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

Special "History of Preston Docks" Exhibition launched

For the 2009 season, there will be a special exhibition in place at Ribble Steam Railway documenting the history of Preston Docks. This project has been completed by 2nd Year Community History Students from UcLAN. The display features photographs, and memories from former dock workers who were interviewed during the course of the project.

The exhibition was launched today with a special train carrying not only the students who have created the project, but also those former workers, who will have experienced a very different dock railway to that of the past.

2009 Visitors to Ribble Steam Railway will be able to view this informative exhibition throughout the season, which begins in April.