Eight years ago, it was all abandoned trackage and rotting ties, overgrown with trees and waist high overgrowth. A bunch of dedicated, middle aged men with determination, perspiration, and a few well written funding applications have turn it into what you see here, complete with new platforms, donated equipment, ties and rail. Funding has just been granted for asbestos abatement on the two tank locomotives, and then renewal into service. These were the two locos found in an old shed, covered in grease from a nearby industry. EVR carries tourists and railfans, and is regularly leased by railway equipment companies to test new equipment designs. All current equipment was either regular railway cast-offs or purchased by member enthusiasts after retirement.
Credit Richard Buckby for the images.
Opinion: You have to credit the Brits with their Nat. Heritage Pres. Lottery, but here are a group of men and women who found a resource, got down and dirty with the un-glamorous work of fixing track and drainage problems. They requested used material and made good with it, wrote up some funding plans, and showed up in small work groups on rainy, cold, miserable days as well as those warm and sunny. In my opinion, this is how you get a viable museum/tourist operation moving forward. An outstandiing work plan and dedicated force of volunteers with a similar mission. A lot of fish and chips have gone into this worksite.