FURTHER INFORMATION can be found here.

Photo: Tom Clarke

“What started with The Rocket in the 1820’s ended with Bahamas in 1961”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £775,800 to the Bahamas Locomotive Society (BLS), a Registered Charity based at Ingrow on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, to restore its 1934-built ‘Jubilee’ class main-line steam locomotive 45596 BAHAMAS to running order.

The engine, of both local and national significance, is now 78 years old and was the last steam engine to be used by British Rail to experiment on in BR’s attempts to improve the performance of its fleet of steam engines. This was the fitting, in May 1961, of a unique double chimney and blast-pipe.

The BLS will contribute a further £130,000 to the restoration project to be run entirely by volunteers.

John Hillier, the BLS spokesman responsible for the bid, said:

“We are extremely grateful to the HLF for endorsing our plans to enable this famous steam locomotive to be restored to running order once more. We are also delighted that the restoration of an historic coach which will provide a unique setting for an Educational and Exhibition Resource Centre will be sited adjacent to our Museum at Ingrow.

The project will provide employment, training and skill development opportunities at our contractors and at our base on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our partners and countless individuals in helping us progress our plans towards a successful conclusion.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the HLF Yorkshire and the Humberside, said:

“This project will deliver high quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The project offers lots of exciting opportunities for employment, volunteers, training and education in addition to wider public participation in the restoration of this magnificent steam engine. Once it is restored we hope it will also drive further tourism to Yorkshire.”

BAHAMAS is currently on view inside the National Railway Museum at York but in mid-April is due to return to Ingrow where work on the overhaul will begin. It is hoped that the engine will be operational again by early 2017.

In support of the project the BLS has developed several partnership arrangements with groups such as Welcome to Yorkshire, the Great Yorkshire Brewery and the Bahamas Tourist Office. It has a long term tenancy agreement with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, one of its other partners.

The author of the Railway's best selling book 'The Making of The Railway Children' will be on hand to answer your questions and you can even purchase a specially signed copy.

These will be the only dates when the Saloon will be in service on the KWVR this year, so don't miss out on a rare chance to enjoy Victorian elegance at its very best. Space is limited so pre-booking is essential.

THE COST: For a one-off £12 supplement plus your normal travel ticket, you can enjoy a full round trip and Cream Tea on board the saloon boarding at Oxenhope station. PLUS - if you book in advance, your travel ticket will automatically be upgraded to a DAY ROVER ticket giving you unlimited travel on the steam trains throughout the day.

GROUP BOOKINGS: Why not book all 14 places on this fabulous Victorian saloon and have an exclusive family gathering with a difference. Just ring 01535 645214 for more details

DATES OF OPERATION: Sunday 30th June, Sunday 14th July, Sunday 28th July

TIMES: The Saloon leaves Oxenhope Station at 11.50, 1.30, 3.10, and 4.50 for a round trip lasting around 80 minutes.

HOW TO BOOK: Simply ring 01535 645214 midweek between 9am and 5pm.

Our colourful new visitor guide and timetable for 2013 is available now at all our stations and at tourist information centres and other outlets across the North of England.

This year the leaflet incorporates more details of our events and special trains throughout the year, as well as a colourful map of the line and details of our stations. A wide selection of new images are incorporated into the guide, giving a wide representation of the Railway.

The leaflet has been specially designed to prove attractive and informative to those not familiar with our Railway, especially to family groups and tourists visiting the area.

Be sure to pick up your copy now.

If you would like us to send you a copy in the post, please send us an email.