INFORMATION FOR THE VISITOR
RCD’s Overview
This railway runs along a former main line, the Great Northern Railway from Grimsby to London Kings Cross, closed somewhat controversially in 1970. As a preserved railway it is comparatively short at present, but with realistic aspirations to extend southwards to Louth.
It is the only standard gauge heritage railway in Lincolnshire and the only one in the region seeking to preserve a section of what was historically an important main line. It operates exclusively steam locomotives, albeit of the smaller industrial steam variety.
The support group is the 'Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society' (see 'Information on the Support Group' below).
Happening This Month on the Railway
Go to 'Homepage' and click into 'Railway Club Calendar'
Key Facts (where and when)
Extent of Railway (where to where):
Ludborough to North Thoresby (North Lincolnshire)
Principal Visitor Centre:
Ludborough station (DN36 5SQ)
Period of Operation*
- Easter to November: Selected Sundays
- July: Sundays
- August: Wednesday and Sundays
- December: Special event trains
[* This is a summary. Please go to the railway’s website for definitive operating days]
Key Facts (what you’ll see)
Services usually steam or diesel?
Usually steam
Type of Steam / Diesel Locomotives Used:
Small-sized industrial steam locomotives
Length of Line:
1.5 miles
Time taken for a round trip:
40 minutes
Number of trains per day:
Up to 6 in each direction
Number of Stations:
2 stations
Prices:
Adult Rover: £10. Concession Rover: £8. Child Rover: £6 Family (2x2): £30
Time to allow for Visit:
1 hour
Museum:
Small museum at Ludborough station
Shop/Cafe:
Yes/Yes
Picnic/Play areas:
No
Special Features:
Offers guided tours of engine shed
Preservation Established:
1984
Car Park Facilities:
Free car park at Ludborough station
Key Facts (Galas/Events/Dining)
Dining Trains:
- Cream Tea Specials
- Fish & Chip Specials
- Ploughman’s Lunch Specials
Event Trains:
- Santa Specials: Mid December
Principal Galas:
- None currently advertised
Experiences:
- Footplate Ride
- Signal Box Experience
Contacts
Telephone: 01507 363881
Email: marclwr@hotmail.com
Website: www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk
Social Media: No
INFORMATION FOR THE ENTHUSIAST
Brief History of the Railway and its Preservation
The railway was part of the original Great Northern Railway main line from Grimsby to London Kings Cross via Boston. It was double track throughout and saw express trains, holiday trains and heavy freight volumes until the 1960’s when usage began to fall. The line was proposed for closure in 1965 however substantial opposition resulted in a delay to closure, which would deprive East Lincolnshire of nearly all its railways. However despite opposition, permission was given to close the line in 1969 due largely to its high operational cost (for example, the considerable number of level crossings). The section between Louth and Grimsby remained open for freight until 1980 when it was closed by British Rail. In 1984 preservation efforts began at Ludborough Station and by 1991 this had developed into a heritage railway operation.
Principal Aspiration
To extend the line from Ludborough towards Louth
Steam Operational Locomotive:
Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank - No. 1964 'Spitfire'
Steam Locomotives Under Overhaul:
(1) Peckett industrial 0-4-0ST - Works number 1351 'Lion'
(2) Peckett 0-4-0ST - Works number 1749 'Fulstow no. 2
(3) RSH 0-6-0T - Works number 7597 'Zebedee'
Diesel shunters in collection
(1) BR Class 08 Shunter - D3167
(2) Bagnall DL2 ‘Debbie’
Stored/ Under Restoration/ Out of Service:
- Swedish ‘B’ Class 4-6-0 - No. 1313
- Ruston & Hornsby Shunters
INFORMATION ON THE SUPPORT GROUP
Name of Support Group:
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway Society
Annual membership fee:
Adult: £18. Senior: £ 12. Junior: £6. Family: £36. Life: £240
Website:
Benefits of membership:
- Three days free travel during the year
- 25% discount off travel at other times
- Newsletter ‘On the Line’ issued 3 times per year
How to Join: Go to www.lwrs.uk
What They Say About Volunteering:
The running, restoration and maintenance of the railway are all carried out by volunteers at LWR. They are the lifeblood of our organisation. Volunteering gives you the opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life and gain new skills. There is a wide choice of jobs covering every aspect of the railway’s activities. On working days (mainly Tuesdays and Saturdays) we need personnel in the Permanent Way, Maintenance and Engineering Departments.
How to Volunteer: Go to www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk/volunteer
How to Donate: Go to www.lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk/fundraising
WHY JOIN: Help the railway achieve its ambition of extending to Louth
INFORMATION ON OTHER SOCIETIES WITH RELATED INTEREST
Those interested in this railway may also be interested in the following railway societies also listed on this
website:
Traditional Railway Societies:
- Great Northern Railway Society
- Lincoln Railway Society
- Sutton Railway Group
- Grimsby & Cleethorpes Railway Group
Model Railway Clubs:
- Lincoln & District Model Railway Club