BROADLINES

Heritage Railway Associated with Sidelines No. Associated with Sidelines No.108. 10 Hurdeswell, Association Long Hanborough, Editor: John Crane . E-mail: [email protected] OX29 8DH Telephone/Fax: 01993 883384 No. 17 JUNE 2010

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

LARTIGUE MONORAIL First opened on March 1st 1888 the Listowel-Ballybunion Railway in Co. Kerry was the first monorailway of its type in the world. It was developed by Charles Lartigue, a French engineer, who had come up with the idea in Algeria. The line was ten miles long and ran for 36 years until its final closure in 1924. Today the railway has about 550 meters of monorail track, three switches, two turntables and three platforms representing Listowel, Lisselton and Ballybunion. There is one engine, which is an exact reproduction of the original engines, save that the present engine is diesel driven. There are two third class carriages, which are closely modelled on the originals. The equipment was supplied by Alan Keef. Any of you who were at last year’s autumn meeting in Dublin will remember the highly entertaining talk given by the railway’s champion Jimmy Deenihan TD who sits in the Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament). Any queries should be directed through Steve Wood, Corporate Membership Secretary, within the prescribed 28 day time period at, 15 Croftlands Drive, Ravenglass, Cumbria, CA18 1SJ Tel/Fax 01229 717080 Email: [email protected]

FEDECRAIL CONFERENCE 2010 – BUDAPEST HUNGARY Highlights from a report by Steve Wood U.K. Fedecrail representative This year we were based for the main conference in Budapest Hungary. In all there were representatives from 16 different countries, including Japan and Australia. There was a slightly different order of events this year in order to accommodate a MAV Nosztalgia special train visit to Kosice on Saturday. So the running order was Official Reception on Thursday evening, first business sessions on Friday morning, Saturday MAV Nosztalgia visit to Kosice Slovakia, Sunday second business sessions and AGM, followed by a visit to the Budapest Children’s Railway, then Monday to Wednesday visits programme. Some delegates then went to add on visits to either Serbia or Wolsztyn in Poland. The various working groups met following the Fedecrail council meeting on Thursday afternoon. This was followed by a reception at the Railway Heritage Park. This is the Hungarian equivalent of the NRM, and boasts a most comprehensive collection of rolling stock and artefacts. It has something for everyone, from an electric locomotive driving simulator, to a 7 1/4” miniature railway. The evening reception dinner and opening speeches were hosted in the locomotive roundhouse which was an evocative setting in itself, but the evening’s entertainment was out of this world. The staff of MAV Nosztalgia performed an excellent song and dance routine, then a made a dramatic entry into the roundhouse, to the tune of “The Locomotion”, with staff descending from the footplate. (We wondered why the locomotive had been in steam all day!). I have to say I have never seen anything like it, to say the place erupted with applause would be an understatement. On a more serious note a typical Hungarian wagon was pushed into the roundhouse. This wagon is to be restored by the forthcoming Fedecrail youth camp which is also being hosted in Hungary. All I can say is sincere thanks to everyone at the Hungarian Museum and MAV who made this astounding evening possible.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 1 OF 7 Friday Business Sessions Day After the delights of the previous evening it was down to serious business held in the Conference room of the Danubius Helia Hotel.

A speech of welcome was made by Dr Laszio Mosoczi who explained the set up of MAV Nosztalgia, and the situation regarding restoration in former Eastern bloc countries. The Hungarian way is to preserve what is in use to ensure the future. There are 130 vehicles preserved, of which 50% are operational. This includes a Wagon Lits coach of 1912. The policy is use it or lose it but it has to be viable, however this concept has stood the test of time in Hungary.

Next the MAV COM explained the tasks of MAV regarding preservation. He noted it was the Museum’s 10th anniversary. The history of preservation in Hungary was outlined and the MAV role. Exhibits need to be classified, and the aim is to preserve an example of each class. MAV have undertaken 150 restorations, and MAV policy was explained. The railway’s heritage had been studied, and it is believed Hungary has one of the best policies in the world, and he was proud of the work that MAV and the Museum have done.

Following this the Deputy MAV CEO gave an overview of the problems facing MAV today. The company was established in 1868 and remained joined up until 1990. He explained the splitting up of MAV into separate divisions, and the problems concerning railway infrastructure and its significant disadvantage against road traffic. Although passenger and goods traffic have fallen a vision for the future was outlined, which includes renovating railways around Budapest, station re- development, new passenger information systems and electronic tickets systems. EU funding was also explained which is below average. It was noted that the freight division is now owned by Austrian railways. MAV is responsible for the infrastructure by way of a separate company in line with EU policy

It was then the turn of HUNGRAIL (the Hungarian HRA) to take the floor. The history of railway preservation in Hungary was explained. Following the political changes international tourist traffic started in the 70s and 80s The 80s saw the start of steam excursions and nostalgia trains. Besides many steam locomotives there are many narrow gauge railways, and Hungary has the longest narrow gauge network in Europe. There are 19 members of HUNGRAIL which was founded in 2006, and aims to create a rail friendly policy, although the Government’s policy is not good towards railways, and they are generally underfunded. Rail is regarded as expensive, it is charged for through traffic. However is hoped that there will be cooperation with buses etc, and there will be modernisation on key lines, and in Hungary this is not just a dream.

Brian Simpson, our own MEP and HRA Vice President, then gave an electrifying speech and first challenged the policies of the railways in Hungary, asking why it is taking them, (along with many other countries), so long to comply with EU legislation. Transport policy is now along the lines of liberalisation, and with a new transport minister in place in Hungary, the mood must be more optimistic and more European lobbying needs to take place.

Brian then moved on to his main topic of the European Parliament’s view of industrial heritage. Tourism has been considered by the Lisbon treaty, but needs a more unified approach with more emphasis on Industrial heritage. Fedecrail is leading the industrial heritage movement and is influencing a more permanent shift in this direction, which charts the economic and social decline of countries. He emphasised that we can put a lot into tourism, and this is the challenge for Fedecrail. It is Brian’s intention as an MEP to take this up a notch as the European Parliament shifts towards industrial heritage. It is of vital importance to areas of economic decline, and is of great importance to local economies. There is a need to be aware of its own value as a selling point in social and economic areas. This message must be communicated with Governments and Fedecrail in particular needs to be pro-active. To this end Brian, in his role as Chairman of the Transport Committee, will be speaking with the Italian Minister responsible.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 2 OF 7 After lunch Gordon Rushton spoke on the subject of the economic impact of Heritage Railways and the great importance this has on local economies. This was borne out by the recent flooding of the . Publicity is vital as everybody needs money. Sources of money such as the EU need to be identified. The role of tourism in the community needs to be assessed to see what impact this has on the local economy. A tourism survey and studies can be carried out to assess the economic impact. Gordon highlighted the following bullet points for action: • Learn the lessons of the last 50 years • Shout about the use of Fedecrail • Establish relations with the local community • Get in the area plan • Do an economic study • Positive relationships with outside organisations • Detail of spend • Sources of information • Find out why people come to you

In conclusion word of mouth goes a long way. Find out where the money comes from, do studies to look for information. Be bold; think big, think long term.

The next speaker represented UNECTO, the French HRA. The situation regarding tourist railways in France was explained and indeed there is no funding from the French government. The value and organisation of tourism was emphasised there being 3 million admissions for tourists in a year. Although few journeys in France are made by rail, special events on heritage railways such as a three day festival at the Baie De Somme, which attracted 18,000 visitors, are popular. The distribution of heritage railways in France is shown on a new map produced by UNECTO and visitor numbers are up. Funding for projects needs to be debated in order to preserve jobs and support regional areas. Generally there is no funding split between the local authorities for infrastructure. Subsidiaries need to be encouraged for the French market such as dining train packages, and tourist trains. The recent problems with the Vivarais railway was noted especially where these involve others outside the railways’ control such as restaurants. Coal firing problems were also highlighted. Despite no Government funding heritage railways still support the economy. The high levels of skilled people needs to be maintained. UNECTO holds a conference every year.

The last subject of the day was the Fedecrail Youth Camp. The review of the Camp 2009, which was hosted by VDMT in Germany, was given by Bruno Rebbelmund. He explained there were 20 participants from all over Europe, including this time female students. Experience had been gained from the Latvian experience, and there had been a structured timetable, help from local organisations, and a proper project structure. The financing of the Youth Camp was also reviewed. Finally the impressions of the Camp and the opinions of the participants were sought. The overwhelming verdict was “yes it was worth it” The next Youth Camp in 2010 is to be hosted by Hungary, but where in 2011? (Post conference note the 2011 event will be hosted by Poland)

The Hungarian hosts gave an overview of the programme this year. There are 16 people going again who attended last year’s event. So far there are 20 participants plus 4 from Hungary. 60 years of the Budapest Children’s Railway is being celebrated this year and there will be events held throughout the year of which this is one. The first part of the Youth Camp will be held at the railway. This railway is run by MAV to educate children in railway matters and operation. The second part of the camp will be held at the Railway Heritage Park. All forms of public transport will be used. The project will be the restoration of the wagon that was shown in the roundhouse the previous evening. The wagon is typical of those used to transport refugees and in this case will be used as a rolling classroom.

Following the formal events of the day, evening dinner was held in the Muzeum Kozlekedesi (National Transport Museum), again a magnificent setting, which as its name implies studies all forms of Hungarian transport. It houses a very good tram and trolleybus section. We were

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 3 OF 7 transported to and from the museum by Budapest’s latest trolleybuses, which when the electrification stops the trolley poles are lowered and the bus proceeds on battery power. A simple idea but very effective.

Saturday MAV Nosztalgia Train to Slovakia This special heritage trip to Kosice in Slovakia started at Budapest Nyugati station at the unearthly hour of 0630, where our MAV Nosztalgia train, complete with restaurant cars was waiting. The train was hauled by a vintage NOHAB diesel.

Once we had cleared the Budapest suburbs, breakfast service got underway in the two restaurant cars, in two sittings. In what seemed like no time we crossed the Slovak border without formality, to arrive in the city of Kosice.

We were shunted away into the depot to the delight of the “track bashers”, where we visited the Exhibition of International Railway Vehicles. Despite this somewhat austere title the event was incredible, with what seemed like the whole town turning out. The atmosphere was one of carnival and happiness, and a real family event with steam engines, historical coaches, wagons and electric locomotives. You name it, it was there, together with bands, food and drink, and yes beer. One impression that everybody felt was the complete lack of formality. As observed by President David Morgan in another august journal, there were no barriers, not an orange jacket in sight, no Health and Safety notices, and everybody behaving responsibly and yet having a thoroughly good family time. It proves it can be done.

After a look round the beautiful town it was back to the main station where we rejoined the train. This took the same route back to Budapest, this time dinner being served on the return. Back at Nyugati station, and a well known HRA Board member, who does not disguise his love for diesels emerged from the locomotive. I don’t think I have seen anyone grin from ear to ear like it.

Sunday Business Sessions and AGM The last of the business sessions focused on the role of UIC and also the International Railway History Association presented by Paul Veron UIC Director of Communications.

Paul noted that all railways face similar problems, and that there should be more contact between heritage railways and UIC in the future. There are 200 members spread all over the world, who fall into three categories of membership, Active, Associate and Affiliate. The UIC is dealing with up to 200 projects at the present time. These range from subjects such as regulations, interoperability regulations, ERTMS/GSMR (which is of great concern to our main line members). Inter continental freight corridors are also being examined. The UIC structure was also explained. UIC publishes technical papers and leaflets, codes of practice and reports. Conferences for railway operations are held on different continents.

Following this Paul went on to describe the International Railway History Association. This was established in 2002 and membership is open to all. It looks after Heritage artefacts and railway archives. It brings together Associations for railway history. A conference is held every year which anybody may attend.

Brief reports followed from the three working groups.

Environmental Group. Tony Tomkins reported the results of the questionnaire which had been circulated. Particular concerns were air quality and noise pollution. It was generally felt that the movement is generally successful at tackling environmental issues but there is room for improvement. Two focus points for the future are lineside vegetation and fires and carbon footprint matters. The work of Reinhard Serchinger in the field of smoke emissions was acknowledged

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 4 OF 7 Mainline Working Group. The results of the mainline questionnaire were presented. The group will be focusing principally on ERTMS matters over the coming months.

Safety Working Group. Safety incidents and matters from railways should be shared so that lessons can be learnt. The EU drivers licence would be examined to ensure competency and a training programme instigated.

Message from Lord Faulkner of Worcester Before the official business of the AGM commenced Peter Ovenstone read out a message received from Lord Faulkner who was unable to be at the conference. Lord Faulkner noted that Peter had replaced him on the Railway Heritage Committee. Her Majesty’s Government sent greetings to the conference and expressed encouragement for the future, and praised the efforts of the movement. Statistics provided to HMG are invaluable.

AGM David Morgan made a presentation to Edit Meszaros and thanked her for all her hard work in organising the conference and making it a great success. These sentiments were wholeheartedly endorsed by the conference delegates.

Membership Developments: The following were elected: Poland (PFK – Polish Federation of Tourist Railways). A video presentation and commentary was given by Hermann Schmidtendorf who also invited Fedecrail to hold a future conference, and youth camp in Poland.

Entroncamento ( Foundation of Portugal).

A third successful application came from a museum in Spain which owns 80 vehicles and is involved in main line operation.

EU Funding Projects: Culture 2007. John Jones reported that he was disappointed that support had not been received for an administration base for Fedecrail in Budapest. He had hoped to report positive news as the conference was being held in Budapest but unfortunately that was not to be. Further efforts will be made.

Fedecrail Passport: Gordon Rushton reported that 20 organisations had joined the scheme. It is intended as a cultural exchange scheme and the passport is not for free fares, but exchange of information. The scheme needs to be expanded to more organisations. Details of the Passport will be posted on the Fedecrail website. It is proposed to charge EUR 10 for the passport. Keith Twyman will administer the scheme

Any Other Business: Tim Fischer gave a report on the launch of WATTRAIN in Australia.

Youth projects in the Ukraine were noted.

David Morgan had visited a narrow gauge railway in Sweden under threat of closure, which was very newsworthy in Sweden. Considerable success had ensued.

Next Meetings Montreux (CH), the invitation was made by Chemin de fer-musee Blonay - Chamby Dates confirmed as Thursday 7th April to Sunday 10th April 2010, plus visits programme. The 2012 meeting will be held in Sweden.

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 5 OF 7 Following the official close of business a visit was made to the Budapest Children’s Railway. This was a particular wish of mine to see this railway and I was not disappointed.

The railway is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Administered by the state railway MAV it runs for a distance of 11.2 KM in the beautiful hills above Budapest, and apart from safety critical jobs such as driving is entirely staffed by children. Not only is this a great investment in the future for the railway, but it instils discipline and order into young people at an early age.

After travelling on a rack electric railway to reach the terminus of the Children’s Railway, we travelled the full length of the line with both steam and diesel traction. Stops were made at all the stations to inspect all the facilities including station supervisor’s offices, signalling installations etc.

On arrival at the terminus, Huvosvoigy, we were treated to the spectacle of the children lowering the Hungarian flag and ceremoniously returning to the depot. They all looked incredibly smart. Honestly, could you see that happening in the UK?

Following a visit to the main depot, a barbeque held on a diesel fuelling point!

Once again inadequate thanks to conference organisers John/Liz Fuller and Peter Ovenstone, for the faultless organisation of the conference. Honestly I don’t know how they do it. Thanks also to everybody from MAV Nosztalgia for all the facilities, and the entertainment laid on. See you in Switzerland.

(Steve’s full report together with a report by Nigel Hunt on the Study Tours have been published in the Fedecrail Newsletter. Individuals may become Friends of Fedecrail for 25 Euros per annum contact Livius Kooy, De Akker 25, 7481 GA Haaksbergen, ).

NEWS FROM HRA MEMBERS

BLUEBELL RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY. The Preservation Society has been granted the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The Award is equivalent to an MBE for a volunteer group and is the highest award given to such groups across the UK for outstanding work done in their local communities. It recognises volunteering work that is of social, economic or environmental service to the local community and is supported, recognised and respected by the people who benefit from it. Part of the citation for the Bluebell states the award is for "Pioneering the preservation of Britain’s Railway Heritage through Railway Operation" and it goes on to acknowledge the contribution the Railway has made to education and the inclusiveness of the Society with its “welcome to all” philosophy. The Bluebell Railway Preservation Society will receive a certificate signed by The Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal for display. The presentation of the award will be made during the summer (at a date to be arranged) by the Lord Lieutenant of East on behalf of the Queen. The Bluebell Railway will be allowed to display the Queen's Award logo on its publicity and publications. More than 850 groups around the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service over the eight years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002. The 103 Winners of this year’s award were selected from 341 groups nominated by members of the public. Until this year no organisation involved in Railway Preservation has received the Award Whilst the Railway has received many awards these have been for specific activities. This Award is very, very special as it acknowledges the contribution of ALL our working members past and present over the last fifty years. This is something we can and should all be proud off. Roy Watts BRPS Chairman

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 6 OF 7 MID HANTS RAILWAY The Mid Hants Railway has gained £181,000 grant from Heritage Lottery Fund “Skills for the Future” project. We are very pleased to congratulate the Mid Hants Railway in being one of the successful recipients under the Heritage Lottery Fund “Skills for the Future” grant scheme. The HLF has made available £17M treble that initially put forward. This has been split over a diversity of projects across the country, focussing on training and apprenticeships in a wide variety of skills. The Mid Hants grant, which is approximately 50% of their project costs, will contribute to employing engineering apprentices and providing them with day release teaching at a local tertiary education college, together with the employment of a supervisor. The scheme allows for five young people to start a two-year apprenticeship in September 2010, with a second group of five doing the same from September 2012. Each apprentice will be attached to a Mid Hants experienced engineer to gain an initial grounding in their specific area of expertise. A second and key element of the project is to use the skills inherent in the experienced volunteer engineers. David Snow, the co-ordinator of the project makes the point in the Mid Hants press release that “most of these are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. They will work closely with the apprentices to pass on their skills to a younger generation. Not only is this beneficial for the apprentices, but it is also rewarding for such long standing volunteers who have dedicated many years of their lives to preserving our industrial heritage.” The wide variety of other successful projects having a share of the £17M can be found on the HLF web site www.hlf.org.uk

THE . The DFR is marking a double anniversary, two hundred years since the opening of the and Canal Company, whose tramroad between and Lydbrook forms part of the railway and the fortieth anniversary of the formation of the Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society. A two week railway festival has been arranged which started on Wednesday 16th June and featured a special lunch on the inaugural day attended by many well known names from the railway preservation movement together with several founder members, in addition to the present railway officials and local dignitaries. Guests to the luncheon were carried from Norchard to on a train hauled by City of Truro.

FOOTNOTE. The HRA has a new logo. Alas I could not get the new Broadlines heading to work but here’s hoping for the next edition. J.C.

______© 2010 The Heritage Railway Association, Limited by Guarantee, is Registered in and Wales No. 2226245 Registered office: 2 Littlestone Road, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8PL

HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION BROADLINES NO 17 JUNE 2010 7 OF 7