The RailUK cash donation to preservation projects returns!

[IanXC]

As in previous years, the staff team have decided to donate surplus funds accumulated from operating the forum to Railway Preservation projects to be chosen by the membership.

This year we're in a position to offer a donation to the 3 projects receiving the most votes, these will be of £2000, £1000 and £500.

As in previous years we're looking for specific appeals, whether that be for instance an infrastructure or rolling stock project, rather than the ongoing operation of a railway or locomotive. Please post your suggestions (including a link to the project appeal where possible) and reasons why the forum should support the project below and if anyone wishes to discuss any suggestion or any other part of this opportunity please use a linked discussion thread.

Timescales:
Suggestions must be posted below by the end of Friday 10 March.
Voting will be open from Saturday 11 March until the end of Saturday 18 March.

Please note that you must have more than 5 posts at the time of this post to be eligible to vote.

 

[GW43125]

I think the donation should be to the 4VEP preservation fund: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/4VEP3417

These units have been an integral part of the history of rail travel in the southern region, and I know there are multiple members on here who will agree with my viewpoint that it would be a very worthy cause, to help relive the history on the mainline, particularly as the last units similar to these (in control system terms at least) are seeing withdrawal this time next week.

 

[Adsy125]

Project Wareham here http://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/project-wareham

It would be great to continue to have Class 121's on the mainline!

 

[ainsworth74]

We are welcome to suggestions from anyone so please feel free to post a suggestion of your own if you have one!

 

[yorkie]

Voting doesn't start until Saturday 11th. In the meantime suggestions are welcome.

So far we have 2 suggestions. Please do keep the suggestions coming.

 

[mosaicwarts]

I would like to suggest http://www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk.

 

[backontrack]

"RAILS TO GRANTOWN": spend the donation money on connecting a popular Cairngorms tourist town back to the railway network

Background:
The Strathspey Railway is a 10km-long preserved railway line. Running from Broomhill in the Cairngorms, the line travels by the River Spey through the village of Boat of Garten as far as the tourist resort of Aviemore. Here, the service connects with the mainline railway station offering connections to trains heading to Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.

The Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the UK. It sees very many visitors a year.

What is the project?
Broomhill is an inconvenient terminus for the line. Instead, Strathspey Railway wants to expand and reach the town of Grantown-on-Spey, reopening a stretch of track shut by Beeching in 1965.

Why should we support this project?
Grantown is the second-largest town in the Cairngorms (only Aviemore at the other end of the line is bigger). Reopening the line would bring a big boost to local businesses as well as the line itself. Grantown residents would be able to reach the Central Belt and return without using cars or buses, lowering the area's carbon footprint to a degree. A museum employing local people is planned at the station in Grantown. And there is also the possibility of a station at Dulnain Bridge between Grantown and Broomhill.

Work's in progress, too. In 2014, the Strathspey Railway erected a bridge and laid track across the River Dulnain (less than one mile from the current terminus at Broomhill). This took the 'Rails to Grantown' project a significant step closer to completion.

In short, the donation would help to massively improve transport links to a popular tourist resort and would help reduce carbon emissions as well as boosting local businesses and allowing residents to reach Edinburgh and Glasgow and return in a day! Plus, you'd be able to see real evidence that the donation has made an impact when the reopening has happened. We need to spend some of this money on a project that won't just benefit rail enthusiasts, but a whole town and even area.

Great! Where can I find out more?
An unofficial website for the campaign was set up last year. Now, this has gone, but Strathspey Railway are working on their own page. This isn't up yet, but you will be able to reach it from here.
Meanwhile, in September the team were interviewed for a blog post about their vision to bring trains further into the Spey Valley. You can find the blog post here.
You can contact the railway here.
The railway's Twitter page is here.
The railway's Facebook page is here.
The campaign's Facebook page is here.
You can watch a video of the bridge over the River Dulnain being installed below.

[YOUTUBE]BnyY38TrkAY[/YOUTUBE]

 

[bb21]

Please note this is a thread for suggestions, not one for expressing support and vote-gathering. There will be the opportunity for all these when the voting process opens.

Please only use this thread for new suggestions for projects not yet mentioned, to avoid cluttering up the thread. Thanks all.

 

[507021]

What about the Friends of the 502 Group?

 

[ainsworth74]

Can you post a link to their specific appeal and some reasons why members should support it?

 

[fgwrich]

I hope you don't mind me putting forward two of my cases from last time, but as times change and projects evolve, both require money to make things happen.

So, after what has been a pretty sad year for us fans of Southern Region EMUs with the loss of another 2 CIG Units and the last complete unit now down to 1, I'd like to continue my case for the CEP7105 project.

The CEP 7105 Project.

This fantastic restoration project aims to see the complete restoration of, total 'De-Furbishment' and eventual return to the mainline 4 CEP 7105 project - One of the few remaining 4 CEPs left in existence. It will be one of the very few preserved Southern Region units with a restored Buffet Car and the restoration is includes the removal and cutting out many of the Swindon Modifications and return to the original position of the former Guards Compartment behind the cabs. Work is already progressing within Eastleigh Works, but there's a lot to do - Replacement of the IC70s seats with original BR EMU seats - I've donated a few, Refurbishment of the interior to remove the funky 70s Swindon Lighting and Bright Colour Palate, the cutting out of the sides and flooring to refit all correct braking equipment, refurbishment and restoration of the former Buffet area - another job thanks to the Swindon Refurbishment. All in all, for those associated with the Southern Region, a very worthy cause to see such an iconic unit refurbished, restored and eventually returned to the Mainline.

http://www.cep7105.co.uk/

Meanwhile, For the fans of the former BR Western Region amongst us, my other nomination is based on and around that of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.

The Broadway Station Appeal.

This ongoing appeal is to raise funds for the building of a brand new Station Building, Waiting Rooms, Footbridge and Signaling all as recreation of a beautiful Great Western Railway Station to serve the town of Broadway - All of which were sadly demolished in the 1960/70s when the Stratford - Honeybourne - Cheltenham Spa railway found itself losing it's passenger services and then ultimately the closure of the route itself.

So far the group, an almost separate group to the main GWSR have managed to raise the funds and construct two platforms - all out of reclaimed Imperial Blue Engineering Bricks, a brand new Signal Box - The design of the box is based upon that of the now sadly demolished box at Shirley just further up the former line, the complete rebuilding of an enlarged GWR pattern Station Building on Platform 1 - Constructed entirely of New Old style Bricks, and the restoration of the former Henley In Arden Footbridge.

However, while the main span of the footbridge is up and complete, funds are needed to design and construct a brand new set of stairs for the Footbridge - A Job sadly now postponed until a time when such funds are made available, which is most likely to be after the railways extension has opened next year. To have stairs to connect the fully refurbished bridge to each platform by the time the GWSRs Extension to Broadway opens would be fantastic - Just think how much of a worthy achievement it would be if we could use some spare cash from here to see such a thing through?

We've all seen what is possible when the money is available - Just take a look at what the GWSR has achieved with the former Monmouth Troy station at Winchcombe and the Severn Valley Railway's beautiful station at Kidderminster, wouldn't it be fitting to see another beautiful and potentially award winning GWR station recreated for the beautiful town of Broadway?

I can fully recommend taking a look at the Broadway Blogspot - And a look around many of the GWSRs fantastic blogs. It is in my opinion the one of the best preserved railways in the country for news and information, very much if not the best. Pictures of the current progress and station details are available here - the progress, for what is a small band of volunteers has been amazing! And the quicker the money is raised, the quicker the station rebuild can happen.

http://broadwaystationgroup.blogspot.co.uk/

Quote:
This website is being maintained as a modest, independent supplement to the GWSR Website , concentrating on the activities of the GWSR in its pursuit of extending its northern route, and culminating in the re opening of Broadway Station.
The Broadway Area Group(BAG), with the support of the GWR Board, has set themselves the target of having Broadway Station rebuilt and operational as quickly as funds will allow with a target of 2018. There is much still to be done and funds are limited. What there is in abundance is enthusiasm and commitment from the BAG Volunteers. Their single minded determination will see their dream a reality.

If you would like to help with achieving our goal you can join the Broadway Area Group as a volunteer, or become a Friend of Broadway Station. Follow the links above and find out more. Alternatively donations to the Broadway Area Group can be made directly to the BAG Chairman through the Contact link above or by the safe on line donation button below.

If you would like to make a Donation towards the Broadway Station Appeal Fund, please use the safe link below. We can't do it without You!

https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/gwsr
http://broadwaystationgroup.blogspot.co.uk/


I hope I've made a good enough case for each of these unique preservation projects, It's been another long day but I hope you'll agree. And to help to move the limelight into the long forgotten Southern Region preservation scene, or giving you the worthy choice to help recreate an attractive Great Western Railway designed station in the Cotswolds.

Either way, there are a lot of very worthy preservation projects out there that could all do with our time and funds, and I wish them all the best of luck!

 

[crosscity]

I think the Great Central 'Bridge to the future' is a really worthwhile project.

See http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify/

 

[TC60054]

Crich Tramway Village - Depot Appeal

The National Tramway Museum’s collections are one of the most comprehensive collections of tramcars and tramway history in the world and all the collections are Designated as being of National importance. At the core of the collection is the tramcar and associated works vehicle collection which comprises over 80 historic vehicles.

Recently there have been growing concerns for the ability of the main depots, which date back to the 1960’s, to protect the Nationally Designated collection long term and present it appropriately to the Museum’s visitors. Condensation and mould are two of the challenges that the Museum is having to deal with in the current buildings, and pose a threat to the long term care of the collection.

A scheme has been proposed to refurbish the buildings with a new fully insulated roof, insulated doors, partition walling and extra wall insulation, which will help to stabilise the conditions in the buildings and the effect it is having on the tramcars.

Some photos of the damage to Sheffield 74, London United 159, Sheffield 510, and depot humidity and temperature readings between 2014 and 2016 can be found through this clicky

Any donations will be greatly received by the team at Crich, and all donations will be used on securing the future of the tram collection there. Anyone wishing to donate any money, no matter how little, can do so by visiting http://www.tramway.co.uk/contact/make-a-donation/.

 

[yorksrob]

I hope you don't mind me putting forward two of my cases from last time, but as times change and projects evolve, both require money to make things happen.

Out of interest, which CIG's were lost this year ?

 

[fgwrich]

Out of interest, which CIG's were lost this year ?

2 Cigs lost this year : 'Greyhound' CIG 1399 based up at the Dartmoor Railway and ex SWT 1498 at the Epping and Ongar, which has apparently been bought to be converted to become camping coaches in Ireland. With those two going, it now leaves us simply with Phase 1 1753 (4car) as owned by the Network SouthEast Society and Phase 2 1497 (3car) on the Mid Norfolk Railway.

 

[yorksrob]

2 Cigs lost this year : 'Greyhound' CIG 1399 based up at the Dartmoor Railway and ex SWT 1498 at the Epping and Ongar, which has apparently been bought to be converted to become camping coaches in Ireland. With those two going, it now leaves us simply with Phase 1 1753 (4car) as owned by the Network SouthEast Society and Phase 2 1497 (3car) on the Mid Norfolk Railway.

It just illustrates to me the strategic importance of those of us with an interest in EMU preservation of combining forces to get one on the main line.

It's a shame we can't express a second preference in the poll as there are a few good ones already on here that I wouldn't mind supporting.

 

[Trainfan344]

I'm nominating the Mid Norfolk Railways Shed Appeal.

http://mnr.org.uk/donations/shed

Over recent years, the Mid-Norfolk Railway has grown and is fast becoming a major tourist attraction in the Heart of Norfolk. Opening in 1999, the railway has grown very quickly, however, we currently have no undercover accomodation for carrying out vital work to maintain and restore the locomotives, railcars and coach vehicles at the Railway. The Mid-Norfolk Railway has launched an urgent appeal for donations to secure undercover accommodation.

During 2011, we undertook a GPS survey of Dereham Yard and based on the track that was already in situ and the location of the inspection pit, it was discovered that there was space to lay 3 sidings along the back of the yard. These would be fed from the current number 3 road via a turn-back point which would lead into a 3-way (or in our case a tandem) point to form the 3 roads.

At the north end of the 3 roads, just beyond Dereham Central signal box and the pit, the intended shed building will be located. Due to the slight curvature of the site, the maximum size of the building is around 19m wide by a length of 75m. In it's complete and final form, this would be enough for around 9 carriage-length vehicles to be under cover

A shed like this will really help the Mid Norfolk Railways Operational side.

 

[JoeGJ1984]

Can I nominate the Cambrian Heritage Railways? If you click on the 'Join the Cambrian lottery' link, they want help to extend the line to Weston Wharf. (Ignore the lottery; I'm just suggesting it as a donation).

 

[341o2]

2 Cigs lost this year : 'Greyhound' CIG 1399 based up at the Dartmoor Railway and ex SWT 1498 at the Epping and Ongar, which has apparently been bought to be converted to become camping coaches in Ireland. With those two going, it now leaves us simply with Phase 1 1753 (4car) as owned by the Network SouthEast Society and Phase 2 1497 (3car) on the Mid Norfolk Railway.

Sad to hear the loss of 1498

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Sad to hear the loss of 1498

Still have the one at Finmere then there is VEP 3905, 3417 and CEPs 7105 and 1198 along with BEPs 2311 and 2315. Sure tgere are others (EPB, HAP etc) Not a fantastic number but at least some survive

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Has no one put forward the plastic pig preservation society yet?....

 

[Flying Phil]

I think the Great Central 'Bridge to the future' is a really worthwhile project.

See http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify/

I would also support this project/appeal.

 

[IanXC]

I'm going to suggest the Yorkshire Wolds Railway's Treble the Track appeal.

We now have 320 feet of track at Fimber Halt but we don’t want to stop at that…
Our aim is to extend the length of our running line towards Wetwang from 300’ to 900’, for which we need to raise around £30,000.
Can you help us Treble The Track by ‘sponsoring’ a sleeper?
To sponsor one sleeper (without fixings) costs £30. To sponsor one sleeper (with fixings) costs £50.
Perhaps you and a group of colleagues could ‘sponsor’ a rail, or even a whole track panel? To sponsor one 60’ rail costs £300. To sponsor one 30’ panel (rails, sleepers, fixings) costs £1000
Every sponsor will receive a certificate and have their name on our sponsors board.

http://www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk/support/treble-the-track/

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is an intersting project in that many of the people involved are not specifically in it for the 'railway aspects', there are a wide range of people involved many particularly interested in the local visitor economy. The wide range of skills is also reflected in the project streams, and the rate with which grant funding is being obtained.

The society’s desire is to create a tourist heritage railway attraction in the Yorkshire Wolds. This is in order to increase visitor numbers in the area and so help boost the economies of inland market towns such as Malton and Norton and Driffield and the rural areas in between. These are areas that have seen decline due to the hardship that the farming industry has seen in recent years and because of sizable employers in market towns closing down or moving production of manufactured goods abroad.
The Yorkshire Wolds is a highly scenic area and whilst up until now has not always been widely seen as a tourist hotspot, nevertheless is seen by the YWRRP as offering the potential to create a first class tourist heritage railway attraction which could draw in greater visitor numbers and spending power.
In time a revived railway could link up with other local attractions such as Sledmere House, the Driffield Navigation, Fimber picnic site and the medieval village at Wharram Percy, to name but a few examples. This would then enable the Yorkshire Wolds to exploit its scenic qualities and charm in order to improve local employment and business opportunities and demonstrate to visitors what a beautiful, historical and heritage rich area the Yorkshire Wolds, its villages and market towns really are.

Which is why I believe this will, in time be a meaningful and successful railway!

 

[Risdale93]

I'd like to propose The 45170 Appeal by the SRPS. It has been our most successful appeal to date with the locomotive now formally secured. We are now about to embark on the more difficult part, the overhaul
It is estimated that we need to raise a further £200,000 to restore the locomotive to operational condition with the hope that she will fly the flag for the SRPS at railways all over Britain.

Fb page: https://www.facebook.com/45170Appeal/
Website: http://www.srpssteam.com/8f-45170/8f-appeal/

 

[ainsworth74]

A reminder that nominations close tonight so make sure you've put your project forward by then!