SIDELINES

Bluebell’s public wi-fi

THE Bluebell Railway has introduced a new public wi-fi system at Sheffield Park station to allow visitors to post live and instant reviews of their experiences on social media.

The Bluebell Guest free internet access covers most of Sheffield Park, including the platforms, shop, Bessemer Arms, SteamWorks!, Bulleid shop and museum. Users must agree to a set of terms of conditions and follow safety advice when connected.

The introduction of the wi-fi system also allows for the future expansion of facilities if required. There will be separate networks for members of Bluebell staff and for internal use.

G5 progress on show

VISITORS to the Class G5 Locomotive Company Ltd’s July 3 open day saw the latest components to be produced for the new-build project, including a pair of crosshead bodies, gudgeon pins and oil boxes. Thanks to the generosity of supporters to the recently launched ‘Put the Brakes on’ fund, orders have been placed for some of the brake components.

The next open event is due to be held on August 7 from10am to 1pm. The workshop can be found at Hackworth Industrial

Park, Shildon, DL4 1HF.

More details from www. g5locomotiveltd.co.uk or 07764 304210.

Track donation

APPROXIMATELY a mile of track has been donated to the Wensleydale Railway

(WR) by EP Investments UK from Eggborough Power Station. Some of the material from the North Yorkshire coal power station, which closed in 2018, is to be used to replace worn-out rail near Redmire.

The donation of track will reduce the cost of this work from over £150,000 to about £30,000. Recovery of the track has been undertaken by both WR volunteers and contractor VolkerRail.

Buffet relaunched

THE café coach at the East Lancs Railway’s Heywood station has reopened as The Whistlestop Carriage Café under the management of Michelle Worthington and Mark Redfern, two local businesspeople.

Housed in BR Mk.1 BG No. 81123, it is open on Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 5pm, serving a selection of hot and cold pies, desserts, tea, coffee, soft drinks and ice cream.