1255

[BLN 1255]
829] Baddesley: (BLN 1239.1588) The new JLR Car Distribution Terminal is now open on the site of the
former colliery (closed February 1989). Car movement is unfortunately by road, with no plans yet for
re-instatement of the branch from Birch Coppice. However, the trackbed is intact and walkable.

ABOVE: Malvern Wells looking towards Great Malvern, 12 April, the NR Measurement Train is
approaching Colwall Tunnel. It formed the 06.42 from Derby to Swansea Llandore (21.58). The route
included Sutton Park, Soho and Kidderminster with return trips from Worcester to Hereford and
Gloucester to Swindon. It then ran via Lydney and the Swansea Distinct Line to Llanelli returning
directly to Swansea. Leaving again at 03.30 next morning, Pembroke Dock, Fishguard Harbour (passing
the NR boundary!) and Milford Haven were visited before returning to Derby (20.32). On this return
journey, a return was made from Worcester to Malvern Wells Down Goods Loop (right of train) for a
90 minutes sojourn. The loop is used by only four (ECS) workings SSuX, three SO and one SuO. Most
Great Malvern to Great Malvern ECS workings can reverse here on the running line. (R N Pritchard.)
830] The Jolly Fishplateman? A member expected that a charter to Stratford-upon-Avon from
Skegness on 9 April would traverse the full length of the Down Derby Goods in the Saltley area on the
outward leg as booked. However, the train diverted off it at Duddeston Jn, then immediately returned.
At Hatton North Jn a points failure prevented use of the direct curve to Hatton West Jn. Instead the
train reversed south of Hatton station (111m 76ch) and ran through P3. At Stratford-upon-Avon with
P2 occupied by the special during its five hour stay, he did manage a P3 departure and arrival there.

[BLN 1255]
831] Long Marston: (BLN 1252.485) Just 18 months after starting work, the final phase of the testing
and approval process for the 'new' Vivarail unit 230001 (ex-LU 'D78' stock) has started. The vehicles
have received a new interior and cabs, which have been strengthened. Main line testing is expected by
late May and, after mileage accumulation, the train will be ready for passenger service in the Summer.
832] West Midlands Rail Franchise: Three bidders have been shortlisted, the DfT announced on 7
April. The invitation to tender is expected in July, with bids to be submitted in November. The contract
is due to be awarded in June 2017, and the new franchise starts in October 2017. Shortlisted bidders:

 London & West Midlands Railway Ltd; Govia which is Keolis (35%) and Go-Ahead Group (65%)
and has operated the current London Midland franchise since 2007.

 MTR Corp (West Midlands) Ltd, formed by Hong Kong MTR subsidiary MTR Corp (UK) Ltd.
 West Midlands Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Abellio Transport Group Ltd business of Dutch

national passenger operator NS, with East Japan Railway and Mitsui Corp as minority partners.
The franchise covers Birmingham commuter and regional passenger services, including semi-fast
WCML services to London Euston and Liverpool. The current franchise is managed by the DfT; the new
one will be managed by DfT and West Midlands Rail Ltd, set up last year by 14 local authorities.
833] Banbury: (BLN 1252.444) 8 Aug 2016 is confirmed for the commissioning of the resignalling.

X.49]: ABOVE: 0Z50, the 13.44 Derby to Kidderminster (SVR) on 13 April heading towards Walsall 50
minutes late at Pig's Farm Crossing, Streetly on the Sutton Park line. (Rich Hickman)
1255 YORKSHIRE & HUMBERSIDE

834] The Thorp Arch Circular Railway: (BLNs 1252.492/1253.557) see 'Head Lines' too. BELOW: Thorp
Arch East signal box diagram (from 'British Railway Journal' No65 & 66 which also have illustrated
articles) with thanks to Richard Maund and the author Mike Christensen. This confirms that the line to
the Royal Ordnance Factory was signalled to be worked clockwise. Three-aspect colour lights were
provided. When the diagram is rotated to read the labels, north is then at the top and the Wetherby to
Church Fenton double track line runs left to right along the bottom. (E-BLN 1253.557) had a detailed
track plan of the railway including all the branches and individual lines to the bunkers and sheds.

[BLN 1255]

[BLN 1255]

835] ABOVE: 'Upside down' down from the previous diagram (south at the top, Wetherby right,
Church Fenton left); Thorp Arch West box diagram covers the triangle, exchange sidings and station.
836] Rotherham: Masts (Furrer+Frey Series 1 as used on the GW electrification) have been erected
between Rotherham Central and the site of the future Tinsley North Jn for 750V dc electrification, part
of the Sheffield tram-train project. Contractor Carillion have their main compound in the western end
of the Magna Science Adventure Centre car park, formerly the rail connected BSC Templeborough
Works. Part of the sidings has been cleared of vegetation and a 'transfer pad' constructed to allow
road-rail vehicles access from the compound. Presumably a connection with the mainline at Tinsley
East Jn has been brought back into use although it was not possible to see. The shunt signal for the
sidings is still in place visible from Halfpenny Bridge over the River Don.
Track has been lowered for electrification clearance where the line to Rotherham Central passes under
the Ickles Viaduct (which carries the Rotherham to Chesterfield direct line). Google Earth gives a good
impression of the area. Meanwhile, at Rotherham Parkgate (north of Central station), groundwork has
started for the tram-train turn back platform to be served by a short length of new track parallel to the
existing NR line. There is a proposal for a new station here to replace Rotherham Central.
837] Sheffield: On Sun 1 May, unusually, there are no booked passenger trains (but over 300 rail
replacement bus services) at the station or in the area signalled by Sheffield Power Box, which first
opened in February 1973. The Sheffield, Rotherham, Swinton and Mexborough area signalling is being
're-controlled' to York ROC at a cost of £15M. Longer term this will result in increased line capacity and
speeds. It is also part of the Sheffield to Rotherham Tram-train project. Rail services are booked:
Cross Country: Services from/to the south beyond Reading terminate at Chesterfield, all booked P1.
Trains departing south initially run wrong line on the Down Fast to Chesterfield South Jn and cross to
the Up Fast. This junction is relatively new and consequently is not shown in TRACKmaps. Trains from/
to beyond Newcastle terminate at Wakefield Westgate. P1 or P2 is shown for departures, but no ECS
shunts are booked. Services departing from P1 will use the trailing crossover at Balne Lane. Shorter
distance services such as Newcastle to Reading (!) etc., turn back at Derby.

[BLN 1255]
East Midlands: St. Pancras services terminate at Chesterfield, all shown to use P2, the inward trains
run on the Down Erewash (formerly the Down Goods) from Clay Cross North Jn, having crossed to the
Up Fast at Chesterfield South Jn to run into P2. They return south on the Up Fast as normal. Norwich/
Nottingham - Liverpool services terminate at Chesterfield, running to the south only. All are booked
P2. That is Down Erewash from Clay Cross North Jn and cross to the Up Fast at Chesterfield South Jn to
P2 (normal route except using P2 instead of P1). They return south on the Up Erewash as normal.

Northern Trains: Sheffield to Doncaster trains are all cancelled. Those beyond Doncaster (Goole, Hull,
etc) terminate there, using P1, 3, 6&7 with use (particularly P6&7) of rare crossovers. Huddersfield/
Leeds/Sheffield/Nottingham trains turn back at Barnsley or Moorthorpe. At Moorthorpe arrivals are
shown into P1, and departures from P2 without ECS shunts. Trains can reverse in P1 onto the Down
Doncaster. At Barnsley arrivals/departures are P2 and so should use the facing crossover on arrival.
Manchester locals run to Edale (ECS shunt via Earle's Sidings - no Hope!). Worksop/Lincoln is all bus.

Trans Pennine Express: Manchester Airport services are cancelled or run just between Cleethorpes
and Doncaster. At the latter most are booked P1 or 3 (not unusual), but two are shown departing from
P8. NB: However, their preceding services are not booked to arrive in P8 and no empty shunts are
shown. (Thanks to Ian Delgado of 'Unusual Track' website http://goo.gl/wwSbYv for assistance.)

1255 IRELAND
838] Enterprise Service: (BLN 1254.716) Times published for the modified Enterprise service from 10
April can be summarised as follows: Mondays to Saturdays: eight trains to Dublin from 06.45 to 20.05
and to Belfast from 07.35 to 20.50, taking between 2h 05min and 2h 15min. Sundays: five to Dublin
from 09.00 to 19.05, taking between 2h 10min and 2h 20min, and five to Belfast from 10.00 to 19.00,
all taking 2h 08min. The planned service for the increased DART frequency to 10 minutes would have
slowed most to 2h 15min and, as only three are to take 2h 05min, this appears still to be the case.

839] Limerick - Ennis: (BLN 1248.15) Flooding https://goo.gl/A8bzZE alongside Ballycar Lough peaked
in early March at 1.4m above the rail and by the first week of April had receded to 0.9m, affecting a 1¾
mile section of line. It is I 's view that it will reopen before the middle of May, subject to no further
extreme weather. The flooded area is normally dry and only becomes a lake with heavy rain, in this
instance Storms Desmond and Frank. It is not Ballycar Lough itself, which is one of the smallest in the
area. The track bed was raised as part of the original Western Corridor reopening project. The flooding
at Kiltartan, north of Ennis, (BLN 1249.137) has been less persistent. Prior to recent flooding, Friday
passenger numbers between Galway and Limerick were healthy, especially student traffic. Friday
evening 2-car services were strengthened to 4-car. Figures at Athenry on 2 October are given as 180 on
the 13.45 from Galway and 171 on the 17.50 from Galway, but only 28 on the 10.30 from Galway.

840] Level crossings: (BLN 1248.98) IÉ has started installing licence plate recognition cameras to

combat an increase in barriers being damaged by vehicles. Merrion, Sutton and Sydney Parade were

equipped in January and February. (Modern Railways) Closure or conversion to CCTV of manned level

crossings around the network has reduced those remaining to a total of 49: (Journal of the IRRS)

Glasnevin Jn - Maynooth 2 Manulla Jn - Ballina 2 Limerick -Ennis 5

Portarlington - Athlone 1 Ballybrophy - Killonan Jn 10 Limerick Jn - Waterford 13

Ballyhaunis - Manulla Jn 2 Limerick Jn - Mallow 6 Kilkenny.-.Waterford.4

Limerick Jn- Limerick 4

841] Belfast: The large warehouses in what was once the Great Northern Railway (GNR) goods yard at

Grosvenor Road are being cleared to create space for the new integrated Belfast Transport Hub as the

first stage of enabling works. Translink predicts passenger numbers will increase from the current

annual 7M to 13M by 2030 and hopes to start work in 2018 ahead of a planned opening in the mid-

2020s. The hub will feature rail, bus, cycle, taxi and car facilities. The entire site, right up to the present

Europa Hotel, was once the GNR headquarters. Under the plans for the new hub, the cross-border

Enterprise service will be diverted to Great Victoria Street from its current terminus at Belfast Central.

[BLN 1255]
Government and European funding has still to be agreed and planning permission sought for the
development, identified by the NI Executive as one of seven flagship projects for funding. Visiting the
site in mid March, Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen said: 'This impressive facility will
be a catalyst for the regeneration of this area and will ensure we have the right infrastructure in place
to attract more people to use public transport.'

1255 SCOTLAND
842] The Duchal Moor Grouse Shooting Railway: (E-BLN 1253.X36) The picture of our first 'Duchal
Moor Grouser' railtour of four hours' duration, on 27 Aug 1979, prompted requests for a map of the
track covered. NEXT PAGE: As usual, Martyn Brailsford rose to the challenge. Sir James Lithgow, a local
Shipbuilder, built this 2ft gauge railway on the lovely moors above Kilmacolm to keep his men
employed when orders fell after WWI. Tracks were a combination of ex-WWI and colliery light railway
track, on wooden sleepers made from dismantled warships. Grouse shooting parties were taken into
the hills and it even appeared on OS maps; a train could accommodate 20 people. There was a second
BLS tour on 30 Aug 1982, after which the line fell into disuse https://goo.gl/oXbyFp ABOVE: There
were two triangles; the various lines were traversed until they became impassable as shown. The
engine shed was on the extreme right of the map. No grouse was harmed on the tour; the only shots
were those taken by cameras. There were a couple of derailments but no one groused about them.
Pictures: http://goo.gl/1numq1 (engine shed) http://goo.gl/yNQGQR (shed loop) and a typical bridge
http://goo.gl/FwH4lb on the railway. Our second may well have been the final passengers carried.

843] Allander: (BLN 1248.106) £50,000 has been set aside to fund a cost benefit study for this
proposed park and ride station between Hillfoot and Milngavie. Following completion of this report, a
further £454,335 is available for a full financial and technical feasibility study. Bearsden South
councillor, Vaughan Moody, said: 'The parking problems around Milngavie, Hillfoot, Bearsden and
Westerton stations indicate an unmet demand for an extra station with park and ride facilities.'

844] Arran: A member recently visited the narrow gauge Glen Sannox Railway, which was just over a
mile long, on the isle of Arran. It served barytes (Barium salts) mines worked from 1918 to 1938. The
mines were on the north side of Glen Sannox, on the lower slope of Torr nan Gobhar. The top section
comprised a self-working inclined plane, where the loaded wagons descending hauled up the empty
wagons. It is not too steep, see https://goo.gl/7plDCv (picture) and can be walked easily. At the
bottom of the glen the barytes was transferred by hopper to larger wagons. Locos were not used; the
wagons were hauled down to a jetty at Sannox by horse or by men. The trackbed of the upper part of
the line down to the jetty is not at all distinct, but the lower section can be seen easily. It is partly
walkable, but some is on private farmland. As the land drops, the railway was on an embankment,
which ends at an abutment by the Brodick to Lochranza road. Some accounts say there was a level
crossing, but this is obviously incorrect. Bridges over the road and over the Sannox Burn have gone,
but the trackbed continues on a low embankment to the beach. Barytes was transferred to 'puffers' at
a timber jetty, of which a few timber posts remain. Most of these are entirely submerged at low tide.

845] Hunterston: (BLN 1241.1739) There has been no coal shipped into Hunterston since 'Golden
Shanghai' docked on 18 Dec 2015. Remaining rail traffic is just stock clearing. Trains have been running
to Drax, but the Ratcliffe-on-Soar traffic appears to have ceased. Some coal is going by coaster to
Kilroot power station in Northern Ireland and to the Netherlands. It appears that all operations at the
port will soon cease, as the local newspaper reports security staff at the main gate are being made
redundant at the end of April. There will still be occasional rail freight from Hunterston Low Level, in
the form of nuclear fuel rods in flask trains between Sellafield and Hunterston 'B' power station
(expected to remain operational until 2023 and then with further rail traffic during decommissioning).

[BLN 1255]

1255 ISLE OF MAN
846] Snaefell Mountain Railway: (BLN 1254.722) The 30 March incident with tram No3 running away
and crashing has revealed inconsistent operations. Trams were sometimes parked at the top of the
double track section (on a significant gradient) to clear the stabling area (which is level) for other cars
coming up. This may have become a common practice due to the number of 'specials' run for coach
parties etc. It is understood (but not confirmed) that the normal stabling area was out of use and
possibly being re-paved. What may be needed is a double-track stabling section with a crossover to a
stabling point with direct access to the departure track. This would keep the arrival road free for the
next arrival. All six trams are needed for a full service, allowing for maintenance; one reason that tram
No3 is to be reconstructed. Passenger numbers are now similar to when the line opened in 1895.

1255 WALES
847] Route Study: NR has published its Welsh Route Study, outlining infrastructure plans for CP6. The
focus is on increasing capacity on the Valley Lines, continuing additional peak services on the Heart of
Wales line, modernising and raising speeds on the Chester & Holyhead line, capacity improvements
between Chester and Wrexham, and improved all day frequency on the Cambrian main line.The
report recommends significant enhancement of Cardiff Central station to cater for expected passenger
growth from 13M in 2013 to 23M in 2023 and 32M in 2043. Plans include lengthening P0 to take Super
Express Trains, reinstating bay P5, and longer term, eventually adding another full-length Up platform.
Freight prospects anticipate a substantial increase in biomass traffic, from 10M net tonne-kilometres
in 2011 to 50M in 2044, but this is set against a massive drop in power station coal, down from 190M
to 20M. Long term options include upgrading the relief lines between Severn Tunnel Junction and
Cardiff Central, and improvements to Newport station, including a bay platform. In West Wales, a level
crossing closure programme is recommended, for improved journey times and passenger safety.

848] Fishguard Harbour: (BLN 1254.739) The ORR website includes a copy of the Station Access
Conditions for the station, which contain all the usual terms and conditions, including division of
responsibility for maintenance and repair of the station as between Railtrack (sic) and the Station
Facility Owner (Arriva Trains Wales). There is reference to an18 Dec 1987 Agreement between the
British Railways Board (BRB), Sealink UK Ltd, Sealink Harbours Ltd and Fishguard & Rosslare Railway &
Harbours Co (F&RR&H) confirming the right of BRB (and, presumably, NR as its successor) to 'work,
manage and maintain' elements of the station, presumably including the right to run trains and to
operate the station. That gives NR the right to grant track and station access rights to train operators.

It is also worth noting that the F&RR&H Company does not appear to hold a Network Licence or a
Licence Exemption, suggesting that the railway is in fact covered by NR's Network Licence all the way
into Harbour station (288m 18ch). Regardless of any of the above, the line as far as the NR boundary
(287m 52ch) is clearly part of the national network. Withdrawal of passenger service would fall within
the scope of the Railway Act 2005, Part 4 (Network Modifications etc) even if, improbably, the line
beyond the boundary line did not. In summary, it appears that F&RR&H cannot close the station
without NR's agreement, and that NR cannot in any case give such agreement without going through
all necessary passenger closure and network change procedures, as would be the case for a railway
they owned freehold. It seems likely that the Welsh Assembly would oppose any closure proposal.

849] Panteg & Griffithstown: (BLN 1242.MR162) The station building has survived since it CP 30 April
1962, having then for some years housed a railway museum, which itself closed in 2011. Despite some
opposition, and local proposals for alternative community uses, Torfaen County Borough Council has
now approved relocation of the building to the Dean Forest Railway in connection with the latter's
planned northern extension to Cinderford. No timescale for this has yet been announced.

850] Saundersfoot to Grove Colliery: (BLN 1034.43) A member reports finding no trace of railway
facilities at Saundersfoot Harbour, but the route of this unusual 4' 0¾" gauge line (CG August 1939)
can easily be picked up, leaving the town via The Strand and forming part of the Pembrokeshire Coast
Path, through the tunnels at Coppet Hall, to Wisemans Bridge. Here the line turns away from the path,

[BLN 1255]
following the lane ahead past a white cottage until a left hand bend at 'Tramway Cottage' (good clue!)
and then straight on along Pleasant Valley, eventually reaching the remains of the Kilgetty Ironworks.
Opposite, a public right of way can be followed through a caravan site to a partly flooded (and fenced
off) adit of the Kilgetty Colliery. Continuing along the trackbed, the line to Grove Colliery can be
followed sharp left, up to the remains of the colliery itself. Both ironworks and colliery sites are worth
visiting in their own right, and the route is well paved. Http://goo.gl/Yb7uSI has pictures etc.
851] Pembroke Dock: A 19 March NR operating notice advises that Tenby down siding and ground
frame, also Pembroke Dock loop and siding with the East and Station ground frames, have all been
recovered, and the connections plain-lined. Your Regional-Editor believes these to have long been
unusable, recalling (in an earlier life as a Valley Lines Train Planner) planning a public excursion to
Tenby on Sunday 15 Aug 1999, using the celebrated Rhymney loco-hauled stock. Targeted at the
bucket-and-spade market, the plan was to deposit the happy throng at Tenby, take the ECS to
Pembroke Dock, run round, and park in the loop for an evening return. Fine in theory, only to be told
by Railtrack shortly beforehand that 'the ground frame won't budge'! Plan 'B' was to propel into Tenby
siding, emerging to run round in the loop there at departure time. Oh no, said Railtrack, can't be done
either: 'state of the track'. Tenby loop was occupied instead, until it was needed for a booked crossing,
meaning that the train had to return much earlier than intended, resulting in many cancelled bookings.

ABOVE: The branch west beyond Pembroke Dock station to Dockyard Siding (SM 957041), taken OOU
on 27 Sep 1969 (BLN 141 p3), is still traceable and much is walkable. There is even a section of rail
between two level crossing gates in Gordon Street (above) as these recent pictures show. (Malda Vek)
BELOW: 1948 one-inch: mile OS map of the area, the Dockyard is shown as a military 'white area' with
no internal detail but its railway is discernible as a continuation of the Pembroke Dock branch. The
other branch shown from Pembroke Jn to Hobbs Point CA 6 Jan 1969. That was originally used for
fitting out naval vessels built at the dockyard. North of the water the Neyland branch CP 15 June 1964.

[BLN 1255]

1255 MINOR RAILWAYS
MR64] Northampton Ironstone Railway, Northamptonshire (MR p7): A visit was made to this railway
by two members on Easter Sunday, 27 March. The site was very quiet with never more than eight
visitors at any one time. Passenger train rides were provided by a cab ride in 0-4-0DM Charles Wake
(JF 422001/1959). These ran from the station platform, adjacent to the shed/museum, as far as the
passenger limit identified on the KEG track plan dated 3 August 2013 (SP 7377 5816 ), a point just short
of a footpath level crossing at the end of the concrete sleepers. The track beyond has now all been
cleared of vegetation to the end of the line at the site of Tunnel Halt. Here, all trace of the wooden
platform has gone and the stop blocks removed. The run-round loop remains. The loco driver
commented that it was possible for a loco to reach Tunnel Halt - but not with public passengers. The
circuit around the shed/museum is also intact and useable - but again not for public passengers. Inside
the three road shed there are a number of small displays depicting the ironstone history of the area.
The site also contains a small buffet serving tea/coffee and cakes (inside a former CEP coach).
Admission for adults including the cab ride was £3. The next day the brake van was to be in use for
passengers as a special Easter event was being held and more visitors were expected.
MR65] Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway, Northamptonshire (MR p7): This railway is
owned and operated by the Rushden Historical Transport Society (RHTS) and runs on part of the ex-
Midland Railway Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers branch line at Rushden station. The RHTS
submitted a planning application in March 2016 to extend the line towards Higham Ferrers. The RHTS
states, in its application to East Northants Council, that 'The proposed reinstatement of the old line
from Rushden to Higham Ferrers must be seen in principle as a positive on the basis that the applicant,
a charity, has worked over the years to retain the main station building, from which it was under
serious threat of demolition in the 1980s, and then rely on contributions and goodwill to grow the
current operation into what it is today. The proposed development is the final element of the grand
plan to have a track between two destinations rather than turn round and go back to the main station'.
Apparently, the RHTS has the necessary funding and leases in place, but the planning application has
received some objections - presumably from those people living adjacent or close to the trackbed.

[BLN 1255]
MR66] Southwold Railway, Suffolk: The plans of the Southwold Railway Trust (SRT) to reopen part of
the railway have received another set-back. The Trust had hoped to overturn local refusal of its plans
to build 450 metres of track, replica station, engine shed and 40-metre platform in Wenhaston.
However, a planning official has dismissed the appeal, calling the project potentially harmful to the
environment and lives of nearby residents. The charity, which bought the land before submitting its
scaled-down version of a previously rejected proposal, called the decision 'unfathomable' but vowed
to persevere in its 'moral and legal duty' to restore the railway. The decision came a day after
neighbourhood consultation ended on separate plans for a visitor centre, engine shed and workshop
to build a heritage train, and a small nature reserve, near the original trackbed at the old gas works
site in Southwold.

Last April, Suffolk Coastal councillors went against the recommendations of planning officers and
threw out SRT's plans to build on 2.14 acres of the originally proposed 14-acre Wenhaston site. Suffolk
Coastal said it was in the wrong place and would not bring tangible economic benefits. The proposal
had received 98 letters of objection and 51 letters of support. Planning inspector Nick Palmer upheld
the council's decision, saying noise from the operation of trains, combined with general disturbance
from visitors and vehicles, would be intrusive for nearby residents. He said development would be
'very disruptive' to wildlife if not carefully managed. Mr Palmer acknowledged the railway would
enable public appreciation of its relationship with the landscape, but the potential cultural benefit
would not overcome his concerns. The flooding mitigation measures did not overcome his concern
that the development would pose an 'unacceptable risk to public safety'.

MR67] East Wressle & Brind Railway, East Yorkshire (BLN 1215.MR139): The private standard gauge
railway and engineering activities of Colin Shutt are now closed, sadly, after Colin passed away in
February. Terry Velvick kindly arranged an excellent Society visit to the railway on 5 October 2013.

MR68] Little Orchard Railway, Suffolk (MR p24) (BLN 1120.MR185): This private 7¼" gauge railway,
located in the village of Norton, near Bury St. Edmunds, is holding public open days on Saturday 4 June
and Saturday 2 July. Times for both days are 14.00 to 17.00. Note these are to be the final public open
days on this railway - so if you want the track - plan a visit on one of these dates now!

MR69] Garw Valley Railway, Bridgend: The Railway is attempting to restore passenger services to the
branch between Pontycymer and Tondu. This May marks 140 years since the Great Western Railway
opened the route to transport locally mined coal to the docks for export. The group plans to host an
open day to mark the occasion and build up support and donations for the task ahead. It has already
built the first 20 metres of its station platform next to its base at Pontycymer, thanks to a grant from
the Coalfields Regeneration Trust. Chairman Dave Shackell said their aim was to build the line to
Bryngarw Park and create a major tourist attraction. 'Ideally it will be a great attraction to travel from
here to Bryngarw or back the other way, with perhaps people travelling up the Garw to go on walks' he
said. Volunteers are also working on restoring a number of steam and diesel engines, including a
0-4-0ST (RSHN7705 of 1952) and 4wDH Planet diesel locomotives 3890 and 4006.

MR70] Spa Valley Railway, Kent (MR p6): Our roving reporter visited the 'other' SVR on 13 March, a
day which started misty but later gave way to sunshine. Travelling from Tunbridge Wells West to
Eridge, his train was formed with 33063 R J Mitchell, four ex-BR coaches and 33202 Dennis G Robinson.
DEMU 1317, originally booked to work for the weekend, was unavailable. At Tunbridge Wells the
diversion via the siding is still in use. At Eridge the track in the bay platform was rusty. (A
comprehensive BLS Spa Valley brakevan trip is expected on Thursday 4 August, now starting at 13.30.)

MR71] Apedale Valley Light Railway, Staffordshire (MR p23) (BLN 1243.MR171): Owner of this 2ft
gauge railway, Moseley Railway Trust, has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £10,000. The
money will be used to develop the Trust's interpretation of the role of the horse with both civilian
industrial railways and in delivering supplies to the front lines during WWI. During the 1914-1918

[BLN 1255]
conflict, both sides used horses not only for direct combat (cavalry regiments and the like) but also as a
means of moving the huge weights of supplies, which a fighting army needs to sustain it. Light
Railways were laid as a means of increasing the amount which a horse could haul and to spread the
weight of wagons in the infamous mud of Flanders Fields and elsewhere. Frequently, supplies would
be hauled by steam or petrol-powered locomotives to a point near the front lines, and then horses
were often used for the last mile to the front; the so-called Trench Tramways. Using the HLF grant, the
Trust will replicate these operations and demonstrate them to visitors. It will now be able to fulfil two
key objectives. Firstly, it will enhance the displays. Secondly, the grant will allow improvements to the
facilities and exhibits at Apedale. These will be constructed by volunteers and will include an extension
to the existing demonstration railway and an interpretative panel. These will further enhance the
Industrial Railway Trail, initially funded by the HLF in 2014. A Trench Tramway wagon will also be
constructed, as hauled by horses on the very lightly-built railways, which spanned the vital last yards to
reach the troops fighting at the front.

MR72] Epping Ongar Railway, Essex (MR p8): On Sunday 21 February our roving reporter visited this
railway. Routemaster bus RM1993, on route '339', was providing a half-hourly service between Epping
(LU) and North Weald station. The train service was provided by 31438, four ex-BR coaches and No20,
a 0-6-0ST. Five services were operated between North Weald and Ongar, but only two between North
Weald and 8Km (ie Coopersale). 03119 with a Lowmac and 4w Shark had been working near
Coopersale uplifting insulator pots and cable brackets. (See BLNs 1251.341 & 1252.448 about this.)

MR73] Leighton Buzzard Railway, Bedfordshire (MR p12) (BLN 1247.MR208): The original station
building at Pages Park was locked up for the last time after the service finished on Wednesday 23
December 2015. Straight after Christmas, volunteers moved in to clear the building ready for
demolition, which then took place in January. While construction of the new building takes place, a
temporary structure is serving as a shop, booking office and general office. Completion of the new
building is expected by the middle of June.
MR74] Ribble Steam Railway, Lancashire (MR p8): The weekend of 5/6 March 2016 saw a Diesel Gala
at this railway, based in and around Preston Dock. Our roving reporter visited on the latter day when
class 03 D2148 and three ex-BR coaches was operating in the morning. Class 14 D9539 was on a freight
train and later worked two passenger trains in the afternoon. 4wDH Enterprise (RR10282/1968) was
added for the return from Strand Road level crossing. Also working were 0-4-0DH Stanlow N04
(TH160V/1966) and D2595. The miniature railway inside the main building had its locomotive
uncovered but was not working due to shortage of staff.

MR75] Southport Pier Railway, Merseyside (BLN 1236.1218): British Trams Online News of 25 March
reported that the tram had been removed from the pier. During the evening of Tuesday 22 March the
operation to remove the tram - split into two sections - commenced with both sections moved to a
secure compound while the Council sell the vehicle. It was decided to remove the tram at night to
reduce the risk to pedestrians. The tram is expected to be sold for scrap. The current Tramway only
began operation in 2005 using this twin section, articulated, battery powered tram manufactured by
UK Loco Ltd. In 2013 serious structural problems were discovered on the support columns of the pier.
The final decision to close the tramway was made in early 2015; since when the battery powered
vehicle has remained at the land end of the pier stored with a paper notice in the window telling any
would be passengers it was 'not in service'. Sefton Council had made the decision that abandoning the
tram service would help reduce wear and tear on the timber Pier deck. It was also thought that the
costs to maintain the service outweighed its ability to create income.

1255 CONNECTIONS

.Please mention the Branch Line Society when booking or enquiring. A service to members, all details must be checked with the organisers.

852] Kyre Valley Railway: (BLN 1254.742) Hereford St. Michael's Hospice is the local charity to watch.

[BLN 1255]
853] Ffestiniog Round Robin: (BLN 1252.529) Similar to the Heritage Lines through tickets listed in BLN
1252, a one-day circular train tour. Any train any time in either direction from stations between Crewe,
Chester, Shrewsbury, Porthmadog or Crewe, Chester, Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Includes a Ffestiniog Railway single journey (not return). Travel via the North Wales Coast and the
Conway Valley line, returning via the Cambrian Coast line and Shrewsbury or the other way round.
Free extensions from Holyhead, Pwllheli or Aberystwyth to access the circular route. £33.50 adults,
£16.75 child, £66.50 family from any station on the tour or North Wales. With extension from
Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool, Bidston or intermediately to Shrewsbury, Chester or
Crewe £38.50 adult, £19.25 child, £75.50 family. Railcard discounts apply for Two Together (after
09.30 SSuX, no restriction bank holidays), also Disabled, Senior and 16-25 no restriction. They are very
difficult to find on staff ticket machines and the 'destination' needs to be 'Ffestiniog'.

854] The Railways of Great Britain, Colonel Michael H Cobb: 'A Historical Atlas' third edition 646
pages with limited availability. The maps are as before, extra material includes 'Lists of historical data
amendments from fellow railway friends, for discussion' (includes the BLS). The railways, colour coded
by company, are on a background of monochrome OS 1 inch to 1-mile series (1971). There is much
information such as the company originally building each line and subsequent owners, the opening
and closing dates of stations. Of particular interest are the BR built connections. Appendices have extra
information. £295 (Deluxe version £1,495); £12.95 P&P. Http://goo.gl/0HD7Eg 077788 29253.

855] Teesside Cast Products: A major new Industrial Railway History
written by BLS member, John Cowburn. 'In the first decade of the 21st
century, the integrated iron and steelworks of Corus PLC on Teesside
evolved into a major supplier of steel slab to international markets
operating as Teesside Cast Products. This book is an account of how
the internal railways were used in this operation. The book explorers
the mothballing of the plant, its restart under the ownership of
Sahaviraya Steel of Thailand and ultimate closure in 2015.' Full
colour, 88 well-illustrated 165mm x 227mm gloss pages with maps.
£10 (£7 IRS members) plus 20% P&P in UK. Order
http://goo.gl/V2ixQx or to IRS Sales Officer, Stuart Geeson, 24
Dulverton Road, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0SF. 075840 41403.

856] Exeter - Okehampton (P1): Sundays 15 May to 11 Sept 2016 inclusive, (timetable below on next
page). This is part of Devon County Council's Dartmoor Sunday Rover and very worthy of support.
Before anyone asks, St. James' Park is an ECS shunt. Watch for publicity and prices at National Rail
Enquiries and Devon County Council websites. 03457 48 49 50 for National Rail and 0871 200 2233
(Traveline). Exeter to Okehampton day return (or vice versa) £5 or £3.30 with a railcard.

857] Dartmoor Railway Heritage Services: SSuO and Bank Holidays. Below, from Okehampton (P2)
first at 10.30, last 16.35. Meldon: first 11.00 last 17.05. Subject to change (special events). Single (one
way only)/Day Rover: adult £3/£5, senior/ child £2/£4, family £8/£14 (2 Adult & 2 Child).

Meldon dep ------ 11.00 12.10 13.20 14.45 15.55 17.05

Okehampton ------ 11.15 12.25 13.35 15.00 16.10 17.20

Okehampton 10.30 11.40 12.50 14.15 15.25 16.35 ------

Meldon arr 10.45 11.55 13.05 14.30 15.40 16.50 ------

… …… …..[BLN 1255] 858] Signalling Record Society, Sat 14 May,
14.30: Guided tour of signalling locations
St. James' Park dep 09.01 11.01 14.27 16.29 significant in the life of Samuel Dutton,
manufacturer of signal boxes and signal
Exeter Central dep 09.04 11.04 14.30 16.32 equipment in Worcester, lead by Mr
Edward Dorricott. Non-members are
Exeter St. David's dep 09.08 11.09 14.35 16.37 welcome. Assemble outside Worcester
Masonic Centre, Rainbow Hill, WR3 8LX, a
Crediton dep 09.18 11.19 14.46 16.47 short walk from either Worcester station.
Edward Dorricott has just published a
Sampford Courtenay dep 09.42 11.43 15.10 17.11 major 256 page (215 x 273mm) hardback
book on gloss paper with 375 illustrations
Okehampton arr 09.52 11.51 15.17 17.19 about the life and work of Samuel Dutton,
who founded Dutton & Co signalling
Okehampton dep 09.55 11.58 15.23 17.59 engineers, supplying many British Railway
Companies. See http://goo.gl/NExSJP for
Sampford Courtenay arr 10.02 12.05 15.30 18.06 details, £30 (P&P £4.25); cheque payee
'Signalling Record Society' to SRS Book
Crediton dep 10.25 12.28 15.53 18.30 Sales, Mr Anthony Moss, Hill House, Spring
Hill, Little Staughton, Bedford, MK44 2BS.
Exeter St. David's dep 10.35 12.38 16.08 18.41

Exeter Central dep 10.39 1242 16.13 ------

St. James' Park arr 10.41 1244 16.16 ------

859] IOM, Douglas Horse Tramway: The full line operates (possibly for the last season) from 30 April

until 30 October, but not every day https://goo.gl/ehbPZD has details. Special timetables: 29-31 July
Manx Heritage Transport Festival (actually starts 27th) and 7 August the tramway's 140th anniversary.

860] Spirit of Scotland Travelpass: Since 14 March 2016 this has been the latest successor to the
'Freedom of Scotland Rover' (BLN 1254.723); despite its name a 'wee dram' is not included! Prior to
that date it was 'The Freedom of Scotland Travelpass'. Unrestricted weekend rail travel and anytime:
Glasgow Queen St. - Mallaig/Oban, Glasgow Central - Stranraer, Inverness - Kyle/Wick/Thurso or direct
services from Lockerbie to Carlisle/Carstairs, Motherwell or Glasgow Central. Otherwise after 09.15.
Includes Virgin, ScotRail, Cross Country, Virgin East Coast and TransPennine Express services in
Scotland and to/from Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed (the latter two not in the 1958 version!).

Also Caledonian MacBrayne Scottish ferry routes and Argyll Ferries (Gourock - Dunoon. Coach travel
on selected Scottish Citylink, Stagecoach and First Bus routes including Argyll, Skye, the Borders and
Northern Highland. 20% off Northlink Ferries: Scrabster - Stromness, Aberdeen - Lerwick & Aberdeen -
Kirkwall - Lerwick. 10% off Strathspey, Keith & Dufftown; £1 off Bo'ness & Kinneil (Railways). 20% off
Sweeney's Loch Lomond Cruises, 15% off Cruise Loch Lomond, 10% off Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, and
D&E coaches Inverness - Durness. £1 off City bus tours of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness. Four days
in eight £134 (railcard* £88.40); eight days in 15 £179 (railcard* £118.10) *Not Family card. Two
Together is after 09.30 SSuBHX. (Seven consecutive days in 1958 at £6 is the equivalent to £127 now.)

861] Lancaster Green Ayre, 1 & 2 May: Lancaster Library, Market Square, LA1 1 HY, (SD 4761 6175), a
400yd walk east from Lancaster (Castle!) station. 10.00-16.00, if you missed the track (CP 3 Jan 1966,
CA 17 Mar 1976). £2 adult; £1 concessions. An exhibition with a fine scale 40ft x 20ft model railway of
the station, memorabilia, rare film, heritage walks and thanks to Virgin Trains, Lancaster station tours.
Visitors are asked to bring their own railway history, an old family photo or local railway stories etc.

862] Forest of Dean: Bailey (Gold Mine) Light Railway, 14 & 15 May: Bailey Lane End, HR9 5TY, (SO
6445 1957) 11.00-16.00, (extensive report in BLN 1213.MR114). The rocker shovel, two resident and
two visiting locos operating. No rides (the way to do the track is to become a working volunteer).
Perrygrove Railway, Perrygrove Rd, Coleford, GL16 8QB is running with rides 10.30 to 17.00. Clearwell
Caves, The Rock, Coleford, GL16 8JR are open 10.00 to 17.00. A former iron ore and ochre pigment

[BLN 1255]
mine in natural caves with its underground incline and non-operating narrow gauge track. Hopewell
Colliery Museum & Centre for Freemining: Lacinda Coalway, Coleford, GL16 7EL. Museum, tearoom &
underground tours of this working coalmine are available. 10.00 to 16.00 (last tour 15.00).
863] Poppleton Community Railway Nursery, 10 Sep: Date for your diary, Heritage Open Day with
possible 'driver training experiences'. Britain's last surviving nursery railway (BLN 1210.MR83) on the

opposite side of Station Road (YO26 6QA) to Poppleton station (the first on the York to Harrogate

line), car parking available. It was in use as a railway nursery from about 1941 until the 1990s. A 2ft
gauge railway was built in the 1980s with reclaimed track to help move materials. BLN 1174 (p418) of 8
Dec 2012 has a report of the Society's visit to the railway of 18 Nov 2012 with more information.
864] Caledonian Railway (Brechin) appeal: On 6 April the LMS 20T brakevan here, fully restored to
working condition in 2014, was severely damaged http://goo.gl/5aE9Rk by arson. It will cost £20K -
£25K to rebuild. An initial appeal has been launched, please help by donating: https://goo.gl/sfLFHI

865] ABOVE: Llangollen station, Llangollen Railway steam gala on 8 April 2016 Rich Hickman.
X.50] Guess the Location: (E-BLN 1254.45) BELOW LEFT: Inverness Harbour 25 Aug 1975 (the 60A
shed plate on the loco is a bit of a giveaway for those who know about such things). A BLS 'brake van
trip' on the branch with three participants (Kevin Driscoll and Arthur Miall, pictured and Greg Beecroft
who took the pictures; was one space was unfilled!) The trio reported to Millburn Yard early in the
morning but there was no sign of a train. Then they saw 08568 heading out of the yard to the harbour
with no wagons and no brakevan. This trip was well known for not having a brakevan as the branch
was considered a siding! BELOW RIGHT: The view from the cab in the opposite direction, looking along
the van towards the Ness Viaduct. The complete branch was covered on the return trip. Most of the
cargo was transferred directly between ship and lorry. Part of this line was owned by the Inverness
Harbour Trust and rail traffic is believed to have finished by June 1981. (Greg Beecroft 15 Aug 1975.)

[BLN 1255]

X.51] Guess the location and what is happening (BLN 1255): BELOW: A picture by Nick Jones on 12
April, but where? There a few clues and this location has featured in BLN recently. This is a 'push pull'
working in the year 2016, why is the loco marshalled as the third vehicle? All vehicles are coupled and
there is no trick photography; the picture has not been 'doctored'. All will be revealed in BLN 1256…

X.52] STOP PRESS; Raynes Park Electrical Control Room: With thanks to our Reading member Stuart
Hicks, a Southern Electric Group visit here has been agreed. It will probably a weekday late afternoon/
early evening in late May or early June (date to be determined). BLS are members welcome, enquiries
please to [email protected] quoting membership number and organisation(s). As usual,
there will be a charity collection and orange hi-visibility orange vests may be necessary.

Contact details: Full list in BLN 1254 (or The Editor would be pleased to forward)

Fixtures Secretary: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE CW2 6XN. [email protected] Twitter: @BLSGeneralSec
Editor/Head Lines: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX [email protected] 01684562862 07790652351.

[email protected] or
[email protected] Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947.