Spa Valley Railway
Railway Review
Generally regarded as Britain's newest Standard Gauge preserved line, the Spa Valley Railway provides visitors with a six mile round trip between Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge. A one mile extension to Birchden is currently underway, whilst another one and a half miles thereafter is the track bed to Eridge, still awaiting track to be relayed. This will provide the railway with a useful link with British Rail, although the walk from Tunbridge Wells Central station at the other end of the line is by no means arduous. Although it is a great shame that the majority of the Tunbridge Wells West station site was swept away, the railway has retained much character by securing the original Victorian engine shed (fitted with a 1950s BR roof), and the station building is still dominant on the entrance road. The platform used today is that of the former western bay line, whilst all engine shed entry roads remain on the same site as they were originally built. Access to the rear portion of the engine shed is permitted, where an array of second-hand magazines can be purchased, in addition to new items within the adjacent shop. When the author was last there, a railway volunteer of the carriage & wagon and locomotive department kindly showed him around the locomotives within the engine shed, thus this is conclusive that you will be greeted with a warm welcome, with volunteers keen to interest visitors further. In conclusion, this is a friendly and well-run railway, worthy of a visit if one is in the area.
The railway has its own house colours, seen displayed here on BR Mk 1 Second Open Buffet No.
25843, at ''High Rocks''. This vehicle was formerly a Corridor Second until conversion work began
after purchasing from Tylseley in 1993, work finishing in 1999. David Glasspool
A new intermediate station was opened along the preserved line, the delightful ''High Rocks''. Here,
our old friend ''Fonman'' is seen alongside the platform on the return to Tunbridge Wells West. It
is currently building up steam pressure, this of which it ran out of when climbing up the gradient to
reach the station. David Glasspool
The original station building and platform at Groombridge is still in existence and in fine condition.
However, it is not in railway use (perhaps in the future?) and is currently serving as offices. David Glasspool
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