Images from WyvernRail plc http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/ 11 rows en-gb 60 Duffield Ancient History http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1782019.html A series of images, some ancient, others relatively modern which depict how Duffield looked before we came along. Thursday 1 January 1953: A series of images, some ancient, others relatively modern which depict how Duffield looked before we came along.

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]]> Thu Jan 1 1953 The Dash to Duffield Autumn / Winter 2009 http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1778909.html In the autumn of 2009, attention turned to Duffield. Up until then, it was fair to say that since clearance work took place in 2002, the single line into the platform had been under nothing more than care and maintenance; replacing the worst of the rotten sleepers and performing sufficient maintenance to ensure that the track remained in gauge. ‘Operation Duffield’ commenced in late September 2009 and had a single objective: to replace the entire permanent way from Duffield Tunnel into the platform and install a run-round loop in the same location as the branch siding that was lifted in the early 1970s. The majority of images in this gallery were taken by volunteer Richard Buckby and provide a visual narrative of how the station area has been transformed. Monday 9 November 2009: In the autumn of 2009, attention turned to Duffield. Up until then, it was fair to say that since clearance work took place in 2002, the single line into the platform had been under nothing more than care and maintenance; replacing the worst of the rotten sleepers and performing sufficient maintenance to ensure that the track remained in gauge. _Operation Duffield_ commenced in late September 2009 and had a single objective: to replace the entire permanent way from Duffield Tunnel into the platform and install a run-round loop in the same location as the branch siding that was lifted in the early 1970s. The majority of images in this gallery were taken by volunteer Richard Buckby and provide a visual narrative of how the station area has been transformed.

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]]> Mon Nov 9 2009 The Dash to Duffield - Spring / Summer 2009 http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1715816.html This period has seen a huge acceleration in work at Shottle and Duffield. At Shottle, the line right through the station platform was renewed in one concentrated exercise in Mid-May, while June saw extensive clearance works at Duffield, where the true potential of station site became clear for all to see. Monday 18 May 2009: This period has seen a huge acceleration in work at Shottle and Duffield. At Shottle, the line right through the station platform was renewed in one concentrated exercise in Mid-May, while June saw extensive clearance works at Duffield, where the true potential of station site became clear for all to see.

The southern extent of passenger operations in 2009. Another view of the CWR section. Approaching the B5023 road bridge south of Idridgehay. Running along the billiard-table-flat CVR section, now fully welded-up. When we started here, we had to reinstall short lengths of rail that had been taken-out by British Railways. Thank goodness they had not just taken away the rails or we would have faced a massive bill for replacements. Phil Tarry and the Land Rover on the CWR. The southern end of the continuously-welded section, just north of Shottle. The magnificent sight of Shottle North with the yard siding to the left and the new loop emerging on the right. Note the ground frame. Our Land Rover pauses at the Raised Check Rail located on the single line at Shottle and used as part of the road / rail vehicle test. Some vehicles fail the test of they cannot pass over this realistic test of main line trackwork cleanly. The telephoto lens emphasises the need to tamp the track through Shottle platform. However, the high quality of the new track is also evident. Passing through Shottle's platform, the brand new sleepers are clear for all to see. South of Shottle, the points for the southern end of the loop have been installed. A tasty dinner escapes the clutches of our Land Rover. Between Shottle and Postern Lodge. Many of these sleepers have since been renewed. Postern Lodge crossing, site of the great Travis's Folly viaduct which was demolished in the 1930s. Recently, we learned from the farmer that the upstairs windows of the farmhouse still don't close properly as a result of the overenthusiastic use of explosives by the army! Here we see the proximity of the River Ecclesbourne immediately to the north of Hazelwood. We are working with the local angling club to reinforce the river bank here. Approaching Hazelwood from the north. Phil and Martin discuss the plans for the future Hazelwood Halt. Martin Miller in conversation with Phil Tarry. The path behind will provide public access to the new platform. Hazelwood station. We plan to build a platform on the right, which is probably quite ironic as we think the mound was made from the rubble of the old platform! The 'green tunnel' south of Hazelwood. And again. More logs for transportation to Wirksworth! More of the VCT's handiwork for all to see. Our daily reports have often contained references to the activities of the VCT (Vegetation Clearance Team) south of Hazelwood. Here we see the effects of their labour with the vista opened-up. The vegetation between Hazelwood and Duffield is extremely dense in places. The line may be intact but the track requires plenty of TLC. The countryside in the southern part of the line is quite beautiful in the spring. Holloway Road foot crossing. Just south of the Holloway Road crossing, we see footbridge over the line. Approaching Duffield Tunnel. Note the heavy weed infestation in this very damp location. Inside Duffield Tunnel. Note the clear drains glinting in the foreground! A site of great activity last autumn: the northern point leading to what will be the run-round loop at Duffield. Approaching Duffield platform with a Matlock service in the background. Our plan is to connect with these services when we get through to Duffield. A panoramic view of Duffield station with a Nottingham to Matlock service on the main line platform. Note that at this stage, we had not yet cleared the overgrown debris to the left of our line. Phil Tarry points-out the planned location of the point for the run-round loop at Duffield. Taken from the overbridge at Duffield, a northbound Voyager passes the southern terminus of our line. Phil and Martin survey the access to our platform along the old Down Slow platform at Duffield. On May 29th, the railway's Marketing Department was treated to a whole-line survey, both to review progress to date and to experience the testing programme for a road / rail vehicle. Here we see Phil tarry at Duffield showing the garden that has been cultivated. The expanded vista at Duffield. A view towards the main line and one of a procession of northbound expresses passing the site of the former junction. Another view from the buffer stop showing how there is room for a run-round loop and other facilities. A view from the top of the signal post. Perhaps one day the ugly palisade fence could be removed? Another view from the buffer stop showing how there is room for a run-round loop and other facilities. The view at the most southerly extent of our line. Note how wide the site has become! A visit one Friday evening to Duffield revealed the fantastic progress made by our team on the preceding days. Here we see an EMT Meridian passing at speed on the main line.

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]]> Mon May 18 2009 The Dash to Duffield - Winter / Spring 2009 http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1686044.html The Dash to Duffield - Winter / Spring 2009 Tuesday 21 April 2009: The Dash to Duffield - Winter / Spring 2009

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]]> Tue Apr 21 2009 The Drains of the Ecclesbourne Valley http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1646776.html Don't skip this one! This is REAL railway restoration: it's not all steam engines and tracklaying; without dry foundations, the railway would soon return to a state of disuse. Wednesday 1 October 2008: Don't skip this one! This is REAL railway restoration: it's not all steam engines and tracklaying; without dry foundations, the railway would soon return to a state of disuse.

Hylton Holt probes for signs of a drain Hylton Holt probes for signs of a drain CSI Wirksworth in Action Initial excavations start to get a flow Note the mini-digger on the works train Disembarking the mini-digger from the works train Disembarking the mini-digger from the works train More digging The drains are down there somewhere Hardly time for a hosepipe ban… Another view of the improved vista And here the levels have dropped Another view of how the lineside is transformed Steve Lyne in action Another view of how the lineside is transformed A close-up of the effect of some good digger action… One of the many field drains running onto the line Phil Tarry wades in One of the many trapd by the line Some of the drains are well into the bank side And another view A view from Faraday of the works Flooding in the fields Is it flowing? Is this my best side? David Newby gets violent More rodding gate results Some of the clumps of vegetable matter that we have had to contend with Anther view Success! The flow starts And the result… The trusty chainsaw deals with long-felled logs More roots… Some of these roots are from trees felled in the early 2000s Steve Lyne moving tree roots The levels begin to drop Vince Morris rods beneath the line This is a team effort! Vince Morris rods beneath the line Steve tidies the cutting sides A new drain is inserted A new drain is inserted Some of the debris blocking the drainage system

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]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 Events at the Railway http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1572116.html Events at the Railway Thursday 1 May 2008: Events at the Railway

A distinctly early 1960s feel to Wirksworth with M79900 next to D8001. Not a yellow panel in sight! Some of our corporate guests surveying the line ahead. A rare sight indeed: M79900 at Shottle. Celebrations at Duffield Celebrations at Duffield Celebrations at Duffield Celebrations at Duffield A distinctly early 1960s feel to Wirksworth with M79900 next to D8001. Not a yellow panel in sight! Some of our corporate guests surveying the line ahead. A rare sight indeed: M79900 at Shottle. Iris at Duffield to celebrate eight years of line clearance Celebrations at Duffield M55006 at Duffield A group photo to celebrate eight years of solid progress A look at the line at Gorsey Bank showing the 150mm cant installed for testing purposes A close-up of the 150mm cant at the end of the Gorsey Bank shuttle line. This is used by MyTestTrack.com to support vehicle acceptance procedures. Richard Buckby at the helm The secondman's view as we propel a guard's van back to Wirksworth

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]]> Thu May 1 2008 Press Images http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1547655.html Press Images Sunday 20 July 2008: Press Images

A Network Rail UTU5 Unimog, supplied by Sperry Rail Services on test at Wirksworth before entry into service on the Highland Lines. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle at Wirksworth. Sperry Rail SRS220 Land Rover used for rail flaw detection with Metronet, on test at Wirksworth. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle coupled to former BR research vehicle �Iris� (M79900) while on acceptance test at Wirksworth in June 2008. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle coupled to former BR research vehicle �Iris� (M79900) while on acceptance test at Wirksworth in June 2008. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle coupled to former BR research vehicle �Iris� (M79900) while on acceptance test at Wirksworth in June 2008. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle coupled to former BR research vehicle �Iris� (M79900) while on acceptance test at Idridgehay in June 2008. Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle coupled to former BR research vehicle �Iris� (M79900) while on acceptance test at Idridgehay in June 2008. Ex-British Railways Class 20, D8001 at Wirksworth accompanying London Underground locomotive L18. D8801 has arrived at Wirksworth to support the railway�s testing activities under the MyTestTrack.com banner, while L18 was present as part of Tube Lines� test programme for the Transmission-Based train Control System on the Jubilee Line. Permaquip Kubota Road-Rail Vehicle

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]]> Sun Jul 20 2008 Running a Railway http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1495262.html Running a Railway Friday 18 April 2008: Running a Railway

We start this gallery with sad news. Gwynneth Dunwoody MP passed away today and we shall remember her with great affection for when she visited Wirksworth in 2005 to open the Ravenstor extension. Here we need Mrs. Dunwoody on the inaugural train. The final dump of stone, as ballast (& money) run out... Steve indulges in some mechanical manicuring... The final ditch of the day..... Elsewhere, Steve brightens up the 03's rods, ready for its weekend work... Stone is dropped.... Now we have to shovel the stuff!...... Hylton applies a Kango to the crossing nose ballast.... Ernie applies paint to Wee Yorkie's chassis... More ballast is dropped...... .....and levelled..... The Birch duo continue their toils on the narrow gauge line.... The finished product looks good.... 03084 in front of M55006 on platform 3 at Wirksworth 03084 on platform 3 at Wirksworth

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]]> Fri Apr 18 2008 The Dash to Duffield http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1491728.html On 8th March 2008, we announced the 'Dash to Duffield': an ambitious plan to reopen the remainder of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, from Idridgehay to Duffield, by 1st October 2010. This gallery will act as a narrative of the section's reopening, showing its evolution from an underused and neglected remnant of the line into an active and exciting community railway. Saturday 8 March 2008: On 8th March 2008, we announced the 'Dash to Duffield': an ambitious plan to reopen the remainder of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, from Idridgehay to Duffield, by 1st October 2010. This gallery will act as a narrative of the section's reopening, showing its evolution from an underused and neglected remnant of the line into an active and exciting community railway.

Welcome to Planet Perfect. Duffield in the early 1950s. In the foreground is the down slow platform (now ours), then the down fast and on the other side of the island, the up main and goods. The view north in the early 1990s, just before the rot set in. By 1996, things were looking bleak. The junction falls into disuse... Duffield tunnel in 1996. Depressing. The branch platform from Martin Miller's collection. You could hardly blame the cynics for thinking that the line would never reopen... Although the track was clear, the platform and surroundings were still horribly overgrown. In June 2003, we put on an exhibition at Duffield in conjunction with the Duffield Festival. Here we see our steam crane on display. Steam at Duffield! Eugene and Marnie Wheelwright's locomotive 'Whitehead' approaches the A6 bridge in Duffield. Whitehead ran short demonstration runs at Duffield. Here, she returns to the branch platform. The southern limit of operations. Beyond the palisade fence, a Midland Mainline Meridian powers by on a Sheffield service. As unappealing as the fence may appear, it does serve a vital role in marking our boundary and protecting our volunteers. Here is why we placed an axle loading restriction on the section south of Shottle last year. Note the sleepers which could be removed with a Dyson! Not only is the track in need of work at Duffield, but the platform needs a lot of attention to get it into a fit state for use by passengers. Looking north from the A6 overbridge towards Duffield Tunnel. The team had already installed these rather neat gates on the footpath, their task was today was to fill in the gaps.... The vehicle continued to Duffield station to inspect the site. The new apartments are now receiving their roofing tiles.. Rodney's empire....... These rotting sleepers are typical of those all the way from Shottle to Duffield - plenty of future work for the per-way team!.....

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]]> Sat Mar 8 2008 Idridgehay Grand Opening http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1474785.html On Saturday 8th March 2008, we opened 3½ miles of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth to Idridgehay. To celebrate the end of a 60-year train service drought (the Wirksworth Phoenix services of the 1980s never stopped at Idridgehay) we held a gala weekend, kicked-off by the ‘Ecclesbourne Express’ 6-car DMU advance ticket-only special, followed by the Idridgehay Limited, comprising of a Class 03 and a single trailer car. The day before, we held a dress rehearsal inviting some 150 guests from the tourist industry, local government, railway and press, in addition to BBC radio and TV. Here we show images from that memorable weekend, starting with the Thursday when preparations were at full pace. The majority of images are by courtesy of Robin Each, while additional material has been provided by Nick Wheat and some guy from WyvernRail. Friday 7 March 2008: On Saturday 8th March 2008, we opened 3_ miles of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from Wirksworth to Idridgehay. To celebrate the end of a 60-year train service drought (the Wirksworth Phoenix services of the 1980s never stopped at Idridgehay) we held a gala weekend, kicked-off by the _Ecclesbourne Express_ 6-car DMU advance ticket-only special, followed by the Idridgehay Limited, comprising of a Class 03 and a single trailer car. The day before, we held a dress rehearsal inviting some 150 guests from the tourist industry, local government, railway and press, in addition to BBC radio and TV. Here we show images from that memorable weekend, starting with the Thursday when preparations were at full pace. The majority of images are by courtesy of Robin Each, while additional material has been provided by Nick Wheat and some guy from WyvernRail.

For the first time ever, Wirksworth appears on a DMU destination blind. Thursday morning and preparations are underway. The north-end crossing is coming together. An exhausted Phil Tarry, fresh from supervising the activities of a paying guest, asks Nic Ferguson-Lee whether that sausuage comes with fries. Ready for the opening day. A new sight for passengers at Wirksworth. Neil Ferguson-Lee and Martin Miller are interviewed for BBC Radio Derby. Phil Tarry escorts a visitor from Japan to the preview train. The Ecclesbourne Express makes her debut on the preview day. Mike Evans is interviewed for BBC Radio Derby while waiting to depart for idridgehay with the 10:00 press special. A fine sight at Wirksworth John Ball does guardly duties... First class! Anton Shone. A man very much in charge of events. He has the hat to prove it. Hylton Holt, Rod Birch and Richard Buckby hurry to finish the north-end platform crossing at Wirksworth The next goal is already clear: Duffield for 2010! The BBC television crew prepares to take a trip down the line. The press special departs. In the nick of time, the north-end crossing is completed. A little bit of history as the press special crosses Gorsey Bank crossing for the first time. Looking north at Gorsey Bank Forty Steps crossing. Not very long ago, this location was a jungle. What a sight! The epitomie of a branch line train circa. 1958! The Ecclesbourne Express approaches. No comment! Just lovely. A crowded carriage on the preview train. In the centre foreground is a very dapper Tony Allwright, whose company repaired the bridge parapet at Barnsley Lane. In the foreground is Kevin Hall, Honorady Vice President. The Ecclesbourne Express at Idridgehay. Has Idridgehay station ever been this busy before? Tony Allwright, Andrea and Albert Goodman Gerry and Marian Vaughan, accompanied by Jacqueline Ferguson-Lee Three mayors of Wirksworth: Kevin Hall, Andy Pollock and Mike Ratcliffe The BBC does some filming. Peter Taylor at Idridgehay Media-friendly Neil F-L gets ready for another TV interview. The Equity card is on its way... John Ball observes proceedings from the guards van. Our honoured guests begin to board the special. The Ecclesbourne Express prepares to return to Wirksworth Jacqueline and Neil Ferguson-Lee A fine sight Fred and Iris Vickers. Two reasons why our trains are so immaculately turned-out. A sign of the future! Bicycle-friendly transportation for Suzanne and Alastair Clark. Peter Taylor unveils Wirksworth's refurbished station clock. Peter Taylor: staunch supporter of the railway and, coincidentally, BR's last freight manager responsible for the Wirksworth Branch. Wirksworth's Station Clock. Beautifully refurbished. Ernie Marchant, an Honorary Vice President of WyvernRail, accompanied by his wife. The brass hob-nob on Platform 2 Many suits; much hob-nobbing. A mundane view but one that many of us have looked forward-to for a very long time. The backs of Bournebrook Avenue in Wirksworth, seen from a passenger train (at last!). John Ball starts the 'hurry up ' process.

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]]> Fri Mar 7 2008 Progress to Idridgehay http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1381101.html From the autumn of 2007 to the grand opening to Idridgehay in March 2008, this gallery records the daily progress as the line from Gorsey bank to Idridgehay was restored. Monday 1 October 2007: From the autumn of 2007 to the grand opening to Idridgehay in March 2008, this gallery records the daily progress as the line from Gorsey bank to Idridgehay was restored.

Board survey of the line. Phil Tarry steps onto Idridgehay level crossing. Note the poor condition of the road surface. Board survey of the line. Phil Tarry is either demonstrating his piano techniques or he's showing George Watson, Anton Shone, John Snell and Gavin Kenning the state of the road surface at Idridgehay crossing. Board survey of the line. Most of WyvernRail's board are being addressed by Phil Tarry. From left: Gavin Kenning, John Snell, George Watson, Anton Shone, Steve Lyne, Martin Miller, Mike Evans, Tom Birtwistle and Phil Tarry. Neil Ferguson-Lee was behind the camera, while Bev Miller was having none of this boys' commando stuff. Phil Tarry at Idridgehay greasing an expansion joint (photo Richard Buckby) The team prepare Idridgehay crosssing in preparation for resurfacing (photo Richard Buckby) Grading the earthworks (photo Richard Buckby) Flattening the surface nicely (photo Richard Buckby) Laying the first sleeper to be located under the crossing. Note the depth of the trench: the sleppers will be packed and concreted next. (photo Richard Buckby) More sleepers going in. (photo Richard Buckby) Folowed by the rails. (photo Richard Buckby) Nothing wrong with keeping things spik and span while we work. (photo Richard Buckby) Positioning the check rails. (photo Richard Buckby) A hard-earned break. (photo Richard Buckby) A gobsmackingly long reach... (photo Richard Buckby) And the second check rail is in place. (photo Richard Buckby) Fastening-up. (photo Richard Buckby) Jacking and Packing: a lot of concrete to go in there. (photo Richard Buckby) Yes Leigh, you ARE an engine driver! A fine line-up at Wirksworth. Model Railway weekend 2007. Between Wirksworth and Idridgehay: just a few months and this will be a service train, not an excursion! A much nicer way of viewing the Ecclesbourne Valley... A slightly blurry image of the new up distant board protecting Idridgehay crossing A taste of the future. Our Class 101 DMU waits just north of Idridgehay crossing with the temporary fencing just behind. Twin train running at Wirksworth during the Model Railway weekend. How many railways can do this?! A scene of activity at Idridgehay. The 'Mermaid' wagon is employed on relocating spoil from opposite the platform at Idridgehay. Phil Tarry at the future southern limit of operations. We're looking forward to its next move south to Shottle! Another load of spoil returns. Evidence of the day's clearance activities. The revised vista at Idridgehay. New garden, here we come! The renewed crossing. A hive of activity on a beautiful autumnal day. The convenience has been relocated! Phil inspecting 'his' new crossing . Compare and contrast with the view on 8th September. Dig here first, our young volunteer has made a start... (photo Richard Buckby) (Photo Richard Buckby) (Photo Richard Buckby) Paying guests pass by. (Photo Richard Buckby) (Photo Richard Buckby) Unearthing the remains of the original crossing. (Photo Richard Buckby) Gary Henshaw stares into the void...... (photo Richard Buckby) Mick Thomas drills the posts for the Idridgehay crossing gates. (Photo Richard Buckby) The fencing gang of two recycle old posts and tidy up, making room for the new cabin due shortly. (Photo Richard Buckby) Recently, the penguin made a dash for freedom and was found lurking in North End. He is doing penance near the children's play area..... (Photo Richard Buckby) Rod prepares the coastal defence battery...... (Photo Richard Buckby) The greening of the DMU trailer car continues... (Photo Richard Buckby) One volunteer rarely pictured is Alfie, the faithful companion of Roy and Les... (Photo Richard Buckby) The chaps were doing mysterious things down a big hole. It is to be a drainage sump but long lost foundations cause a few headaches..... (Photo Richard Buckby) (Photo Richard Buckby) (Photo Richard Buckby) Recently, the penguin made a dash for freedom and was found lurking in North End. He is doing penance near the children's play area..... (Photo Richard Buckby)

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]]> Mon Oct 1 2007