Covid has been a huge problem for all the heritage lines, regardless of size, gauge, location. To see how some have dealt with it has been interesting but one of the most original ways has been that which the Derwent Valley Light Railway has chosen.
Instead of adapting to rigorous cleaning of stock after journey, which would be frequent than elsewhere as the DVLR is a fairly short line, they have opted to put on demonstrations of shunting throughout September and October. And they’ve been very well received too, even by the ‘normal’ people who visit.
It provides a scene which is something which isn’t really seen now, even on other lines at galas when we see demonstration goods, the high frequency of services mean shunting doesn’t really form part of proceedings.
The shunting demonstrations at Murton is quite different, it’s unhurried, steady in the way that many lines were. There’s also an extra dimension to this when D2245 is in action as it was one owned by the Derwent Valley Light Railway.
Sounds of buffers, couplings, the magical sounds of loose coupled freight trains – in the sun it was an utter delight!
It’s worth remembering that the railway is free to visit when you visit Murton Park, the home of the Yorkshire Museum of Farming so is quite a pleasant family day out with trains thrown in!
There’s a decent selection of books in the Railway’s shop, an easy way to support the railway during these strange times.
Fortunately it looks like they’ll be continuing with the shunting demonstrations when things begin to get back to normal which is good news!
You have until the end of October to go and watch these demonstrations each Sunday.
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Big Trains, Little Trains 