Most boring preserved railway?

[CaptainHaddock]

It's currently mothballed but I would have to nominate my local preserved line at Elsecar Heritage Centre as the most boring. Locos were either industrial tank steam engines or diesel shunters and the trains simply ran through some woods for a mile or so, stopped in the middle of them then reversed back again! Whlst there was talk of extending it to Cortonwood Retail Park it never happened and even if it did in the future it's hard to see what the attraction would be.

To end on a positive note, Barnsley Council are currently doing a survey as to what to do with the line, if you'd like to take part the link is here.

Elsecar Heritage Railway – Elsecar Heritage Railway – Ride a bit of Yorkshire History

 

[Bletchleyite]

I had this at Rhyl (a lump of wood, actually). Must be a North Wales thing....

The North East Wales coast and area around it is mostly a depressing, sprawling suburb of Liverpool and acts very much like one, with a predominance of "scally" behaviour etc. Shotton/Connah's Quay, for instance, is a right dump, and the seaside places not much better. It doesn't start getting decent until about Colwyn Bay.

 

[D6968]

Wouldn’t want to use the word Boring but I’m not a big fan of the Nene Valley, time does seem to slow down a bit there, everything seems to be based about using Wansford but the stations the other side of the A1.
Peterborough end could really do with some sort of direct connection to the mainline station rather than the massive walk it entails.
There’s some interesting stuff there but as I say I find it a bit ‘meh’

 

[ac6000cw]

Wouldn’t want to use the word Boring but I’m not a big fan of the Nene Valley, time does seem to slow down a bit there, everything seems to be based about using Wansford but the stations the other side of the A1.
Peterborough end could really do with some sort of direct connection to the mainline station rather than the massive walk it entails.
There’s some interesting stuff there but as I say I find it a bit ‘meh’

...and the line is pretty much dead flat, and Orton Mere station is partly underneath a major concrete road bridge. The riverside area at Wansford station is pleasant enough (as is Ferry Meadows near Overton station), but as you say the village of Wansford is a distance away across the other side of the A1.

I used to visit the NVR reasonably often for galas, but then I discovered the Epping & Ongar Railway - closer to me and more interesting, especially with its sawtooth gradient profile (trains from North Weald towards Epping are top-and-tailed and reverse on a steep gradient in the forest, so the rear loco often has to help get the train moving e.g. a recent mixed traffic gala trip with a 2-6-2 tank on the front and a class 20 on the back, on wet track).

 

[Llanigraham]

Sorry the Dart Valley Railway Ltd (which trades at the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company) has owned the pleasure steamer operation out of Dartmouth for quite a few years as well as the bus service which completes the round robin. South Devon do operate a vintage bus from time to tame. South Devon was separated from Dart Valley early 1990s on a leased basis and later sold to to South Devon Railway. I should know what owns what I have been a shareholder in Dart Valley Railway plc now Dart Valley Railway Ltd since 1973 and in recent years one logs on to a shareholder section of the web site to download the annual report!

My apologies then John, I didn't realise that the Totnes - Buckfastleigh line was anything to do with the Paignton - Dartmouth train/boat/bus group.

I have done underground tours before - I went down Geevor and Pendeen twice when it was a working tin mine - it didn't need any thrills spending two to three hours exploring tunnels, going down the sub incline shaft out under the Atlantic ocean and then into the deeper workings when one suddenly walked into a wall of heat was thrilling enough. I enjoyed it so much I went back. Sadly the mine closed during the tin crisis and whilst the surface plant and buildings have been conserved the mine itself is flooded.

I did the Geevor Tour this May and was quite disappointed, although I had a long chat with one of the Guides about the differences between there and the local lead mines here. Got the impression their "underground tour" is more cut-n-cover. Atleast they do have some railway stuff on show now!

A few years ago I had an excellent tour of the Hopewell Colliery in the Forest of Dean. Again very informative and interesting. Basically it produces coal Autumn / Winter / Early spring and opens as a tourist attraction with underground tours and cafe for the late spring and summer. No thrills needed.

I've done two trips down Hopewell and found it very interesting.

 

[The_Van]

Epping Ongar is my local line. It's pretty good usually and very friendly. The vintage buses are an excellent addition to the railway.

The only minor negative is extended dwell times at North Weald but nothing major.

 

[D6130]

I have to say that the Cholsey and Wallingford line is a little on the boring side, scenery and traction-wise....although the friendliness of the volunteers on the occasion of my visit - and the fact that they had a beer festival in progress - more than made up for it!

 

[DustyBin]

Epping Ongar is my local line. It's pretty good usually and very friendly. The vintage buses are an excellent addition to the railway.

The only minor negative is extended dwell times at North Weald but nothing major.

Agreed, I really enjoy the bus running days!

It will be even better when the thumper is back up and running.

 

[The_Van]

Agreed, I really enjoy the bus running days!

It will be even better when the thumper is back up and running.

I belive the mechanical repairs are done but thd bodywork needs attention now and there's a queue for the shed

 

[DustyBin]

I belive the mechanical repairs are done but thd bodywork needs attention now and there's a queue for the shed

Cheers, that’s my understanding as well.

 

[Russel]

I had this at Rhyl (a lump of wood, actually). Must be a North Wales thing....

You may be right, at the opposite end of the Ffestiniog in Porthmadog, I've witnessed the local kids shouting abuse at (presumably) tourists, I would imagine the whole area suffers from a lack of employment and things to do for the locals...

 

[John Luxton]

My apologies then John, I didn't realise that the Totnes - Buckfastleigh line was anything to do with the Paignton - Dartmouth train/boat/bus group.


I did the Geevor Tour this May and was quite disappointed, although I had a long chat with one of the Guides about the differences between there and the local lead mines here. Got the impression their "underground tour" is more cut-n-cover. Atleast they do have some railway stuff on show now!


I've done two trips down Hopewell and found it very interesting.

Oh dear the current tour is but a shadow of the former Geevor experience! That involved squeezing into a very small cage and then plummeting down Victory shaft. There was a lot of narrow gauge down there too! One even was taken for a ride.

If you want to see what the real Geevor was like take a look at these images. https://www.jhluxton.com/The-35mm-Film-Archive/Mines-of-Cornwall-and-Devon/Geevor-Mine-Cornwall/

 

[trebor79]

Oh dear the current tour is but a shadow of the former Geevor experience! That involved squeezing into a very small cage and then plummeting down Victory shaft. There was a lot of narrow gauge down there too! One even was taken for a ride.

If you want to see what the real Geevor was like take a look at these images. https://www.jhluxton.com/The-35mm-Film-Archive/Mines-of-Cornwall-and-Devon/Geevor-Mine-Cornwall/

Very interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[Llanigraham]

Oh dear the current tour is but a shadow of the former Geevor experience! That involved squeezing into a very small cage and then plummeting down Victory shaft. There was a lot of narrow gauge down there too! One even was taken for a ride.

If you want to see what the real Geevor was like take a look at these images. https://www.jhluxton.com/The-35mm-Film-Archive/Mines-of-Cornwall-and-Devon/Geevor-Mine-Cornwall/

Thanks John, very interesting.
I keep promising myself a paid undergraound tour at Corris Uchaf and a certain famous local mine rescue gent has promised me an underground tour somewhere else locally.

 

[bramling]

You may be right, at the opposite end of the Ffestiniog in Porthmadog, I've witnessed the local kids shouting abuse at (presumably) tourists, I would imagine the whole area suffers from a lack of employment and things to do for the locals...

Porthmadog is one of those places that’s touristy during the day, but the atmosphere very much changes from the late afternoon onwards. It can certainly be a little rough in the evening, as can - for that matter - Llanberis.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Porthmadog is one of those places that’s touristy during the day, but the atmosphere very much changes from the late afternoon onwards. It can certainly be a little rough in the evening, as can - for that matter - Llanberis.

I am not a fan of Llanberis, it seems to be a motley collection of run down hotels and rubbish pubs plus Pete's Eats which is nowhere near as good a greasy spoon as its reputation suggests. Like Fort William it would make money whatever it did because of its location at the base of Snowdon, and so nobody makes any real effort at all. I would say FW is a bit nicer (at least has a decent Spoons and some better shops) but there is not that much in it.

 

[Paul Hitchcock]

This is a most interesting thread. Just two or three things call for comment.
Firstly, forget the possibility of tourist lines operating at more than 25 mph. The expense of obtaining the necessary permissions would never be recouped. Keep the mileage offered under control

Secondly, there is little point in having the most wonderful scenery outside the train window if the said window is so dirty that there is no chance of admiring the views. One TripAdvisor contributor once observed that she was pleased to find a railway which gave as much attention to cleaning the inside of the carriages as it did the exterior of the locomotive.

One advantage that most narrow gauge lines have over the bulk of standard gauge ones is a degree of individuality in their rolling stock. Don't assume that people cannot identify genuinely old items of equipment even if they have no knowledge of their origin.

 

[Ken H]

Yes, I do think preserved railways are better with a tunnel.

The Fairbourne railway and the Evesham Vale Light Railway both have constructed tunnels with fake hills above them. Evesham Vale is Breeze blocks with concrete beams for the roof. Buy the bits for your tunnel at B & Q!!!

 

[Calthrop]

Concerning a possible "most boring preserved line of all" -- am wondering whether any participants here, have ever visited the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway? I have not, and have no plans or wish to; cannot help but regard what I can find out about it, as pointing to its being in assorted aspects, an extremely limited -- and potentially extremely boring -- outfit.

With no first-hand experience of the line: I don't totally rule out the possibility of its being of more interest than would -- as above -- appear likely. This railway is brought to mind here, by a paragraph in Mike Parker's book Map Addict. The section of the book involved, deals with various aspects of the Ordnance Survey map which includes north Lincolnshire -- the author (not a railway enthusiast as such) has not visited the line: but clearly reckons it likely to be an absurdly and despicably petty affair; and uses it, with waspish wit, as an exemplar of many such up and down the country. He writes: "In terms of the map, the fact that these pointless excuses for both railways and tourist attractions are shown with exactly the same symbology as a real railway, connecting real places, is something that pains me to see on a modern OS." While my gut feeling on this, very much aligns with the author's; have also in my head -- in contrast -- the notion that such savage "rubbishing" without having in person visited the thing, is perhaps not altogether appropriate.

 

[cakefiend]

Amazed nobody has mentioned GCR North/Notts Heritage Railway/whatever they are this week. Yard/station merged into one, seems out of place. Then you reverse in the backside of an estate and trundle through some flat, empty fields.

 

[yorksrob]

The Fairbourne railway and the Evesham Vale Light Railway both have constructed tunnels with fake hills above them. Evesham Vale is Breeze blocks with concrete beams for the roof. Buy the bits for your tunnel at B & Q!!!

I prefer an authentic tunnel though

 

[stuu]

The Fairbourne railway and the Evesham Vale Light Railway both have constructed tunnels with fake hills above them. Evesham Vale is Breeze blocks with concrete beams for the roof. Buy the bits for your tunnel at B & Q!!!

That's pretty standard on a lot of miniature railways though, it's not a proper railway without a tunnel

 

[satisnek]

In my view it's those lines which have just one carriage set (and hence, normally, just one train) are the 'most boring', although I can see that I'm being unfair as all lines have had to start out somewhere. I have to say that the Ecclesbourne Valley falls into this category - the second train at gala weekends is just a couple of old DMUs being dragged around!

I had a trip on the Churnet Valley for the first time the other day, much the same kind of thing although they may have enough carriages to rustle up a second train - the line can certainly support two-train operation. Steam motive power would appear to be limited to a couple of foreign jobbies (the preservation society long post-dates the Great Barry Sell-Off, of course), neither of which were in operation on my visit so my train was hauled by a Class 33/1 (I've done alright for Class 33 haulage this year!). Public access would seem to be almost entirely centred around Kingsley & Froghall (I started my journey at Cheddleton, and got the impression that not many people do!) with a clear emphasis on dining services. Nice scenery, but the line really doesn't seem to have much else to offer.

I would also throw into the mix what's outside the stations, and here the GWSR unfortunately becomes one of the 'most boring'. There's a pub and an insanely overpriced Spar store close to Toddington station but both Winchcombe and Broadway stations are long walks from the towns they serve, while Cheltenham Racecourse, being on the 'country' side of the racecourse, really is in the middle of nowhere! I would imagine that the Bluebell, except for East Grinstead, is similar.

 

[Runningaround]

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.


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.

The Ffestiniog is linked at both ends to the NR network you can use Minfordd for changing from the Cambrian Line for Midland based visitors and Blaenau for The Conwy Valley for North West England line, many will do a circuit via the NR network or the WHR.

Or are you suggesting it to be used as Public Transport between Porthmadog and Blaenau? Nobody in their right mind will pay or waste the time using it instead of a bus, even a bike is quicker.
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On topic
The Telford Steam Railway: Is anything but usually. A mile long and has given into Pacer and small Shunter preservation, like most run by and for the enthusiast who just wants to trundle up and down driving a train.

Cambrian Heritage Railways X 2: As above but does it twice. Both in one go wouldn't fill an afternoon. Another Pacer dumping ground that never run on any part of the line it's named after.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway: What's the point when two others are in the same town and multiple others are in the area?

All three aren't too far from serious heritage railways in Llangollen, Severn Valley and WHR/FR. I get the feeling they are there as the operators couldn't get the good jobs on these.

And packing their rolling stock with Pacers is just feels lazy as its an easy stop gap to run something over overhauling something genuine.
Have they fallen for the ''Pacer Saved Branch Lines'' claim and thing it'll save them?

 

[Runningaround]

It’s all relative. But anyone going there and expecting a tourist honeypot is going to be disappointed, as many are when they step off the FR and walk out of the station.

The greyness/spoil is why they are on that train, what are they expecting when travelling on a railway built for and a town dominated by a slate industry that has all but disappeared? Those that aren't there just for trains use it as a base for the Mountains and natural attractions.

 

[Basher]

My children purchased a driver experience at Beamish for me. I went up and down the couple of hundred yards up and down up and down zzzz.

 

[Cowley]

My children purchased a driver experience at Beamish for me. I went up and down the couple of hundred yards up and down up and down zzzz.

It’s the thought that counts.

 

[Runningaround]

Blaenau Ffestiniog is the only place I've had stones thrown at me by the local kids from the station footbridge...

At least they didn't add to the authenticity by throwing slate.

 

[John Luxton]

The greyness/spoil is why they are on that train, what are they expecting when travelling on a railway built for and a town dominated by a slate industry that has all but disappeared? Those that aren't there just for trains use it as a base for the Mountains and natural attractions.

Llecwedd Slate Caverns and the former Gloddfa Ganol used to be big tourist attractions and buses did link them to the FR station. Unfortunately Gloddfa Ganol went back to just being a working quarry when it changed hands with no visitors allowed. Llechwedd still operates but is now very into thrill expeditions though the deep level mine train apparently still operates and surface tours to the upper parts of the quarry are offered. However, I have not been there fore many years. Scrapping the mine tramway and installing trampolines and zip wires underground is a big turn off for me.

BUT in saying that - one would think that for casual visitors it would prove attractive.

Don't forget in the heady days when the FR returned to Blaenau provision was made in the infrastructure to run a branch line from the station to the foot of the Llechwedd Incline to provide access to Llechwedd Quarry. That is why there is an unused bridge arch and a second unused track at Glanypwll Level Crossing.

 

[Runningaround]

I would have to say the dullest ones are the smaller standard gauge lines, where you get a couple of shabby Mk1s being pulled by an 08 or similar. Narrow gauge is more interesting almost by default, as they almost always have unique stock and features

They're buying up all the Pacers now to add ''authenticity''