Matheran Light Railway 740

Railworld was pleased to be able to conclude the sale of Matheran Light Railway (MLR) 740 to the South Tynedale railway where it will be restored to full operational condition. For information on the South Tynedale railway follow this link to their website: http://www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk/

Technical Specifications

Due to the tight curves on the MLR, 740 is an articulated 0-6-0. The locos were built by Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin embodying the Klein-Lindner patents for articulation. This articulation is interesting in that it is closer to the Heywood design than Klien-Linder, only the centre axle having side play. The outer axles are ‘radial’ only. A further interesting detail is the method employed for transmitting side movement of the centre axle connon to the radial axles. In these locomotives with the trailing axle behind the firebox, a longitudinal shaft runs beneath the axles and ashpan, with three upstanding levers to provide interconnection. Outwardly, these locomotives give no clue to their system of articulation, appearing to be conventional, long-wheelbased 0-6-0 tank engines.

History

No. 740 was built in 1907 for the Matheran Light Railway by Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin. This railway provided access to the hill resort of Matheran, around half way between Bombay and Pune (Poona). The line was 12 ½ miles of 2 foot gauge line. The ruling gradient was 1:30, though much of the line is as steep as 1:20. Many of the curves are 60’ radius, the sharpest being 45’.

The locos were very successful in service and the fleet of four locomotives worked the line exclusively until the introduction of diesels in 1965. After this the locomotives continued in service alongside the diesels until they were withdrawn in 1982. MLR 740 was given a Periodic Overhaul six months before final withdrawal. The engine was acquired by the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum and arrived in the UK on 28th November 1986. It was donated to Railworld in 1991. MLR 740 was in service on the Leighton Buzzard Railway between 2003 and 2008.

All four members of the class are preserved, however No. 740 is the only locomotive of the class outside India as the other three are all in Indian Museums. This makes 740 the only locomtive outside India showcasing the Klien-Lindner/Heywood articulation method. Test

A video of 740 and her classmates in action on the MLR can be seen at http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0120460/the-world-about-us-the-romance-of-indian-railways from 3.10 onwards.

Pump Trolley Hire Experiences

If you are interested in a unique experience and an ideal birthday or Christmas present, or to cross it off on your bucket list, then consider one of our Pump Trolley Experiences.

Using the Great Eastern Railway Pump Trolley, restored by The International Railway Preservation Society in 2007, participants are able to experience the thrill of the wind in your hair as you work your way through the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside just as the men who built the line over 160 years ago would have.

Usually taking place on summer evenings when no trains are running, though other times can be arranged, the experiences allow for varying degrees of fitness. In the time allocated participants will receive instruction and then travel on the pump trolley, under the supervision of one of our trained volunteers.

There are several packages on offer:

Pump Trolley Experience

The most popular choice. The pump trolley experience involves a roughly two hour guided journey along our line, although the time can be shortened to suit the participants.

The Course costs £60 for two people, with each additional participant costing an additional £10. Minimum 2 people, Maximum 4.

Time Trial

A more exciting experience for those with more energy and a competitive. Suitable for large groups of 6+ different teams of 2-4 will be timed traveling along a set length of the railway and will try to get the best time. Prizes and certificates can be arranged. Ideal for corporate events or a original and different birthday party idea for ages 16+.

The course will cost £15 each   

Group Experience

Sutiable for groups of 5-12 people, this course allows for several shorter trips for each participant, working in teams. 

These experiences are priced at a set rate of £120. 

With at least two days notice, pump trolley experience can be moved to a different date, however full refunds will not be given except in exceptional circumstances. Cancellations on the day will not be refunded except in exceptional circumstances.

If you would like to order an experience as a gift, let us know and we can send out a voucher valid for a set date.

Before booking this experience potential applicants should be aware that: This experience is Physicaly demanding and is only suitable for persons who are used to vigourous exercise.  Participants should consider if they have any medical conditions which would make it unwise for them to undertake this activity. Paricipants must also wear appropriate clothing and substantial foot wear. Open toed footwear must not be worn. Prior consumption of alcohol is not permitted. Participants will be required to sign a declaration before commencing the experience day. All participants must be 16 or older.

Courses take place most Saturday and Sunday evenings from April to September and start around 5:30pm. If you are interested in a particular date, we ask that you email Adam Paice at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , at least two weeks prior to this date to confirm the date is still available. If you are unable to make a weekend date, please also email us to ask about other specific dates as we are often able to accommodate these. 

If you would like to talk to us about the British Great Eastern Pump trolley via email or over phone, please contact Adam Paice at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Phil Marshall at: 07973109226

The pump trolley is also available for filming work and corporate hire. We have constructed a 30m section of lightweight transportable track which can be taken to events if required. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for this.

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Alco 804

History:

• Built: 1949, Schenectady
• Worked until 1985 at Margham Steel Works, S. Wales
• To Wansford 1985 (Including some engine work)
• To Railworld 1989 where cosmetic work was undertaken
• Engine Started 2009
• Engine last ran in October 2012

For further details contact Phil Marshall at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AGM booking form

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Saturday 13th October
Daytime only                       Price: £20

Daytime and evening meal    Price: £60 

Sunday 14th October          No cost

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Nene Valley Railway
Wansford Station
Stibbington
Peterborough
PE8 6LR