This is one of the special events giving chance to see more steam locos than usual in service. Trains were six coaches rather than the more usual four so the engines are working harder. It was noticeable that there were a lot more photographers than usual out along the trackside.
As well as the regular service there are several special events. First thing in the morning it is possible to watch locos being prepared for service at Haworth.
Slip working at Keighley and Oxenhope means there is a chance to be pulled by different locos. Many trains are double headed. Some services run as an express between Keighley and Haworth giving chance for the loco to really open up pulling the train. A vintage train runs between Ingrow and Keighley. The L&Y Club Carriage is in service, giving chance to experience travel in a more leisurely age. (There is an additional charge to ride in this unless you have a 2 or 3 day gala ticket). There are two goods services.
One of the locos is resting at Ingrow between services giving chance to go on the footplate and talk to the loco crew. The small good’s office and weigh bridge at Oakworth Station is open.
There were also guided tours of the loco shed at Haworth which include a demonstration of the wheel drop. Numbers are limited to 20 per tour. Tours are free although participants are asked for a donation.
The Keighley and District Model Railway Club have a small N gauge layout in the Exhibition shed at Oxenhope Station.
Having written “previous reviews”:http://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/travel-product/attraction/137961 of the Railway, I won’t repeat details here.
This isn’t a cheap day out at £21 adult or £18 for concessions compared with the cost of an all day rover ticket on normal working days of £15 for adults and £12.50 for concessions. Riding the trains you don’t actually have chance to see much of the locos working, although it was nice to sit behind the express loco coming out of Keighley. In many ways special working days are better watched from the trackside to see the locos in their full glory.
Trains were quiet in the morning but were getting very busy in the afternoon. Would we go again? This is difficult to answer; possibly not unless it was just to watch the locos. Especially at Keighley there is plenty of activity. However anorak Grandson would not appreciate not going for a ride….
