December 4th 2022 PRA Raffle
The Association is reintroducing its major fund-raising event this year after two years interruption due to the Covid epidemic.
Since the Annual Raffle was re-launched in 1990, funds in excess of over £150,000 have been raised for important projects. These include support for the construction of the Rowsley Engine Shed, coaching stock refurbishment, the platform shelter at Matlock and the footbridge for Darley Dale Station.
Members have been receiving raffle tickets with their subscription renewal for some months now. The remaining members will have a letter shortly with tickets by post.
We hope we can count on your support. The proceeds will be used to improve the facilities for our visitors at our Rowsley South Site, with priority being given to providing additional toilets in the car park.
If you would like more tickets please contact membership@peakrailwayassociation.co.uk
Alternately, if you are visiting the railway, you can buy them at the shop on the platform at Rowsley South Station.
The prizes this year are listed below and are funded by the Association, the local branches, members and local businesses. The raffle will be drawn on Saturday 7th January.
!st Prize £500
2nd Prize £250
3rd Prize £100
4th Prize two tickets for the Peak Rail " Palatine " Afternoon tea train
5th Prize two vouchers for Chatsworth House ,includes House, Garden, Farmyard & carpark
6th Prize £50 High Street shopping voucher.
7th Prize Family day ticket for a trip on Peak Rail
8th Prize £40 Marks & Spencers voucher
9th Prize £30 Amazon voucher
10th Prize Bottle of single malt Scotch whisky
11th Prize Two 1000 & 500 piece jigsaws
12th Prize Derbyshire Main Line DVD ( Peak Line )
December 3rd 2022 Santa Specials season starts
Even Santa volunteers at Peak Rail.
This years season of the Santa Specials started yesterday on Saturday 3rd December. The service is using 5553 Small Prairie from the Waterman Heritage Railway Trust. The bookings started in August using an online ticketing service and with the exception of a few seats sold out in November.
Photo by Sheila Rayson
November 15th 2022 Film Clip
Stuart Graves film ‘Peak Rail Class 8F No48624at Peak Rail 2009
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips November 6th 2022 New director
Paul Downer has been co-opted onto the board of Peak Railway Association. Here is Pauls introduction.
I have had an association with Peak Rail since 2010 whilst visiting a Warring 40s weekend back in 2010. I was inspired by the Railway and instantly knew I wanted to join ‘To make a Difference’
I Joined and was Stations Manager responsible for overseeing the Station Staff. I was elected onto the Board in 2011 and served office for 2 years.
I also previously volunteered on the Permanent Way and was a key player in the ‘Getting into Matlock’ project.
After a 9 year absence, I have returned to the Association Board with fresh passion, enthusiasm and vision to support Peak Rail to enable a sustainable future.
I have rejoined the Permanent Way Department and I have also co opted the role of Events Co-ordinator which is a very exciting role, planning and executing events for future years ahead.
A “New Era” for Peak rail is dawning and I am proud to once again serve our volunteers and support the railway as a co-opted member of the Associations Board.
November 6th 2022 Film Clip
Stuart Graves film ‘Peak Rail Class 37 No37152 (2006-2008)’
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips September 27th 2022 Service Train Operation on Peak Rail
Since the re-opening of the railway earlier in the year I have been quizzed on quite a number of occasions about the changes made to Peak Rail train services.
Many of you are aware that previously Peak Rail train services operated from Rowsley South to Matlock Platform 2. This involved top and tailing all train services, with a loco at each end of the formation, most commonly with a diesel, invariably D8, at one end and steam at the other. The reason for this is because a loco cannot run round at Matlock station because the track layout will not permit this. The train formation would always be six carriages and include the Palatine dining set. The Working Timetable (WTT) would normally be four return services with five in the main season.
Following the June 2021 re-opening, after the Covid Lockdowns, top and tail was again the norm but only four carriages, with the Palatine dining set taken off, and three return trips.. There were no Afternoon Cream Teas or Palatine restaurant meals.
With the death of Jackie Statham and the arrival of Mark Sealy as General Manager the re-opening of the railway was delayed. The delay not only allowed time for Mark to begin settling into his new role but also to review Peak Rail train operations. The latter was regarded as being essential given the huge rises in both coal and red diesel. It was also becoming apparent that there was a sizeable backlog of Palatine meals, Afternoon Cream Teas and Steam Footplate Experience Courses. Many of these had been paid for before the Covid pandemic but significant numbers had continued to be booked through it. Indeed these were all still being sold until March this year until Mark stopped any further sales. The worrying aspect of this situation being that the monies received for these had been spent in the previous couple of years to help the railway through the Covid pandemic. In the Matlock office Mark was receiving numerous phone calls from the public about when the vouchers they received for these services would be honoured or wanting their money back.
Faced with rising energy costs and the financial implications concerning the backlog of pre-paid services immediate action was necessary. It is also necessary to mention that, as with other businesses, other costs were also rising regarding the other overheads facing Peak Rail along with a number of one off costs expected in 2022.
Given the financial situation it was clear that on each day Peak Rail were going to operate train services that the operating costs of the locos used must be covered at the very least. The decision was made to end top and tail operation which in turn would mean not working into Matlock Platform 2 but running round at Matlock Riverside and Rowsley South. This would save the daily hire/steaming fee and fuel of one loco. It was also decided to operate Saturday services with diesel locos which further reduces the daily hire and fuel costs. It has also enabled Peak Rail to more fully utilise its diesel fleet with Class 25 D7659 and more recently Class 47 D1501.
On Sundays all WTT services would be operated by steam locos. Using smaller locos reduces operating costs as they use less than half the coal and a reduced daily steaming fee compared to the Small Prairie. The smaller locos are 0-4-0’s Eustace Forth and Dunlop. Dunlop has shared most of the steam hauled services with Eustace Forth until its recent return to the Chasewater Railway.
Small Prairie 5553 has been rostered at least one Sunday each month. Four carriages are used on the service train with four return trips each day.
A month after restarting train services it was decided to restart Steam Experience Courses and Afternoon Cream Teas. Fridays were allocated exclusively for Steam Experience with both these and Afternoon Cream Teas on Saturdays. This enabled inroads to begin to be made into the backlog for both. Operationally a service pattern has evolved which has one of the 0-4-0’s used on three hours of Steam Experience until 13.00 after which it switches to the Palatine carriage set. This set of carriages is kept on the Loading Dock line. Here, courtesy of the rebuilt Loading Dock, the Palatine set can be made ready for service which can’t be done in Rowsley platform due to the WTT service trains. Ready for a 14.00 departure the Palatine stock is moved into Rowsley station platform. The train then departs having released a Staff from the Token machine at Rowsley for the section to Church Lane thus two train operation taking place with the services passing at Darley Dale. Also WTT paths have been designed to allow two train operation with the Steam Experience loco earlier in the day.
These revised operations have been really successful. Operating costs have been much reduced and train services are making money. The Afternoon and Cream Tea service has been taking an increasing number of new bookings creating extra revenue. The Steam Experience backlog, although decreasing, will take a little longer to clear. The nature of future Steam Experience courses, when bookings restart, will be quite different. The Palatine restaurant service will take longer to restart, depending mainly on an appropriate chef being found. Planning is currently underway in conjunction with Network Rail to allow Peak Rail to propel the WTT service train out of Matlock Platform 2 to Matlock Riverside where the loco would run round. So Peak Rail WTT services will be able to access Matlock Platform 2 with one loco.
Another difference from pre pandemic years has been a reduction in mid week operations when Peak Rail has operated services on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Easter until early September. It was unlikely that such mid week services would break even at best particularly in Spring however Mark, the new General Manager, soon realised that coach bookings had been taken for this period. A number of factors were going to combine to make these services uneconomic to operate. These included the existing rates on offer to the coach companies, low patronage from other visitors, rising operational costs for Peak Rail and the general uncertainty concerning predicted visitor numbers given the increasing ‘cost of living’ crisis. Mark took decisive action and contacted all the known coach operators and explained the reasons why Peak Rail could not offer mid week services and the need to increase fares. When asked if they would move their bookings to the weekends and pay the higher rates for travel on Peak Rail the coach companies agreed. Train services have resumed on Wednesdays from mid July and will continue until early September with the incentive of ‘Kids go Free’. Passenger numbers have been very good.
Going forward the existing pattern of train operations will continue. ‘Kids go Free’ has been extended to all normal operating days until the end of October. The Santa Specials have been planned and ticket sales already launched on-line.
Roger Hallatt (photographs by Stuart Graves)
September 27th 2022 Peak Rail tribute to Her majesty the Queen Elizabeth
There was a minutes silence just before the first train service on Saturday September 10th 2022 to mark the passing of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth. A film was produced by Stuart Graves to capture the day,
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips September 20th 2022 Water tower
It was mentioned at the AGM that the PRA will fund a water tower and crane at Rowsley. Some of this will be funded by a generous donation.
Some years ago, when the idea of this project first started the design of the tower was engineered on computer aided design (CAD) by a member and volunteer Andrew Treves. At the same time the water tank was refurbished. Andrew has dusted off the design and updated it, and in the process checked the latest standards and confirmed the structural calculations. The design, calculations and foundation design have now been passed to the civil engineering company Engineering Consultancy Services Limited (ECSL) who will certify the design on our behalf. This company is well known to Peak Rail as they conduct the necessary inspections of our infrastructure. Anyone watching Railway Architecture programmes on TV may have seen one of their directors Dave Gent talking about bridge structures.
When the calculations have been approved, we will be able to send out the steel cutting list for quotation. We will be looking at the most cost-effective way bearing in mind that the longest item is 6m long, just under 20feet. Another consideration is what is the best surface protection we can have for the structure to minimise the future maintenance.
The positioning of the water tower will be at the end of the Rowsley platform on the Darley Dale side. The water crane will be next to it. Peak Rail has two identical water cranes, both of which came from Mold junction. The intention is to refurbish and make one complete crane for the project.
August 30th 2022 P-Way Update
Sunday was spent sorting through more p-way track materials. At the moment this also involves getting the materials off the yard floor and onto a flat wagon, putting any items for scrap to one side. There have been some quite surprising finds in the undergrowth
Sunday night received a phone call off Mark, General Manager, to the effect that a tree had fallen onto the main running line just south of Red House Crossing. This had been reported to the Police by a member of the public using the Multi User Trail who then contacted Peak Rail. Jacob Short later phoned from the scene and we agreed to meet early the next morning. In the meantime, Jacob arranged for Dave to meet us at 07.00 with his chainsaw. On arriving it could be seen that a large branch had split from a mature Oak but it was mostly the smaller branches on the track formation. By 07.30 the line had been cleared of the debris, inspected and passed for train operations. The large branch has been left, for now, still attached to the tree. This will be dealt with in the near future.
When routine track inspections are undertaken any issues regarding lineside vegetation are noted. Whilst this particular tree had not shown any sign of being an issue others have. The railway has a significant number of Ash trees and during track inspections over the past few months a number have been noted with signs of Ash Dieback. In particular a number have been noted just north of Bridge 35 between the railway and the A6. They will be marked and a plan of action formulated for their removal over the Winter.
Roger Hallatt.
August 25th 2022 PRA supports Peak Rail with merchandising
The PRA is supporting the plc in branded Peak Rail merchandise for sale in the Rowsley shop. This is through a donation to purchase the items with all proceeds going to Peak Rail. The first items were post cards of four locomotives used this season. The second item available today is a 1000 piece jigsaw which features the same locomotives. This is made in the UK with recycled board. The assembled size is 66 x 50cm (26 x 20”). Photography is by Stuart Graves. The price is £19.95. An early Christmas present?
August 18th 2022 AGM meeting report
The attached AGM report has been prepared from the minutes of the PRA AGM 28th May 2022
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HERE August 18th 2022 P-WAY UPDATE
The Monday and Tuesday 18&19th July saw unprecedented temperatures across large areas of the UK. Temperatures in the Matlock area were 37C+. The rail temperature at Church Lane reached 53C. With train services operating on the Wednesday it was necessary to complete a track inspection on the Tuesday evening. The rail temperature had dropped and thankfully no problems, in particular buckled track or cracked fishplates, were found.
A further track inspection identified three sets of fishplates to replace as one plate in each pair had a hairline crack appearing. Whilst replacing these others in the P-Way team were fettling the ballast previously dropped in the four foot.
On the Monday before the recent Gala the wall of the Loading Dock was finally completed.
Yesterday I spent some time tidying and sorting materials in the P-Way yard. Whist there the two HYA wagons that had been at Peak Rail for testing were being made ready for departure. There was also another arrival in the form of an ex-oil tanker for storage.
Roger Hallatt
July 24th 2022 Film Clip
Stuart Graves film ‘Peak Rail Miscellany Volume 1, 48624 at Peak Rail’
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips July 24th 2022 Rowsley Platform
This weekend volunteers of the PRA did some gardening on Rowsley Platform. The raised beds were weeded and new shrubs planted. In light of the recent weather hardy warm climate shrubs were chosen including Choisya, French Lavender, Hebe, Rosemary and Box. The plants were a donation from the PRA to Peak Rail. Over the next few weeks more beds and borders will be tackled. If you would like to help out for an hour or two, please contact Gordon at gordon@peakrailwayassociation.co.uk
July 18th 2022 New Film Clip
Stuart Graves film ‘Penyghent 50 Glorious Years’
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips July 17th 2022 Volunteers end of day get together
After the last train on Saturday the volunteers, staff and a few others got together and relaxed at Rowsley station. The PRA provided some light refreshments for the evening. Despite it being quite a warm day, the P way team managed to keep their hi vis on.
Picture by Ernie Solis
Monday 27-06-22
Work continued on the Loading Dock reconstruction with four courses completed on the main body of the wall plus a start made on the block work for the ramps at either end. The photo below shows the progress made.
July 6th 2022 P-Way Update
Monday 27-06-22
Work continued on the Loading Dock reconstruction with four courses completed on the main body of the wall plus a start made on the block work for the ramps at either end. The photo below shows the progress made.
Monday 04-07-22
Works Train down to Matlock Riverside. 18 platform boards replaced but unfortunately during the work a significant number of others were found to be in need of replacement in the near future.
Whilst completing the work it was noticed that a number of Orchids had grown and flowered on the ground adjacent to the signal box as the photo below shows.
Roger.
July 4th 2022 PRA attends inaugural Buxton Railex
Over this last week end the PRA attended the inaugural model railway exhibition, Railex at the Octagon in the pavilion gardens in Buxton. We were represented by Nigel Carabine of the Derby group and Dave Sharp from Sheffield who were both selling books, DVDs and models to raise money. The Buxton branch had a table top display about the PRA and Peak Rail. This was manned by Gordon Caro with Graham Wood on Saturday and Ray Eyre on Sunday. Many questions were asked by knowledgeable locals and many memories recalled about the lost lines and railway buildings around Buxton. The Buxton group also had a recruitment drive for the PRA and from the number of applications given out it is hoped to see some new members and their families at Rowsley and the Buxton branch meeting soon.
June 25th 2022 WHT Class 47 arrives at Peak Rail
Late yesterday D1501, a Class 47 arrived at Rowsley. It belongs to the Waterman Heritage Trust. This was number 2 built as part of the original batch and saw service on the East Coast mainline.
June 23rd 2022 Rowsley Auntie Wainwright’s shop
This is an appeal to all members and volunteers. ‘Auntie Wainwright’s’ shop at Rowsley station is starting a quality bric-a-brac section. There are many railway books and magazines which appeal to one section of visitors but nothing for other people who visit. So, if you’re moving house, want to down-size or just clear a few cupboards and have any quality items which you think will sell in the shop then please donate them to us. We’d like ornaments, cd’s, DVD’s, books and other small items which would easily fit on a shelf. Unfortunately we don’t have space for large items. If you can help please deliver whatever to the Rowsley shop on Saturdays or Sundays. All funds will be used to support Peak Rail.
Thank you.
June 22nd 2022 P-Way Update
On Monday work continued on rebuilding the wall of the Loading Dock. The photo below shows the progress made by the end of the day with a start made on the third course of blocks.
At the same time several of the team completed the maintenance work on two point lever mechanisms in the yard at Rowsley. This completes the work on the three point lever mechanisms that for varied reasons, such as bent or seized parts, had failed to function for quite a while.
Regular Track Inspections continue and the most recent, last Thursday, found a broken fishplate between panels 64 and 65. This was replaced the same day.
The work to sort through the stored track materials in Rowsley Yard has mostly been completed. Track materials that can be reused or sold on if surplus to requirements have been securely stored with the rest going for scrap. The latter has seen three scrap skips filled. The finance raised from the scrap will help fund future purchases of equipment and track materials for the P-Way
Whilst working at Rowsley on Monday the team had the opportunity to admire a visiting loco. The Clayton Hybrid, battery and low emission diesel engine, Bo-Bo loco of type CBD 80 is one of two built for BNFL Sellafield. It was being moved ready for a low loader to return it to Sellafield after spending time receiving attention in Rowsley Engine Shed.
Roger Hallatt.
June 19th 2022 Peak Rail - Peak Park Bus Reserved Bus Gathering
The rally for historic buses is an annual favourite at Rowsley South Station and Peak Rail was pleased to welcome again the local enthusiast groups who organise this fine event.
Thus 2022 saw their 16th such rally, and they have retained their winning formula. Included were displays of ‘buses of the past’ dating from the 1940’s to the 1990’s which have been lovingly restored by their owners, representing the many different makes and types on which you probably travelled to school. They proudly show off the colours and company names of their previous bus operators, most of which have since disappeared in today’s scene of large Bus Groups. Also present were stalls selling all manner of memorabilia giving the opportunity to take home a model, a book, films and photos of transport of yesteryear.
A popular adventure was the opportunity to sample some of the elderly buses, and during the day some of the exhibits offered rides to nearby destinations including Bakewell, Matlock and Darley Dale
June 8th 2022 P-Way Update
The last two Mondays has seen the team make a start on the rebuilding of the Loading Dock wall at Rowsley. First the footings were dug out and then redundant concrete sleepers put in the bottom of the trench along with old bricks. To complete the foundation for the replacement wall concrete was mixed and poured over the sleepers and bricks. Thankfully the P-Way concrete mixer worked well after years of being stored under a sheet behind the Engine Shed.
The photographs show early progress on the work.
Roger Hallatt
May 29th 2022 New Film Clip
Stuart Graves film of Peak Rail Early Days Volume 3.
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips May 12th 2022 New Film Clip
Stuart Graves film of Peak Rail Early Days Volume 2.
See film clip here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips May 8th 2022 Buxton site
As those who know Buxton, we can have several seasons in one day. As we are fair weather workers our care and maintenance of the site happens mainly in the warmer months. Last Sunday was a day in question. Two volunteers and myself went on site to start two pieces of work, weed suppression and painting the bridge.
Weed control to have maximum effect has to be done in dry and not too windy weather and with a few days dry spell to be effective. We do not have water on site so each visit sees 2 two 25litre containers of water used. Based upon last year it takes 12 hours of spraying to do the site. This equates to about 5 mornings work. As soon as we have finished, we have to retreat the stubborn areas. Graham Wood ably steps up for this task.
The plc recently arranged inspections of some of its infrastructure and the bridge over Bridge Street was one of them. Since it was erected over 30 years ago and subject to over 30 Buxton winters it has weathered very well. It is interesting to see how the sheltered areas have virtually no corrosion. One of our volunteers kindly made a donation to Buxton to be used for the purchase of a battery angle grinder to sand down the affected areas prior to repainting. Graeme Kitchen and myself started on the railings and in our morning session we managed to remove the surface corrosion and prime with a zinc phoretic grey primer the railings to the north of the bridge. This task will continue over the next few months.
If anyone wants help out at Buxton, please contact me. gordon@peakrailwayassociation.co.uk
April 30th 2022 New film added
Stuart Graves has supplied us with a film of Peak Rail - The early years.
See film here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips April 20th 2022 Mike Shelton memorial
A tribute to Mike Shelton and a film about him is to be found on the “In Loving Memory” page
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In Loving Memory April 18th 2022 New film clip
Another film produced by Stuart Graves from 2017. It covers the Derwent Valley Line from Derby to Buxton
See film here Film Clip Page
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Film Clips April 8th 2022 Matlock Riverside
On Wednesday the P-Way team spent the day at Matlock Riverside. The work scheduled being to replace a number of the wooden boards that make up the platform surface. Unfortunately, the number to replace had increased due an incident the previous weekend. The shelter on the platform is occasionally used by local youths for socialising which involves drink and other substances. Last Saturday evening they decided to have a warming fire on the wooden platform thus damaging more boards. The Police were notified of the incident. The team managed to replace nearly all the identified boards. Other boards were packed underneath to give a level surface. Also, one of the support legs holding up part of the south ramp was replaced as a precaution. It is important to keep the platform at Riverside in as good a condition as possible due to its current use by Peak Rail services.
The team will return next Monday to complete the replacement of the last few boards which are towards the north end of the platform. The opportunity will be taken to dismantle the platform shelter. Hopefully by depriving the local youths of the shelter this will reduce further incidents. It is proposed to use the shelter at Rowsley.
Roger Hallatt
P-Way Manager.
April 6th 2022 Peak Railway Association Ltd AGM
The Peak Railway annual general meeting will take place on Saturday 28th May from 13.00 till 14.45 at the Methodist Hall meeting rooms, Darley Dale North, Darley Dale DE4 2FS. There is free parking available on site with additional pay parking 100m away at the Whitworth Institute.
March 25th 2022 New Film Clip
This film produced by Adam Bennett covers the 2021 ‘Race the Train’ event from Matlock.
Film Clip Page
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Film Clips March 22nd 2022 P-Way Monday 21-03-22
On an absolutely glorious day there was a great turnout of 14 volunteers. However not everything started smoothly. On trying to use the Rowsley South Crossover to access the main running line the point blades would not quite fully move over. On inspection it was found that ballast was hindering the movement of point rodding. Once removed and with the slides cleaned and greased all was well. First stop with the Works Train was Statham’s Crossing. Most of the team alighted here with rakes, shovels and ballast forks to spread ballast previously dropped in the 4ft. D8 and the Works Train then proceeded on to Matlock Riverside. The work here was to clean and grease all the points. Also, bearing in mind the issue of ballast hindering point blade movement this was checked on all the points. At Riverside we met Nigel Carabine who was trying to locate the Matlock Riverside running in board which had gone missing. Unfortunately, there is a recent history of vandalism to the shelter on the platform. Nigel has organised other members of the Derby Branch of the PRA to repair the shelter in the recent past. Fortunately, the shelter is still intact but is regularly used by a few locals for drinking etc and rubbish has to be constantly cleaned up. Nigel and his team will be at Riverside tomorrow to tidy up the platform and shelter. The Works Train returned to Statham’s Crossing and having picked up the team working here carried on to Red House Cutting for the lunch break. The afternoon task was to complete the clearing of vegetation from the drain cover at this location. This was duly completed but not without minor mishap. The two Plc Directors present literally put their foot in it. Some of the drain was uncovered and to the amusing entertainment of the other volunteers the Directors boots were well and truly covered in mud. The P-Way team will return to the drain over the coming weeks to lift off the covers and clear out the debris.
The photos below show the team on ballast work, before and after views of the drain work and the display of Daffodils at Warney Bridge. The latter is due to the work of Stuart Graves who strims this location to enable such a display of flowers.
Roger Hallatt
P-Way Manager.
March 15th 2022 Peak Railway Association Ltd AGM
The AGM will be held on Saturday 28th May 2022. Time and venue to be confirmed.
March 15th 2022 P-Way Update
On Monday the P-Way team took the Works Train down the line. First job was ballast work between the Arc and Statham’s Crossings. This involved spreading the ballast dropped in the 4ft at the back end of last year. The four metal rakes purchased at the weekend were really useful along with the ballast forks. A couple of panels in this section need a little more ballast on the shoulder. The couple of tonnes left over in Rowsley Yard will complete this in the near future. After lunch the Works Train moved to Red House Cutting. The work here involved removing the vegetation off the covers of the drainage channel (the two photos show the before and after on part of the drain). At the same time the opportunity was taken to cut back the vegetation on the bank immediately above the drain. Again, the newly purchased rakes proved their worth. The team will return to this location next week to complete the same work on the section of drain nearer to the public footpath across the line. Once the vegetation has been removed off the drain covers the next task will be to clean out this remaining section of the drainage channel.
Roger Hallatt.
March 11th 2022 Archive enquiry, can you help?
In the archive and heritage section there are 4 photos by the late Ian Cox a member of Sheffield branch and also a director of PRA and other Peak Rail organisations.
Can you help by identifying the volunteers.
Archive & Heritage Page
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Archive & Heritage March 9th 2022 Buxton Branch PRA
A reminder that the Buxton Branch of PRA is restarting its monthly meetings tomorrow Thursday 10th March
The illustrated talk will be given by David Charlesworth on ’The amazing railway to Darjeeling’
The venue for meetings in 2022 is, The Conservative Club, 3-5 Concert Place, Buxton SK176EE. This is just off the market place which has ample parking. Meeting room open from 7.00pm for 7.30 start. Admission is free but we would like a donation of £3 per person to cover our fees. Hope to see you there.
March 8th 2022 Mike Shelton Funeral
Many of you will know Mike Shelton as a regular volunteer at Peak Rail driving the steam loco’s.
His family have asked that these details can be shared with his friends and colleagues.
March 7th 2022 Rowsley signal box
See the short film clip by Dominic Beglin about the Rowsley Signal box in the Film Clips section.
Film Clip Page
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Film Clips March 3rd 2022 Peak Rail appoints new directors
Peak Rail has welcomed Gordon Caro, Roger Hallatt, Mark Sealey and Andrew Civil as directors of Peak Rail PLC with effect from the 25th February 2022.
February 24th 2022 Mrs Jackie Statham, a message from Clair Statham
May I first take this opportunity to thank you all for your very kind words and support you have given me during this very difficult time. They have been such a comfort to me.
Mum was and always will be one in a million to all of us, both those who knew her personally and those who knew her throughout her working life, and even the people she met while out walking our dogs, Jemma and Jodie.
Details of Mum’s funeral are as follows.
The service will be held at Darley Dale Methodist Church, Dale Road North, Darley Dale, Matlock DE4 2FT on Friday 11th March 2022 at 12 Noon followed by a private burial. Family flowers only please. All donations will be divided between Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
If you wish to make a donation in Mum’s memory, please contact Thomas Greatorex and Sons Ltd of 29 Knowleston Place Matlock DE4 3BU.
A celebration of Mum’s life will be held at a later date.
See also https://www.peakrail.co.uk/
February 22nd 2022 P-Way Monday activities
Work started later than expected due to weather conditions caused by the tail end of Storm Franklin. This storm following on from Dudley and Eunice had caused severe flooding in the Derwent Valley between Darley Dale and Matlock. The floodwaters came up above rail level at the Arc Crossing and just below the deck of Bridge 35. As the floodwaters receded during the day it appears at first sight that apart from some debris, small branches and twigs, the track formation is unscathed. However, a full assessment will be made once the floodwaters recede and conditions are somewhat drier.
The planned work for the day was to be the part dismantling of the Loading Dock at Rowsley. The structure has begun to lean towards the track thus reducing clearance for passing locos and rolling stock. Also, the structure would definitely not allow sufficient clearance for cylinders of the GWR Small Prairie 5553 of WHT which will provide motive power on Peak Rail. Inspection of the structure also highlighted that the sleepers used in the structure were beginning to deteriorate. The top edge of the structure had three lengths of flat bottom rail joined by fishplates whose nut and bolts had seized over time. The rail itself was secured to the sleepers with Chair Screws. With help from Andy and Martin of WHT the fishplates were cut and the three lengths of rail lifted clear. The P-Way team then dismantled the sleeper structure and began to cut back the infill material.
Work will progress on this project over the coming months. The facing edge will need cutting further back and a new retaining wall built.
The photographs show the Loading Dock before, during and after dismantling.
Roger Hallatt.
February 18th 2022 New film clip
Another film by Stuart Graves covering the Peak Rail Mixed Traffic Gala 2019
Film Clip Page
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Film Clips February 16th 2022 Buxton Branch Meetings
The Buxton Branch monthly meetings will start again on 10th March at the Conservative Club, Buxton. See the Buxton Branch page details here
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Buxton February 12th 2022 Mrs Jackie Statham
It is with deep sadness that Peak Rail plc have announced the death on 10 February 2022 of their Managing Director, Mrs Jackie Statham following a short illness.
In order to respect her family’s wishes Peak Rail will issue a fuller statement in the near future.
February 10th 2022 P-WAY Department update
31st January the P-Way team changed 2 sleepers in the Down Line at Darley Dale and then 6 in the Up Line. The sleepers going into the Up Line are from the batch of 50 second hand hardwoods purchased by the Plc last November. They are of excellent quality and exceptionally heavy when compared to the previous new creosoted softwoods the team has been using. The hardwoods have previously had chairs for flat bottom rail on them. This means that because they are going under bullhead rail the sleepers have to be re-drilled to accept different chairs.
Last Monday, 7th February, the team were joined by Paul (qualified and insured) and his chainsaw. Several smaller trees were removed to complete the work in Red House Cutting. A notable find was a healthy young Elm tree which of course has been left to grow. The team then moved on to the Arc Crossing. The aim here was to improve sight lines for loco crew approaching the crossing in the up direction (towards Matlock). The hedge was cut down in height and the sides trimmed. Four young Alder trees had their lower branches removed. This work has improved sight lines but once leaves reappear in the Spring further work may be required. The ongoing problem at this crossing is that of cyclists not dismounting, as requested by signage, when using it. Indeed, I found one of the signs from the crossing asking cyclists to dismount under a nearby hedge. This has obviously been ripped from its position by someone who disagrees with a sensible and reasonable instruction regarding safety. Even some pedestrians cross when a train is approaching. Hence the need for good sight lines at this location.
At Rowsley I have continued with the task of sorting the track materials stored in old oil drums. I am now just over half way through the 49 drums.
The P-Way work scheduled for the remainder of 2022 is set out below.
- Fishplate greasing on the main running line and loops. (Ongoing through the year)
- Spreading the ballast dropped in the 4ft of the main running line at various locations. (Complete by Easter)
- Replace identified sleepers in Darley Dale Up Line (12), Darley Dale Down Line (12), north of Point 6 (5) and on joints at Matlock Riverside platform line (6). (Complete by late Spring)
- Survey Matlock Riverside platform boards for condition and level. 4 already noted for replacing. Others need taking up and relaying to level. All the boards need jet washing to remove slime. (Easter)
- Clear vegetation off drain covers in Red House Cutting and complete the cleaning out of the drainage channel. (March)
- Complete the spot replacement of the crossing timbers under points at Rowsley. These have been identified and the new creosoted softwoods replacements already laid out. (Complete by Easter.)
- Gauge all the main running line, loops and points plus Loading Dock and Engine Shed lines. (Ongoing throughout the year)
- Retrieve all replaced materials that can be reused or stored as scrap. Badly rotted sleepers/boards left at Matlock Riverside and Darley Dale in piles to encourage wildlife, insects, small mammals etc. (Ongoing0 Investigate possibility of grants for such work.
- Training to be arranged for use of Rail Cutter and Rail Drill.
- Surveying the main running line to measure and mark crippled rail ends to show cut points for removing dip joints. (Ongoing throughout the year for work to begin January 2023)
- Sort through the track materials stored in bins in Rowsley Yard removing any scrap. (End of March)
If approved by the Plc Board the extension to number 1 road behind the Engine Shed can start in the Autumn. The better of the crossing timbers removed from pointwork at Rowsley will be used as longitudinal timbers. There are in stock enough L1 chairs for two panels and 4 lengths of bullhead rail only suitable for siding use.
The Loading Dock needs rebuilding. This work will take place later in the year.
Roger Hallatt.
February 10th 2022 Peak Express
Unfortunately, it has so far not been possible to produce another edition of Peak Express as intended. The Directors of the PRA apologise for this situation. The magazine aims to give news about what is happening on Peak Rail. This relies on the various departments and groups associated with Peak Rail forwarding articles to the Editor. Following requests from the Editor very few articles have been forthcoming and certainly nowhere near enough to publish a magazine. It is hoped that this will improve in the coming weeks and enable a magazine to reach members by the end of March. It has to be remembered that Covid has had an impact on the activities of all departments and groups on the Railway.
The issues around Peak Express were discussed at a recent Board meeting. Struggling to receive sufficient articles for a magazine is nothing new for the Editor. In recent years it has been incredibly difficult to publish two let alone three magazines in a twelve-month period. Articles that have been contributed on time often have to be sent back to be updated whilst others are held for a particular edition. The discussion moved on to the future of the magazine.
Should a magazine be produced? At the moment a benefit of PRA membership is receiving up to three issues of Peak Express in a year.
Should the magazine be sent out by e-mail? This would dramatically reduce costs with savings on printing and postage. Yet despite prompts from the membership department the organisation does not have the e-mail addresses of over a third of the members. This could be overcome by printing and posting the magazine to those members. It has to be remembered that some members have no on-line access.
The magazine could be published on the PRA website on a password protected section so that it is only accessible to members and not the general public. Those members not on-line would again need a printed copy thus adding to administration.
Abandon the idea of a magazine and produce an on-line newsletter on a more regular basis. This might be every two or three months and therefore the news would be more up to date then currently is the case with the current magazine. There might also be specifically researched articles published in this format. The idea here being to look at aspects associated with the line not already touched upon such as that recently on the Stancliffe Quarry Railway. Again, these would all be password protected for members only to view but perhaps released for general viewing after a couple of months.
No decision has been made and the subject will be discussed at the next AGM. Your views would be appreciated and will be used to inform any decision the Directors may make.
February 8th 2022 Web site updates
The Stuart Graves film was a great success and we have decided to add more film by members and other short clips to the website. Keep a look out on the new Film Clips tab.
The content from the Archive Gallery Query tab can now be found in the Archive and Heritage section.
January 27th 2022 P-Way Update
The P-Way team meets up every Monday on a regular basis.
10th January was the first meet up of the New Year. The proposed activity was to replace sleepers in the Down Line at Darley Dale. Tamping last October damaged some of the tanalised softwoods used when the Down Line was extended for two train operation in 2007. Unfortunately, these sleepers have not stood the test of time and are prone to rotting hence they can be easily damaged if hit with force as can happen during the tamping process. Anyway, plans changed due to D8 being unavailable to haul the Works Train from Rowsley to Darley Dale. The North Notts Group who own and operate D8 had to exchange a significant number of batteries on the loco. Most of the team spent the day replacing a crossing timber and point mechanism on the point controlling access to Carriage Sidings 1&2. Other work involved restacking the pile of S1 Chairs as a safety precaution.
17th January saw Guy, Stuart and John cutting back the vegetation on Rowsley Viaduct, otherwise known as Bridge 43. There are 3 or 4 saplings growing out of the side of the structure which the team can’t tackle for obvious safety reasons. Specialists will be required for this work.
I’ve spent several days beginning the task of sorting through the track materials stored in old oil drums in the P-Way Yard at Rowsley. This has separated out the good quality reusable materials from the scrap. During one visit the Midland Railway Yard Lamps in the station car park at Rowsley were being completed. The lamps at the north end of the car park were finished in time for the last two weeks of the Santa Specials. When lit they add significantly to the appearance of the station area and visitor safety.
Monday 24th January saw the team at Darley Dale to carry out the work originally scheduled for the 10th January. 14 sleepers were replaced which leaves 2 for the next visit.
Access to the Rowsley Site has been restricted over the past two weeks. The access road is being resurfaced in tarmac from the black gates to Nanny Goat Crossing. Walking onto the site last Monday preliminary drainage works had been completed.
An interesting development is taking place on land next to the Rowsley Site. The landowner of two fields adjacent to the engine shed is planting them with trees. The smaller field will be an orchard and the larger with mixed native deciduous trees such as oak, hazel, birch and beech. This will be open to the community and available for the public to use making a significant attraction for future visitors to Peak Rail.
Roger Hallatt.
January 25th 2022 Signal Box repairs – Domonic Beglin
One of our members Stuart Graves volunteers with the Permanent Way Team. In his spare time, he produces his own films featuring Peak Rail.
This one titled Peak Rail Miscellany Vol.45 covers the 2021 season. The running time is approximately 42 minutes and features:
Eustace Forth and Penyghent hauling the trains.
The Heritage and Shunters Trust static galas in July and September.
Peak Park bus gathering show held at Rowsley in August.
Class 25 D7659 undergoing trials following an overhaul double-heading with D8 Penyghent.
Santa Specials introducing GWR Prairie No. 5553 hauling the trains following a major overhaul.
John is fitting the boarding out in the loc cupboard that will be the exchanges replacement cable location, I also brought back some boards for that too once they’re varnished, they can be fitted.
Beyond that had a chat with Ben and Colin working up the LMSCA and the shed guys carrying on with 5224s wheel sets and chassis which are back from reprofiling.
Bobs tamper was having some maintenance done on it too.
January 17th 2022 Peak Rail Video
This film by Stuart Graves was produced in the shortened 2021 season at Peak Rail and features:-
Eustace Forth and Penyghent hauling the trains.
The Heritage and Shunters Trust static galas in July and September.
Peak Park bus gathering show held at Rowsley in August.
Class 25 D7659 undergoing trials following an overhaul double-heading with D8 Penyghent.
Santa Specials introducing GWR Prairie No. 5553 hauling the trains following a major overhaul.
View Film Clip
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https://youtu.be/vNitwBvtJlk