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The first sevice train back to Bolton Abbey was run in 1997, and was hauled by
the same locos which hauled the first train back in 1979. 22
and Primrose are seen here having just arrived in the
station, watched by a crowd of onlookers from the carpark.
(c) Robert Milner.
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Primrose is seen leaving Bolton Abbey in style (with
22 helping), as they form the first departure from Bolton
Abbey for over 30 years. It was truely a great moment for the railway - the next
will be either the completion of the shed, or the arrival at Skipton.
(c) Robert Milner.
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The 'official' opening, with ceremony, took place somewhat later, May 1998. Here
David Hutchinson (P-Way dept. manager) and Mike Mason (P-Way) hold the banner,
awaiting the arrival of Annie and vintage carriage containing the guests.
(c) M. G. Riley.
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To the sound of detonators, Annie and the GER Director's Saloon (No. 14)
passed through Hambleton Cutting and into the station, through the banner. To
the left stand Primrose and 68005
in platform 2 with the train for the other guests and members.
(c) M. G. Riley.
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Here the McAlpines (who were involved in the project as the main contractors)
pose between Stephen Walker (Business & Marketing manager) and Dave Barlow
(Chairman), with Annie behind them.
(c) M. G. Riley.
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On the wall in the Booking Hall are a number of plaques which detail various
companies which helped in the construction of the station. One of these plaques
is a commendation from Railway World which the station project was awarded in
1995, before the building was fully finished.
(c) Dave Barlow.
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Despite the railway being open to Bolton Abbey, there were still a lot of
little things to finish off, (there still are!), such as the Duke's Siding
platform. This housed the tempory buffet until the main Refreshment Rooms
could be completed, and a team of volunteers is seen
working hard, including Pete Walker and Bob Bonsall. Pete is seen in the
digger, and has been working on the conservation side of affairs at Bolton
Abbey, creating and looking after the new wetland area in the old quarry.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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This plaque is also located on the station, and marks the official re-opening
of the line to Bolton Abbey Station, which took place as a big event in 1998.
(c) Dave Barlow.
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Photograph of Bolton Abbey Station taken facing north.
The design of the station can clearly be seen in this
picture.
(c) J. Gott.
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Another 'before' photograph - compare with the following photo. This
shows the Embsay end of the station before any of the work started. The next
photo shows the 'extra' bit of the new station - the kitchen area for the
Refreshment Rooms.
(c) Stephen Walker
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Photograph of Bolton Abbey Station from the west showing the temporary
buffet in the bay. This was installed to provide facilities whilst the main
refreshment rooms were still being built. These have now been completed and
are proving very popular.
(c) J. Gott.
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Inside the Refreshment Rooms, and construction work is clearly going on. This view is looking towards the platform from where
the counter is now situated.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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More internal work going on in the Refreshment Rooms, looking from the platform side towards the counter. Yet again, Andy
Lister is seen hard at work doing something to the windowledge. The rest of the station had been open, and the tempory
buffet in the Duke's Siding had been used before this wonderful facility was completed.
(c) Pete Walker.
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When the Refreshment Rooms opened they proved to be very popular, and in the
future there is hope that we will be able to provide hot food as well as
sandwiches and other cold items. Here they are seen in full use from a similar
view as above, with the main entrance behind the photographer.
(c) Pete Walker.
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Inside the Refreshment Rooms again, with former President and founder member J.K. enjoying a rest before carrying on.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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No. 22 is seen here entering Hambleton Cutting on its approach to Bolton
Abbey Station with a goods train during one of the Vintage
Weekends. The shark brakevan is on loan from the NRM, and has since been repainted.
(c) William Lister.
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The DMU is seen here in Bolton Abbey Station, shortly after its arrival on the
railway. It now operates on a number of days, and its windows have proved very
popular with the passengers who can get a better look at the beautiful scenery
through which the railway runs. For details of the DMU operated services, please
see our current timetable.
(c) Dave Barlow.
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The railway has been used by various organisations and companies to promote
their, products, and on this occasion, railway equipment is being
demonstrated on the throat of Bolton Abbey station.
(c) Pete Walker.
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The Wartime Weekends have proved popular and have seen some
very convincing recreations of typical wartime scenes involving
railways.
(c) Pete Walker.
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Photograph of Bolton Abbey Station at night with the Bonfire Night
Specials. The train is about to depart back to Embsay. The lighting on the
station at this event was electric, but this has since been altered to
paraffin and one of our volunteers has made the lamp
cases (see also our Latest News page for details of
the lamps).
(c) Pete Walker.
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The station forecourt is home to a bus stop which
provides a service through Wharfedale on selected days.
Here a vintage bus is seen with the station in the
background.
(c) Pete Walker.
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Usually 'Thomas' (Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T, No. 140) remains at Embsay
on the coal dock so that visitors can go onto the footplate, but it can also act as the rescue
locomotive. Here it is seen departing from Bolton Abbey Station with a full train owing to a
loco failure. More details of the Day out with Thomas events.
(c) Pete Walker.
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Work goes on in Hambleton Cutting, making use of the railway's 'Cherry-picker' which is mounted
on a flat wagon chassis. It has been very useful for a number of things - here for cutting back
some of the overhanging branches.
(c) William Lister.
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Another shot showing the cherry picker at work - its usefulness is clearly demonstrated as the
branches come down which would otherwise have been out of reach.
(c) William Lister.
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The finishing touches are being made to the station,
including the provision of oil lighting on the platforms, and
also a post-box, of suitable vintage. Here Andy Lister is seen
building the post-box in between other work he has been doing
around the station.
(c) Pete Walker.
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The visiting locomotive, the J27 (or NER P3), is
seen starting from Bolton Abbey Station with a train of hoppers as part of a
photo charter. Seeing the train passing through platform 2 (which doesn't
actually exist, yet) gives the impression of a different era.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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Another picture from the very successful photo charter is included here, taken
from the top of the quarry, looking down at the line before it heads into
Hambleton Cutting. The train comprised all bar one of the railway's hopper
wagons in unrestored condition. Since then one has been fully restored to
look like this, and featured in the 2001 Vintage
Weekend.
(c) YDRMT collection.
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Primrose draws a lot of attention from the passengers
(young and old alike), as the fireman couples up, ready to depart for Embsay.
The signalbox is not yet in use, and the runround loop and sidings are controlled
from groundframes at the moment. The plan is to fit Bolton Abbey signalbox out
as a power box - the only one in preservation - which would still work semaphore
signals.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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Amongst other items of interest at Bolton Abbey Station are the ice cream
bikes, which are used, and here one of our volunteers
is seen riding the bike, complete with some teddybears, as it was the railway's
teddybear's picnic event. Some idea of the station's setting can be glimpsed
behind the fence.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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Bolton Abbey Station is seen here in the early morning,
still with a touch of frost on the roof, but with evidence of
the fires being lit inside. The lamp cases that are seen on the corners of
the building were made by one of our volunteers, and
hold paraffin lamps when required. We would like to be able to fully equip
both stations with replica lamps - please see the latest
news for details.
(c) Pete Walker.
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The Vintage Weekend in 1999 saw
visiting locomotive Damelza double heading the goods train out of Bolton Abbey with
Cranford No. 2. Unfortunately the locomotive was not able to run more than
two round trips before being confined to Embsay station limits in light steam.
(c) William Lister.
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When Bolton Abbey Station is completed it will have three platform faces and a
loco runround which skirts the border of the site. The carriage siding is laid
on the course of the run-round, and the provision of the bay siding, parallel
to this will allow the coaches to be kept at Bolton Abbey should the need arise.
(c) Robert Milner.
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Visiting locomotive Whiston is seen here during
the Vintage Weekend in Hambleton cutting,
having left Bolton Abbey station with a service train for Embsay.
(c) Simon Gott.
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Annie and the vintage train are seen here in Hambleton cutting as they approach Bolton Abbey Station. Both 6-wheeled saloons are of GER origin, and have been superbly restored by Stephen Middleton - details can be found on the Stately Trains website.
(c) Simon Gott.
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This photograph shows a weedkilling 'device' which was hired along with its
operators to spray the whole of our line - which it did very successfully and
quickly. Seen on the 'alumicart' are Mike Mason (acting as pilotman) and the
Weedfree Ltd operator. Where the trolley couldn't reach, knapsack sprayin could,
which took care of point-rodding runs, sidings, etc.
(c) Dave Barlow.
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68005 and Cranford are seen double heading out of
Bolton Abbey station on a service train - possibly marking Cranford's re-entry into traffic
following repairs.
(c) William Lister.
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Cranford is seen again, this time shunting the siding at Bolton Abbey (which
will eventually become the loco run-round). This activity was carried out between trains, meaning
they had to hurry as Cranford was the only loco in steam!
(c) William Lister.
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Yet again, Cranford is the locomotive pictured, this time hauling the
vintage train out of Bolton Abbey station as part of the
Vintage Weekend. The photograph is taken from above the former
Hambleton Quarry which adjoins the station.
(c) William Lister.
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Same event, same day, same loco! This time Cranford is seen leaving
Hambleton Cutting heading towards Embsay with the goods train, comprising the railway's GWR Toad
brakevan, amongst other vehicles.
(c) William Lister.
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68005 and 140 are seen
taking water at Bolton Abbey from the ex-Midland ex-Skipton parachute column.
The corner of the signalbox is visible on the edge of the photo, painted in its
authentic Midland Railway colours!
(c) Stephen Walker.
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GrantRail were working on the railway until February 2001, to test and
crew train on their brand new Matisa tampers and ballast regulator. Seen here
in Bolton Abbey station is the Ballast Regulator (rear) and one of the Tampers
(front). In exchange for the facilities we provided (and all the track in
various states), we had our whole line tamped and regulated. The difference is
very welcome!
(c) Pete Walker.
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GrantRail put on a day to show the machines at work for members of
their company and others. For this purpose, ballast was dropped along the
future loco runround, and the machines lined the track as well as bringing
it to a level.
(c) Simon Gott.
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Visiting locomotive No. 29 (from NYMR) is seen here having left
Hambleton Cutting with a service train from Bolton Abbey to Embsay.
(c) William Lister.
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Visiting locomotive No. 29 is seen again, this time on its way from
Embsay towards Bolton Abbey, having passed through Stoneacre Loop and now about to enter Hambleton
Cutting. The Gresley Restaurant Car is attached to the train serving
Cream Teas - a popular service.
(c) William Lister.
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No. 29 accelerates a train away from Bolton Abbey station, passing the water
column, and the signalbox in its authentic Midland colours. No. 29 was very
popular when it visited in 2000, and it returned in 2001 to similar acclaim.
(c) Tim Warner.
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A few moments later it passes the throat of the station - pointwork is
currently controlled by groundframes, but will be controlled from the signalbox
via an electro-pneumatic system - a first for preservation.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Visiting locomotive No. 70 is seen here leaving
Bolton Abbey station with the vintage train
comprising of Stephen Middleton's restored GER carriages. For 2001, GNoSR No.
34 was added to the fleet as its restoration was complete.
(c) Tim Warner.
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No. 70 is seen here in Hambleton Cutting having left Bolton Abbey station
with a train for Embsay during the Wartime
Weekend. The train comprises the two GER carriages, as well as a Mk.1
coach. 2002 sees the GER saloons on loan to the NNR, so the
vintage train will comprise GNoSR No. 34, L&Y
No.1 (the Drirector's Saloon) and possibly the Gresley.
(c) William Lister.
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Pete Walker is seen here driving the dumper truck to fill the flower beds with soil, ready for
planting. Andy and William Lister are constructing this ornamental roundabout which also serves
to separate the forcourt from the car park and cars. When finished it will also contain station
benches as well as a Midland Railway lamp post - oh, and flowers as well!
(c) William Lister.
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Cranford is seen here having left Hambleton Cutting, heading for Stoneacre
Loop and beyond, with traces of snow still on the ground. The view speaks for itself.
(c) William Lister.
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Mike Owen's Class 20 is seen here upon its arrival. It is
visiting the railway and has managed to haul some
trains, acting as a rescue locomotive. It has featured as part of the
Day out with Thomas events and the
Santa's Specials, as one of the three train
locos. In this photo it is about to enter the Duke's Siding (where the DMU is).
(c) William Lister.
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The signalbox is seen here (looking towards Embsay) complete with a set of
steps. This will allow the interior to be fitted out, and until the
signalling is set up, could possibly be used as a viewing gallery. The steps
await painting here, and really look the part.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Visiting Lambton Tank No. 29 is seen here entering
Hambleton Cutting with a service train sometime before the Vintage Weekend in
which it starred alongside the L & Y Pug.
(c) William Lister.
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The L & Y Pug is seen here on its first run, doubleheading with
Cranford on the last service train of a rather damp day.
Later that evening it ran a special with Stephen Middleton's L & Y
Director's Saloon.
(c) William Lister.
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The special is seen here in appalling weather as it prepares to stage a
run-past in the station. I got soaked taking the photo as there was a
seemingly torrential downpour for most of the time! There is another photo of
the special on the Holywell Halt page.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Cranford leaves Hambleton Cutting with a
Santa's Special in late December. The contrast
between the very dark clouds and bright sunlight is apparant in this dramatic
run.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Snow at Bolton Abbey and the DMU standing int he platform with its owners Mike Froud and Mike Owen in orange, and the
stalwarts of Bolton Abbey cafe, Patrick and Gillian.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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Annie in the snow this time, with the light winter service - ideally suited to this loco.
(c) Stephen Walker.
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During the Easter 2002 Day out with Thomas,
140 and Annie (as Percy) depart
from Bolton Abbey. A good view can be had from the end of the platform of this
and the filling up with water.
(c) Tim Warner.
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Later during the weekend, the same combination pulls away from the station,
this time taken from the signalbox, which will hopefully be opened to the
public as a display and observation gallery until it is commissioned. Watch
this space for details.
(c) Tim Warner.
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The 2002 Harvest of Steam saw another demonstration goods train being run, carrying
amongst other things, an old tractor on a Lowmac. Here 68005 leaves Bolton Abbey.
(c) William Lister.
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Seen on another ocasion, with the same train, 68005 is seen from the top of the quarry making a
dramatic departure in the wet.
(c) William Lister.
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Entering Hambleton Cutting with a passenger train is Cranford. Behing the rear coach the points
allowing access to the runround loop and the sidings at Bolton Abbey can be seen.
(c) William Lister.
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Again during the 2002 Harvest of Steam, Cranford and
Monckton prepare to double head from Bolton Abbey on a passenger train, giving a very atmospheric shot.
(c) Tom Ireland.
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Taking water at Bolton Abbey can be observed (subject to stock being parked in the siding) from the footpath that runs along
the back of the site. Here Monckton takes on water before continuing to run round the train.
(c) Tom Ireland.
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68005 features in the following sequence of photographs departing from Bolton Abbey station with a
train for Embsay, presumably on a Saturday as there is no sign of the DMU in Duke's Siding, to the left of the picture.
(c) William Lister.
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68005 has just reached the points for the run-round loop - what will become Platform 2. Currently
these are controlled from a groundframe released from the train staff, but control will be transferred to the signalbox at a
later date.
(c) William Lister.
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Although not quite in the shot here, a signal controlling entry to the different platform roads has had its post errected.
It will be a colour searchlight - a design dating back to the early 1930s. The majority of the signalling will be pneumatically
operated semaphores.
(c) William Lister.
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68005 has crossed the access bridge into the quarry, passing the pigsties to the left of the
photographer, and once round the bend will enter Hambleton cutting.
(c) William Lister.
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The vantage point for the following two photographs is the top of the old quarry, looking down to the access bridge as the
train crosses. 68005 (on a different occasion, judging by the carriages) leaves the throat of the
station.
(c) William Lister.
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From a slightly different angle, but depicting a similar departure. The pig sties are visible alongside the line to the left
of the picture. The original Duke's siding ran behind the pig sties and fed the lime kiln which is still in existence if you
fight through the undergrowth...
(c) William Lister.
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Monckton No. 1 is seen with a normal passenger train just about to leave Hambleton Cutting, viewed from
the far side of the valley, over the A59.
(c) William Lister.
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Although the Jinty only visited for a short length of time, it was enjoyed by all, and
hauled quite a few trains as well. Here it is seen leaving Bolton Abbey, passing the pig sties before plunging into
Hambleton Cutting.
(c) William Lister.
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Viewed from the top of the quarry, the Jinty departs from Bolton Abbey station with the
signalbox just visible. Duke's Siding is just behind the train.
(c) William Lister.
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Again seen from the top of the quarry, a few seconds after the previous photo was taken, the train passes the throat of the
station.
(c) William Lister.
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An unusual view of the platform at Bolton Abbey, seeing the Jinty sitting waiting to
depart, with one of the under restoration Class 107 units visible above it.
(c) William Lister.
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More photographs of Bolton Abbey station and the surrounding area can be found on the other page.
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Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust
Registered Charity No. 517804 - Registered Museum No. 60 Bolton Abbey Station, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6AF General Enquiries: 01756 710614 - Talking Timetables & Fax: 01756 795189 enquiries@embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk webmaster@embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk |
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