Tanfield Railway in Colour: The Preservation Years

The Tanfield Railway in County Durham celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2025, having been constructed in 1725 as a wagonway to carry coal from the North Durham coalfields to the River Tyne. It was in the hands of British Railways before volunteers took over early the following decade and has developed as a centre for the preservation of industrial locomotives. Notable locations along the route include Causey Arch and Marley Hill, and passenger trains now run regularly for visitors on Sundays, between March and October, and in December, the North Pole Express takes eager children to visit Father Christmas. Train enthusiasts are also catered for with demonstration coal trains and an annual gala weekend.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2025
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Tanfield Railway in County Durham, founded in 1725 as a wagonway to transport coal from the North Durham coalfields to the River Tyne, celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2025. Initially owned by British Railways, it was later taken over by volunteers in the early 1970s. Today, the heritage railway serves as a vital center for the preservation of industrial locomotives, operating over a 3-mile section from East Tanfield to Sunniside. Along the route, visitors can marvel at notable landmarks such as Causey Arch, the first bridge built to carry a railway in 1726, and Marley Hill, the oldest continuously operating engine shed, built in 1854. While the railway was initially constructed for coal transportation, it now offers regular passenger trains for visitors on Sundays, between March and October, and in December, the North Pole Express takes eager children to visit Father Christmas. Additionally, train enthusiasts can enjoy demonstration coal trains and an annual gala weekend, all thanks to the tireless efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers of all ages who ensure that traditional skills are passed from one generation to the next. The railway's story is beautifully illustrated by Henry Elliott and Dave Hewitt through stunning photographs and informative captions.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 233 x 165 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398124837