While I agree that the cost of reopening the Peak Line in full to Buxton is unlikely to be raised by the Preservation Group. The main thing is to expand slowly so that you dont go bankrupt and end up being closed down.
The major problem Peak Rail have at this time is the bridge over the A6. Until this is dealt with they are going nowhere. I have heard that it is likely to cost at least 6 million pounds. This is more than likely more than Peak Rail are able to raise themselves. So unless they can get a Lottery Bid agreed for it or a Millionaire comes along to pay the money, they are stoped dead.
But should they raise the neccesary money and get the bridge built, they should aim to rebuild through to Hassop Station. The reasons for this are very simple. First of all there is no room for a runround loop at Bakewell, the majority of the site is now a industrial park, although I am told there is room for a single line through the site, along with a platform.
Hassop as not only the room for a runround loop, plus the station I believe is nearer to Chatsworth House. Which could give an additional reason for people to use the Railway. Possibly using Rowsley South as a Park & Ride, similar to Norton on the Swanage Railway. It could also possibly get financial support for this from Derbyshire CC, as the A6 and the other roads in the area are not that wide and have many traffic jams throughout the summer period. Much better to be sat on a train, going somewhere, with a bus conection to Chatsworth at the other end, than sat in a car, stuck in a traffic jam going nowhere.
Just my opinion.
