Watercress gala:
Visiting from the Bluebell Railway, LBSCR‘Terrier’0-6-0T No. 72 Fenchurch starred in the Mid-Hants Railway’s October 6-8 Autumn Steam Gala. Immediately behind the loco is 1947built Bulleid Open Third carriage No. 1456, which is on long-term loan from the Bluebell Railway. Just visible on the rear of the train is a Palvan, one of the box vans restored by the MHR’s wagon group.
NICK GILLIAM
THE location of new premises for two heritage railway organisations has been revealed in Darlington – and rolling stock is now on the move.
On October 13, North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group’s (NELPG)‘J72’0-6-0T No. 69023 was relocated from Hopetown Carriage Works into road 3 in the 1861 Shed at the Darlington Rail Heritage Quarter. The locomotive was shunted by NELPG volunteers, with the assistance of Darlington Railway Preservation Society (DRPS) and its diesel shunter.
NELPG occupies the Southern half of the shed under licence from Darlington Borough Council.The licence term runs to April 2026, but discussions with the council on an extension to 2033 are in progress.
DRPS is to occupy the Northern half of the building.