Rushden, Higham and Wellingborough Railway

The Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway is a heritage railway operated by the Rushden Historical Transport Society in the United Kingdom. The aim is to re-open the ex-Midland Railway branch line from Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers, which had been closed completely in 1971. At present (2006) a ¼ mile stretch of the line is operating at Rushden station.

Rushden station

Rushden station has been preserved by the group. The station building is fully intact and open with no admission fee although donations are requested. The footbridge is presently missing at Rushden - 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 just short of a bridge. It is planned to extend through this soon and onwards towards Higham Ferrers.

Rolling stock

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.

*Diesel locomotives
**BR A1A-A1A Class 31 no. 31206
*Coaching stock
**BR Post Office Sorting Van NSA 80334 (not yet on site)
**BR Post Office Stowage Van NTA 80413 (not yet on site)
**BR Brake Post Office Stowage Van NUA 80457
**BR High-security General Utility Van NKA 94102
**BR Brake Guard NEX 92363

*Steam Locomotives
**Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No 2168 "Edmundsons". Nearing the end of its overhaul at Tyseley Locomotive Works, planned to be complete in 3-4 months.
**Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST. Awaiting major restoration, planned to start once Cherwell is completed.
**Bagnall 0-6-0ST No 2654. Awaiting funds for major restoration.

External links

* [http://www.rhts.co.uk/HTML%20Pages/RHWR.htm The railway website]