On Sunday September 2nd the RHTS
held a Gala Day and offered 'guards van rides' for the magnificent sum of 50p.
Having never been in a guards van never mind ridden in one the temptation was
too great! The above video shows the van and its engine the 'Les Forster'
returning to Rushden station. It then shows the view from the front
returning to the station again. Passing to saddle tanks awaiting
restoration, the tents set up to hold exhibitions as part of the gala day and
the recently purchased Travelling Post Office coach. Click on this link to
visit the RHTS pages
relating to the railway.
Rushden Station, where the RHTS are
based doesn't look to different from how I remember it in the fifties. The
station was on a branch line from what is now the Midland Main Line at
Wellingborough and the line terminated at the only other station, about 2 - 3
miles away at Higham Ferrers. The branch line was single track and
operated by a two coach 'push and pull' train. I say the station hasn't
changed but the surrounding environment has! The road in the forground is
a new addition, which unfortunately separates the station from its goods yard.
V
A new addition from when the line
was in use is the signal box at this location on the station. Currently
being restored, I believe it was originally at Market Harborough.
The above scene shows the platform
and the seated crowd outside the society's social club. And what a social
club it is having won CAMRA awards for its up to 7 'real' ales on draught.
As a friend said, "Ah! So much beer - so little time" The coach is a
ex traveling post office coach (TPO). One of four recently purchased by
the railway.
This is the recently opened to the public Station Masters Office.
The adjacent rooms are used to house museum exhibits. A large and
interesting collection of memorabilia is on display.
Gala Day at the RHTS is a great day
out for all. This model railway exhibition was set up in one of the TPO
coaches
Click the graphic on the right to
visit the Irchester trainspotting page
