WITH the main operating season about to get into full swing, the theme of change is very much in vogue in terms of the ownership of locomotives, carriages and even an entire railway.
Firstly, the 15in gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway (EVR) has been put up for sale by Adrian and Sandra Corke. The railway was originally set up by Jim and Helen Shackell who commenced construction in August 2001 and opened to the public on August 1, 2002. Adrian and Sandra Corke became the new operators of the mile-and-a-quarter line from January 3, 2012.
The railway is within the privately owned Evesham Country Park near Evesham, Worcestershire. It currently runs on around 170 days a year and carries some 48,000 passengers a year, generating a reported turnover of £175,000. Although professionally operated, the EVR is supported by a group of volunteers.
Operation
The asking price for the EVR as a going concern is £325,000 with the main assets being one steam and one diesel locomotive (other locos at the line are privately owned), five closed and three semi-open coaches, plus other equipment. The track and main railway buildings will be available on a minimum 10-year lease from Eagle One Ltd, the owners of the Evesham Country Park.
Meanwhile, the Richmond Light Railway (RLR) has announced the acquisition of 20hp Koppel 0-4-0WT 5745/1912.
