DISCUSSIONS ABOUT NEW WORKSHOP & MUSEUM

The Furness Railway Trust and Ribble Steam Railway are to enter into detailed discussions about the possibility of locating a new FRT workshop and small museum at RSR in Preston.

The FRT has a long standing need for its own restoration facilities as it develops its role as a provider of locomotives and rolling stock for the heritage railway sector.

Dave Watkins, Chairman of RSR, said “We were more than happy to offer the FRT any help we could, and we're delighted to be working closely with them moving forward. Both parties are now actively engaged in planning an appropriate building on our land to house a suitable workshop & museum for the FRT.”

Tim Owen, FRT Chairman, said “We want to achieve a partnership that will be appropriate, and beneficial, to both bodies. The RSR offer is undoubtedly attractive, including access to the considerable engineering and lifting facilities already at Preston and the railway to test newly restored items.”

For more information on the Furness Railway Trust Visit their website

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Launch of new competition - Along Lancashire Lines

We’re looking for photos that illustrate the varied transport scene in the County of Lancashire. Submissions should contain a form of vehicular transport (so no walking or horse-riding) from bicycles to trains, canal boats, buses, etc. More than one type can be included in the image, but there should be something that defines the area as being Lancashire. Be creative when composing the shots!

Photos submitted should be taken on or after 1st April 2009. The closing date of the competition is 1st September 2009.

The competition is open to two age categories – Under 16s and 16 and Over.

For those entering the Under 16s category, parental consent is required.

Both digital and film entries will be accepted, as per the Terms and Conditions attached. By entering the competition, you confirm that you have read and agree with the Terms and Conditions.

The winner of each category will receive as a prize a framed 24” x 16” canvas print of their winning entry, and a framed certificate. The runner-up in each category will receive as a prize a framed 10” x 8” canvas print of their entry, and a framed certificate.

Entrants can submit up to three photographs to the competition; these can be either prints or digital images. Prints submitted should be a minimum of 7” x 5”, and digital images should be submitted in jpeg format, no smaller than 1200 x 900 pixels and no larger than 3MB if being submitted by e-mail. There is no maximum size limit for prints or digital images submitted by post.

To submit an entry, please fill out the competition entry form. This should be filled out by hand, as a signature is required. Completed forms can either be posted or scanned and e-mailed, and should accompany your entry.

Download your Entry Form Here

The latest exhibit to arrive at Riversway is Bagnall 2680 built 1942.

The loco was originally supplied to Birchenwood Gas and Coke co, named Birchenwood No.4 and used on their extensive system until its closure in 1973. It was the last loco to work there.

Initially bought by Bill McAlpine and moved to Market Overton before being sold again and moved to the North Norfolk Railway where it was stripped for overhaul. Sadly, this planned work was never finished, but passed in kit form through several owners hands with no further work done.

Therefore the loco has never been steamed in Preservation, and has rarely been seen on public display since leaving Birchenwood.

The loco has been privately purchased by an RSR member, and it's overhaul is due to commence summer 09 with a view to test running within 2 years, subject to other commitments.

The engine is likely to be restored in the guise of a long lost Preston Docks engine, probably 'Courageous'. The loco is of the same type as the sole remaining Preston Docks Bagnall, "Princess", which now resides at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. As the loco is re-assembled from it's kit form, photographs will be updated on our site.