Ribble Steam Railway
Encyclopedia
The Ribble Steam Railway is a standard gauge preserved railway in Lancashire
, in the United Kingdom. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2005, running along Preston Docks,. The railway began by housing much of the collection from the previously-closed Southport Railway Museum (Steamport), which was based in the old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
engine shed at Southport
(BR shed code 27C).
, on the Derby Road, in a refurbished Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
steam shed. However, the shed was becoming a costly burden to handle for the museum, so a relocation scheme was started. Preston Docks
was chosen as the new location for the museum. Preston Docks
has a large railway network, that used to serve the vast docks and quays. But when the docks closed, the railway was not used. The project finally closed the Southport Railway Museum in 1999.
The project's new site now could be re-developed with new large workshops, platforms
and a museum. The first building to open was the Workshop, in 2001.RSR history page Locomotives could now go into the building, and more space could now be utilised. Next to the workshop, is the machine shop, built in 1978. At the other end of the workshop is the visitor centre, which contains the museum, cafe, shop and railway platform
. The museum was finally completed in 2004. The collection of locomotives (44), is one of the largest collection of locomotives in the United Kingdom
.The Railway Magazine
issue 1294, February 2009
and back, from its own station – Preston Riverside
. The frequency of its trains are every hour, and are usually made up of two or more Mark 1 coaches and a small steam engine or diesel engine.Visit Lancashire information on the train services This service is only operational in the summer months.
A separate company, Ribble Rail, handles the freight traffic that uses the dock lines. Ribble Rail takes over from the DB Schenker
locomotive, and carries the load – Bitumen – down to the Total
plant near the Preston Riverside station.
A DB Schenker
-operated train arrives at the riverside sidings near Strand Road Crossing
with loaded oil tanks. The locomotive uncouples, runs round and takes the empty wagons. This process occurs very early in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
From here Ribble Rail shunts these wagons to the siding serving the nearby Total
bitumen plant. After unloading, Ribble Rail returns the wagons to the riverside sidings for pick-up.
, so that the railway can utilise the more popular end of the docks. Then, instead of just a 'ride' on the train, you can use it as a 'service'. A L&YR signal box has recently been bought for the railway. It will be restored to its original condition, and put near the Preston Riverside station
. There are also plans to extend the railway to the recently built Millennium Canal. The route would offer 1.5 miles extra to the line, although plans for this have not been finalised. The Railway Magazine
issue 1294, February 2009
Lancashire
Lancashire is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston...
, in the United Kingdom. It was opened to the public on 17 September 2005, running along Preston Docks,. The railway began by housing much of the collection from the previously-closed Southport Railway Museum (Steamport), which was based in the old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was a major British railway company before the 1923 Grouping. It was incorporated in 1847 from an amalgamation of several existing railways...
engine shed at Southport
Southport
Southport is a seaside town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in Merseyside, England. During the 2001 census Southport was recorded as having a population of 90,336, making it the eleventh most populous settlement in North West England...
(BR shed code 27C).
History
The project was first started in 1973, a presevation centre opened in SouthportSouthport
Southport is a seaside town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton in Merseyside, England. During the 2001 census Southport was recorded as having a population of 90,336, making it the eleventh most populous settlement in North West England...
, on the Derby Road, in a refurbished Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was a major British railway company before the 1923 Grouping. It was incorporated in 1847 from an amalgamation of several existing railways...
steam shed. However, the shed was becoming a costly burden to handle for the museum, so a relocation scheme was started. Preston Docks
Riversway
Riversway is an electoral ward in Preston, Lancashire, England. The ward is named for its location close to the River Ribble, and the historical links to the former Port of Preston...
was chosen as the new location for the museum. Preston Docks
Riversway
Riversway is an electoral ward in Preston, Lancashire, England. The ward is named for its location close to the River Ribble, and the historical links to the former Port of Preston...
has a large railway network, that used to serve the vast docks and quays. But when the docks closed, the railway was not used. The project finally closed the Southport Railway Museum in 1999.
The project's new site now could be re-developed with new large workshops, platforms
Riversway railway station
Preston Riverside railway station is a railway station, that serves the community of Riversway, in Preston, Lancashire. It was built and opened in 2005, by the Ribble Steam Railway...
and a museum. The first building to open was the Workshop, in 2001.RSR history page Locomotives could now go into the building, and more space could now be utilised. Next to the workshop, is the machine shop, built in 1978. At the other end of the workshop is the visitor centre, which contains the museum, cafe, shop and railway platform
Riversway railway station
Preston Riverside railway station is a railway station, that serves the community of Riversway, in Preston, Lancashire. It was built and opened in 2005, by the Ribble Steam Railway...
. The museum was finally completed in 2004. The collection of locomotives (44), is one of the largest collection of locomotives in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.The Railway Magazine
The Railway Magazine
The Railway Magazine is a monthly British railway magazine, aimed at the railway enthusiast market, that has been published in London since July 1897. it has been, for three years running, the railway magazine with the largest circulation in the U.K., having a monthly average sale during 2009 of...
issue 1294, February 2009
Operations
The museum also operates passenger services to Strand Road CrossingStrand Road Crossing
Strand Road Crossing is the current terminus of the passenger services that are operated by Ribble Steam Railway. A proposed station could be built here.-Current Location:...
and back, from its own station – Preston Riverside
Riversway railway station
Preston Riverside railway station is a railway station, that serves the community of Riversway, in Preston, Lancashire. It was built and opened in 2005, by the Ribble Steam Railway...
. The frequency of its trains are every hour, and are usually made up of two or more Mark 1 coaches and a small steam engine or diesel engine.Visit Lancashire information on the train services This service is only operational in the summer months.
A separate company, Ribble Rail, handles the freight traffic that uses the dock lines. Ribble Rail takes over from the DB Schenker
EWS
DB Schenker Rail , before 2009 known as English, Welsh and Scottish Railway is a British rail freight company. EWS was established by a consortium led by Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation in 1996 by acquisition of five of the six freight companies created by the privatisation of British...
locomotive, and carries the load – Bitumen – down to the Total
Total
-Mathematics:*Total, the summation of a set of numbers* Total function, a type of partial function in mathematics* Total order, a common total relation in mathematics* Total relation, a type of binary relation in mathematics-Business and enterprise:...
plant near the Preston Riverside station.
A DB Schenker
EWS
DB Schenker Rail , before 2009 known as English, Welsh and Scottish Railway is a British rail freight company. EWS was established by a consortium led by Wisconsin Central Transportation Corporation in 1996 by acquisition of five of the six freight companies created by the privatisation of British...
-operated train arrives at the riverside sidings near Strand Road Crossing
Strand Road Crossing
Strand Road Crossing is the current terminus of the passenger services that are operated by Ribble Steam Railway. A proposed station could be built here.-Current Location:...
with loaded oil tanks. The locomotive uncouples, runs round and takes the empty wagons. This process occurs very early in the morning on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
From here Ribble Rail shunts these wagons to the siding serving the nearby Total
Total
-Mathematics:*Total, the summation of a set of numbers* Total function, a type of partial function in mathematics* Total order, a common total relation in mathematics* Total relation, a type of binary relation in mathematics-Business and enterprise:...
bitumen plant. After unloading, Ribble Rail returns the wagons to the riverside sidings for pick-up.
Future
The museum is currently located in an industrial estate, and is not well publicised. There are currently plans to build a station at the Strand Road CrossingStrand Road Crossing
Strand Road Crossing is the current terminus of the passenger services that are operated by Ribble Steam Railway. A proposed station could be built here.-Current Location:...
, so that the railway can utilise the more popular end of the docks. Then, instead of just a 'ride' on the train, you can use it as a 'service'. A L&YR signal box has recently been bought for the railway. It will be restored to its original condition, and put near the Preston Riverside station
Riversway railway station
Preston Riverside railway station is a railway station, that serves the community of Riversway, in Preston, Lancashire. It was built and opened in 2005, by the Ribble Steam Railway...
. There are also plans to extend the railway to the recently built Millennium Canal. The route would offer 1.5 miles extra to the line, although plans for this have not been finalised. The Railway Magazine
The Railway Magazine
The Railway Magazine is a monthly British railway magazine, aimed at the railway enthusiast market, that has been published in London since July 1897. it has been, for three years running, the railway magazine with the largest circulation in the U.K., having a monthly average sale during 2009 of...
issue 1294, February 2009
Steam locomotives
The railway has a large collection of industrial steam engines and one main line locomotive.Operational steam locomotives
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 1147 "John Howe" built in 1908.
- HunsletHunsletHunslet is an inner-city area in south Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. It is south east of the city centre and has an industrial past.Hunslet had many engineering companies based in the district, such as John Fowler & Co...
0-6-0ST "Walkden" built in 1944. Entered full service in the 2008 Santa Special Season.
Steam locomotives undergoing overhaul or restoration
The Ribble Steam Railway's workshops house locomotives undergoing overhaul or restoration.- Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0ST No 3931 "Linda" built in 1938. The frames are re-wheeled and work is currently focussed on motion assembly, planned to be done in 2009.
- Peckett and SonsPeckett and SonsPeckett and Sons was a locomotive manufacturer at the Atlas Works in St. George, Bristol, England.-Fox, Walker and Company:The company began trading in 1864 at the Atlas Engine Works, St. George, Bristol, as Fox, Walker and Company, building four and six-coupled saddle tank engines for industrial use...
0-4-0ST No 1999 "North Western Gas Board" built in 1941. Replacement of the rotten platework is almost done and boiler work is next to be done. The restoration is currently stalled, and no date has been fixed for completion.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 2261 built in 1949. Overhaul with this is making good progress. The chassis of the locomotive is largely complete, and boiler work is well advanced - it is hoped the loco will return to steam in time for the 2010 September steam gala, if not before.
- HunsletHunslet Engine CompanyThe Hunslet Engine Company is a British locomotive-building company founded in 1864 at Jack Lane, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England by John Towlerton Leather, a civil engineering contractor, who appointed James Campbell as his Works Manager.In 1871, James Campbell bought the company for...
0-6-0ST No 3855 "Glasshoughton" Built in 1954. Boiler away at the Foxfield Light RailwayFoxfield Light RailwayThe Foxfield Light Railway is a preserved standard gauge line located south east of Stoke-on-Trent. The line was built in 1893 to serve the colliery at Dilhorne on the Cheadle Coalfield. It joined the North Staffordshire Railway line near Blythe Bridge....
for the replacement of the inner firebox. Chassis is on display in the workshop until the return of the boiler.
- HunsletHunslet Engine CompanyThe Hunslet Engine Company is a British locomotive-building company founded in 1864 at Jack Lane, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England by John Towlerton Leather, a civil engineering contractor, who appointed James Campbell as his Works Manager.In 1871, James Campbell bought the company for...
0-6-0ST No 3793 "Shropshire" built in 1953. Undergoing overhaul with fellow Hunslet engine Respite lending it its boiler and is expected to be returned to traffic speedily. Work is progressing well on this locomotive, and it is hoped it will return to service in late 2010.
- Grant, Ritchie and Company 0-4-0ST No 272 built in 1894. Currently in the workshop receiving much attention. The chassis is almost complete, and remedial boiler work is now underway. The loco may see service again in late 2010 or early 2011.
- SentinelSentinel Waggon WorksSentinel Waggon Works Ltd was a British company based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire that made steam-powered lorries, railway locomotives, and later, diesel engined lorries and locomotives.-Alley & MacLellan, Sentinel Works, Jessie Street Glasgow:...
4 wheeled No 9373 "ST Monans" built in 1947. Undergoing overhaul & awaiting boiler repairs. currently on hold whilst 272 & 2261 are completed.
- BagnallW.G. BagnallW. G. Bagnall was a locomotive manufacturer from Stafford, England. It was founded in 1875 by William Gordon Bagnall and ceased trading in 1962 when it was taken over by English Electric Co Ltd. The company was located at the Castle Engine Works, in Castle Town, Stafford...
0-6-0ST No 2680 built in 1942. The majority of this loco is now on site, and will be temporarily re-wheeled in early 2010 to enable building works to continue. Re-assembly is hoped to be fast, with potential re-entry into service in late 2010 or early 2011.
Steam locomotives stored out-of-use
There are a number of locomotives stored in the yard or museum.- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 1598 "Efficient", built in 1918. Awaiting overhaul which will start once a few other engines have been finished.
- Peckett and SonsPeckett and SonsPeckett and Sons was a locomotive manufacturer at the Atlas Works in St. George, Bristol, England.-Fox, Walker and Company:The company began trading in 1864 at the Atlas Engine Works, St. George, Bristol, as Fox, Walker and Company, building four and six-coupled saddle tank engines for industrial use...
0-4-0ST No 737 "Daphne" built in 1899. Stored in the yard awaiting a cosmetic 'brush-up' for display in the museum. Not expected to be restored due to the damage on its boiler.
- AvonsideAvonside Engine CompanyThe Avonside Engine Company was a locomotive manufacturer in Avon Street, St. Philip's, Bristol, England between 1864 and 1934. However the business originated with an earlier enterprise Henry Stothert and Company.-Origins:...
0-6-0ST No 26 built in 1918. Stored in the museum but will undergo restoration in a few years.
- AvonsideAvonside Engine CompanyThe Avonside Engine Company was a locomotive manufacturer in Avon Street, St. Philip's, Bristol, England between 1864 and 1934. However the business originated with an earlier enterprise Henry Stothert and Company.-Origins:...
0-6-0ST No 1883 built in 1922. Awaiting restoration.
- HunsletHunslet Engine CompanyThe Hunslet Engine Company is a British locomotive-building company founded in 1864 at Jack Lane, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England by John Towlerton Leather, a civil engineering contractor, who appointed James Campbell as his Works Manager.In 1871, James Campbell bought the company for...
0-6-0ST No 3696 "Respite" built in 1950. Stored awaiting major restoration. The boiler will shortly be installed into fellow Hunslet engine "Shropshire".
- HunsletHunslet Engine CompanyThe Hunslet Engine Company is a British locomotive-building company founded in 1864 at Jack Lane, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England by John Towlerton Leather, a civil engineering contractor, who appointed James Campbell as his Works Manager.In 1871, James Campbell bought the company for...
0-6-0ST No 1954 "Kinsley" built in 1939. Work began on her restoration before the move to Preston, but efforts have been focussed on other locomotives since.
Steam Locomotives on display in the Museum
The following steam locomotives are on display in the museum.- Borrows 0-4-0WT No 48 "The King" built in 1906.
- AvonsideAvonside Engine CompanyThe Avonside Engine Company was a locomotive manufacturer in Avon Street, St. Philip's, Bristol, England between 1864 and 1934. However the business originated with an earlier enterprise Henry Stothert and Company.-Origins:...
0-6-0ST No 1568 "Lucy" built in 1909.
- L&Y 0-4-0ST No 19 "Pug" built in 1910.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-S1 No 1969 "JN Derbyshire" built in 1929. Arrived at the railway in 2005.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 1865 "Alexander" built in 1926. Requires boiler repairs.
- Andrew Barclay 0-4-0F No 2 "Heysham" built in 1928. Recently had a cosmetic overhaul.
- Peckett and SonsPeckett and SonsPeckett and Sons was a locomotive manufacturer at the Atlas Works in St. George, Bristol, England.-Fox, Walker and Company:The company began trading in 1864 at the Atlas Engine Works, St. George, Bristol, as Fox, Walker and Company, building four and six-coupled saddle tank engines for industrial use...
0-4-0ST No 1935 "Hornet" built in 1937. Currently in the museum building but there are plans to restore it to working order in the future.
- British Railways (Crewe) 2-6-0 No 46441 built in 1950. Arrived from the East Lancs Railway.
- RSHRobert Stephenson and HawthornsRobert Stephenson and Hawthorns Ltd was a locomotive builder with works in North East England.-History:The company was formed in September 1937 when Robert Stephenson and Company, which was based in Darlington took over the locomotive building department of Hawthorn Leslie and Company, based in...
0-4-0ST Agecroft No 2 built in 1947. Boiler ticket expired in late 2008, and the loco will be on display in the museum until workshop space is available.
- SentinelSentinel Waggon WorksSentinel Waggon Works Ltd was a British company based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire that made steam-powered lorries, railway locomotives, and later, diesel engined lorries and locomotives.-Alley & MacLellan, Sentinel Works, Jessie Street Glasgow:...
4 wheeled No 8024 "Gasbag" built in 1929. Boiler ticket expired in 2008, and will be stored for the time being whilst "St Monans" is restored.
Diesel locomotives
The railway has a large collection of diesel locomotives either for shunting or use on passenger trains.Operational diesel locomotives
- North BritishNorth British Locomotive CompanyThe North British Locomotive Company was created in 1903 through the merger of three Glasgow locomotive manufacturing companies; Sharp Stewart and Company , Neilson, Reid and Company and Dübs and Company , creating the largest locomotive manufacturing company in Europe.Its main factories were...
0-4-0 No 27653 "BICC" built in 1957. Recently returned to service and operated on freight trains on the 2006 diesel gala. It is used sometimes for shunting.
- HunsletHunslet Engine CompanyThe Hunslet Engine Company is a British locomotive-building company founded in 1864 at Jack Lane, Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England by John Towlerton Leather, a civil engineering contractor, who appointed James Campbell as his Works Manager.In 1871, James Campbell bought the company for...
0-6-0 No D2595British Rail Class 05The British Rail Class 05 is a class of 0-6-0 diesel-mechanical shunters built by Hunslet Engine Company from 1955 to 1961. They were used on the Eastern and Scottish Regions of British Railways. Initially they were numbered 11136-11176 and, later, D2550-D2619....
built in 1959. Probably the most regular diesel locomotive on passenger trains. One of the most powerful locomotives on the line.
- British Railways 0-6-0 No D2148 built in 1960. Recently had a repair job and operates on diesel passenger services regularly.
- Thomas HillThomas Hill (Rotherham) LtdThomas Hill Limited was a company which repaired and sold steam road vehicles, diesel and electric road vehicles and railway locomotives. It later made its name building and rebuilding diesel locomotives.-History:...
0-4-0 No 4 "Stanlow" built in 1966. Recently had a repaint into green and is occasionally seen on passenger trains.
See also
- RiverswayRiverswayRiversway is an electoral ward in Preston, Lancashire, England. The ward is named for its location close to the River Ribble, and the historical links to the former Port of Preston...
- Riversway railway stationRiversway railway stationPreston Riverside railway station is a railway station, that serves the community of Riversway, in Preston, Lancashire. It was built and opened in 2005, by the Ribble Steam Railway...
- Strand Road CrossingStrand Road CrossingStrand Road Crossing is the current terminus of the passenger services that are operated by Ribble Steam Railway. A proposed station could be built here.-Current Location:...
- Preston
- List of transport museums