HTP Lineside Update – Issue No. 1

July-2026

LINESIDE UPDATE

Get exclusive restoration updates, behind-the-scenes news and the latest progress from Heritage Traction Preservation, delivered directly to our community.

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Chair Trustee’s Words

Welcome to the very first edition of the HTP Lineside Update — our new email bulletin bringing the latest news from Heritage Traction Preservation directly to our community.

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone who continues to support HTP through volunteering, donations, membership, purchases from The Goods Shed, social media, or simply by following the progress of our organisation and our two Class 143 units.

Recent months have seen continued work on 143601 and 143616, including cleaning, maintenance, inspections and operational testing at the Tanat Valley Light Railway. Behind the scenes, we have also made significant progress with HOPS, strengthening how we manage volunteer records, training, competencies, safety documentation and operational responsibilities.

Planning continues for the Pioneer Provincial Project, which will celebrate the history and unique significance of 143601, while further work is being prepared to support the restoration and eventual return to operation of 143616.

We have also been reviewing the latest guidance issued by the Office of Rail and Road and will shortly introduce updated policies covering young volunteers and safety-critical duties. Although HTP does not currently have any volunteers under 18, we remain committed to welcoming young people while ensuring that all activities are carried out safely and appropriately.

we hope you enjoy the update!

— Pip Jones, Chair Trustee

Download The Wheelslip

Download the latest edition of HTP’s quarterly newsletter, packed with insightful restoration updates, fleet news, behind-the-scenes features, future plans and ways you can support our work.

DOWNLOAD THE WHEELSLIP PDF

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The Goods Shed

Our online shop, The Goods Shed, continues to grow with a range of genuine railway memorabilia, preservation merchandise, and fundraising items now available through the HTP website.

Current items include authentic ex-railway artefacts from our fleet, moquette cushions, signage, and our recently launched Sponsor A Seat scheme for 143616. Every purchase directly supports the ongoing restoration, maintenance, and preservation of our vehicles.

Supporters can explore the shop via our website!

The Pacer Heritage Collection "Valley Commuter" Cushion -Limited Edition-

Elevate your space with a piece of railway history. Introducing the "Valley Commuter" Moquette Cushion from the HTP Pacer Heritage Collection. This limited edition cushion is handmade by David, featuring original moquette from Class 143 601. Support preservation efforts with every purchase.

Pre-Order Yours Now

The Pacer Heritage Collection "Nodding Donkey" Cushion -Limited Edition-

Bring iconic British railway design into your home with the "Nodding Donkey" Cushion. Part of the Pacer Heritage Collection, this handmade cushion uses authentic moquette famously seen on Pacers. A unique way to own a piece of history and support Heritage Traction Preservation.

Get This Piece of History

The Supporters Raffle

The Supporters Raffle is your chance to win one standout prize,  a combined package of both a Sponsor a Seat and an Active Membership.

This means not only securing a permanent place on one of our vehicles, but also gaining deeper access into Heritage Traction Preservation, with behind-the-scenes insight, updates, and the opportunity to step closer into volunteering.

At just £1 a ticket, every entry directly supports the restoration and future operation of our Class 143 fleet. It’s more than just a raffle, it’s your chance to leave your mark and be part of the journey. **ENDS 30TH AUGUST**

£1.00 Per Entry

Have a chance to win!

Partnering with The Creative Mole

We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Jack from The Creative Mole!

Jack specialises in producing beautifully crafted, railway-inspired headboards and signage, with every piece designed and laser-cut in-house. His work combines traditional railway character with modern craftsmanship, creating distinctive items for railway enthusiasts and preservation groups alike.

Jack is currently producing several exciting items especially for Heritage Traction Preservation, which we cannot wait to share with you. Looking further ahead, we are also planning a wonderful new range of products that will eventually be available to purchase through HTP.

We are incredibly pleased to be working with Jack and look forward to seeing what this creative partnership brings. Keep an eye on our pages there are some brilliant things on the way!

Find Out More About The Creative Mole

The Depot Diary

Keep up to date with the latest work on our heritage fleet. The Depot Diary brings you restoration progress, maintenance updates and behind-the-scenes stories from our working visits to the Tanat Valley Light Railway.

From Grime to Progress: 143601 Starts to Shine at the TVLR

Our latest visit to the Tanat Valley Light Railway was one of those trips that really reminded us what preservation is all about. It was dirty, tiring, frustrating in places, but also incredibly rewarding. We arrived with 143601 looking every bit like a unit that had been stood for a long time, and by the end of the visit there were clear signs that the work had made a difference.

Read Full Story

 

Looking Ahead

The months ahead promise to be an exciting and important period for Heritage Traction Preservation as we continue developing both our fleet and the organisation behind it.

Future working visits to the Tanat Valley Light Railway will see further progress across our two Class 143 units, 143601 and 143616. Our volunteers will continue with cleaning, maintenance, inspections, fault finding and cosmetic improvements, alongside the careful planning required to support their long-term restoration and eventual operation.

The Pioneer Provincial Project will remain a major focus as we take further practical steps towards recreating 143601 in its original Provincial-era condition. The project has already received tremendous interest, reflecting the historical significance of the first Class 143 and the importance of preserving this distinctive chapter of Britain’s regional railway story.

Behind the scenes, we will continue strengthening HTP through the development of HOPS, volunteer training, competency management, updated policies and improved operational procedures. We also hope to welcome new volunteers, build stronger relationships across the railway industry and preservation community, and expand the way we share our work with the public.

Our new partnership with Jack at The Creative Mole also brings exciting possibilities, with several bespoke items already being created and plans for a wonderful future product range.

There is still a great deal of work ahead, but our purpose remains clear: to preserve, restore and ultimately operate an important part of Britain’s modern railway heritage. With the continued support of our volunteers, members and followers, the next chapter of HTP promises to be one of our most exciting yet.

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