Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway

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Coordinates: 52°17′41″N 0°35′52″W / 52.2946°N 0.5977°W / 52.2946; -0.5977
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

This article is about the present-day heritage railway. For the traditional railway line operating from 1893 to 1969, see Higham Ferrers branch line.
Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway
standard gauge
Commercial history
Closed1971
Preservation history
HeadquartersRushden station
Rushden, Higham &
Wellingborough Railway
Legend
Higham Ferrers
Footpath crossing
Prospect Avenue
Shirley Road Bridge
Midland Main Line
Wellingborough
Rushden Yard
Footpath crossing
 Rushden
Northampton and
Peterborough Railway
River Nene
Bridge (Currently missing)
Midland Main Line

The Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway is a heritage railway operated by the Rushden Historical Transport Society in the town of Rushden in the county of Northamptonshire, England.

The aim of the society was to reopen most of the former Midland Railway branch line from Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers, which had been closed completely in November 1969. As of April 2016, around 1⁄2 mile (0.8 km) stretch of the line is operated between Rushden station and Prospect Avenue. The society plans to extend the line to a halt at Higham Ferrers. They are unable to extend back towards Wellingborough due to developments that have taken place along the route of the old branch line.

Rushden station

Rushden station has been preserved by the Rushden Historical Transport Society. The station building is fully intact and open with no admission fee although donations are requested.

The footbridge is currently missing, and a level crossing divides the platform into two sections. A replacement footbridge similar to the original is awaiting installation, at which point the missing section of platform will be replaced.

On operating days trains use a separate platform slightly to the east. There is a

signal box
on site also. To the west immediately after the station there is a bridge missing. To the east, the line ends adjacent to Prospect Ave, and is used throughout the year.

Since the late 1990s, Rushden Station bar has been home to a series of resident cats. The most recent station cats, Alfie and Thomas, have achieved minor fame on social media.[1]

Rolling stock

On site can be found a main-line diesel, Class 31, 31206, a number of

Mark 1 carriages and a Gresley buffet car. In addition the line has a few industrial steam locomotives and some small diesel shunters. Frequently a number of preserved buses and coaches can also be found on the site.[2]

  • Steam Locomotives
    • ST
      No 2168 "Edmundsons". Built in 1940. Undergoing overhaul.
    • ST
      No 2654 Cherwell. Awaiting funds for major restoration.
  • Coaching stock
    • BR
      Post Office Sorting Van
      NSA 80334 built in 1969.
    • BR
      Post Office Stowage Van
      NTA 80413 built in 1957.
    • BR
      High-security General Utility Van
      NKA 94102 built in 1959.
    • BR
      Brake Gangwayed
      NEX 92363. Used for passenger services. built in 1957.
    • BR Mark 1
      Tourist Second Open
      no. 3918 built in 1954.
    • BR Mark 1 BSK no. 34004 built in 1951.
    • BR Mark 2
      Tourist Second Open
      no. 5166. Used for passenger services. built in 1966.
    • LNER Gresley Buffet Carriage no. 24279 built in 1937.

See also


References

  1. ^ "Rushden Station cat Thomas welcomed after Alfie cat's demise". 15 March 2020.
  2. ^ "Preserved Railway stock list". UKLocos. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  3. ^ "Class 142". Preserved Railcars. Retrieved 26 September 2020.

External links

52°17′41″N 0°35′52″W / 52.2946°N 0.5977°W / 52.2946; -0.5977

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