RDB977020 BRE-Leyland Railbus (LEV3) approaches Kirkby Summit box on 14 May 1982
RDB977020 BRE-Leyland Railbus (LEV3) approaches Kirkby Summit box, heading for Sherwood Colliery Sidings South. On 14 May 1982 the railbus made a number of test runs between Pye Bridge and Sherwood Colliery Sidings. I believe the tests were to assess the viability of using that section of line as part of the proposed Robin Hood Line. I understand that the likely journey times were considered excessive and so the alternative solution, via a re-opened Kirkby tunnel, was eventually used to create a new line between Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Newstead.
Later on in 1982 the railbus was sold to Northern Ireland Railways and then converted to 5ft 3in gauge. It was withdrawn in 1990 and is now preserved at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway as seen here www.downrail.co.uk/rolling-stock/nir-railbus-rb3/
RDB977020 BRE-Leyland Railbus (LEV3) approaches Kirkby Summit box on 14 May 1982
RDB977020 BRE-Leyland Railbus (LEV3) approaches Kirkby Summit box, heading for Sherwood Colliery Sidings South. On 14 May 1982 the railbus made a number of test runs between Pye Bridge and Sherwood Colliery Sidings. I believe the tests were to assess the viability of using that section of line as part of the proposed Robin Hood Line. I understand that the likely journey times were considered excessive and so the alternative solution, via a re-opened Kirkby tunnel, was eventually used to create a new line between Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Newstead.
Later on in 1982 the railbus was sold to Northern Ireland Railways and then converted to 5ft 3in gauge. It was withdrawn in 1990 and is now preserved at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway as seen here www.downrail.co.uk/rolling-stock/nir-railbus-rb3/