Enjoy a relaxing ride on a 1960s Class 122 DMU through some of the most amazing autumnal scenery my cameras have ever filmed! Taking in the many bridges and river crossings, open fields full of wildlife and generally just enjoying the British countryside. This journey really is relaxing and picturesque, and simply a pleasure to put on, sit back and enjoy. Even better, this version comes with a constant view of the cab, you can see the driver as you enjoy the ride!
Running from Wolsingham to Stanhope, stopping at Kingfisher Halt and Frosterley the Weardale railway is a hidden gem in County Durham and it really is worth the visit. From somebody that visits a lot of railways I have to say this is good value for money and the volunteers on the day made it even more special.
The Weardale Railway is an 18 mile heritage line running from a connection with the main rail network at Bishop Auckland to Eastgate in Weardale, County Durham, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Currently a 16 mile section of line between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope has been restored for passenger and freight use. Although sections of the line are currently closed for maintenance, the hope is by the 2023 season the full line will be open (and I can visit again).
Please check the website for current information on the line: www.weardale-railway.org.uk/
Of course the star of the show is the Class 122 'bubble car' that you enjoy this journey on, the view this offers is amazing! The loco (55012) in common with many examples of the Class 121/122fleet, spent the latter parts of its mainline career performing a non-passenger (departmental) role. It is fondly remembered as 977941, its identity during its time as a route learning vehicle. It was also the only DMU ever to carry the distinctive orange/black Load Haul livery. Falling out of use in 1998, the vehicle was stored at Thornaby for ten years before finally being offered for sale and purchased privately for preservation in 2009.
Modifications for 55012's departmental role along with the time in storage meant that an immediate (re)entry into passenger service was not possible, and the vehicle was therefore sent to Rail Restorations North East in Shildon for a full contract restoration. The restoration saw all areas tackled including mechanical, interior and exterior work. All components were refurbished and the departmental modifications reversed.
In September 2011 55012 emerged resplendent in BR Green livery. It was loaned to the National Railway Museum's Shildon site, where it briefly operated some shuttle services linking the car parks with the main museum site.
April 2012 saw 55012 moved to the owner's home railway at the Weardale Railway. However at the end of that season the railway declared it was discontinuing ordinary heritage railway running, consequently the vehicle was offered for sale or lease, the latter offer being taken up by the North Norfolk Railway who had been struggling with DMU availability following protracted trouble with resident Class 101 vehicles.
55012 moved to the NNR in May 2013, however its visit was nothing short of disastrous with the unit consistently suffering major failures. Despite weeks of remedial work, reliability continued to be poor. The railway eventually terminated the loan in October, 55012 having operated less than five days in traffic whilst visiting the NNR.
55012 moved to the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for further contract repairs, which were completed relatively quickly with success. The vehicle on an extended stay operated services at the EVR, interestingly in the company of fellow Class 122 55006, a preservation first.
In May 2014, 55012 returned to its home line the Weardale Railway where it now operates on reintroduced heritage services.