2025 Wrap-up

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back on a year packed with milestones, mechanical victories, and the incredible dedication of our volunteers. From major track works to the quiet, painstaking jobs in the sheds, this year has been driven by hard work and a shared love of our narrow-gauge heritage. We’ve achieved an enormous amount this year, and it’s all thanks to the passion and commitment of everyone involved with the OKLR.

The Mills Wood Loop

The standout project of 2025 was undoubtedly the Mills Wood loop extension. Work kicked off in the frosty days of January and gathered pace through the spring. By June, the loop was substantially complete, giving us smoother operations and the ability to run longer demonstration trains.

What we achieved:

• Relocated three sets of points and built an additional set using spare components
• Moved the ground frame to a safer and more visible location
• Adjusted the layout so locomotives can run around without blocking the level crossing

Diesel Department

Out of sight of the passenger carriages, the diesel team has been quietly busy, often working late into the evening on projects that don’t always grab the spotlight but are vital to keeping the railway running.

The Hunslet Restorations

Steady progress continues on our Hunslet locomotives. These tough industrial machines are receiving careful, methodical attention, with work focused on gearboxes. While they may not be perfect performers just yet, this groundwork is essential for their long-term future.

8981

One of the year’s real success stories was the return to service of 8981. After a persistent issue with a "grabbing" clutch, the team turned to specialist Motor Rail factory tools to achieve perfect engine-to-gearbox alignment. Following a successful tow-start and trials in July, 8981 re-entered passenger service and is now a strong candidate for a return to its original Midhurst Brickworks livery.

9655

It’s been a year of highs and lows for Bluey. After a stunning repaint into Fordson Empire Blue, a crack in the lower crankcase was repaired. While the hunt for some particularly elusive cam followers has slowed progress for now, we’re closer than ever to seeing this 1951 locomotive run again.

5713

Our 1936-built locomotive continues its comprehensive overhaul. The chassis has been sandblasted and repainted in a more appropriate and historic colour, and we remain committed to preserving the original engine as we look ahead to her 90th birthday in 2026.

Amey Joins the Fleet

In February 2025, MR 7902 "Amey" was generously donated to the OKLR by LEGOLAND Windsor. Initial inspections showed that, after 10–15 years out of use, a significant overhaul would be needed to return her to service.

With volunteer resources already stretched and our reliable HE7011 Champion due for an overhaul, the decision was made to explore an external rebuild. This approach allows us to maintain regular services without placing additional strain on privately owned locomotives.

Discussions began in summer 2025 with Alan Keef Ltd (Amey’s former owners) about an overhaul at their Ross-on-Wye workshops. Following an inspection by Patrick Keef in July and further planning, it was agreed that Amey would be sent away towards the end of the year.

In November, Amey departed the OKLR for Alan Keef Ltd, where she is now undergoing overhaul. We expect her return in early 2026 in fully operational condition. Final commissioning, including the fitting of air brakes and repainting, will be completed in-house. More details on her new livery will be revealed soon.

Summer & Events

An unusually dry summer meant steam operations were temporarily suspended to protect the surrounding woodland. Thankfully, our heritage diesels, including Champion, Wey Valley and 8981, stepped up to keep services running smoothly.

The season’s highlight came on September 6th with Steam at Work. A particular crowd-pleaser was the Farnham Brass Band, who marked their 50th anniversary by playing Thomas the Tank Engine and Slaidburn while riding the train, complete with a specially made headboard.

Join the Team!

Our railway thrives because of its people, and the volunteer spirit at OKLR has never been stronger. Whether tackling a tricky engineering challenge or simply painting a fence, everyone pitches in with enthusiasm. This year we welcomed 14 new volunteers, who even launched their own project to give our Hudson skip wagons a much-needed refresh.

We’re always keen to welcome new faces; and you don’t need to be an engineer! From driving trains to track maintenance, there’s something for everyone. Come and chat to us on a running day or get in touch via our website.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we head into the winter maintenance season, we’re already looking forward. With 5713’s milestone year approaching, Bluey edging ever closer to a return, and further plans for the woodland tramway, 2026 promises to be an exciting one.

Thank you to all our members, volunteers, and visitors for making 2025 such a memorable year. We’ll see you on the platform next season!