What Can I Start at the Abandoned Railway?

Hello everyone,
You may remember a while back that Lawrie and Matt stumbled across the Alford Valley Railway, which was looking very neglected.
Well the group working to re-open it invited Lawrie back up to see the progress, and to have a go at starting one of the engines!
If you want to help the sleeper campaign to get the railway operating again, click here: www.paypal.com...
Check out their website here: avcr.org.uk/
If you liked the reliant in the opening, check out the owners KZbin channel here: / lewibuchproductions
A video featuring:
Lawrie - Presenter, excited to see if he can get the engine started!
Charles - Cameraman, excited to see a railway come back to life
Want more info on us and the stuff in The Shed, or want to get in contact? Check out our Website!
lawriesmechani...
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[@KnapfordMaster98]

"I hate these things, they're dumb and annoying" -engine fires up "I CANNOT WAIT TO DRIVE THIS LITTLE THING I'M SO EXCITED LETS GO" undeniably proof that any train is good train.

[@lmm]

It was fun

[@BazilRat]

Lawrie: I hate it! Also Lawrie: (Thoroughly enjoying getting it running and driving it around)

[@FunAngelo2005]

He is changing his mind on the engine

[@ronaldsmith6829]

😆😆😆😆

[@незабудка-й4т]

​@@ronaldsmith6829😊тиз😊

[@sheetaltamang]

​@@FunAngelo2005😊

[@lachlantheGWRengine]

Ironic, isn't it?

[@sudriansignalman9387]

Lawrie: absolutely ripping into the engine The engine: probably the easiest startup he's ever had

[@gelnon_gaming]

What's it like working on the north western railway?

[@Sudriantank743]

As an engine of the NWR (no.743 'Jacque Marsh'), I can confirm that the railway is still around only because the cops legally can't shut it down.

[@richardthorne1322]

Snazzy 3 wheeler

[@BHuang92]

Mr Bean would like to have a word.......

[@caledonianrailway1233]

Tonight on valve gear

[@roseroserose588]

@@BHuang92 does mr bean not drive a mini?

[@SoldierFox1393]

​@@roseroserose588he drives a little car but he hates those three wheeled cars

[@roseroserose588]

@@SoldierFox1393 ohhhhh we're talking about the actual guy not the character 😆

[@richardsweeney197]

What a wonderful story, The little Engine did seem to grow on you. Must have been in decent stored condition to start so quickly!

[@trainswithmark]

it's been sitting in that shed ever since it was last started

[@ryano.5149]

"Ran when parked" lol

[@eliotreader8220]

reminds me how the Ffestiniog railway came back life with the WW1 loco in the early 1950s. no trains had run out of the yard since 1945

[@trainswithmark]

@@eliotreader8220 if an engine has been looked after it should just take a quick check up and refill and it should go. which goes to show that Alford seriously was just park and drop.

[@tamlong7393]

Hdnx x nzm z znamnn

[@marcuscersy2393]

The saying 'Little Engines can do big things' has never been more true. This little eyesore will one day be puttering up and down the line with some coaches. Looking forward to the future!

[@pizzalover346]

Having just revisited Thomas and The Magic Railroad for the first time in over a decade moments before reading this, you're comment brings me such joy. Thank you

[@adamchmielewski6162]

@@pizzalover346Never overlook a little engine!

[@theenigmaticst7572]

Well, it's not quite 500 miles, but it's a beautiful story and one of Scotland's few narrow gauge lines - specifically one of the three that are 2ft gauge (of which one is Shed 47 Lathalmond near Dunfermline, and the other is the Leadhills and Wanlockhead), and I'm so glad the community is pitching in to reopen the line!

[@frglee]

I don't mind these steam outline pleasure locos so much. It's certainly kind of oddball as a loco design, but it does the job and I suppose if you are very young, this little engine has a little magic of its own, and will do just fine to take you for a ride!

[@paulkandi]

There was a small railway at Toms holiday park in Hayle, Cornwall,it had a Hymek diesel loco and run round the park,,from the pictures I have seen, so pleased this railway is on the way to being operated again…

[@FunAngelo2005]

charming imitations

[@barbelmeister]

I love the genuine enthusiam that you show in your videos. They are a pleasure to watch and they make me smile. Thank-you.

[@lemmyspeaks]

You know a man means business when he strolls in driving a snappy dapper 3 wheeler

[@BrandonF]

Love these videos that bring attention to these restoration projects. Thanks so much for your work!

[@sebastianburgess3122]

Huzzay i say!

[@js3003]

What a pleasent surprise to see you here, hip hip huzzaaa

[@LancashireAndYorkshire]

Would never have expected to see you here!

[@PJ-ml3yy]

I like the Reliant Regal seen at the beginning of this video. I had a Supervan 3 in the early 1980's which I ran on a motor cycle license and taught myself to drive

[@Game_Blox9999]

Isn't it called a Reliant Robin?

[@LewiBuchProductions]

@@Game_Blox9999 nope this is the Reliant Regal 3/25 Super, predecessor to the Robin

[@garysprandel1817]

​@LewiBuchProductions thought it looked odd for a Robin though in all honesty my only experience with Reliant is a certain motoring show with three fellows mucking about usually with the Reliant either flipping over or exploding.

[@adamoneale4396]

Im currently watching the restoration of a main branch line in my town. Closed by the Beeching cuts but should be open again in 3 years. Seeing the lines cleared and vans, surveyors, workers, etc, around the tracks is incredible. I go away a lot for work and each time I come home it looks more and more like a proper railway.

[@simontay4851]

Where is this branch line? I want to find out more about it.

[@Tata22334]

Might be Leven

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

Love how you started a video by driving a Regal Reliant

[@lmm]

I enjoyed it too!

[@AndreiTupolev]

Reliant Regal. Well done for not calling it a Robin Reliant anyway

[@railfan475productions3]

personally I don't like fake steam engines either, but this one seems to be more in good taste.

[@Roblox_-nn4zd]

КС П ПАЧКА МУСС ВАКА РОЗА ШГЕКУЦЦЦОя

[@trainswithmark]

great video Lawrie! to think I have helped with that effort and still am, it's nice to see that you were having fun on your favourite loco🤣 we are now the full way along the line and I will make sure on your next visit to get a full run on your favourite loco along the line🤣 loved all the little peekaboos from Neil in the background. you may be a distance away but all the help the line can get the better! They may of mentioned the line once apon a time went further. after the line is restored I believe the plan is to go back to where the line once apon a time went

[@thenightraven60]

Call me strange but I think that loco is kinda cute. Great to see her running on the line and to start so easy.

[@IndyD89]

Great video, can't believe it's been that long since the discovery video of this railway. Very nice to see work on it and a hopeful return to service for the line.

[@stephencameron4032]

Hi Lawrie, thanks for sharing this, it's always good to see a preserved railway in my home territory, about the turntable, back in G.N.S.R. days the trains were hauled by 4.4.0 locos, using a special 4wheel tender, as the standard 6 wheel tenders made the locos too long, after the grouping, J36s and J72s were often used, the passenger service ended in the 1950s before Beeching, but freight continued into the 1960s, anyway, take care, all the best from Scotland, Stephen.

[@lmm]

Oh thanks for the update! Must have been tiny!

[@johnathankain8033]

I used to go on this railway all the time as a child on days out. Lovely to see you up in my neck of the woods too!

[@Legomastr365]

Just donated for a sleeper! I'm so excited to see this railway come back to life! I hope when I'm able to travel to the UK I'll be able to swing by and check out the railway!

[@lmm]

Thank you!

[@Derpyforderpy]

Funny how its a really hated train and yet he is still happy and smiling the whole ride :) You are a big goober you know that right Lawrie? lol

[@GarrettTaylorLeedy]

This is super amazing the railway is coming back together again it's probably going to look super beautiful when it's all finished keep making videos you have an awesome channel I really like

[@theenigmaticst7572]

You should see the hairpin curve they have about 3/4 the way up the line!

[@GarrettTaylorLeedy]

@@theenigmaticst7572 really how bad is that piece of I remember seeing the one video where the curve was really bad but with the narrow gauge I would think I could get around that tide of a curve

[@theenigmaticst7572]

@@GarrettTaylorLeedy Yeah it's a doozy - I was impressed that their steam loco could get around it, but that's the beauty of narrow gauge - it can get around some really tight curves (albeit very slowly and carefully)!

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏👏👏👏 Kudos for all the people who are reviving this great little railway park! Thanks a lot for making explaining recording editing uploading and sharing. Best regards, luck and especially health to all involved people.

[@stuff31]

this is amazing, I hope the best for if it gets reopened! Your Reliant Regal is lovely, too.

[@mawi4112]

the little mock steam engine looks quite cute and it'll be very fun for non railroa people

[@bentullett6068]

It looks like Ivor the engine

[@caramelldansen2204]

Personally, I'd rather see a "real" simplex, but maybe I'm not the target audience for this.

[@mawi4112]

@@caramelldansen2204 it's so the children can have fun

[@caramelldansen2204]

@@mawi4112 Kids can have fun with pretty much anything. Have you tried watching kids' TV?

[@mawi4112]

@@caramelldansen2204 yes unfortunately, but seeing a "steam" locomotive is more exciting than a box on wheels

[@georgesmith3036]

just had 3 brilliant days with Lawrie at Rocks By Rail in Cottesmore making some videos, cant wait to see a finished result like this

[@D.Salter]

georgie boo

[@wrote8]

Nice video - thanks. I think that Saccharine which you crewed at the Statfold Barn enthusiast day originally belonged to the AVR - I remember the AVR steam days on high days and holidays 30 or so years ago with the steam loco called Saccharine although it was painted green in those days. I've sponsored a sleeper 👍 😁

[@spentacle]

I have a photo of that from the late '80s. I'll find it someday!

[@petergriffiths369]

I didn't like this loco too, however, it will make a massive contibution to get the railway running. Checking the points, moving the trucks to where needed, hauling sleepers etc. Teaching the members how to drive, I LOVE IT 🙂I done all this while working on the Swansea Vale Railway.

[@southern207hobbies]

It would awesome to see you help them with permanent way and relay the track

[@trainswithmark]

the track is actually all there. its just replacing the sleepers. one in 3 is our current target

[@southern207hobbies]

@Trains With Mark if I was over there to help I've replaced ties as there called here in the usa

[@trainswithmark]

@@southern207hobbies if you want a holiday hobby then I am sure they would be happy to have you!

[@rorynorris4248]

"Oh no, I've fallen into the pit!" 😆 Loved the tiny train, I think its adorable!

[@rot_studios]

I love how your Reliant's plate says "SUV" haha

[@lmm]

It's a good numberplate

[@protoharry552]

I'll be honest, I quite like that little simplex, with a bit of cosmetic work (potentially retaining that nice cab) it could be a very fun locomotive

[@TheStobb50]

You do know, it’s not that the ground had been cleared because it’s early spring, in Aberdeenshire the frost and winter will have cleared the weeds

[@bubblebus1]

Having seen the original exploration, it is wonderful to see the progress being made. I first saw a Simplex with a body on the Lincolnshire Coast light railway in Cleethorpes. This has closed but all the kit was moved to Skegness where it still runs.

[@mrbiglarge8820]

As soon as I saw the Reliant Robin my interest was peeked.

[@LewiBuchProductions]

Reliant regal 😉 but if you like Reliant Robins should check my channel out!

[@SurvivingTheApocalypse]

You definitely need a return visit. The amount of work they have done since you recorded this is pretty incredible.

[@lmm]

It's in the pipework!

[@davidhall5868]

I did notice the black screen flickering before you spun to change in your driver uniform and the colour sort of changed whilst you were talking about the abandoned railway coming back to life and before you started the loco’s engine but a very good video, keep up the good work Lawrie’s Mechanic Marvels

[@andrewwalsh6790]

Driver's uniform

[@davidhall5868]

@@andrewwalsh6790 thanks mate I have made a spelling mistake but like I said thanks mate

[@lostisleminstrel]

I thought that steam outline diesel locomotives were required by law to have side rods at least. You look like you are quite happy to be driving it. Your relief and surprise after it started were priceless. Your day with the steam outline without side rods did have a silver lining. Everything worked and worked quite well. The owner of this locomotive in the past must have been quite unique as a human being because he kept the locomotive in tip top shape while losing money on the railroad. Looking forward to a video of you operating this locomotive over the reconstituted railway. Great video.

[@gerrard1144]

i like that little steam outlined loco, it's quite cute, although it is disappointing that it's not a real steam engine

[@jonhigginson4096]

How have I not stumbled upon this sooner, loved this video and love your enthusiasm, subscribed.

[@Transportationspotting]

Wonderful video Lawrie. Well done on starting the locomotive. When I saw the crank handle, I thought foreshadowing given the issues you had with the standard gauge loco

[@andrewentwistle515]

Great video Lawrie, it was great to see the progress that has been made. It was great fun seeing you driving the engine you didn't like but then like it whilst you were driving it.😊😊

[@bradhuff6879]

One thing I seen you and some say is the most important thing you forgot to check during your once over. Here in America is the very first thing we check and worked for a company where i checked and drove locomotives as well as track mobiles. It’s the most important… the power steering fluid. First time checking out your video and you sir have earned yourself a subscription. Hope my joke didn’t annoy you much. Go d bless and much support.

[@Someguy-hw7fo]

That engine is quite interesting! It’s great that you could bring it out of the shed and drive it! That thing is definitely something!

[@MRPUD1]

Excellent news too hear it’s like a phoenix rising from the ashes .

[@tardismole]

Whoohoo. I am so glad I found this video. I am also glad that I trusted you when you told me they had been working on reopening Alford Valley. Looks like they've called in an army. And starting the engne... I think I woke the neighbours. :D

[@lmm]

They've made amazing progress!

[@matthewmackrill3026]

There can’t be many Regal saloons on the road now!

[@LewiBuchProductions]

You’d be surprised how many are in this area 🙈

[@Jaidencharlotte]

This is reminding me of an archive video I watched of the first days of the preserved Severn Valley Railway

[@bwilesuk]

The joy of the first time start

[@LennixAlexander]

Being originally from Aberdeenshire I'm quite happy to see this line coming back to life. I sent them a donation not so long ago to help support the rebuilding.

[@lmm]

Oh that's super! I'm soon to revisit!

[@Theostrainstyt2024]

Nice to see I hate it when a railway gets closed

[@danielread7642]

Good to see it running again . If I lived in the U K I would be there all the time getting it up and running. Very good vedio I really enjoy your vedios . Thank yiu

[@by_feram]

Very nice shot. Well done. BRAVO & LIKE

[@lmm]

Thank you!

[@pannerden123]

Just a little tip, if you crank a car or train or tractor, dont put your thumb around the handle, if you have a backlash you will brake your thumb...only a tip, love the video...

[@aaronerskine3401]

thank you to the group working on this...

[@tgmccoy1556]

I live in the American West , cousin was a fireman on UPs 844 . This far removed from that. I love it. Good luck.

[@williamsantangelo]

Very nice tour of the railway 😊 thank you Lawrie

[@colemanyoung8245]

You should come to the states and do couple train episodes!!

[@lmm]

Starting to plan for next year

[@DangerAngelous]

7:52 Spinny superhero transitions are something that's been missing in my life for a long time!

[@lmm]

😂 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@brintjeff]

I am on the crew of a two foot gauge railroad at the Fun Farm/Pumpkin Patch in Kearney, Missouri USA. While there are 4 Crown steam locomotives the one that is most often used is a steam outline Chance Manufacturing 4-2-4T C.P. Huntington design. We much prefer running steam but I just spent the last three days running the steam outline locomotive around the Farm. I can feel the frustration with being stuck with this locomotive. Oh well, it's still a railway and that's where the fun is...

[@garysprandel1817]

Well nice to see that little railroad coming back from being claimed by nature. Surprisingly this is not the first will it start/ will it run video I've seen done on a locomotive though it does have the distinction of perhaps being the easiest and actually having more track than just what's needed to keep the locomotive from sinking into the ground and can actually be moved a bit once it's running.

[@normaclark7608]

Its beautiful, I've always love old railways and steam trains. Also great vidio

[@Volta_Science]

Him:- Explaining about the railway and locomotive. Me:- It's Henry anyway 😂😂😂😂

[@solarusthelonghaulerrailfa3226]

O Lawrie O Lawrie what have you done to deserve such a honor 😉

[@Rexyboygamer-Vlogs]

You should come to New Jersey, we have hundreds of abandoned railroads, with plenty of history and in tact structures. Most of the railroads here are from the 1800s, with stations, old crossings, tunnels, and bridges.

[@StressLessCamping]

I think it's really cute. Not awful and what a nifty bit of mechanical marvel. 😀

[@3ftsteamrwy12]

"oh of course they WOULDN'T ask me to start THAT one....." *snicker*

[@christopherbutler7588]

Great to see it running 😊

[@JonatanGronoset]

Oh come now, it's amazing the thing started and ran as nice as it did after all the things you said to it! Perhaps it likes you... I think it's adorable, for what it is. I don't live in the UK but if I did I'd gladly apply for acting as its regular driver!

[@jasonhaymanonthedrawingboard]

This railway was on one of there first videos on your channel I watched. Had wonder if it was getting somewhere? Answer yes! I hope they can get it back to some order? Great to see it running!

[@nordisk1874]

I wish you did a Clarkson and take out the fence! Your joy running an outline can be seen!

[@Hunnsey_rs]

Your reaction when it fired! 😂

[@jacksnorth4074]

I'm 3 videos in and you made a subscriber outta me! Love the content!

[@lmm]

Thank you very much

[@eze8970]

Some great progress made, thanks Lawrie! 🙏🙏

[@jeffdayman8183]

The judge says "does the plaintiff's counsel have anything to say in the 'locomotive' s defence?" "well it does have flanged wheels, and runs on rails m'lord." 8^) Just kidding, it was a fun video. Good luck to the AVCR . Thanks and cheers!

[@bentullett6068]

It will do 100mph down hill with a good stong wind and heavy load behind it. I don't think being on the footplate during that attempt will be wise. No one else has noticed it looks very similar to Ivor the engine.

[@schwarzermoritz]

By the sounds of it, I fully expect Laurie to stand there with the door in his hand 😂

[@monitorlizardkid8253]

Hmm, while I would agree that a full-on steam locomotive is still better, one of these does look kind of cool, I could imagine adding a set of heavy duty fog machines to create better steam effects(both from the stack and from the cylinders) and then all you'd have to do is dub the sound of an an actual steam locomotive in during post production, it would be a pretty good movie prop.

[@timbervalleyproductions]

Don't think you visited 2.5 yes ago, the video was released 8 months ago! 😅 Great video though, good to see how it's coming on.

[@Odinford]

Its such a beautiful engine, can't beat a steam engine though. I love it unlike someone

[@martywild6359]

I've watched a video on here of the Alford Valley railway from 2015, and that engine had a beck on it and, what seemed to be a large drivers area.

[@AndreiTupolev]

Tell you what, it runs lovely and smoothly. Much, much better than the one you drove that time that you described as the worst thing you'd ever driven

[@steampics]

Mad to think that Saccharine used to live and run there. Hope they manage to get some steam back one day!

[@harrisongrant8558]

I'm surprised, this one is actually one of the better faux steam engines you've looked at. Odd that it has a bell though. On American locomotives it's required, I guess on this one it's just for show. I do like the fact they've actually fitted an air whistle as opposed to just a horn. Short of the engine sound, they've actually done a pretty good job making it look kind of like a steam engine.

[@thomasawl]

11:20 ‘top speed 5 mph’ ‘DO NOT EXCEED 100MPH’

[@MrPeerum]

😊coool video.where is this,and how wide is de track in CM?😊

[@jamesjumpscare8825]

At the riverside and great northern railway in Wisconsin Dells you can sponsor a sleeper and they actually ingrave you're name into it

[@hugothomas1199]

2:44 what happened in editing?

[@captwar]

Interesting video. Thanks for making it. Warner Athey.

[@Noblecorn]

Still in better condition than most American railways.

[@TravellinOn2010]

When you turn up In little 3 wheeled car like that, I would imagine you can just about fix anything.

[@microbusss]

you may hate the outline but you DID enjoy running it back & forth hehe

[@QueerOkie]

I think she is a charming little engine. Reminds me of Ivor! A 'Bra Lass' indeed.

[@jazeroth322]

I like this little engine. Reminds me of ivor the engine.

[@BerlietGBC]

Love the little three legged one 😊

[@prrproductions5469]

The more i watch him the more I think he sounds exactly like James May

[@rm25088]

That was genuinely exciting.

[@V8Power5300]

Don't forget to flip that fan switch

[@nyotamwuaji6484]

why dont you like it? its a cute little design. could probably do with a bit of altering though, but still a cute little design