Going diesel due to coal shortages

Prices have increased 148 per cent since pre-pandemic

COAL prices are causing major problems for a Staffordshire Moorlands heritage railway.

Churnet Valley Railway is now looking at hauling more trains by diesel after coal prices increased by 148 per cent.

Churnet Valley’s Jon Kerr said: “As many of you will be aware, the supply of coal has become an increasingly complex matter in the United Kingdom.

“There are Government policies which are pushing for a complete ban on coal, whilst another part of Government is keen to see tourism return to pre covid levels.

“Clearly for a heritage railway which operates steam locomotives, this causes problems.

“The last operational coal mine in the UK, which can supply locomotive quality coal, has received a reprieve this last month and we understand will be able to supply coal to the heritage sector imminently.

“However the ongoing war in Ukraine has also prevented our usual supply of coal being available from Russia.

“In short, coal is currently in scarce supply which in turn leads to an upshot in price.

“We realistically cannot pass this on to the travelling public. In the last nine weeks alone the price of coal has increased 148 per cent.

“We will for as long as possible continue to run our steam locomotives – however we are introducing some diesel-only running days which we will be reviewing on a monthly basis going forwards.

“Therefore until this next review; all our timetabled services on June 11 and 25 will be hauled by one of resident heritage diesel locomotives – being either 33021 ‘Eastleigh,’ 33102 ‘Sophie’ or our previously announced visitor 47292 once some planned maintenance has been committed.”

Meanwhile, Churnet Valley has released details of its summer programme, which will include the entry into service of a new guest locomotive.

Brush-built Class 47 no. 47292 is to take up residence at Cheddleton, where it will join the resident diesel fleet to supplement locomotives nos. 33021 and 33102.

Due to arrive in the next few weeks from its present base at Ruddington, the 47 will be staying on the Churnet Valley for an initial loan period of five years.

A spokesman said: “Excitingly for 2022, Churnet Valley is reintroducing a scheduled diesel service into its planned timetable.

“For eleven Saturdays throughout the summer, the 10.30 departure from Froghall for Ipstones will be operated by one of our resident diesel fleet (including 47292) that will see the locomotive operate a 20-mile return trip that includes the steep gradients of the Cauldon branch.

“Long before coal supplies had come into question, the decision had been made to include this for 2022 in order to assist with crew competence and provide an opportunity for the diesel locomotives to have a regular guaranteed turn. The first of these services will depart on Saturday, June 11 to our Blue Timetable, which will include an early evening service to enjoy the longer daylight hours in the valley.

“As the railway progresses with its Reconnect Leek extension, we plan to see regular diesel hauled services return on a more regular basis along the Churnet Valley.

“To further enhance such services, our engineering team is currently actively planning the construction of a dedicated steam heat vehicle that will enable such operations to occur during the colder winter months.”

For further information, and to book tickets for these services, please visit churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk.