Saturday, June 26th, 2026, was a big date for our railway, with the Loop Line finally reconnected after an incredible ten years out of use.
Following the completion of the work we described in last week’s post, the time had come to take some proper trains over the track. All was carefully observed by our track team and leading engineer to ensure everything was OK.
The last train to cross the Loop Line from end to end (from the South Junction, across the bridge to the North Junction) was on 18th December 2016. This was a light engine move with O&K steam loco No.1.
First, G617 passed over, a relative lightweight at 22 tonnes. Driver Morgan Young was given the honour of taking the first locomotive over the line. With the infrastructure performing well, we sent over GM loco 124 with Mike Beckett at the controls. The Loop Line is now in better condition than it has ever been in the preservation era.
The celebrations were brief for the track team. They now need to complete alignment and gap setting from the bridge to the North Junction. One or two other jobs must also be undertaken. Then, the Loop Line can be returned to passenger use for special events.
If you would like to volunteer on a project like this, we could love to hear from you. Check out our volunteering page and get in touch.
