Diesel traction will get Wensleydale back on track after lockdown
THE Wensleydale Railway, recent recipient of two redundant Class 142 ‘Pacer' DMUs, seems set to rely on diesel traction in the immediate future as it returns from lockdown.
A statement from the railway regarding traction and rolling stock said: “Our primary focus is as a heritage tourist attraction combining the natural appeal of a train ride through glorious scenery with the historical aspect of showcasing the railway through the ages.
“For the railway to operate we need a range of reliable traction and rolling stock, that we can maintain to a budget and use flexibly
Ideal
“For off-peak services the first generation DMUs and ‘Pacers' are ideal, with low costs and simple operation on the line. We also need units that can maintain our timetable; the line is almost constantly graded from Leeming Bar westward and that means some lower-powered classes of units are not suitable. In addition to the Class 121 railcar No. 55032, we can deploy one, two, three or four-car trains depending on the perceived level of demand using either first generation DMUs or ‘Pacers.'
“For our reopening post Covid-19 we will almost certainly be heavily reliant on our' Pacers'. We can start to introduce more appealing traction once our passenger numbers start to climb.
“Our diesel locomotive fleet, consisting currently of a Class 14, 20, 33 and 37, covers our immediate needs and are all very suitable for use along the line. Looking forward we would consider adding suitable locomotives such as classes 25, 26, 27 or 31.”
Regarding steam, the statement added: “While we fully understand that steam sells tickets, we also understand that the costs of steam are orders of magnitude greater than diesel traction, both in hire/ ownership and running costs.
“Our long-term plan is to acquire suitable steam traction, but we need to ensure that we can properly maintain and service it first and that we have the passenger numbers to make it pay before taking the plunge.
“Until that happens, we will continue to hire in where there is proven demand, such as during the high summer months, as we have successfully demonstrated in the past.
“In the shorter term we need to ensure that we can provide suitable servicing for any steam locomotive on the railway. Our maintenance shed is not really suited to be a steam running shed as well. Therefore, we need to clear space around Leeming Bar to be able to add the servicing facilities we need, such as an ash pit, watering arrangements, coaling area and covered accommodation.
“Our long-term plan is to acquire suitable steam traction, but we need to ensure that we can properly maintain and service it first...”
Strategy
Graham Harris, owner of several diesels, along with unrestored BR Standard 9F No. 92219, was last year given six months' notice to remove them from the line, freeing up valuable siding space for new stock arriving. Other privatelyowned long-term residents are also set to leave. No. 92219 has been moved to an industrial unit in the former goods yard at Tebay station.
The statement said: “If there is no long-term plan or if the item of rolling stock/locomotive has no position in our strategy, then maybe its best option would be at another site where renovation would be more practical.”
Meanwhile, an appeal has been issued for volunteers to help with the heritage education project at the restored Leeming Bar station house – which aims to give visitors a taste of what life in the station was like a century ago – dressing up in 1920s station uniforms, suits and waistcoats, dropped waist tea dresses and cloche hats.
After receiving a £368,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the building, it will be presented as it would have been in the 1920s. Costumed volunteers will bring the story to life by showcasing the ticket office, kitchen, stationmaster's parlour, waiting room, post office room and wash house.
➜ Would-be volunteers are invited to contact Carrie at volunteercoordinator@ wensleydalerailway.com or telephone 01677 425805.