Trevor Gregg looks at the history of the Wansbeck Valley Railway in rural Northumberland and recollects his journey, 57 years ago, on the ‘Wansbeck Piper’, the final train to travel over the route. On the afternoon of Sunday, October 2, 1966, an 11-coach train carrying over 600 passengers headed out of Newcastle Central Station hauled by two Ivatt 4MTs, Nos. 43000 and 43063, with the destination of the tiny Northumberland village of Woodburn. This was the ‘Wansbeck Piper’ railtour – the final train to run over what remained of the Wansbeck Valley Railway, the last remnants of the incursion int ..read more

Here are a few different places you can find the perfect Fathers’ Day gift for your train-loving dad, from model railway products to fascinating reads. TONY’S TRAINS Surprise dad with a Father’s Day Gift from Tony’s Trains of Rugby. A wide selection of OO, N & O gauge from all of the major manufacturers with a variety of new and used products to suit all eras and budgets. If in doubt why not go for a good old gift voucher and let him choose his own model! www.tonystrainsofrugby.com 01788 543442 CHESTER MODEL CENTRE Chester Model Centre is a true Tardis! Treat Dad to a day out exploring our ..read more

New-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange ran for the first time when it was steamed in the yard at Tyseley Locomotive Works on Thursday, April 11 – opening a new chapter in Great Western Railway history. Pictures and video by Robin Jones. Resplendent in its line Brunswick Green livery No. 6880 – the 81st member of its class and now its sole representative – made several runs up and down the yard in the afternoon after its first fire was lit earlier. The runs were witnessed by a small group of invited guests comprising officials and volunteers of the 6880 Betton Grange Society Ltd and Tyseley ..read more

With Heritage Railway magazine, you can keep up to date with essential railway news, days out and lots more! You won’t want to miss issue 318 of Heritage Railway magazine. If you’d like to give this edition of Heritage Railway magazine a read, then you can skip the wait and download the digital version or you can order the print magazine. Better yet, why not save some pennies and subscribe to Heritage Railway. Here’s what to expect this month… Blue Peter pulling trains again – after 22 years! A2 Pacific No. 60532 Blue Peter has been undergoing loaded test runs on the Severn Val ..read more

The Asparagus Express at Broadway in 2018, the year that Broadway station opened. This was the last time the event was held on the railway. Credit: Wychavon District Council The British Asparagus Festival, a cherished Vale tradition heralding the arrival of the beloved green spear, kicks off once again this St Georges Day with an aspara-tastic steam train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. The launch event marks the start of two months of celebrations dedicated to all things asparagus, and is filled with music, Morris dancing, and the company of none other than Gus the ..read more

Wensleydale Railway will feature in the TV documentary series Great British Railway Journeys this Friday, April 5, on BBC Two at 6.30pm. The popular history and transport show, presented by Michael Portillo, is now in its 15th season. Filming took place at Wensleydale Railway in June last year, when Michael and his team met with volunteer staff at Leeming Bar and then took the train down the line to Leyburn. Michael showed a keen interest in the railway’s costumed living history interpreters and the role they play in bringing the railway’s heritage to life for visitors. The railway first intr ..read more

Spain is a great place to go for fun things to do. This amazing tourist destination offers plenty of recreation options. There is something for everyone in Spain, whether you want to learn about culture, go on an outdoor trip, or just spend the day at the beach. Let us share some of the best things to do in Spain in order for you to get the max out of your vacay time. In case you want to combine rest and job hunting, you can visit  Jooble employment site for the exciting career opportunity. #1 — Go to Music Events & Festivals If you love jazz (just as we do) and happen to be in the Ba ..read more

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has launched a fundraising appeal to replace the tyres on its flagship steam locomotive W24 Calbourne. Credit: ARG_Flickr Calbourne was constructed in 1891, and its steel tyres have worn down over the years meaning they now need to be replaced. Fitting the tyres is a highly specialist and lengthy task. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has launched the urgent fundraising appeal in the hopes of getting Calbourne back in service as soon as possible. The locomotive has been with the railway since 1967 and is popular with visitors. Chairman Peter Taylor said: “We are ..read more

A new exhibition celebrating the life of Sir Nigel Gresley will open in Doncaster next month on the 100 year anniversary of Flying Scotsman’s naming. Gresley: Genius of Steam and Speed will tell the story of the man who designed world-famous locomotives including Flying Scotsman and The Mallard. The exhibition will be held in Doncaster, the city where many of Gresley’s creations were built. On display will be a selection of Gresley’s letters and notebooks and a number of his personal artefacts such as his hat and passport to tell the story of Gresley’s life. As well as celebrating Gresley, th ..read more

Visitors to the North Norfolk Railway this summer will have the chance to travel behind a type of steam locomotive not seen for almost 60 years as the line plays host to GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange’ for a three month visit from August, the Poppy Line has announced.  Pictured is 6880 Betton Grange standing on the turntable at Tyseley Locomotive Works on March 15, before its planned first test steaming a week later, and with painting underway in early March. SCOTT BARNES The engine has been created by the dedicated team of the 6880 Betton Gerange Society Ltd over the past 26 years aft ..read more