Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway
| Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway | |
|
Northamptonshire | |
|---|---|
 Running line at Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway | |
| Track: | ½ mile |
| Information | |
| Operated by: | Rushden Historical Transport Society |
The Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway is a heritage railway at Rushden in Northamptonshire, operated by the Rushden Historical Transport Society.
The aim of the Society is to re-open the majority of the ex-Midland Railway branch line from Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers, which had been closed completely in November 1969. As of September 2013, a stretch of the line about half a mile long has been operated between Rushden station and Prospect Avenue.
Rushden station
The station houses the Rushden Station Railway Museum, run by the Society.
Rushden station has been preserved by the Rushden Historical Transport Society. The station building is fully intact and open with no admission fee although donations are requested.
The footbridge is currently missing, and a level crossing divides the platform into two sections. A replacement footbridge similar to the original is awaiting installation, at which point the missing section of platform will be replaced.
On operating days trains use a separate platform slightly to the east. There is a signal box on site also. To the west immediately after the station there is a bridge missing. To the east, the line ends adjacent to Prospect Ave, and is used throughout the year. It is hoped to extend this towards Higham Ferrers, where a small halt like station would be built.
Rolling stock
On site can be found a main-line diesel, Class 31, 31206, a number of Mark 1 carriages and a Gresley buffet car. In addition the line has a few industrial steam locomotives and some small diesel shunters. Frequently a number of preserved buses and coaches can also be found on the site.[1]
Diesel locomotives
- BR A1A-A1A Class 31 no. 31206. Operational.
- 4wDH Diesel-Hydraulic Sentinel shunter no. 10159. Operational.
Diesel multiple units
- BR Class 121 no. 55029 (977968)
Coaching stock
- BR Post Office Sorting Van NSA 80334
- BR Post Office Stowage Van NTA 80413
- BR Brake Post Office Stowage Van NUA 80457
- BR High-security General Utility Van NKA 94102
- BR Brake Gangwayed NEX 92363. Used for passenger services.
- BR Mark 1 Tourist Second Open no. 3918
- BR Mark 1 BSK no. 34004
- BR Mark 2 Tourist Second Open no. 5166. Used for passenger services.
- LNER Gresley Buffet Carriage no. 24279
Steam Locomotives
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 2168 "Edmundsons". Built in 1940. Operational.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST. Awaiting major restoration, planned to start once Cherwell is completed.
- Bagnall 0-6-0ST No 2654 Cherwell. Awaiting funds for major restoration.
Electric tramcars
- Blackpool Brush car 634. Under restoration.
Outside links
References
- ↑ "Preserved Railway stock list". UKLocos. http://www.uklocos.com/preservedrailwaystocklist/. Retrieved 2012-06-22.