Rail connection helps to build new house
In an unusual move, the Alan Keef locomotive business is constructing a rail connection to deliver materials to a new home being built on its Ross-onWye works. After investigations showed that the ground surface was inadequate to take the weight of delivery vehicles, it was decided to install a short siding off the factory’s demonstration line. Visitors to the open day on September 17 saw how it will all come together. During the event, trains were hauled by Patrick Keef’s Bagnall 0-4-0ST Woto and Graham Morris’ Kerr, Stuart ‘Wren’ 0-4-0ST Peter Pan. Those who had noticed the long-standing leaks from the latter’s 94-year-old saddle tank learned that its owner has started work on constructing a replacement. On show in the works was the rolling chassis of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway’s Baldwin 2-4-2T Lyn and many parts for the Corris Railway’s Hughes 0-4-2ST. There were also components from the first of three Volk’s Electric Railway cars the company has contracted to renovate, and the frame for a Ryde Pier tram being restored for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway’s Baldwin 4-6-0T, which is with the company for restoration, has been moved off-site for storage awaiting the owners’ instructions. In April 2014, the WHHR announced that it had received a £150,000 donation towards the project, and needed a further £50,000 to complete it (SR427).