| Archive for Freesteam For collectors and enthusiasts of all steam engines |
| MFSteam |
OC on the very last TrainWell its official as of tomorrow the Folkestone Harbour Branch is closed. Here are some pics and vids of the last ever train to use the line, enjoy.
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| MTA |
Not my first choice for a loco to see out the last day of the Folkestone branch, but you have to admit she sounded good!
Still can't believe that three wee tank engines had to bring the trains up the embankment in the good old days. |
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| MFSteam |
I'm not a big fan of the standards but as you say she sounded great, I came away very impressed. My uncle was on the train again, they nearly didn't make it to Folkstone because of a problem. OC was ok but the brakes on the 47 locked on. They set down for about 25 minutes to make a repair. |
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| Spokesmann |
Good stuff! | ||
| SillyBilly |
There are some railways that don't need preserving and in reality there is all ready far too many of this type, they are struggling because there isn't enough money to go around, this line most certainly isn't one of those, very different and therefore is worth preserving, if 5 short 'goes no where' railways had to close to preserve Folkestone then I think it'd be a good deal. | ||
| silverfoxsteam |
OOOh - Will, dangerous ground. Who's to say what's 'worthy' and what's not? Commercial practicalities usually have a major influence in the shaping of things, and if enough individuals get together and keep the flame burning, it can work. Although often it seems that what's being preserved is not what was first intended, things develop and things evolve and sometimes things just get high-jacked.
Great pics and vid Ian - thanks a lot. OC's a fine engine. |
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| Spokesmann |
Are the third rails still live? | ||
| MFSteam |
The third rail isn't live, you were allowed to change platforms in the station by walking across the track, the bridge across has been close.
What annoys me and what I cant understand are the plans to redevelope the harbour. The plans include new luxury accommodation, university and conversion of the Harbour into a marina. The plans dont include a rail link? You could understand it if there wasn't one there but there is, not only is it a rail link its a direct link to London. Regardless of the lines historical importance surely it would be important for the redevelopment? |
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| Spokesmann |
Maybe an LRT system? It is a shame, once its gone, its GONE! 
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| SillyBilly |
I know, but in my opinion I'd much rather see fewer quality different railways doing well rather than so many struggling to keep themselves running and then moaning because the bigger lines get all the grants. The WHHR gets past as it was planning to go somewhere but the tough world of business got in the way. |
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| silverfoxsteam |
The winning of grants are about presenting a good case to the correct grant body at the right time. Occasionally, applications may not be made or persued so as not to increase competition for a restricted pot of money. Organisations who may 'moan' about others winning large sums need to re-jig their approaches, in the meantime they just get on with it, at least they're there to be enjoyed (and criticised). In the greater scheme of things, they may be the survivors and the 'big businesses' the losers!
As far as the Folkestone line is concerned, it seems that a massive opportunity may be missed in that the proposed redevelopment plans have not embraced the railway. Urban planners are so keen on attracting private investment for these schemes nowadays that they seem reluctant to impose 'the greater good' or have they simply not seen the full potential? Sounds like a job for a local pressure group. |
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| MFSteam |
 , its over
http://www.networkrailmediacentre...4,762,718,674,708,683,706,718,674 Lets hope the Remembrance Line can do something more positive http://www.theremembranceline.org.uk/ |
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| Spokesmann |
Bloody shame. 
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