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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
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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
Running line at Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway
Commercial operations
NameBritish Rail
Original gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Preserved operations
Operated byRushden Historical Transport Society
Stations1
Length1⁄2 mile (0.8 km)
Preserved gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) 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

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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

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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]

  • Diesel locomotives
    • BR A1A-A1A Class 31 no. 31206. Operational. BR Railfreight Built in 1960.
    • BR 0-6-0DM Class 03 no. 03179 Clive. First Capital Connect purple.
    • 4wDH Diesel-Hydraulic Sentinel shunter no. 10159. Operational.
  • Diesel multiple units
    • BR Class 121 no. 55029 (977968) Network Rail Yellow Built in 1960.
    • BR Class 142 nos. 142084 and 142091.[3]

See also

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References

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

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