Most boring preserved railway?

[50002Superb]

A lot of it is about timing.

Other than my recent Diesel Gala visit I have never enjoyed the KWVR, and my last visit to the ELR was extremely depressing.

 

[Cowley]

I find all of the railways interesting in their own way although there are a couple mentioned that I haven’t been on that do sound like they could be construed as boring.

What I do find boring is sitting in a station waiting to pass another train for the best of 15 minutes. That’s the time when my kids used to start getting a bit fidgety.

 

[4COR]

Not been in a fair few years, but the Swindon and Cricklade has only ever really been worth it for me due to the rolling stock, and mostly (oddly given it's GWR territory!) the SR diesels: the Thumper (sadly damaged by arson), the 73 and the 09 (as well as the 08).

The track/surrounds/exhibits don't do it so much for me.

 

[fgwrich]

I was most disappointed by the Paignton to Dartmouth railway.
Very expensive and without the stop at Chelston no easy access to the visitor centre (assuming it’s still open) etc. I enjoy the entire package at these railways such as being able to look round the workshops, and museums etc.

I've always found this one to something of an oddity. From a rather naff timetable (even in the height of summer finishing around 16:30) to the rolling stock consisting of named Mk1s and ex 117 TCLs (they've since started to embark on a program rebuilding the interiors of the 117s to become mock Mk1s), to the rather high prices charged (non doubt in part from being a tourist business and because they'd rather you buy the round robin Rail + Bus + Boat type ticket). The rebuilt Paignton station is considerably improved on it's dreary predecessor (which felt like you were boarding from a lean to) and Kingswear is a beautiful station, but Churston has always felt like the expression - when is too much, enough, was somewhat forgotten - possibly not helped by the business locating it's bus depot and works in there.

As for not so interesting railways. I'm sorry, I hate to use the term Boring, but the Chinnor and Princes Risborough has never really felt that interesting. Chinnor is a nice but small country station, but the village isn't that big or particularly exciting. Princes Risborough handily now has a mainline connection. The rest of the line is through some fairly flat countryside and the linespeed is rather slow.

 

[12C]

The one that always used to underwhelm me is the Lakeside and Haverthwaite. It's quite short and you can barely see any of the lakes through the trees and there's not really that much at each end. It is however a long time since I've been, and the loco roster looks a bit more interesting these days, when I used to visit it always seemed to be industrial tank engines, nowadays they look to have more mainline loco's. I should probably give it a revisit soon to see whether it has improved.

I know what you mean about the L&HR and it’s definitely more of a commercial enterprise to transport coach loads of tourists on to the steamers at Lakeside rather than a true preserved railway.

I do however think it still has some character, particularly the train to boat connection at Lakeside which is fairly unique in preservation; the sight of a packed out steam hauled train connecting with a sizable ex-Sealink ship at a traditional interchange does add a sense of occasion I’ve always thought.

At Haverthwaite you can also still wander round the shed in which the 2 remaining Fairburn tank locos are often residing, if one isn’t out running. Obviously it’s not one of the most entertaining lines, but there is some interest there if you know where to look.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Sittingbourne and Kemsley anyone .....?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

I was most disappointed by the Paignton to Dartmouth railway.
Very expensive and without the stop at Chelston no easy access to the visitor centre (assuming it’s still open) etc. I enjoy the entire package at these railways such as being able to look round the workshops, and museums etc.

The Paignton and Dartmouth isn’t a preserved railway however, it is run by paid staff not volunteers and the line was not shut by BR but transferred to a private operator who provides seasonal tourist trains. It’s just it uses heritage rolling stock.

 

[Mikw]

I'm glad nobody has mentioned my local one, the Great Central Railway.

The bit over the reservoir is probably the highlight of the journey, the rest of the journey is fairly unremarkable. However, the stations are really nicely done and it's busy there. So i really like it.

I've not done that many heritage railways, i'd love to do more in the future.

 

[Calthrop]

It has, I think, become clear in the course of this thread: that the gamut run between "thrilling" and "boring" differs much, for different people, according to what appeals to them -- enthusiasts and "normals / punters" alike. Feel that those old Romans nailed it; "De gustibus non est disputandum".

The Leighton Buzzard Light Railway has suffered over the years as the town has expanded.
It's route through what was originally open countryside is now bounded on one or both side by housing estates and industrial units for a significant length of the journey.

I'm quite a fan of the LBLR. Agree that the housing estates / industrial units most of the way, are less pleasant than the (unspectacular) open countryside which obtained when preservation began on the line; but I find this railway so engagingly weird, and -- no offence meant, but crudely put-together (right from its industrial inception): that I can live with its having been mostly swallowed by creeping urbanisation -- scenic delights have never been what it has first and foremost, been about.

On the scenery front, the East Lancs is unspectacular at best... luckily in terms of a museum railway for people who are more interested in the railway than the landscape, it's hard to match.

Have not so far been to the East Lancs.; but my impression has always generally chimed in with "as above". Influenced on my part, by my having an unfortunate loathing of that particular part of the country (sorry, South Lancashire folks !). Should fate take me to those parts -- not necessarily ruled out -- I would probably visit the ELR; expecting highly uninspiring environs, but within same, a steam-railway experience worth having.

I never really understood the purpose of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway at Broadway.
As if there weren't already enough preserved ex-GWR lines of greater scale and interest (notably the Severn Valley).
The scenery is pretty flat too.

I visited the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway a month ago and I actually really enjoyed it. The scenery isn't the best but still pretty nice and I enjoyed seeing the facilities at Toddington. They also have a very good selection of both steam and diesel locos as well- there were not one but two Bulleid Pacifics running when I was there, which is always a great experience, although admittedly 34028 Eddystone was visiting from the Swanage Railway.

I truly like the Gloucestershire Warwickshire -- somewhat inconsistently, in view of my general dislike of preserved lines running in nonsensical physical isolation from the existing national system. (Am sure that this is very often, not what those running the lines wish for; but is what fate has handed to them -- and if, as hoped, the "Glos. / Warks." ever reaches Honeybourne, that will restore a wider-system link.) I find the line's scenery perfectly agreeable-verging-on-impressive; but I'm from the east of England, where they truly know about "flat" .

My fondness for this line has a bit to do with -- it; and the Severn Valley; being the two major preserved lines nearest and most easy of access, to where I live. I duly reckon the SV magnificent -- but, "one thing and another"; fine but, I find, "samey" scenery -- and / or maybe just too many visits to it over the decades (re motive power -- see quote from @coradiafan2000 below -- I'm really not bothered so long as it's steam) -- reckon that I like the Glos. / Warks., in part just because it's so different from the Severn Valley; which latter, gets to pall on me a bit. Feel like the little girl in Richmal Crompton's writings: "It's delicious, but I don't like it".

I think different people have different preferences when it comes to preserved railways. I couldn't care less if the scenery is bland if I get to ride behind a Merchant Navy or a Hall. That's why I haven't been to the Severn Valley yet, as every time I've looked to see what's running on days when I would have been able to visit the most exciting thing they've had available is a Pannier tank.

Says it all -- different people, different preferences, over a variety of different matters.

 

[Pinza-C55]

What the EKR lacks in scenery, it makes up for in rolling stock. It has a thumper, Epb VEP trailer and various other proper trains.

The tunnel is an interesting one as the roof was built for double track, but only half the rock was excavated.

How many of the general public know or care what a thumper or an EPB are ? I used to work them as a guard and I have zero interest in seeing one again.

 

[ABB125]

The prize for most boring track layout relative to size definitely goes to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire. There's literally nothing interesting from a track perspective, and all the stations are simple side platforms. Almost all other railways seem to have at least something different: East Lancs has many platforms in Bury, Dean Forest has a station on two levels, Severn Valley technically has a section of proper double track, all the above has at least one island platform, etc.
However, boring track layout isn't necessarily the same as boring railway...

(I should point out that GWSR is my local railway, and I'm a volunteer there).

 

[geoffk]

Sittingbourne and Kemsley anyone .....?

I had my first trip on this at Easter, part of a railtrail tour. The scenery is fairly grotty but, as a former industrial line, it had a certain charm about it, especially the concrete viaduct and pipe bridge! There's nothing to see at Kemsley Down for anyone not interested in the railway but we enjoyed a shed visit and, on the way back, a run-past. All the volunteers were friendly. I can understand that the location must make it difficult for them to attract visitors and, even when you get to Sittingbourne, you have to know where to look for it.

 

[yorksrob]

How many of the general public know or care what a thumper or an EPB are ? I used to work them as a guard and I have zero interest in seeing one again.

And I have zero interest in kettles.

Each to their own.

 

[Alfonso]

Sittingbourne and Kemsley anyone .....?

Haven't been in years, but I thought the long twisting crumbling concrete viaduct, big hissing industrial pipes emitting clouds of steam, and slightly odd fenced in area at Kemsley were all different. I don't think any of these things have mass appeal but I always rather liked it

 

[32475]

To my mind there is no such thing as a boring preserved railway. No matter the size or location there’s always something of interest, novelty, surprise and delight.

 

[DustyBin]

What the EKR lacks in scenery, it makes up for in rolling stock. It has a thumper, Epb VEP trailer and various other proper trains.

The tunnel is an interesting one as the roof was built for double track, but only half the rock was excavated.

I’ve not visited since 2012 (I think) when the EPB Preservation Group were still based there. I managed an MLV for haulage (on battery power obviously) which was great fun, the sound going through the tunnel and cutting was fantastic. It’s still my favourite ever trip on a preserved line.

How many of the general public know or care what a thumper or an EPB are ? I used to work them as a guard and I have zero interest in seeing one again.

Fair enough, but this thread was always going to be subjective.

 

[trainmania100]

The lavender line will be on my list of disappointment but unfortunately it's only a small line so big enthusiasts won't be satisfied anyway.

 

[bspahh]

I wouldn't call the FR / WHR bland as I really love the Pullmans must be the best carriages on any a heritage line.

BUT this prebooking experience nonsense this year has put me off visiting. For me not to have visited the FR / WHR by this stage of the year is unusual. I went quite a few times in 2020 and 2021 and tolerated the "Experiences" - but not this year when I can experience normality on other lines. In saying that I have booked a day rover for the WHR Centenary bash on July 30 - but that will be my first visit. Until they return to normal operations they are well down my visiting list.

I used a Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket last week which was turn up and go. Confusingly, National Rail still warns about the Covid restrictions, but Transport for Wales does not. I asked the Ffestiniog about this and they haven't replied.

I wrote more on this thread https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/the-welsh-round-robin.232402/#post-5738316

 

[John Luxton]

I used a Ffestiniog Round Robin ticket last week which was turn up and go. Confusingly, National Rail still warns about the Covid restrictions, but Transport for Wales does not. I asked the Ffestiniog about this and they haven't replied.

I wrote more on this thread https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/the-welsh-round-robin.232402/#post-5738316

Yes but they keep advertising "Experiences" on Facebook each week. I would just like to see a normal advertised train service. of two trains per day one morning one afternoon over both lines.

Any extras can be experience led as there is clearly a market for this particularly Porthmadog - Tanybwlch / Beddgellert.

Given that the FR Company claims to be the oldest continuously operating railway company in the world one would think maintaining a basic conventional service would be high on their priority list.

A few weeks ago I bought a 4 in 8 day Freedom of Wales ticket. I hadn't planned on using the FR, though might have done as a link to the Cambrian Line if services had been operating normally. I did however, travel down the Conwy Valley Line and the Blaenau office was shuttered early afternoon with no sign of any activity and this was late May! That would not normally have been the case.

 

[Mat17]

I'm glad nobody has mentioned my local one, the Great Central Railway.

The bit over the reservoir is probably the highlight of the journey, the rest of the journey is fairly unremarkable. However, the stations are really nicely done and it's busy there. So i really like it.

I'm glad too. I love the GCR, personally I think it's the best I've been to.

The ELR, I also like that railway too, a great variety of traction and liveries - not all green and maroon for example. The journey from Manchester to Bury to get to it though, that ain't so good.

 

[Cowley]

Just before we disappear too far down the rabbit hole could we leave Covid out of this thread please.

Thanks!

 

[railfan99]

A foreigner, I've only been on three, including Dartmouth. It wasn't yesterday, but I distinctly recall being underwhelmed.

In contrast, Severn Valley Railway was excellent (except I lacked time at Brignorth to explore the town, which is no doubt fascinating if one is from a different continent) and similarly Whitby to Pickering on NYMR allowed a wonxderful Whitby weekend (the James Cook Museum, small but very interesting - amazingly great mariner - plus an historic town, the sea and NYMR with a bit of Network Rail running).

East Lancs Railway is on my list to do this year if I ever get there, though I wish one didn't have a lengthy tram trip between Manchester's stations and the Bury/Bolton station. From YouTube, it looks an enjoyable trip through pleasant towns.

 

[DarloRich]

Do we mean boring or do we mean not very scenic?

I felt the ELR was really boring. Just didn't do it for me and i was unhappy to feel that way.

 

[Mat17]

Do we mean boring or do we mean not very scenic?

I felt the ELR was really boring. Just didn't do it for me and i was unhappy to feel that way.

I guess it depends what you're looking for.

If you go for the traction the ELR might tick a fair few boxes, if you go simply for the scenery then probably much less so.

The NYMR might be more to see out of the windows, but more boring imho, but that's because I'm not as bothered about what's out the window. If I want that, I'll take a trip over the Standege or Hope Valley lines.

 

[Galvanize]

Taken this long to mention…Peak Rail. It just seemed to be a slow (even by Pres standards!) run with not a lot to see out of the window.

The collection of Locos and Stock at Rowsley South in varying states was fairly interesting to see though!

 

[John Luxton]

I think it is clear that what is boring for one person isn't necessarily boring for another.

It is a very personal thing.

Personally I am influenced by geographic location and tend to visit places associated with the GWR in Wales and England along with the SR in south and south west England. Th

e south east is a bit too far for day trips and it is not an area I visit for holidays at the moment - but I am considering it for next year.

I also like narrow gauge thus lines between WHR and Launceston Steam Railway have tended to feature quite a bit over the years. Some I visit more than others.

My own home turf Merseyside is LMS/LMR but I have only just made my third visit to the K&WR a few weeks ago and the East Lancs I have only visited once for a ride and that was shortly after it opened, though I did make a brief call at Bury Station on a trip to the Heaton Park Tramway earlier this year.

However, I have been visiting the Lynton and Barnstaple at least once a year if not twice for over a decade and that is much further away.

Some might say the L&B is boring as it is still just a 1 mile run - but what has been achieved there is impressive and I hope I see a more of it restored before the grim reaper comes calling though I doubt I will be around long enough to travel between Lynton and Barnstaple!

I think everyone has their own criteria what makes an interesting or boring railway there is no one size fits all.

 

[bspahh]

Given that the FR Company claims to be the oldest continuously operating railway company in the world one would think maintaining a basic conventional service would be high on their priority list.

A few weeks ago I bought a 4 in 8 day Freedom of Wales ticket. I hadn't planned on using the FR, though might have done as a link to the Cambrian Line if services had been operating normally. I did however, travel down the Conwy Valley Line and the Blaenau office was shuttered early afternoon with no sign of any activity and this was late May! That would not normally have been the case.

The Ffestiniog timetable says to check the WWW site as not all services run on a daily basis. They are a business targeted at tourists, and not commuters. If running a service is likely to lose them money, I can see why it would be cancelled.

 

[Bletchleyite]

A few weeks ago I bought a 4 in 8 day Freedom of Wales ticket. I hadn't planned on using the FR, though might have done as a link to the Cambrian Line if services had been operating normally. I did however, travel down the Conwy Valley Line and the Blaenau office was shuttered early afternoon with no sign of any activity and this was late May! That would not normally have been the case.

In my experience the Blaenau booking office was only ever open close to the departure time of a train. The rest of the time it generally did look abandoned.

Almost everyone starts the journey from the other end. Which makes sense as Blaenau is a dump and Porthmadog much nicer and so worth the rest of a day trip.

 

[John Luxton]

The Ffestiniog timetable says to check the WWW site as not all services run on a daily basis. They are a business targeted at tourists, and not commuters. If running a service is likely to lose them money, I can see why it would be cancelled.

Yes but it never used to be that way until certain events two years ago. Yes by all means run experiences but I am talking a basic service on both lines during the operating season which can be sold as prebooked experiences for those that want but are there for other people to use. When the railway reached Blaenau much was made of "The Ffestiniog Link" between the Conwy Valley and Cambrian Lines. For those choosing not to use cars that is a very useful transport function in its own right. If people are to be encouraged to leave their cars at home such links should be encouraged.

In my experience the Blaenau booking office was only ever open close to the departure time of a train. The rest of the time it generally did look abandoned.

Almost everyone starts the journey from the other end. Which makes sense as Blaenau is a dump and Porthmadog much nicer and so worth the rest of a day trip.

I wouldn't say Blaenau is a dump it is the whole raison d'être for the railway. Before the current experiences time table appeared when I was on a day trip I would start my journeys from either Blaenau or Tanybwlch - why drive to Portmadog when coming from Merseyside or Manchester? Likewise if I visit the Talyllyn I prefer to board at Abergynolwyn.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I wouldn't say Blaenau is a dump it is the whole raison d'être for the railway.

The raison d'etre for the railway is steam train trips through pleasant scenery. Originally it was freight from those slate mines, but it's not now.

Blaenau is a dump (a fairly striking one, admittedly, due to the slag heaps) with almost no redeeming features in and of itself. It's just a place people live for cheap housing just outside the National Park.

Before the current experiences time table appeared when I was on a day trip I would start my journeys from either Blaenau or Tanybwlch - why drive to Portmadog when coming from Merseyside or Manchester? Likewise if I visit the Talyllyn I prefer to board at Abergynolwyn.

You're likely in the minority. I doubt many people daytrip from Liverpool or Manchester specifically to ride the FfR or WHR(C) - it's more of a family holiday activity, hence the railtour style marketing. If you want a day trip for a steam train ride nearer Manchester there are other options much closer by e.g. the East Lancs.