4/07/2009
The class 31 Loco has had its vacuum pump fitted and performed well with a 4 coach train. Staff are beginning to get accustomed to the silence of the ride, having been subject to engine noise on the petrol powered units. However it will require a 24volt battery Charger, to enable the batteries to be maintained in tip top condition.
28 /06/09
Our new locomotive Class31 styled battery loco took its first set of passengers on the line today. It performs well but requires a vacuum pump to operate the coaches brakes. this will hopefully be fitted up by next weekend.
21/05/2009
Work has now begun on rebuilding Hymek. The current plan is to use Hymeks bogies to create another Hymek outline locomotive, while the body will be re-built and turned into a large Battery-Electric Class 31 styled Locomotive.
4/07/2009
The class 31 Loco has had its vacuum pump fitted and performed well with a 4 coach train. Staff are beginning to get accustomed to the silence of the ride, having been subject to engine noise on the petrol powered units. However it will require a 24volt battery Charger, to enable the batteries to be maintained in tip top condition.
28 /06/09
Our new locomotive Class31 styled battery loco took its first set of passengers on the line today. It performs well but requires a vacuum pump to operate the coaches brakes. this will hopefully be fitted up by next weekend.
07/05/2009
Fettling of the track has taken place, and new sections have been installed at the bottom of the hill to ease the curve.
A further set of coaches are being refurbished and will be ready for use once the seats have been reupholstered, (next week).
30/03/2009
The old footbridge has gone , and the track is now being laid where it was once piled up.
The photo above shows the last section being hoisted away
23/03/2009
The small Battery loco took its first test run to drawell hauling 1 sitastride , driver and guard. It performs very well on the flatter parts of the line but just loses a bit of speed on the steepest part of the incline on wet rails. It runs faster than no2. However its suspension is a bit light on the front axle and really needs stiffening.
19/03/2009
Although the old footbridge is still in place, the line has now reached the new turntable and the first complete test run took place, including first use of the turntable. Subject to staffing constraints the line should be ready for business on Sunday 22nd March from approx 12.00 until 16.00
18/03/2009 The Loading ramp pillars are now built and the track has been installed, awaiting cement drying and curing before final fixing can take place. and prior to testing.
15/03/2009
No.2 is back. Locomotive No.2 came out of serivce during summer 2008. Since then the motion has been given attention along with a new crank shaft. All work has been done by 45163 Ltd. Today saw the completion of repairs and it's return to serivce ready for the 2009 season.
No.2 on a test run following motion repairs
11/03/2009
The Drawell end point has been rebuilt and is ready to be installed, although it might be on a diversionary route arround the old footbridge, the station loop has been constructed. The main track has been leveled and loaded test runs done with Tom and a set of coaches.
2 overrun-off tracks are in position for connecting to the turntable. but these are awaiting final connecting up and alignment.
04/03/2009
Ballasting of the track between the new station and the old footbridge is complete other than for final horizontal leveling, although most has been done.
Turntable has been completed And we are awaiting removal of the old footbrige before the final 4-5 track panels can be installed.
The original light brown coaches have been repainted
28/02/2009
The track has now reached the old footbridge, and a start has been made on connecting track to the turntable, and creating the second station.
The 2 "Waiting room" coaches have been repainted externally and a start made on the original coach repainting.
The new coaches have had some maintenance work done.
25/02/2009
The track has now connected up with the existing trackwork just beyond the tunnel with a further 9 track panels, some ballasting is still to be done.Tom the main locomotive has now been moved to the workshop container for routine maintenance.The trackbed has been prepared for the section after the cutting.
18/02/2009
Finishing work done to entrance, and landscaping done in station area! see photos in Extension section.
17/02/2009
Another ten track panels have been laid, and some ballasting of the track has commenced.
Work to complete the turntable is progressing.
The platform area has been tided and the paving completed.
13/02/2009
The first 8 new panels of track have been installed, others are being produced.
07/02/2009
The rail ends have been prepared ready for installation, and the first supply of sleepers have had the pilot fixing holes drilled. A start in creating track panels will be made weather permitting during the next week.
31/01/2009
Hymek hauled a test train today following some gearbox repairs along with the remaining paving slabs being laid in the station area. A new sleeper retaining wall has been built in the cutting to allow the railway past.
The remaining ballast and tarmac have been lifted on the approach to the tunnel ready for the new track to be laid.
Hymek on a test run. Gearbox problems and Body work failures have caused this loco to be taken ot of service.
23/01/2009
The trackbed between the storage container and the existing tunnel has been levelled in preparation for tracklaying.
14/01/2009
Upgrade Report
The two outer tracks were laid today on the shed floor creating two storage sidings. Another siding will be added in the centre of the container towards the back for stored rolling stock.
The first powered run around newmans loop was done today with Hymek and two sit-astride coaches.
09/01/2009
Passenger Report:
All the numbers have now been added up for 2008 and we are happy to say that in year 1 we carried 7,086 passengers which equates to 1,032 runs and 256.5 miles of passenger running.
Upgrade Report 29/12/2008
The Colne Valley Miniature railway is being re-laid for the 2009 season. It will provide a ride of some 600metres. The old station is being removed along with the railway crossing, the line will then terminate in newmans siding near to the garden railway. In Newmans siding there is room to establish a workshop/engine shed, loading ramp and a loop. At the other end of the line a station is to be constructed and a turntable built. This will remove the need to propell trains. The workshop/engine shed has now arrived in the form of a container and the loop has been constructed, work to link the new station area to the original running line is progressing.
Turntable
Evan, the mini railway owner has done a wonderful job of designing and building a turntable for the new layout. This turntable has now been placed in position with the central pivot set into the ground, all that is left is to set the turntable ring and connect it to the running line.
