1304

with the need to work to standards which, if they had been applied to the pioneer preservation
schemes, would surely have meant that they would not have got off the ground. We are constantly
monitoring our organisational structures and trying to change to meet the needs of our business.

We are a small society of about 550 members. 50 could be classed as active and many wear more than
one hat. We do have a few keen young members but there is much to do to build up the membership
and lower our age profile. In 2018 steam trains run hourly 11.00-16.00 from Corris (round trip 50 mins)
to the end of Sep, many Sats to 1 Sep plus Mons and Tues in August and 20 Oct (diesel day with no
16.00 train), gravity trains operate at 15.15 on the first Sunday of the month. Santa specials 8 & 9 Dec.

995] Corris Appeal: By your BLN Editor. I have visited this exceptionally friendly and very authentic
historical railway five times now (including three excellent BLS all line visits - they were too and even
included the start of the Upper Corris Horse Tramway). Therefore I was keen we should support and
promote the Railway's plans and asked Graeme to write a 'few' words about the Corris! More new
members (armchair and volunteers) are always welcome see https://www.corris.co.uk/ or send an
SAE to Station Yard Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH. Membership includes four annual free trips, a
quarterly well illustrated news magazine and occasional journal. Adult £20; Senior £15; Junior £10;
Family £40; Life £400. There are various appeals for funds but the Southern Extension Appeal, may
be of most interest to our members: Rail fixings for one sleeper £15; a new sleeper £20; fishplate
and bolts £32; one tonne of ballast £36; a complete 10m track panel £795 (any amount welcome at
https://goo.gl/NHt65G or 01654761701). A £500 cheque payee Corris Railway to David Coleman,
Brynderw, Aberllefenni, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 9RR buys a seat on the first train (76 available).

BELOW: The very smart former Corris Railway station at Machynlleth. (Angus McDougall 14 Aug 2010)

[BLN 1304]

LEFT and ABOVE: During the original passenger
service, left is the original Corris station BELOW:
Gravity trains run on the first Sunday of the month (15.15) an amazing experience for your 'bucket list'.
The passengers seem to be having a 'Jolley' time, but are looking forward to the 'brake' in the journey.

ABOVE & BELOW: Another coach under construction in the well equipped and spacious workshop.

ABOVE: Horse tramway demonstration - interestingly Graeme has recently moved nearby from the
Isle of Man… the question is did he have any stowaways with him? The workshop is in the background.

BELOW: Esgairgeiliog south of Maespoeth Junction as it was (from an old postcard).
(All pictures are thanks to the Corris Railway/Graeme Jolley except where specified).

ABOVE: Christmas magic atthe north end of the line; Corris station.
BELOW: Maespoeth Junction, a train for Corris, looking south with the engine shed on the right.

ABOVE: The way forward, site of the extension south of Maespoeth Junction from the A487 Road.
… BELOW: Impression of the proposed new Corris station in the style of the original.

…… 1304 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]
MR80] Mountsorrel Railway, Leicestershire: On 24 & 25 March steam passenger trains ran on the
branch line for the first time since the restored line opened in October 2015. The weekend was a huge
success with over 2,000 visitors coming to the Heritage Centre over the two days. There were 8 trains
each day; all ran full or nearly so. Locomotives involved were 0-6-0ST 'Austerity' 68087 and Class 08
diesel 08907. Shunting demonstrations at the Heritage Centre sidings and the garden railway were also
very popular, as was the new Spinney Trail extension. Currently, the Great Central Railway have no
plans to run further steam weekends on the branch this year, due to the limited availability of steam
locos. Heritage diesel trains are, however, scheduled to run over the weekend of the 21 & 22 July.

MR81] Riverside Miniature Railway, Cambridgeshire (MR p13) (BLN 1288.MR170): This 7¼" gauge
railway at St Neots opened an extension on Good Friday, 30 March. It is now a full circuit of 340 yards.
Some limited ground works have also been undertaken for 'Phase 2' - another circuit, off the newly
completed circuit with triangular junctions. The railway suffered from minor flooding, especially of the
access pathway, during early April and was unable to operate on a few occasions. However, a visit on
Sunday 15 April found the line at work and quite busy. On arrival, just after opening at 11.00, trains
were being operated with a yellow livery 4w BE locomotive named 'Spirit of Rotary' with two
sit-astride coaches. For a fare of £1 for all, two circuits were given. The station currently only has one
track, but trackbed is in position for two other lines. The ticket was an untitled 'Admission' roll ticket.

MR82] South Tynedale Railway, Cumbria (MR p14) (BLNs 1296.MR3 & 1302.692): The railway did not
meet its target of opening the extension to Slaggyford at Easter. A visit to Slaggyford on 9 April found
there was then still a fair amount of work to be done before the extension could open. There had been
no progress on the fitting of the level crossing gates/barriers and the track work for the run-round loop
was still not complete, rendering it unusable. However, a tamper was at work on the track towards
Lintley. A notice had been fixed to the fence which read: Due to an over run on the track laying, trains
are not yet running to Slaggyford station. This is contrary to the timetable which was printed when we
expected to be ready for the season. Due to high costs we cannot reprint these, so we have been relying
on the web site, talking timetable and Facebook page to get the revised message out. We sincerely
apologise for any confusion. Your nearest station is Lintley Halt, a mile up the footpath from here
beside the track and there is also limited parking there, two minute's walk from the platform.
The notice went on to list train departure times from Lintley Halt. This is the second year running the
railway's leaflet has showed the extension to Slaggyford as open - one to confuse future historians!
[The website attributes the postponement from Easter to earlier extremely poor weather - BLN Ed.]

MR83] Southend Pier Railway, Essex (MR p17) (BLN 1280.MR77): When visited on Thursday 5 April,
'Sir John Betjeman' was working services from the right-hand (Shore) entrance departure platform, in
the direction of travel, to the right-hand platform on arrival at Pier Head station. The other platforms
were unexpectedly shiny and the central passing loop, very unusually, showed evidence of recent use.
The driver said that Easter weekend had been very busy with both sets in use as the Pier walkway was
closed for maintenance. Even though one set of points for the central loop has to be manually cranked
over, as on our 5 March 2016 trip (BLN 1253.535), due to equipment failure, the operating pattern
adopted was for trains to pass via the loop, using both platforms at the entrance. Pier Head eastern
platform was only used to stable a set. On 5 April, that platform housed a flat wagon at the end and
the eastern entrance platform housed the other train set behind the single car unit. Members may
wish to check with Southend Council when future Pier walkway maintenance is scheduled!

MR84] Southend Pier Cliff Railway, Essex (MR p34) (BLN 1283.1340): Although scheduled to work
10.00 to 15.00 on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, this railway is currently out of use 'Due to technical
difficulties .. until further notice' as per their website dated 3 April 2018, unchanged on 13 April.
The 4ft gauge, 130ft line is single-track with the single carriage currently fixed at the upper station.
When operational, the fare is 50p single. The Council website gives some details and history. It runs
between Western Esplanade and Clifton Terrace and holds up to 13 people (including the operator).

[BLN 1304]
MR85] Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, Oxfordshire (MR p7): Our roving reporter visited this railway
on Easter Sunday, 1 April. His train from Cholsey was formed of Class 08 'Lion' hauling 2 ex-BR MK 1
coaches. At Cholsey the loco ran-round, but at Wallingford another Class 08 - 'Unicorn' came on the
rear to work the train back to Cholsey. The steam locomotive is currently away at Darlington for
repairs and is expected back, perhaps by August this year.

MR86] Clevedon Miniature Railway, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1265.MR182): Although shown on the
website as operational until 18.00, on Easter Monday 2 April there was no evidence of any use of this
15" gauge railway by late afternoon. There were small stones undisturbed along the rail surface and
the three-road shed locked (accessed by trailing single line off the running loop with shed access then
by movable 3-way point). The station carries a large 'CLEVEDON' running-in board.

ABOVE: Clevedon Miniature Railway - the attractive LMSR 'Black 5' waits for passengers on a sunny
day. The points are for the line to the shed behind. (Peter Scott 31 Mar 2013)

MR87] Gartell Light Railway, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1192.MR169): The usual intensive 20 minute
frequency on this 1,350yd 2ft gauge railway was sampled by two members on Easter Monday, 2 April,
with 3 train sets in use, one steam and two diesel. Set '1' returns to Common Lane station for a quick
'pit stop' before the previous arrival, Set '2', departs from the other side of the platform climbing up to
Pinesway Junction two-platform station. Here the loco runs round and waits for Set '3' to arrive from
Park Lane. These then depart simultaneously, initially parallel running, before '3' drops down and

under to Common Lane as '2' runs above on the ex-Somerset & Dorset formation, over the level
crossing on the 2012 extension to Tower View platform, reaching the end of the underbridge.
(The headshunt and run-round loop here must await a Society repeat visit as they were not laid in time
for our comprehensive 2011 Bristol AGM visit.) The 'Tower' (on Glastonbury Tor) could be just about
discerned in the distance initially but soon lost to increasing mist/rain. The loco runs round set '2' for a
run to Park Lane, run round, and back to Pinesway Junction, where set '1' has run-round ready for its
trip to Tower View, before '2' drops down and under into Common Lane.

MR88] Westonzoyland Pumping Station, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1265.MR183): 30 steam engines
were advertised for Easter Monday 2 April, not for a steam gala in the railway sense but involving
steam pumping and traction engines. An admission fee was charged in recognition of the steaming
costs, whereas entrance on non-operational Sundays is generally free. The 150yd railway was running
on demand, one bogie coach (ex-Creekbrook Light Railway 1970, adapted for the wider 2ft gauge at
Westonzoyland 2015) worked by a 1935 built Lister. This propels from the loading area (three upside
down milk crates acting as steps) over the level crossing to the car park alongside the entrance road,
and pulls back. At the car park end, the line ends in a curve away from the road, blocked after a short
distance by earth and a couple of wagons. At the other end, the line continues (not used by passenger
services) into the main pumping engine house onto an operational wagon turntable inside. The driver
indicated their intention to extend shortly, easing the car park end curve to run to the lock gate. This is
a particularly interesting location to visit anyway, especially during one of these 'steaming events'.

MR89] Top Field Light Railway, Norfolk: A new line is always good news; this one is 7¼" gauge and
runs adjacent to the standard gauge Whitwell & Reepham Railway. As the name suggests it operates
in a field - partly used for camping - above Whitwell & Reepham station. The first passenger trains ran
on 4 December 2016 and by the end of the 2017 season it had reached around 70 yards in length on
an 'E' run. Two members visited on Easter Sunday, 1 April - the first running day of the 2018 season.

The line is now 170 yards long, a conclusion for the time being. Beyond the current end of line it is
necessary to build a level crossing over the field access road. Our members were on the first train of
the day - the first public passengers of 2018 and the first passengers over the new full length of the
railway. Motive power was a battery electric BR Class 20 D8046 with two sit-astride coaches. Getting
up steam was GWR 14xx 0-4-2T 1451. The fare was £1 (adults) and 50p (child) for which a nice titled
card ticket was issued. Work this year includes remodelling and improving the station area and
provision of a stock shed. The railway, operated by the Whitwell & Reepham Model Engineering Club,
normally runs from Easter to October on the first Sunday of the month and during special events on
the Whitwell & Reepham Railway. Access to the railway is via the standard gauge railway yard.

MR90] Bournemouth Cliff Railways, Dorset (MR p34) (BLN 1274.MR27): A visit was made on Thursday
19 April, a glorious warm sunny day with completely clear blue sky. Fishermans Walk was in operation
and a ride was taken down in the west side car. Passenger traffic was light. Times of operation were
given as 10.00 to 17.30, with an adult single fare of £1.50. East Cliff remains out of use following the
24 April 2016 landslip (BLN 157.MR96). Some work on the cliff and buildings appears still to be
underway - although there is no longer any signage on site to say what is going on. The cars are
missing, but both tracks are in-situ. West Cliff was in operation.

MR91] Norwich Model Engineers, Norfolk (MR p21) (BLN 1027.MR193): This society has its track site
in Eaton Park, Norwich - with both elevated and ground level lines. They normally operate alternate
Sundays. A visit was made on the dull and wet Sunday afternoon of 8 April. Two trains were running on
the ground level track - our reporter's service was hauled by a Class 42 'Warship' in green livery named
'Magnificent'. The track layout is unchanged (from the KEG Track Plan) except for a new bypass line
(non-passenger) avoiding the station platforms. The fare was £1 per trip with a request for overlap at
the station duly obliged! A very nice railway with helpful staff and an interesting complex layout.

[BLN 1304]
ABOVE: Norwich Model Engineers - a damp day in Eaton Park. (Rod Bryant 8 Apr 2018)

MR92] Wells Harbour Railway, Norfolk (MR p21) (BLN 1187.MR118): A visit was made to this 10¼"
gauge railway on the very sunny afternoon of Saturday 7 April. Trains were extremely busy. The 15.10
from Harbour station was taken to Pinewoods, where there is Pinewoods Holiday Park. Working the
trains was a blue liveried 0-6-0 named 'Howard' (Alan Keef 74 of 2005). The fare was £1.50 each way.
The railway provides a genuine transport function, linking Wells town and harbour to the Holiday Park.

X.64] Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway: (NEXT PAGE) (BLN 1301.544) Invergarry station, which is
hosting a private Society visit on Sun 5 Aug, looking north towards Fort Augustus and Inverness.
Loch Oich, part of the Great Glen is left. The large island station platform was built here to
accommodate the royal train. The outline of the station building can be see and, at the south end, the
ramp down to the (currently closed) pedestrian underpass beneath the railway. (John Gray ©)





1304 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]

996] Better Late than Never! Many thanks to
Stuart Hicks for this unexpected but very
welcome report (the commissioned report
did not make it to the Editor, but we are all
volunteers). Reports and pictures of Society
fixtures not documented in BLN are always
welcome: I joined this second BLS Island of
Ireland tour (18-21 May 2017) arranged by
Kev Adlam for the two 'miniature days' and
other attractions, with some museums.

Travelling by rail-sail (exceptionally good
value); Stena still has a connecting bus to
Dublin city centre run by Morton's. With tickets picked up at Paddington the previous day, I arrived at
Euston in good time for the 09.10 to Holyhead on the Friday morning. It ran punctually throughout and
I continued to the Stena check in for the 13.50 'Stena Challenger' to Dublin Port. Morton's single
decker bus 07 KE 5293 was overwhelmed by boisterous passengers but eventually set off for the city
centre where it was delayed by heavy traffic. The fare from the port was €3 single (or €5 return).
ABOVE: Another superb ticket production by Jim Sellens listing all the places visited.

●Sat 20 May 2017: Leaving my hotel 06.00 our executive coach set off from the Ashling Hotel near
Dublin Heuston at 06.50 to arrive in plenty of time for our 8 o'clock appointment at Stradbally. Our
transport for the two days was a large Dublin-Belfast-Newry Mini Coaches (road) coach 12-D-31941.

At the 3ft gauge, 880yd, Stradbally Woodland Express (to the right off Stradbally Hall drive) the guys
were ready and waiting for us. (Normal operation is 12.00-16.00). It is the oldest heritage railway in
Ireland, constructed in stages between 1969 and 1982 entirely by voluntary labour and the railway is
one of few in Ireland to operate steam power. Our tour left behind 'Rusty' from the platform, shunted
back into Shed Road 1 (right hand side looking in) then went clockwise (unusually, but what else do
you expect?) round the circuit before returning to do Shed Road 2 and then the circuit anticlockwise.
We then had time to explore the shed and other sidings, with their steam locomotive (LM 44), other
diesels (including LM 167, Nippy and No4, also LM 55 & LM 191) and a Bord na Móna personnel carrier.

In Stradbally village the party then briefly looked round the Steam Museum, which was also open
especially for us. As well as local fire engines and farm equipment, it had a Guinness locomotive (used
around the Guinness Brewery streets for over 50 years) and a 1' 10" gauge locomotive dating from
1912, made by Spence (although it incorrectly carries an 1895 work plate).

Next call was Bilberry station on the 3ft gauge Waterford & Suir Valley Railway (W&SVR) (MR p27).
(Pictures of visit BLN 1282.1183.) This new station is only used by special parties (of which we were the
first to JOIN a train here) and not public running. This is because there is only one train with no passing
facilities and the run would be too long to maintain the hourly frequency. It is the eastern W&SVR
track limit, about a mile west of Waterford along, and south of, the River Suir on the trackbed of the
former Grace Dieu Jn to Waterford South 5' 3" gauge branch off the Mallow - Fermoy - Ballinacourty -
Waterford line, now a 45km 'greenway' path/cycleway to Dungarvan. The Waterford South branch
became a siding to the goods depot on 1 Feb 1908 and was disconnected in Sep 1976; a lucky Quinton
(Birmingham) member arranged locally for a special light engine trip when there was no traffic just
before closure! It was certainly of great interest; we were honoured to be joined by our well known
PSUL compiler even. The railway aspires to continue further into the city - but this won't be easy or
practicable. From Grace Dieu Jn the severed viaduct that used to carry the main line across over the
river to the present Waterford station is in situ and makes an interesting sight. Https://goo.gl/1EWybF
has some amazing pictures/further information. The missing river bridge span is on the north bank.

Our train was formed of loco 9904 (of 2011) and the railway's only two passenger vehicles, each with
closed and open saloons. One is configured as a driving trailer (with a camera and horn on the end
displaying on a screen in the cab as the train is propelled from Waterford Bilberry - there is no loop).

At the other end of line, Kilmeadan, our train ran through very rare track, the loop and to the depot
(a quite long non-passenger extension on the original 5' 3" line trackbed) before returning to the usual
platform at the station. Sandwiches drinks and refreshments were included in the charter fare and all
the railway volunteers very most friendly and helpful. A depot walking tour (LM 348 was present)
included the long term storage containers behind which housed two more locos (179 and 256), before
returning to the station for a ride on the first service train at 12.00 for 4¾ miles to Gracedieu Jn (where
they only operate to on Saturdays as even that run at 50 minutes non-alighting return is considered
too long for most families!) and back. The future new Mount Congreve Gardens station platform was
noted awaiting business. However, it might generate much new traffic and the Railway could have
difficulty coping without more coaches and two trains running. [The station has still not opened.]

The next destination was the seaside - Tramore, for three circuits of the 15" gauge 400yd Tramore
Miniature Railway behind Rio Grande 278. Some then had ice creams and eyed the other attractions
in the amusement park. The driver had just made a public run and as we did not fill the whole train he
stopped to pick up some 'normal' passengers after the second circuit.

Our penultimate visit on the Saturday was to the 7¼" gauge 650yd JF Kennedy Arboretum Miniature
Railway near New Ross which only runs on summer afternoons. It has an outer and rare inner loop.
To reach it involved an interesting walk through part of the arboretum (luckily guided by our host). We
had to split into two groups to take our ride so the others could then photo the train, which was Santa
Fe diesel hauled. Then it was back to the café and toilets (in no particular order) to re-join our coach.

The sixth Saturday visit was to the Irish Traction Group site at Carrick-on-Suir station. There were four
locos - the two outside (226 & G 617) securely boarded up from both the elements and the locals.
Inside their shed were the two locomotives (G 601 and B 103) which they had been working on.
One was fired up and made an impressive site and sound. Near Waterford station 22201/2 was seen
and there was a brief view of 227 in a yard from the adjacent road before returning to Dublin at 20.30.

●Sun 21 May 2017: Leaving 08.15, the Dublin Society of Model & Experimental engineers at Marlay
Park site was visited first. There are elevated and ground level circuits, each 3½/5/7¼" mixed gauge.
After finding the entrance we were welcomed and given rides on both lines; some had two different
locos on the elevated line. It was evident how the ground level circuit had been diverted because the
Council had tipped a load of rubbish across part of the previous circuit! Then our party was propelled
over the branch across the impressive turntable into the running shed (it was too steep for the loco to
pull a train out loaded). Tea and coffee in the clubhouse and thanks to our hosts competed that visit.

Next was a fleeting visit to the 2ft gauge 490yd Tayto Adventure Park 'Steam Train Express' (with no
steam!) after an extended wait to gain admittance as the computer systems had to be rebooted!
Two laps of the 490yd 2ft gauge circuit were made; partly in the roadway tramway style. Some then
rode an elevated railway on horseback - one horse even carried a Society headboard. I was fortunate
to do the full circuit; later riders were refused the section between alighting and boarding platforms.

Malahide was next on the agenda. Due to an equipment failure the planned Road Train ride did not
happen to the great disappointment of the operator (the €4 fare was donated to Railway Children
instead). Some participants 'Darted' off from P2 to Portmarnock, the next station south, to do the
trailing crossover; others enjoyed a short walk round the pleasant coastal town or had a bite of lunch.

We returned to central Dublin visiting the Guinness Storehouse, the most popular tourist attraction in
the City to see the remains of the railway system in the cobbled streets. The exhibition tells the history
of stout making and the site, ending up on the rooftop bar with a free soft drink or pint of Guinness
and a fantastic 360o Dublin panorama. The target was the two diesels: blue livered No47 and yellow 17.

Our coach dropped us for the final time at St Stephens Green tram stop where some left for home,
others took a trip to Brides Glen at the southern end of the Luas Green Route, much on the former
Harcourt Street to Shanganagh Jn 5' 3" gauge line (CP/A 1 Jan 1959); St Stephens Green - Sandyford
ROP 30 Jun 2004 as a 4' 8½" gauge tramway. I alighted at Sandyford depot and saw all but one of the
50xx trams not in service that day then walked along the footpath on the course of the old line.
An excellent couple of days, over a year in the planning, thanks to all involved particularly Kev Adlam.

X.64] ABOVE: Fireless loco ex-Gretna at Eastriggs Devil's Porridge Museum (Angus McDougall 29 Apr 2018)
Details must be checked 1304 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] Please mention BLN
997] Spare BLNs: A Birmingham member has a set of BLNs going back many years available free to a good
home (as opposed to being recycled), for collection. UPDATE: These are now spoken for.
998] Intercity 125; The Train That Saved Britain's Railway, Channel 5: A two part TV documentary
Sat 19 May 04.00-04.45 (a repeat) and Tue 22 May 20.00-21.00 (check for repeat) - may be on 'My5'.
999] Mid Norfolk Railway extension opening, Sat 19 & Sun 20 May: (BLN 1302.682 with map) From
Dereham - Worthing (south of North Elmham 3m 64chfrom Dereham) non-alighting, at 11.00 back
11.50 (VIP ticket required Sat) & 12.45 back 13.30. The 12.30 south from Dereham (11.30 ex-Worthing)
makes a rare photo stop 12.28/43 at the interesting private restored Hardingham station both days
(visited by the Society on 16 Jun 2012 along with the signal boxes on the railway). Enhanced service,
first train at 08.45 from Dereham to Wymondham Abbey both days. Only £15 all day rover adult.

1000] UK Railtours, Another Liverpool Docker, Sat 23 Jun: The latest information, all subject to the
usual caveats. In maximum daylight and not a repeat of last year's tour despite the name. Reading
(06.40/23.25), Slough (07.15/22.50), Ealing Broadway (07.40/22.20), Watford Junction (08.20/
21.40), Rugby (09.40/20.20) Stafford (pick up 10.35), Crewe (set down 18.30). ROUTE: Acton -
Acton Canal Wharf - Willesden - Crewe Down fast - Warrington Yard - sidings not covered on a
railtour before (rev) - Ince & Elton new Encirc Glass branch and terminal, hopper house road not
previously used by a railtour - the reopened and upgraded Frodsham Jn - Halton Jn Chord -
Runcorn - Edge Hill Down Wapping Siding (rev) - Bootle Branch Jn - Regent Road Level Crossing -
Liverpool Bulk Terminal (Peel Ports) with two routes at Liverpool docks not previously railtoured:
the new Biomass Terminal and onto the Quay - Bootle Branch Jn - into Victoria Tunnel portal at
Tuebrook Sidings subject to biomass wagon stabling (rev) - Earlestown - Crewe (set down 18.30).
Also loops etc such as Halton Up Goods Loop From £89.50 Standard Class, £134.50 First non-dining;
Dining £195. More details and other fares at https://goo.gl/rrQ8KC or 01438 715050.

St James Park dep 09.01 11.00 14.27 16.29 1001] Okehampton Summer Sunday
Services: LEFT: Operated by GWR with
Exeter Central dep 09.04 11.03 14.30 16.32 financial support from Devon County
Council. These start Sun 20 May and run
Exeter St. Davids dep 09.08 11.08 14.35 16.37 for 17 weeks this year until Sun 2 Sep
(inclusive). Good support will assist the
Newton St. Cyres dep ↓ ↓ 14.43x ↓ proposals for an all year round service
between Exeter and Okehampton.
Crediton dep 09.18 11.19 14.49 16.47 'x' is a request stop. The day return is
very good value at only £5.40 (£3.55
Sampford Courtenay arr 09.42 11.43 15.13 17.11 with railcard). National Rail also shows a
day return between Okehampton and
Okehampton arr 09.52 11.51 15.20 17.19 Sampford Courtney for £2.80 (railcard
£1.85). Okehampton is an interesting
Okehampton dep 09.55 12.12 15.23 17.59 station to visit; refreshments available.

Sampford Courtenay dep 10.02 12.19 15.30 18.07

Crediton arr 10.25 12.42 15.54 18.30

Newton St Cyres arr ↓ 12.46 x ↓ ↓

Exeter St Davids arr 10.35 12.58 16.08 18.41

Exeter Central arr 10.39 13.02 16.13

St James Park arr 10.41 13.04 16.16

Okehampton dep 10.15 11.15 12.30 14.15 15.25 16.35 LEFT: Dartmoor Railway heritage
Meldon Viaduct arr 10.30 11.30 12.45 14.30 15.40 16.50 services that use Okehampton's
Meldon Viaduct dep 10.45 11.45 13.00 14.45 15.55 17.05 'other' platform) Sats, Suns and
Okehampton arr 11.00 12.00 13.15 15.00 16.10 17.20 Bank Hols to end of September.

Day Rover £5 Adult; Senior £4; Child £3, Family £14 (2A+2C), singles £3, £2, £2, £8 respectively.

1002] Fawley Hill Private Railway 1-3 June: Public (antiques) event; railway running see points & slips.

1003] Poppleton Community Railway Nursery, Thur 5 Jul, 18.00-21.00: Near Poppleton station, Station
Rd, Poppleton, York, YO26 6QA, (SE 558 536). Britain's last Railway Nursery operated by a not for profit
charitable group. There was a very comprehensive Society riding visit 8 Nov 2012 (report BLN 1174.418).
See and photo this unique 2ft gauge nursery railway working with its own and (hopefully) also a visiting
loco. Regular and varied passenger and freight train combinations with a few chances to drive. Light
refreshments on sale. Limited numbers, tickets posted on receipt of a donation (min £5 per head), send
a cheque payee 'Poppleton Community Railway Nursery' with SAE and email address as above or call in.

1004] Rhondda Tunnel Society: (BLN 1303.905 - detailed item with map) Formed in 2014 initially to
site the long-lost tunnel portal stone in a suitable location as near as possible to the Blaencwm portal
of the disused and buried 3,443yd Rhondda Rail Tunnel. With social media an unexpected enthusiasm
was unearthed… The Society has grown in local and worldwide membership at an incredible pace, all
coming together with a common (tunnel) vision that will hopefully become a reality: to not only return
the stone to the tunnel entrance, but to re-open the Rhondda Tunnel in its entirety as Europe's longest

for walking/cycling. Details and a video: https://goo.gl/BCs8dm with interesting pictures/information.
£10 per year, associated Under 16s free, join on line https://goo.gl/dbP98u bottom right. Paper BLN
has a membership application (sponsored by your BLN editor) for those who don't use the internet.

1005] URGENT Somerset & Dorset Heritage Trust: (MR p6) (BLN 1301.MR49; e-BLN map & photos)
Midsomer Norton, Somerset. Apologies for a further appeal for your money but this growing railway
has been offered seven 60ft track panels from an East London site, enough to extend the line to one
mile total, south to the base of the infill north of Chilcompton Tunnels. The panels have to be
collected by the end of May. Transport is £6,000 of which about half has been raised. Donations
large or small towards this are very welcome. Please donate, and remember to arrange Gift Aid, via
https://goo.gl/og1BC5 or write to John Baxter, 12 Deverell close, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1UY.

BELOW: Bournemouth (see MR90) - the still empty East Cliff Railway tracks. (Peter Scott 19 Apr 2018)

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