SINGLE LINES

■ HOLLY COMBE Steam in the Country, including its 2ft gauge railway, reopened on August 8, for the first time since the autumn of 2019. However, Launceston Steam Railway has decided it will not reopen this year due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Cornwall. Work on projects in preparation for a resumption in operating next year includes progressing the long-term development of its diesel-electric railcar ‘The Gerkin’.

■ WELSHPOOL & Llanfair Light Railway has commenced reinstatement of a passing loop at Sylfaen. The loop, adjacent to the A458 between Castle Caereinion and Welshpool, was removed some years ago due to the deteriorating condition of the turnouts. Rather than being reinstated in its previous form, land is being built up on the southern side with a view to creating an island platform.

■ EX-Woolwich Arsenal 18in gauge 0-4-0+0-4-0 Hunslet diesel Carnegie (4524/1954) undertook a test run at Statfold Barn Railway on August 23, following completion of its overhaul. The loco last ran prior to 2000 when Bicton Gardens sold it to Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills Museum. Ownership was transferred to Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust last year.

■ BURE Valley Railway’s (BVR) ‘ZB’ Winson-built ‘ZB’ 2-6-2 No.7 Spitfire has been fitted with the basic new boiler constructed by North Bay Railway Engineering Services (RM, May) and was likely to have returned to Aylsham by the time this RM is published. Completion of the work required before Spitfire returns to service (boiler fittings, pipework etc) will now be undertaken by BVR staff.

■ TALYLLYN Railway is to lay a short length of track alongside the Network Rail line at Tywyn Wharf on which will stand a restored standard gauge wagon. The display will show how slate was once transferred from the narrow gauge line to standard gauge wagons for onward shipment.