THE summer season is over for volunteers at Thorpe Light Railway but the hard work is beginning with repairs and conservation taking over from pleasure rides and ice creams.
And the miniature railway enthusiasts have a special treat this winter – the restoration of the original loco from the 1970s which returned to the attraction this autumn.
The old engine, Wendy, is in a sorry state but it still rolls and was taken out for a spin during the last public open day last month.
Volunteer Beth Brown said: “Back in the 1980s it used to run all the time at Thorpe and we still get people coming who say, 'what happened to the blue engine'?”
But Wendy was the victim of vandalism when Thorpe Light Railway closed and was sent for long-awaited repairs to Sheffield when the band of enthusiasts reopened the line.
However, the work was never completed so they decided to bring Wendy back on site. The volunteers hope to return the engine to its former glory this winter, traditionally a time when they get to grips with track improvements and repairs.
“We have been pleasantly surprised that Wendy still rolls,” said Ms Brown, whose husband and son, Andy and Finlay, are among the dozen or so helpers.
Last winter saw the team clearing storm damage among other jobs.
“That's when we do the maintenance work – we've got work to do on the fence and more re-sleeping on the line,” said Ms Brown, whose experience in countryside management comes in handy when looking after the surroundings which include a lake and wildlife area.
“It's a nice little railway and we have a nice group of people,” she added.
The volunteers say the open days this summer have attracted a good number of families who enjoy picnics and unlimited rides for a small entrance fee.
The railway originally opened in 1971 as part of Whorlton Lido and was one of several attractions former landowner Raymond Dunn introduced. His grandson, Michael, is one of the volunteers and proud of the family connections.
“My grandfather put the railway in and I remember it from when I was a small child in my pram. It's nice to see it running again and in good order.”
Mr Dunn has been involved in putting up heritage signs which shows the railway's history.
The 15-inch gauge railway, believed the be the only one in County Durham, was a popular attraction during the Lido’s heyday with hundreds of families grabbing a ride during their visits to the riverside spot.
The railway closed to the public in 2005 when it was purchased by new owners. But it was rescued and brought back to life after Anthony Coulls, senior curator of the National Railway Museum, put together a business plan to reopen it.
After a lot of hard work, it was reopened in 2013.
“The circuit is only half a mile but it's such a scenic line,” said Mr Dunn. “Ten years ago we didn't know what we were letting ourselves in for but we did it – thanks to the landowner Paul Townley who gave us permission.”
Mr Dunn added: “The biggest challenge we have now is getting more volunteers – it's a rewarding thing to get involved with and the visitors love it. We'd love to hear from anyone who can help with jobs like cutting the grass and manual labour to the more clerical side of things.”
For more information on Thorpe Light Railway or to get involved visit https://thorpelightrailway.co.uk.
