The Weardale Railway has announced two exciting events for diesel locomotive enthusiasts to kick off the 2017 season, both of which will feature unusual traction.
On February 11/12 there will be a Class 31 running weekend which will feature yellow-liveried 31465 hauling passenger trains for the first time in almost a decade. This locomotive will be leaving the railway shortly after the event and is unlikely to be used on passenger services again, so this is a once in a lifetime chance to obtain haulage behind this vintage machine. Five return trips will be made from Stanhope Station to Scotch Isle Loop, a distance of about six miles, with the 31 running round at each end of the journey. The train will consist of six Mk2 coaches in InterCity livery and will be electrically heated. Stanhope station cafe will be open during the day to provide home-cooked hot and cold food. The first train will leave Stanhope Station at 0930 and all trains will stop at Frosterley and Wolsingham stations in each direction.
Two weeks later, on February 25/26, the Class 47s will have their own weekend with Scotrail-liveried 47712 Lady Diana Spencer sharing the limelight with BR green-liveried 47192. Four trains will run each day in top and tail mode with services running almost the whole length of the line from Stanhope to the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, a distance of about 15 miles. As the gradient is predominantly in one direction the locomotives will swap over after the first two runs so that each is used on the uphill end of the train. Again Mark 2s with electric heat will be used but the rake will be strengthened to eight or nine vehicles, all in InterCity livery, to provide an authentic formation. The first train of the day will leave Stanhope at 0900 and catering will be available both at Stanhope Station and during the journey.
Event ticket prices are
One round trip Adult£ 15.00 Senior£ 13.50 Child£ 7.50 Family£ 30.00
Day Rover Adult£ 20.00 Senior£ 17.00 Child£ 10.00 Family£ 40.00
Weekend Rover Adult£ 36.00 Senior£ 30.00 Child£ 16.00 Family£ 75.00
The Weardale Railway runs for 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate in County Durham and has its main passenger station at Stanhope (DL13 2YS). It is most famous for its Polar Express Christmas experience but also operates heritage services throughout the summer months. The railway also operates a cafe on Stanhope Station during the summer season.
On February 11/12 there will be a Class 31 running weekend which will feature yellow-liveried 31465 hauling passenger trains for the first time in almost a decade. This locomotive will be leaving the railway shortly after the event and is unlikely to be used on passenger services again, so this is a once in a lifetime chance to obtain haulage behind this vintage machine. Five return trips will be made from Stanhope Station to Scotch Isle Loop, a distance of about six miles, with the 31 running round at each end of the journey. The train will consist of six Mk2 coaches in InterCity livery and will be electrically heated. Stanhope station cafe will be open during the day to provide home-cooked hot and cold food. The first train will leave Stanhope Station at 0930 and all trains will stop at Frosterley and Wolsingham stations in each direction.
Two weeks later, on February 25/26, the Class 47s will have their own weekend with Scotrail-liveried 47712 Lady Diana Spencer sharing the limelight with BR green-liveried 47192. Four trains will run each day in top and tail mode with services running almost the whole length of the line from Stanhope to the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, a distance of about 15 miles. As the gradient is predominantly in one direction the locomotives will swap over after the first two runs so that each is used on the uphill end of the train. Again Mark 2s with electric heat will be used but the rake will be strengthened to eight or nine vehicles, all in InterCity livery, to provide an authentic formation. The first train of the day will leave Stanhope at 0900 and catering will be available both at Stanhope Station and during the journey.
Event ticket prices are
One round trip Adult£ 15.00 Senior£ 13.50 Child£ 7.50 Family£ 30.00
Day Rover Adult£ 20.00 Senior£ 17.00 Child£ 10.00 Family£ 40.00
Weekend Rover Adult£ 36.00 Senior£ 30.00 Child£ 16.00 Family£ 75.00
The Weardale Railway runs for 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate in County Durham and has its main passenger station at Stanhope (DL13 2YS). It is most famous for its Polar Express Christmas experience but also operates heritage services throughout the summer months. The railway also operates a cafe on Stanhope Station during the summer season.
