 25th anniversary of the reprieve of the line, which took place on 11 April 1989 and one of various events which the SCRDC are holding throughout the year.
The train is primarily intended for invited guests who were either involved with helping to save the line through the closure years in the 1980s, or have since been involved with the line in many ways since the reprieve. Well known characters like Ron Cotton and Michael Portillo who played a part, have been invited.

Part of the train is available for members of the public and tickets are now on sale.
The SCRDC would like to completely fill the train and at least cover costs.

Details are available at http://www.scrdc.co.uk or you can download the FLYER here.

Thanks to David Stopher and Lensmen for the information

Best Wishes for 2014

A Happy New Year to all our website visitors.