SIDELINES

Preparations for Bahamas

AHEAD of its travels in the South of England, LMS ‘Jubilee’ No. 45596 Bahamas has been fitted with a replacement brick arch in the firebox. As reported last month, the 4-6-0 is booked to haul 11 main line charters in the coming months, starting on July 18 with a Steam Dreams London Paddington to Salisbury excursion. It is also due to operate on the Nene Valley Railway on August 21/22 and 28-30.

Parts in partnership

THE overhaul of ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T Sutton at the Spa Valley Railway is being helped by a joint project with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Both parties need a new air brake valve for their respective engines (Sutton and E1 Yarmouth) and want something prototypical. With the use of 3D scanning, a CAD model has been made of an island ‘Terrier’ brake valve. From this a pattern will be created for casting the main body. After that will be the machining.

EV chargers at Kidderminster

THE Severn Valley has become the latest heritage line to offer Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points. Two EV points have been installed at Kidderminster station car park, provided, funded and installed by Econetiq. The two 22kW chargers offer an average of over 80 miles of charge per hour, at a cost a 25p/kwh. The chargers use a type 2 socket and customers will need to bring their own connection leads, which are locked in position when in use. As take up increases, the intention is to increase the provision available.