'The Duke' re-opens M&C line, CVR

[CosherB]

71000 'Duke of Gloucester' heads the first public passenger train up the Cauldon Lowe branch of the Churnet Valley Railway for 75 years! I photographed it this morning near the summit of the line at Ipstones.

Hope to ride the line soon!

 

[furryfeet]

Can one buy tickets on the day for this e.g. at Froghall station, or must all the bookings be made online at the MCR website ?

 

[Black5]

I stood on the same bridge on Sunday when the 8F was the train engine with the Duke banking.

You can buy tickets on the day, I think the first train on the first day was sold out in advance.

 

[CosherB]

I travelled the line today, Froghall to Cauldon Lowe and back. 'Eddystone' took us outbound, helped from Leekbrook by 'The Duke'. 'Eddystone' dropped off the back at Leekbrook on the return journey to help the red 8F up to Cauldon on the next train.

Trains were packed, and many didn't get on at Froghall and had to wait an hour and a half for the next one. It was 'member and public' day, and as a member of the CVR I got a rover ticket for £10 instead of the usual £25 - good value!

The journey is superb - Eddystone and The Duke each worked hard on the 1 in 40 to Ipstones summit, both slipping on the damp rail (it was bit foggy).

Anyone know when the Leekbrook - Stoke line will open?