Railway enthusiasts restoring a section of Helston Branch Line back to its former glory are on the fast track to success following the arrival of two locomotives.
The first train to grace the branch line since 1964 arrived on the recently re-laid track at Trevarno to great excitement from members of the Helston Diesel Group, who transferred their two-car Park Royal Diesel Multiple Unit from where it was being stored at Gwinear Road.
The Helston Railway Preservation Company Ltd, which has been restoring the track, also took delivery of a Ruston Diesel Shunter, which was bought by the volunteers from Northampton Ironstone Railway.
The shunter will be used to help lay more track on the branch line at the Trevarno Estate, towards Truthall Halt.
When the services start running, the Park Royal multiple unit will provide passenger accommodation and can also be hauled by a steam locomotive, as well as under its own power, once the engines are restored by the Diesel Group.
Stuart Walker, chairman of the Helston Railway group, said: "The arrival of the first locomotives on the Helston Branch Line since it was closed is a major achievement for our project to restore a part of the line. Our volunteers did a magnificent job over the two days, ensuring the delivery went smoothly, and I thank them all for their efforts - many using their annual leave from their day jobs' to work on the railway."
He particularly paid tribute to the road hauliers, Allelys, who had the difficult job of transporting the trains by road through Cornwall's narrow lanes to Trevarno - an exercise that Mr Walker described as "not for the faint hearted!"
Anyone who would like to assist in re-opening a part of the Helston Branch Line can apply for a supporters' application form from the membership secretary at Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited, 37, Gwithian Towans, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 5BT, or by visiting www.helstonrailway.co.uk For those who would like to help restore the diesel train, an application to join the Helston Diesel Group can be obtained from 3 Troon Row, Breage, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 9PY, or by visiting www.helstondieselgroup.co.uk
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