The Colne Valley Railway are now selling tickets for journeys on its InterCity 125 HST; it is the only private railway in the country where passengers can take a ride on these iconic trains.

The Railway is based at Castle Hedingham Station near Halstead in Essex. It has a one-mile-long running line, a fully reconstructed station, signal box, and railway yard.

The railway occupies part of the former Colne Valley and Halstead Railway, which opened in stages between 16 April 1860 and 10 May 1863 and closed on 1 January 1962.

Journeys on the HST will be launched on Saturday 16th April when passengers can enjoy a ride in the train’s air-conditioned luxury coaches. The HST buffet will also be open for the sale of light refreshments.

Admission includes unlimited train rides and a chance to meet the volunteers involved with the HST project. The Brewster Centre provides visitors with a history of the Colne Valley Railway, whilst the museum has made some changes since it was last open.

Visitors can watch the signalman at work controlling the trains, and a model railway allows children to see how many trains they can spot running. There is also a Travelling Post Office open for viewing, as well as fun trails for children to follow.

Tickets for the launch day are available online at https://www.wtm360.co.uk/colne-valley-railway-1562688060-hst-launch.html and cost:

• Adult – £10;
• Concession (60+) – £8;
• Child (3-15) – £6;
• Family – £29

A number of steam locomotives are undergoing restoration at the railway. They include two LMS Black 5 4-6-0s, Merchant Navy Pacific No. 35010 Blue Star, two Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0 saddle tanks, two 0-4-0 saddle tanks, and a Robert, Stephenson, and Hawthorn 0-6-0 saddle tank.

Operational locomotives are two ex-BR Class 03 diesel shunters, a Ruston & Horsby and an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 diesel shunter, and a custom-built four-wheel drive loco based on a Fordson Major tractor. There are also two ex-BR Class 121 diesel railcars and an AC Cars diesel railbus.