Virgin to continue on WCML until 2017

A major shakeup of rail franchising in the UK has been announced by Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin. This follows the Brown Review, which was one of two reviews launched following the collapse of the bidding process for the WCML last year.

The big change is that priority will now be given to returning the East Coast route to private business by 2015, before the next election. The WCRC contest is consequently pushed back, requiring yet another extension to Virgin's contract to run the line. Richard Branson's company will now continue to operate the main line through Preston until at least 2017.

More details HERE

New Station for Cottam?

It's a lot of years since Cottam had a station, but there are proposals to open a new Parkway-style station to serve the area. The idea is part of a general plan for transport in Lancashire.
More Here

Photo bonanza

Sometimes, we seem to be stuck with the same "Photo of the Day" for weeks, then like buses, several come along all at once!



Black 5 44932 at Farrington Curve Junc.
Photo : Steve Boreham 16-Feb-2013


86259 "Les Ross" on WCME
Photo : DM Stuart 16-Feb-2013


Ribble Steam Railway "Winter Steam Gala" and evening photo-shoot (gallery).

Steam loco roster

The much-discussed test-run for Galatea this week, turned out to be a test run for 46115 Scots Guardsman instead, so it had been assumed that the "Scot" would be in charge of Saturday's Lancastrian tour, which has Preston as the starting and ending point of the steam section. It now seams that that will not be the case and 8F 48151 will instead take charge.

Saturday's other tour, The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express, should again be hauled by A4 60009 Union of South Africa, with class 86 no 86259 Les Ross on the non-steam portions.

Steam Test Run

Today's steam test run, booked to run round the usual Carnforth circuit, was widely expected to be the first outing for 45699 Galatea, but 46115 Scots Guardsman was turned-out instead. It now seems likely that the "Scot" will haul the Lancastrian tour on Saturday.

Despite today's no-show, Galatea is now almost fully restored and ready to operate it's first train since withdrawal in 1964. The "Jub" was bought from the famous Woodhams scrap yard as a source of spares for sister loco "Leander", but instead has been undergoing overhaul at Carnforth for a number of years.

Old Prestonian

Though not aimed specifically at the railway enthusiast, David Eaves' new website will be of interest to all Prestonians, young and old. There is a page devoted to the railways of Preston though, which includes a large number of David's own photos.

We strongly recommend you take a look!

RSR Evening Photo Shoot

The Ribble Steam Railway will be holding an evening photographic shoot as part of its steam gala weekend on 16th February.

Five locomotives will be will be lined up outside the railway’s running shed, with special illumination provided for photographers.

The shoot will begin at 17:30 to allow the last few of the sun’s rays (we hope) to be captured, and will last for approximately two hours.

<<<< More details in the centre panel.