Churnet Valley acquisitions increase passenger capacity

THE Churnet Valley Railway (CVR) has continued planning for its eventual reopening to Leek, adding three additional BR Mk1 coaches to its stock list.

The CVR has taken delivery of TSO No. S4046 – the third Mk1 to arrive this year. This followed the news it had been awarded an 80% grant towards the cost of the Leek extension from the European Agriculture Rural Development Fund (RM April).

The unrestored coach joins TSO No. E3809 and SO

No. M4366, which have all been bought for restoration in order to give the CVR a serviceable fleet of 10 coaches for running into Leek, plus an additional four coaches for the hugely popular dining train.

However, the railway is now asking for support in funding the purchase and transport of the three coaches.

The final bill has come in at £17,200, and supporters of the line have so far raised £9,100.

The appeal is being handled by the CVR’s support charity, the North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Ltd, in order to allow Gift Aid to be claimed from all eligible donations.

For details on how you can help visit: https://tinyurl.com/ yc3yq42d