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SINGLE LINES
■ THE Isle of Man’s Groudle Glen Railway is celebrating this year’s 125th anniversary of the line by rejuvenating its Lhen Coan terminus station.
The first stage of the‘Lhen Coan 125’ project saw the platform paving replaced in time for Christmas operations. Further developments involve replacing all station trackwork and points with new heavier rail and plastic sleepers, a new shop and booking office and anew waiting room.
■ A 10-year overhaul of National Trust-owned
Hunslet 0-4-0ST Hugh Napier has been completed by the Ffestiniog Railway. The ex-Penrhyn quarry Hunslet returned to steam on December 3 and following valve gear adjustments undertook further test runs on December 12 hauling an African DZ wagon full of wet ash to provide a suitable load.
■ ALFORD Valley Community Railway has launched a crowdfunding appeal aimed at raising £14,000 to make Alford station building watertight and refurbish the interior.
A grant of £5,000 has been secured towards the project but it has to be matched and used by March or it will be lost. Repairs to the station represent the first phase towards reopening the railway to the public.
■ STATFOLD Barn Railway’s Bagnall 4-4-0T Isibutu (2820/1945) has entered the trust’s works for overhaul. The boiler was lifted in December and awaits attention in Statfold’s boiler shop.
Your reports and pictures are most welcome. Highly competitive rates are paid, especially if exclusive to The RM.