The Furness Railway Trust and Ribble Steam Railway are in detailed discussions about the possibility of locating a new FRT workshop and small museum at RSR in Preston.
A suiltable location has been indentified close to the main RSR museum building and Riversway station. Investigations continue concerning the underground utilities before an architect is brought in to develop the proposal further.
The FRT has a long standing need for its own restoration facilities as it develops its role as a provider of locomotives and rolling stock for the heritage railway sector. It is the Trust's vision that this workshop will become the restoration and overhaul base for the working fleet, which will operate on heritage lines up and down the country, and on the RSR itself.
Dave Watkins, Chairman of RSR, said "We were more than happy to offer the FRT any help we could, and we're delighted to be working closely with them moving forward. Both parties are now actively engaged in planning an appropriate building on our land to house a suitable workshop & museum for the FRT."
Tim Owen, FRT Chairman, said "We want to achieve a partnership that will be appropriate, and beneficial, to both bodies. The RSR offer is undoubtedly attractive, including access to the considerable engineering and lifting facilities already at Preston and the railway to test newly restored items."
Ribble Steam Railway (Regd Charity 507266) is a heritage railway in Preston's docklands, with a running line of 1½ miles. The site is a museum housing one of the largest collections of industrial steam, diesel and electric locomotives in the country.
This proposal - which is still at a very early stage - has the backing of consultants hired by the FRT to examine the best location for a Museum and Workshop.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please get in touch now!
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