Peak Rails Link to Network Rail at Matlock
 

Work is now progressing well at Matlock to link Peak Rail to the National Network ready to receive the proposed mainline charter on March 5th.

Some photos taken today.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

I hope the project is a success. I hope to visit April/May time.

Wish I had taken some pics now pulled into the Station at Matlock nice new double track all ready and waiting

Looks good!! :)

Sadly I have to report, according to local sources, that the proposed charter on March 5th has been put off until the summer.

best wishes,

John H-T.

Why John H-T?

Seems that someone forgot that there's a service running on that line on Saturdays, and there are no spare paths!

Difficult to say as much is based on rumour. However it does seem fairly certain that the charter has been postponed.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

It seems likely as on weekdays and Saturdays, on the single line from Ambergate to Matlock as soon as the up train leaves the branch the down enters.

The only solution I imagine is for the (replaced) extra track at Matlock Platform 1 (as was) to be made a passing loop. Another train might sneak though in the quarter hour the train stands at Matlock, but it would be tight and complicated.

There isnt time for EMT to run on to Rowsley and back even if EMT were agreeable.

http://www.uksteam.info has this re-scheduled for 22nd May (A SUNDAY!). Loco is now 70013.

Regards, 62440.