Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email: enquiriesatspavalleyrailway.co.uk
(Please replace 'at' with the @ symbol)

News

Welcome to the Spa Valley News Page. This is where details of the latest developments on the railway and website are posted.

9th and 10th April - WEEKEND TRAINS CONTINUE BETWEEN TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND ERIDGE

Following a very successful and popular inaugural weekend, the railway continues in the same vein throughout the season (with the exception of the Day Out with Thomas events on 14, 15, 21 and 22 May, where trains will run between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge only).

Please see the fares page for ticket prices along the line.

Saturday times are as shown below and on the timetable page:

Saturday 9th April

S denotes a steam-hauled train, and D a diesel, with the engines changing at Eridge. This means that throughout the day, there will be an engine stabled in the bay platform at Eridge, so please do come and talk to the crew!

Sunday 10th April

Southern are again operating the Uckfield line to a revised Sunday timetable on 10th April, so in order to make as many connections at Eridge as possible, trains on the Spa Valley line will follow the times below.

Please note that due to a special booking on Sunday, and hence the need to add a fifth coach, trains will operate in "top and tail" fashion. However, the 13:15 from TWW will be double-headed as far as Groombridge (Class 33 leading). Thereafter, the diesel will be on the Tunbridge Wells end and the steam engine on the Eridge end. Also, the bar car "Kate" will be unavailable on Sunday, although refreshments are available in the usual way at Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge and Eridge stations.

2nd and 3rd April - FIRST WEEKEND OF TRAINS BETWEEN TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND ERIDGE

Come along and be among the first to enjoy by train the beautiful Wealden countryside on the way to Eridge. This weekend represents an historic occasion for the Spa Valley Railway, as we embark upon a new era of regular timetabled steam and diesel trains over the full length of line that British Rail closed in 1985!

This weekend it is planned to operate four-coach trains, with an engine change at Eridge. Hence, in the timetables below, S denotes a steam train (visiting Prairie 5521, with 62 "Ugly" spare), and D a diesel (37254) *. However, if required, a fifth coach may be added, in which case trains will run with 37254 on the Eridge end, and 5521 on the Tunbridge Wells end (top and tail).

As this is our inaugural weekend of operation to Eridge, a special flat fare of £10 for Adults and £5 for children applies for any journey on the railway, although you may of course break your journey wherever you wish and join later trains for no further charge.

On Sunday 3rd, most trains are scheduled to run slightly later in order to connect with a revised Southern timetable on the Uckfield line:

Sunday 3rd April Timetable

* We apologise that this wasn't possible on Saturday, and trains ran top-and-tail fashion. This was due to the temporary unavailability of a suitable engine to perform "shunt-release" for the 37 at Tunbridge Wells.

21st March - 5521 ARRIVES FOR ERIDGE OPENING

GWR Small Prairie arrived today in readiness for its appearance at this week's opening of the Eridge extension. The engine will haul trains throughout the day in conjunction with Class 37 37254 'Driver Robin Prince M.B.E.'. The first train will be hauled to Eridge by RSH 'Ugly' and 5521, where thereafter 'Ugly' is due to spend the day at Eridge. 5521 is due to be on the Tunbridge Wells West end of all the trains with 37254 on the Eridge end.

5521 will not be operating this weekend (26th & 27th March) but will be in operation on a number of weekends up to the end of its visit in May. For further details please see our loco roster (link at the top of the page).

11th March - SPA VALLEY TRAINS TO RETURN TO ERIDGE!

Following a day of test operations on 9th March, and an inspection by HMRI today, the Spa Valley Railway is delighted to announce that subject to final approval by the Secretary of State for Transport public operations between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge will commence with a special introductory day on Friday 25th March to mark this historic achievement.

On this day a special train will depart Tunbridge Wells West at 10:15, and return from Eridge at 11:10 – this train will be available to special ticket holders only, with advance bookings being taken. The fare for this train only will be £20 Adult and £10 Child return.  The first standard train will be the following 11:50 departure from Tunbridge Wells. Special tickets for this and subsequent trains will be available on a first come first served basis from Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge and Eridge stations, priced universally at £10 for adults and £5 for children. Tickets entitle the holder to one round trip, although you may of course purchase as many tickets as you wish!

A normal Southern train service is operating on the Uckfield line on this Friday.  We look forward to welcoming you to our fantastic new railway!

Friday 25th March Timetable

Unfortunately, Network Rail engineering works on the Uckfield line will prevent Spa Valley Trains operating between Groombridge and Eridge on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th March, however a full service will operate between Tunbridge Wells, High Rocks and Groombridge on this weekend.     

Full Tunbridge Wells to Eridge services are subsequently planned to operate every weekend and bank holiday from 2^nd April until 30^th October, except for the four Day out with Thomas weekends.

 Above Left:- The first preservation train for over 10 years enters Eridge on 9th March, comprising of 101 trailer car and Class 37 37254 - Photo D. Staines
Above Right:- 37254 rests in the Down Platform at Eridge - Photo D. Staines
Below Left:- A Class 170 arrives from Ashurst whilst 37254 sits in the platform - Photo D. Staines
Below Right:- Sure to become a popular photo opportunity will be the comparisons between old and new - the Class 170 sits alongside the Class 101 driving trailer car at Eridge on 9th March - Photo D. Staines

WANDERING PRAIRIE TO VISIT SPA VALLEY

The Spa Valley Railway is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the official opening of the Eridge extension, it has secured the loan of Bill Parker's ex-GWR Small Prairie No. 5521 for the opening day and a subsequent 2 month visit. 

The loco which is famous for its travels around Eastern Europe a few years ago, and normally based on the Dean Forest Railway, is due to arrive in time for the Eridge opening and stay until the end of May and will be the fifth Great Western locomotive to have operated on the railway in preservation.

The railway would like to thank Bill Parker for making this visit possible.

28th December - SPA VALLEY DEFIES SEVERE WEATHER TO OPERATE 100% OF SANTA SPECIALS

Despite a further onslaught of heavy snow on the 18th December and freezing conditions causing water supplies to be frozen, the members of the Spa Valley defied the weather to ensure all its advertised Santa Specials were operated right up to Christmas. By the time the last train pulled out of Tunbridge Wells West on 23rd December, the railway had operated for 11 days and run 31 trains for its visitors. Out of all this, only two days and eight trains ran when there was no snow on the ground!

The railway is now in its post Christmas operating period and will now be running from January 1st until January 3rd, when we will then shut for winter maintenance.

For those passengers who were unable to make the Santa Specials due to the weather, the railway is offering a transfer of tickets to another event in 2011. Passengers are advised to contact our booking office through one of the options at the top of this page.

Above Left:- Ugly's first solo day in operation was marked by an onslaught of heavy snow. The loco is seen passing Coldbath Bridge on 18th December - Photo Tony Burgess
Above Right:- The Christmas tree greets visitors at Tunbridge Wells West on 20th December - Photo R. Sharpe
Below Left- Spartan hauls a Santa Special in to the run-round loop at Groombridge on 20th December - Photo R. Sharpe
Below Right:- Spartan stands at Tunbridge Wells West having hauled another Santa Special back from Groombridge - Photo R. Sharpe

11th December - SANTA SPECIALS RUN DESPITE HEAVY SNOW

The Spa Valley managed to run all its advertised Santa Special trains over the weekend of the 4th and 5th December. After two days of hard work by volunteers in the week leading up to the weekend to clear platforms and the track of snow, the first Santa train of the season departed on time at 10:45 on Saturday morning. All the hard work paid off for one lucky visitor who had booked an afternoon train to take her to the High Rocks for her wedding. 

Visitors on the Saturday were also treated to the sight of two steam engines on the train, as 'Ugly' and 'Spartan' ran in a top and tail formation, which reduced the need to clear and defrost all the points.

The Saturday also acted as 'Ugly's loaded test runs following its overhaul. It accomplished these with no problems whatsoever and will now go into service at some point over the Christmas period to take the strain off 'Spartan' when needed. With two new engines back in traffic the crews are now having to get to grips with them and familiarisation is under way. 

Above Left:- Ugly sits at High Rocks with one of its first passenger trains since overhaul - Photo R. Sharpe
Above Right:- Ugly approaches High Rocks station on 4th December - Photo R. Sharpe
Below:- Spartan sits at Tunbridge Wells West prior to departing with one of the Santa Specials - Photo R. Sharpe

Meanwhile in the shed, the Jinty is taking a well earned rest and having some boiler and axlebox work carried out with an anticipated completion of next Spring. The Pannier tank is now off hire to us and will remain in storage until a new home is found for it to go on hire to.

9th December - NEW YEAR'S DAY GUIDED WALK

On New Years Day come along for a traditional walk with the Spa Valley Railway to burn off those Christmas lunches and chocolates that have been consumed over the festive period. Meet your guide at Tunbridge Wells Tourist Information Centre for a brisk stroll through the beautiful High Weald countryside followed by a trip back on the train with tea.  

Your guide will use their local knowledge to show you some interesting features that can be found in the area.  

The walk is 5 miles long and will last around 3 hours. The route has steep hills and muddy ground. You should bring clothing that is appropriate to the weather.  Numbers are limited to 15 places. This walk starts at 12:30. Please note due to unforeseen circumstances the time advertised in the Parish Magazines and on Facebook has been changed to the above time of 12:30. The cost of the walk is £10 for a single ticket including a mince pie and a pot of tea or £6.00 for a single ride without the tea. For more information contact the railway on 01892 537715 or email svrwalksathotmail.co.uk (replace at with @ symbol).

GIFT SHOP OPEN IN DECEMBER

The gift shop at Tunbridge Wells West from Wednesday until Sunday every week leading up to Christmas. The well stocked shop will provide you with all your Christmas gifts and will be open from 10am until 4pm each day.

NOVEMBER P-WAY WEEK

This year's week long P-way marathon centred on the siding complex just outside Tunbridge Wells West. The siding where stock is stored when trains are running was showing signs of age, having seen little attention in recent times, with some of it being the original track left from when the line was shut by BR. 

The job comprised of two sections. Firstly to renew the sleepers and rail in the existing siding. And then extend the siding over the second span of the Eridge road bridge and install a point which will lead to some extra sidings that were installed a few years ago but never connected up. The old C-10 point which was removed from Groombridge run-round during the winter of 2008/09 has been installed and at a later date this will be connected up to the new sidings. At the end of the week, everything had been accomplished as planned although the siding still requires ballasting, jacking and packing before a train can be run over the entire length of the siding.

Above Left:- The extent of the works for Stage 1 on Sunday 14th November; relay from the points to the bufferstop - Photo R. Sharpe
Above Right:- By Monday 15th the siding works was well advanced and heading towards the bridge - Photo R. Sharpe
Below Left:- By Saturday 20th the new point to the sidings had been laid and the team were marching on over the bridge - Photo R. Sharpe
Below Right:- Another view across the Eridge road bridge showing the track on the second span and the new point leading to the new siding complex - Photo R. Sharpe

26th October - BRANCH LINE WEEKEND REPORT

The final gala event of 2010 was the Branch Line Weekend. This event featured four locos from the home fleet, which included the first public appearance of RSH 'Ugly' and the final appearance at the railway of GWR Pannier tank L.99. The latter has now come to the end of its hire period. The other locos making up the event were Jinty 47493 and TKh 3135 'Spartan'. The appearance of 'Ugly' was very much a last minute thing with the locomotive passing its boiler exam on Friday 22nd October and then being declared fit to make its gala debut as a yard shunter.

The weekend featured an intensive timetable with trains traversing the stretch of line to Birchden Junction, goods trains and the unusual use of one of the railway's vintage London Transport T-Stock coaches.

More photos will appear of the event in due course but below are a small selection from the event.  

Above Left:- GWR Pannier tank L.99 climbs Ramslye Bank with the recreation London Underground goods train on 24th October - Photo J. Nye
Above Right:- 'Spartan' passes Poke Hill Farm crossing with the T-Stock, heading to Groombridge on 24th September - Photo D. Staines
Centre:- RSH 'Ugly' rests in the yard at Tunbridge Wells, in between shunting duties - Photo M. Dives

YARD AND SHED DEVELOPMENTS

Following on from the re-roofing of the Carriage and Wagon workshop and the new entrance ramp at the rear of the site last winter, further enhancements have been undertaken over the course of the year. Firstly the ongoing electrical rewire of the shed has continued with both sides of the shed now supporting new electrical supplies and new lighting beginning to be installed. 

Over the summer the centre walking aisle in the shed was broken out and recast. This surface had become rough and unstable and the decision was taken to replace it as this is the main access point for our larger events such as Thomas. Over the course of three weeks, the concrete was removed, recast and then sealed. During this time, the shed had to be completely rearranged to allow the various projects to continue whilst being out of the way of the concreting, which in itself was a logistical nightmare! 

Above Left:- The old concrete floor is broken out in early August - Photo R. Sharpe
Above Right:- A week later and the new floor is cast - Photo R. Sharpe

Above:- One of the pieces of trackwork that underwent refurbishment in early March. The new concrete sections can clearly be seen - Photo M. Dives

Some of the trackwork in the yard received attention. At the same time the opportunity was taken to cast concrete sections into the pointwork to allow vehicle access. Finally the oil store has received a new roof. Over the last couple of years the old roof had rusted away to the point where a lot of water was entering the building. A new roof with a slope was added which should give the building a few more years life yet. 

29th August - ERIDGE – LAST MAJOR HURDLES OVERCOME

One of the last major hurdles in the Spa Valley Railway’s ground breaking Eridge extension was cleared in late August with the signing of the lease with Network Rail for use of the track and trackbed of the former down line between Birchden and Eridge and into the down main and down bay platforms at Eridge station. Finalisation of one of the other major components in what has become an ever more complicated jigsaw, the station access agreement with train operator Southern is anticipated to be finalised imminently. The Spa Valley already holds a lease upon the platform buildings at Eridge. This now paves the way for the use of heritage Spa Valley services to share a mile of the former double track formation between Birchden Junction and Eridge and similarly share Eridge station with National Rail services. There are still myriad tasks to finalise but the heritage line is now looking with greater certainty at the running of ‘preview’ services into Eridge towards the end of this year before a formal VIP opening early in 2011.

Archive to Older Railway News

Last Updated 11th March 2010. ©M. Dives