Grimsby District Light Railway Re-activation?

[Jorge Da Silva]

So several videos on YouTube show workings on the District light railway, including infrastructure upgrades such as new ballast and refurbishment of the old tracks. There have been some freight movements in recent weeks, but I have no idea why, or what the plans or purposes are. Any ideas what's happening?

Pacer Chaser posted a video showing works, but I'm not sure what the plans are long-term. Service wise, it has seen regular freight for a long time. and now there are works and some freight movement.

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Cope's Readymix recently received a trainload of aggregate which was unloaded whilst standing on the running line near Pyewipe Road signal box. There is a suggestion that it may become a regular flow.

The other rumour circulating was that the branch into Grimsby Docks was going to be reactivated in order to move some of the imported cars which come through the docks by rail. There was also a possibility of some sidings being relaid near Great Coates Sidings no 1 box to accommodate car transporter wagons.

Whatever the truth, DB Cargo, Freightliner and GBRF have all run route learning trips this year, so it looks as if something is in the pipeline.

 

[Jorge Da Silva]

Cope's Readymix recently received a trainload of aggregate which was unloaded whilst standing on the running line near Pyewipe Road signal box. There is a suggestion that it may become a regular flow.

The other rumour circulating was that the branch into Grimsby Docks was going to be reactivated in order to move some of the imported cars which come through the docks by rail. There was also a possibility of some sidings being relaid near Great Coates Sidings no 1 box to accommodate car transporter wagons.

Whatever the truth, DB Cargo, Freightliner and GBRF have all run route learning trips this year, so it looks as if something is in the pipeline.

Ah ok. The line to Grimsby Docks could be interesting. There is definitely sidings being relaid near West Marsh as well. Very much back in action all of a sudden but couldn’t find anything. Thanks for that

 

[SomeTrainboy]

Cope's Readymix recently received a trainload of aggregate which was unloaded whilst standing on the running line near Pyewipe Road signal box. There is a suggestion that it may become a regular flow.

The other rumour circulating was that the branch into Grimsby Docks was going to be reactivated in order to move some of the imported cars which come through the docks by rail. There was also a possibility of some sidings being relaid near Great Coates Sidings no 1 box to accommodate car transporter wagons.

Whatever the truth, DB Cargo, Freightliner and GBRF have all run route learning trips this year, so it looks as if something is in the pipeline.

I saw another aggregates train on the 26th, very exciting for the Light Railway!

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

A couple of route learning locomotives are running up and down today. I missed the GBRF one as it ran early (and I didn't fancy hanging around for two hours in the rain for it to come back!) but Colas are running class 56 56051 as 0Z39.

Photo below (low res as I was videoing at the time) shows 56051 on the Grimsby District Light Railway approaching Gilbey Road bridge and Great Coates Sidings number 1 signal box on Tuesday 15th July 2025

 

[Jorge Da Silva]

A couple of route learning locomotives are running up and down today. I missed the GBRF one as it ran early (and I didn't fancy hanging around for two hours in the rain for it to come back!) but Colas are running class 56 56051 as 0Z39.

Photo below (low res as I was videoing at the time) shows 56051 on the Grimsby District Light Railway approaching Gilbey Road bridge and Great Coates Sidings number 1 signal box on Tuesday 15th July 2025

Is there any news on the Grimsby Docks line re-activitation you mentioned and can i ask where you heard it

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Is there any news on the Grimsby Docks line re-activitation you mentioned and can i ask where you heard it

I heard it from a couple of enthusiasts who know someone at Network Rail, so tbf I'm not taking it as gospel!
But no, no progress as yet.

 

[Jorge Da Silva]

I heard it from a couple of enthusiasts who know someone at Network Rail, so tbf I'm not taking it as gospel!
But no, no progress as yet.

How easy would it be to do?

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

How easy would it be to do?

It's still connected. Depending on the condition of the track, check over, clear the weeds etc and test the level crossings. AFAIK the crossings are given an annual test anyway, there's a video on YouTube somewhere.

 

[Jorge Da Silva]

It's still connected. Depending on the condition of the track, check over, clear the weeds etc and test the level crossings. AFAIK the crossings are given an annual test anyway, there's a video on YouTube somewhere.

Where is great Coates siding no 1 btw

 

[Pyewipecarshed]

Where is great Coates siding no 1 btw

Next to Gilbey Road in Grimsby, so not far from Marsh West Junction