1321

BELOW: The former engine shed. (Mark Wallis Dec 2018.)

ABOVE: Another view of the old standard gauge terminus station. (Dave Cromarty.)

1321 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .
223] The Metro Meanderer, Sun 25 Feb 2018: By Phil
Logie, souvenir tickets by Jim Sellens. The iconic
'Stand clear of the doors please!' was, sadly, one
message we didn't hear during our railtour of the
northern part of the Tyne & Wear Metro system.
This message was replaced firstly by the more
mundane 'Doors closing' in 2004 and then the hustler
alarm sound from 2011 on the 86 refurbished units.

Arriving South Gosforth at 08.17 there was a
significant number of people already waiting for our
charter, due at 08.49. The arrival of the Metro to South Hylton 15 minutes later swelled the numbers
further, bringing those who had parked their cars at Regent Centre. Having been helpfully advised of
the order of the carriages, 'A' leading from South Gosforth with 'D' at the rear, participants gathered
on the appropriate part of the platform. Shortly our tour train appeared, formed of 4046 & 4060 from
the Regent Centre direction before it reversed in Stoneyhurst Road Siding. A number of stewards were
observed on board, whose Sunday morning will have begun significantly earlier than many of the
participants to ensure everything was in order for the tour. Helpfully several of them were holding
carriage letters above their heads, as they couldn't be attached to the windows due to the anti-vandal
film applied to the glass. Perhaps this display was also in anticipation of the new track to be scored?

While our train was reversing, another Metro arrived on P1 for St James via the Coast. There were
some bemused looks from the passengers on it, no doubt wondering what so many people were
waiting for. Once it had left our train arrived from the siding and was soon filled (it was fully booked).
With everyone on board we headed off towards Benton to take the facing crossover and reverse in P2.

On our way we passed the perimeter of Gosforth Depot where the three battery locos could be seen
in the distance, with one Metro unit in Emirates advertising livery (giving a choice of four possibilities
sets). It was later identified as 4040, one of the four un-refurbished units.

u

[BLN 1321]
[PREVIOUS PAGE: Marked up tour map by Martyn Brailsford.] We soon passed Longbenton and Four
Lane Ends, the former of which is an all too familiar sight to me, as I use it twice each weekday
commuting. This figure however was to be significantly surpassed on our tour, as this was our first of
seven visits! However, this was still rather fewer than our 11 visits to South Gosforth stop! Could this
be a new Branch Line Society record for the most times we have visited a single station on one tour?

Having quickly reversed at Benton we soon headed back through South Gosforth for our first visit to
Stoneyhurst Road Siding, well for most of us, several stewards had been there earlier. After doing the
necessary the tour made for Tynemouth. Travelling through stations at speed was unusual when I'm
used to stopping at each one. It was probably also confusing for passengers waiting on the platform to
see the screens displaying 'This train is not in service', then to see it speeding through full of people.

FROM TO km After Northumberland Park station we passed

South Gosforth P2 Benton P1 2.99 the site of Backworth station (originally named
Benton P1 Stoneyhurst Rd Sdg 3.36 'Hotspur' from 1864 to 1865!). This was the
Stoneyhurst Rd Sdg Tynemouth P2 15.12 first to close on the North Tyneside loop line
from 13 Jun 1977 and one which I used to

Tynemouth P2 Pelaw Siding No3 25.14 regularly travel from, also occasionally meeting

Pelaw Siding No3 Monkseaton Loop 21.77 my Dad on his return home from work. Two
Monkseaton Loop Stoneyhurst Rd Sdg 11.75 recollections, firstly steam engines from Eccles
Stoneyhurst Rd Sdg Airport P2 Colliery (Backworth's last pit; closed Jun 1980)
Airport P2 Stoddart St Sdg No4 8.69 on the former overbridge half way along the
12.67 platforms. Secondly, when the original station

Stoddart St Sdg No4 St James P2 Overrun 1.77 buildings on the platform for Tynemouth were

St James P2 Overrun Pelaw Siding No3 39.29 demolished they were replaced with a bus type
Pelaw Siding No3 Pelaw P2 0.31 shelter, but there was no shelter entrance.
Pelaw Refuge Sdg 0.26 The only way in was to climb through the
Pelaw P2 windows, fortunately unglazed then!

Pelaw Refuge Sdg Regent Centre Sdg 11.87 Passing through Shiremoor (which replaced

Regent Centre P1 0.22 Backworth) we passed the facing crossover
Regent Centre Sdg South Gosforth P1 1.54 occasionally used for trains to terminate from
St James when engineering work takes place.
TOTAL: South Gosforth - South Gosforth 156.75km West Monkseaton station was next, recently

announced as one of three to be refurbished as part of the part of the £350M 'Metro All Change'

modernisation, along with Monkseaton and Cullercoats. At Monkseaton several businesses operate in

the station buildings including a Micro Pub, 'The Left Luggage Rooms'. It is often busy and was visited

the night before our tour, purely for research purposes of course. A quirk of the pub is that the gents is

behind the former ticket window. [You won't get very far by spending a penny though...] Fortunately

the window is covered over, preventing any embarrassment. Leaving the station on the right is the

crossover and loop to reverse the Pelaw to Monkseaton peak trains, an ECS move.

At Whitley Bay a craft market was in progress. Years ago this was a popular location, particularly
during the 'Glasgow Fortnight' when what, seemed to me as a child, the entire population of Glasgow
filled the B&B accommodation, caravan park and town for the last two weeks in July, the Glasgow Fair
holiday. Many came by train with a direct service being operated from Glasgow. This continued until
the 1980s when more exotic destinations became affordable. I recall once waiting in Glasgow Queen
Street for an Edinburgh train when the train departure boards clicked over, surprisingly stopping at
Whitley Bay. Sadly, this was an error and it soon changed. There used to be a signal box on the end of
the Tynemouth bound platform, only used in the peaks for the additional express trains to the Coast.

After Cullercoats the North Sea appeared on the left of the train before our arrival in Tynemouth P1 to
reverse. Here the regular Sunday market at the magnificent station was just beginning.

We returned over the trailing crossover for our first visit to Pelaw sidings to reverse and as we
rounded the corner from Longbenton towards South Gosforth, our cheery driver pointed out the
derelict factory, formerly the home of Greggs the bakers. The company was founded by John Gregg in
1939; the first shop was in Gosforth in 1951. The factory closed in 2010 and moved to a new site in
Longbenton and was home to the Greggs Sausage roll or 'Byker dummy' as it is colloquially known.
This name arose from the habit of parents of the area to give one to their bairn (child) to silence them.

Through South Gosforth, our tour continued through Ilford Road and West Jesmond, noting the line
ahead to Manors which we would follow later in the tour, before curving right into Jesmond followed
by a fast run through Haymarket. After here the trailing crossover to Monument P2 could seen on the
right. Using it restricts the number of trains that can be run so it is generally only for times of severe
disruption. We passed through the recently refurbished Central Station before emerging on the Queen
Elizabeth Bridge with views of the River Tyne (no fog). Gateshead soon followed by Gateshead
Stadium, before running alongside the NR lines to Felling and Heworth to Pelaw Reversing Siding No3.

After doing what the siding name suggests, the train headed back to Monkseaton and this time took
the facing crossover into the reversing siding/loop. Having changed direction Stoneyhurst Road Siding
was used to reverse, then 'go round the bend' to Regent Centre passing Gosforth Depot where Metro
units could be observed. These included 4002 one of the prototypes partly out of the shed. We were
advised that this was attached to 4001, the other prototype, but this was inside the shed and not
visible. After Wansbeck Road we had to stop at the next four stations due to the level crossings. Past
Fawdon was the former rail served Rowntrees factory, now owned by Nestlé. Freight trains serving
this site were usually Class 31 or Class 37 hauled and had an unfortunate habit of setting off the fire
alarms at Regent Centre and Four Lane Ends stations. The trailing crossover just before Kingston Park
is occasionally used during engineering work when trains terminate here. The next station, Bank Foot,
was where the Metro terminated from 1981-91 with an Airport bus link. I tried to photograph the
infrequent freight train which continued from here to the ICI Prestwick site several times but never did
so. The tour continued to Callerton Parkway and into Airport P2 pleasing at least one participant.

ABOVE & PREVIOUS PAGE: A Rowntree's freight train with 37126 at Fawdon in 1986 - on the second
picture, top right, is the trailing crossover between the staggered platforms there. (Phil Logie)

A break here allowed use of the facilities but the Sales Officer was kept busy distributing TRACKmaps
Book 1 and our rafflers sorted out the prizes (always difficult when tour trains are in two parts that are
incommunicado with each other). Airport flight EZ6411 at 13.30 attracted some attention as its
destination was Newcastle!. It was also shown on the arrivals screen as due 14.30 (from Newcastle!),
an Easyjet Fearless Flyer experience which is operated from time to time for those nervous about
flying! [Would there be any 'mileage' in Train operating companies running trains like this too‽]

Refreshed, it was back to Jesmond Jn for probably the most sought after piece of track, the Stock
Transfer Line, especially for those who had to walk from New Bridge Street Depot to Manors on a
previous tour while the tour did it ECS! We were all asked to remain seated while traversing the very
tight curve, then it ran to the end of Stoddart Street Siding 1. After reversal St James P2 was next,
pausing in the platform to gain permission to do the run off to the end of the line beyond the station.
The bemused look of a passenger on a train in P1 as we headed west out of P2 was quite something.

Returning to P2, a short leg stretch followed [those with long legs didn't need to bother] before
continuing to Pelaw Sidings via the coast. This was through Byker and Chillingham Road then next to
Heaton Depot. The facing crossover here is often used to turn around late running trains towards
St James during disruption to help fill the gaps in service to the Coast. This was also the site of a 'non-
invasive' crossover installed for access to some temporary sidings used when the Metro reinvigoration
work was taking place in the area. Before Wallsend is a facing crossover used in service for trains from
St James to terminate during line closures. During disruption however trains from/to St James usually
turnback at Wallsend shunting ECS. Next it was over Howdon viaduct and into Howdon P1 stopping
for the crossing to activate. A 'temporary' depot will be built here for when Gosforth depot is rebuilt.

The now staggered platforms at Howdon were originally both on the Percy Main side of the road
before the Metro opened and linked by an original North Eastern Railway (NER) footbridge. It is now at
Goathland (North Yorkshire Moors Railway). Before Percy Main the Riverside branch (CP 23 Jul 1973)
used to join on the right, soon followed by the Blyth & Tyne lines diverging left, prior to the former
signal box. There is now little trace of these lines. Percy Main had low platforms in BR days,
a challenge when boarding, especially as a child! As my grandmother lived close to the station we
would often visit and hide used rail tickets in the structure of the NER footbridge and check next time
to see if they were still there, which invariably they were. The footbridge is now at York National
Railway Museum, but I must admit I haven't checked to see if any of the tickets are still there.

Approaching North Shields, Hylton Street Permanent Way Depot is on the right where the Metros
were transferred to/from road trailers to go to Doncaster for refurbishment. They were moved from
Gosforth Depot with the battery locos observed earlier as the yard isn't wired. On return, leaving the
yard, they reversed into North Shields bay (was P3, used by St James - North Shields short workings).
No longer in passenger use, a staff building now extends almost to the edge of the platform. From
here the units crossed to Preston Refuge Siding ('Bagnall's Siding') on the opposite side of the line and
reversed for a third time to run to Gosforth Depot. [Well, that explains the strange layout here - PAS.]
At Tynemouth the Sunday Market was in full swing, and then it was past the coast via Whitley Bay.

We received some excellent news before Monkseaton that we were to be routed via the loop (where
the tour paused). It was then non-stop to the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, pausing to admire the view
again - it was still there! At Pelaw, Siding 3 was taken as on our previous visit, but the good news is
that we ran back to P2, reversed swiftly then did the Refuge Siding confusing some passengers waiting
on the station [not difficult]. It was then back to Regent Centre for the facing crossover from P2 to the
reversing siding buffer stops. Then the tour called at P1 to set those down who had parked their cars
here. An intending passenger wasn't too amused that it was a 'special' and suggested it wasn't fair that
he couldn't board - no doubt he would have been unhappy about being made to leave at South
Gosforth too and the £50 fare. Without him we then ran to South Gosforth for the 11th and final time.

An excellent nearly 100 mile tour with new track for all. The fully booked trip with 130 members raised
£6,500 (including the raffle etc) for St John Ambulance, Mind and the North Tyneside Steam Railway.
Thanks to John Cameron for the negotiations. The ultimate accolade (BELOW) was a very positive
review in ASLEF's journal, including a group photo of our 14 stewards, Society details and how to join!

ABOVE: From the centre of Gosforth Depot (which is enormous); the ECS before the tour; the middle
unit has 'Manors' as its destination and the far one 'Regent Centre'. BELOW: In the other direction.

ABOVE: Preparing the unit for the tour, part of the raffle flyer (71 prizes is not a Society record but did
mean that there was a high chance of winning one on this tour). The flyers are compiled by Tim Wallis.
BELOW: Mark Haggas affixing a Jim Sellens window decal. As well as being a keen steward Mark is also
a Society Committee member, updates website fixtures and archives, documents and sends out e-BLN.

ABOVE: Prototype unit 4002 at Gosforth Depot. BELOW: Familiar faces at South Gosforth waiting to
join the tour. The Airport line goes off to the left and right is the route via Benton to the Coast. All
pictures by our Society Photographer Geoff Plumb https://plumbloco.smugmug.com/ 25 Feb 2018.

ABOVE: Reversal in Stoneyhurst Road Siding, South Gosforth - taken by authorised T&W staff.
BELOW: Stoddart Street Siding No4 with a lovely sunny day - taken by authorised T&W staff.

ABOVE: St James P2 overrun buffer stop (Mr Adlam looks pleased) - taken by authorised T&W staff.
BELOW: The driver's cab.

224] The Tanfield Terminator, Sun 25 Feb 2018: By
Simon Mortimer. With the timely termination of the
Metro Meanderer tour (hopefully to become Metro
Meanderer I) at South Gosforth at 15.43, there began
a Le Mans type start to return to our cars, fire up the
engines and head for Tanfield about 10 miles distant.
Despite the seemingly very circuitous exit from
Newcastle it was noticeable how different sat navs
took different cars on different routes often for us to
simply pop out just in front or behind each other. We
all parked up under clear blue skies and strong sun on
the summit that is Tanfield car park with the temperature peaking at ZERO centigrade! Most climbed
down to Andrews House (no apostrophe) platform café in the interests of refreshment, avoiding
hypothermia and exposure; the keen east wind cut through all but the sturdiest Alpine rated clothing.

Perhaps just like the apocryphal policeman who seem to look younger as one gets older, the first and
indeed enduring impression was that the railway was staffed largely by teenagers (or even younger).
Our guard in the course of the safety briefing about the perils of the propelling movement admitted to
looking ...12 years old ... but I really am the guard... Before the 'action' it was teas and coffees all
round, no doubt providing quite a lift in takings especially when to café would normally be closing.

BELOW: Our group at Andrews House we might ask ourselves why the stewards are all at the far end
of the platform - did they know something? (All pictures by Geoff Plumb.)



[BLN 1321]
PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: Propelling round the (nowadays) rare curve to Marley Hill.

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Tanfield No3 'Twizell' at Marley Hill.

THIS PAGE ABOVE: Marley Hill after the epic journey, the line used to continue past the red flag in the
left foreground via a flat crossing over the present passenger line then originally join to Bowes Railway.

There seemed to be quite an elaborate choreography for the two trains in steam to assemble our rake
of two coaches behind the 126 year old 0-6-0T No3 'Twizell', ex-Lambton, Hetton & Joicey Collieries
Railway, which took on more coal and water in preparation for our mission to Marley! So, after 17.00
with much planning, preparation, propulsion and propelling, we boarded for the trip. We waited... and
finally, once the other train had recessed in the sidings, we set off. Leaving Andrews House (noting the
distinctive flat crossing at Marley Hill has been removed and plain lined), we headed north over 13ch
to Terrace Jn and paused in expectation at the propelling traversal to come over 5ch to Marley.
The tour tottered round the (now) rare curve and duly arrived at Marley House. Our group was then
escorted away in groups of 10 - the actual trip had taken about 7 minutes; many spent three times
longer in the buffet! It was a useful add on after Tanfield's public running, as so many of us were in the
area for the T&W trip, with relatively rare steam haulage on a Society trip and 57 took advantage.

225] All Our Yesterdays -Tanfield Railway:

BELOW: From BLN 815 (29 Nov 1997) the quoted back reference is lengthy and detailed.

Details must be checked 1321 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.
226] National Railway Museum York, Search Engine: (BLN 1320.18) https://goo.gl/FLHW8f Wed-
Sat 10.00-17.30. Free access to over 25,000 railway books and journals, about a million engineering
drawings, 11,000 posters, 2,300 prints/drawings, 1,000 paintings & 1.75M photos. An appointment
is not needed to see most, but notice of at least a week is advised to view archives or rare books.
Over 6,000 books and journals in the open access library area, study tables, computers for research
and to access archive catalogues, microfilm readers, free WiFi and a bookable group study room.
227] Mansfield & Pinxton Railway: Sat 2 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, Mansfield Museum, Leeming St, Mansfield,
NG18 1NG - a short walk from the station. Exhibitions, talks, walks, leaflet, archeology, website, a
book, teaching materials, activities and heritage boards along the route. See: https://goo.gl/TFrVfN
228] The Rovers Return... Northern Day/Weekend Unlimited Travel: Until Sun 24 Mar, collect three
tokens from local newspapers (JPIMedia - 36 titles are involved) across the North of England on
participating dates, now extending to Gainsborough and Ilkeston. If you are not 'local' or miss a copy
ring JPIMedia on 03304030066 for copies to obtain the tokens. See https://goo.gl/wQy9RC for
details, print the form, attach three tokens and take it to a staffed station up to three days before the
date/s of travel. If you are not near a staffed station, contact the Northern 'Customer Experience
Centre'; cannot be sold on trains. Although this might all seem a bit complicated it is a very good
offer indeed! Up to FOUR Northern (only) one Day Rangers (£10) or all Weekend Rovers (£17.50) -
child 5-15 half price - can be purchased (for the same day/weekend) for each three tokens. Strike
action may affect Saturdays though. The tickets allow unlimited travel on any Northern trains only all
day weekends and Bank Holidays or after 08.45 Mondays - Fridays with no evening peak restrictions.
229] Wensleydale Railway, Sat 6 Apr: Railway Touring Company steam hauled special covering the
main line connection and the rare Northallerton to Leeming Bar section. Carnforth 07.52/22.41,
Skipton, Woodlesford 10.28/19.46 and York 12.55/18.15 to Redmire 14.30 & Leyburn (break, return
16.50). From £109 (steam Carnforth - Redmire - York). https://goo.gl/iipo8C or 01553 661500.
Note: Revised times and now does Whitehall Jn - Engine Shed Jn and Castleford - South Milford Jn in
both directions. Transport will be provided from Woodesford station back to Leeds in the evening.
230] Scottish Railway Preservation Society, The Forth Circle, Sun 19 May: Linlithgow (morning),
Dalmeny and Inverkeithing (afternoon). Forth Bridge, Fife Coast, Longannet, Stirling and Polmont.
Steam hauled by 'Flying Scotsman'; bookings open March https://goo.gl/jA4W8u 0131 202 1033.

231] Langford & Ulting Halt: FOR SALE https://goo.gl/dbh9EJ A Grade II Listed 1840 period cottage
later used as the stationmistress's house (said to be the first in England). The Halt platform is still
visible, 1¼ miles from Maldon East on the branch from Witham - the delightful 'Blackwater Rail Trail'.
The listing does not say how much of the railwayana is included but several signal arms, signs etc are
visible in the photos. Two double beds, one acre. Zoe Napler Country & Equestrian 01621 476105.
232] Vale of Rheidol Railway, Driver for a Fiver: 27-30 May, 21 Jul, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 & 24 Aug
(Green timetable - 5 round trips). Drive a steam train, usually on Devil's Bridge 'demonstration line'.
233] Crewe Diesel Depot, Sat 8 Jun 09.30-16.00: A short walk from the station; last entry 15.00. A charity
open day organised by local Virgin Trains staff. 30+ steam, diesel and electric exhibits at the former diesel
depot, now the operational base of Locomotive Services Limited. Most of Britain's train and freight
operating companies are sending locomotives and units for display. Advance tickets only (limited to
5,000) online, by phone or post from 6 Feb with details on 'Railway Magazine' website at the end of Jan.

234] Otterton & East Budleigh Light Railway, PROVISIONAL Public Running Sun 9 Jun: (BLN 1276.119)
(MR p15) Usually 11.00-17.00. The Old Station, Fore St, Otterton, EX9 7BD, (SY077851). Rare public
running including the relatively new triangle over the drive in front of the house (ABOVE) at the former
East Budleigh station http://goo.gl/Bvm5wy on the Budleigh Salterton (to Exmouth) branches. Part of
the local National Gardens Open Day, which did not happen in 2018. Mention you are a BLS member
and, if it's not too busy, extra track may well be available. Full details appreciated nearer the date.

●Bookings: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Rd, STOKE-on-TRENT, ST1 6EL. [email protected] 07983 541887.
●Fixtures Sec: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE, CW2 6XN. [email protected] @BLSGeneralSec
●General Secretary: Tim Wallis, 10 Sandringham Road, STOKE GIFFORD, BS34 8NP. [email protected]
●Tom Gilby (Weymouth Walkabout BLN 1320.3) [email protected] 69 Regent St, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8GY.
●Paul Griffin, (Austria) 7 School Bell Meadows, Church Lane, Stoneleigh, COVENTRY, CV8 3ZZ. [email protected]
●Sales Officer: Graeme Jolley, Dolbryn, Penegoes, MACHYNLLETH, SY20 8NN. [email protected] 07484 646542.
●Paper BLN Problems: Dave Monger 6 Underhill Close, GODALMING, GU7 1NU. [email protected] text/ring Editor.
●MAPS: By permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html
●Editor: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX. 01684562862 07790652351. [email protected]
●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947

[BLN 1321]
PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: Propelling round the (nowadays) rare curve to Marley Hill.

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Tanfield No3 'Twizell' at Marley Hill.

THIS PAGE ABOVE: Marley Hill after the epic journey, the line used to continue past the red flag in the
left foreground via a flat crossing over the present passenger line then originally join to Bowes Railway.

There seemed to be quite an elaborate choreography for the two trains in steam to assemble our rake
of two coaches behind the 126 year old 0-6-0T No3 'Twizell', ex-Lambton, Hetton & Joicey Collieries
Railway, which took on more coal and water in preparation for our mission to Marley! So, after 17.00
with much planning, preparation, propulsion and propelling, we boarded for the trip. We waited... and
finally, once the other train had recessed in the sidings, we set off. Leaving Andrews House (noting the
distinctive flat crossing at Marley Hill has been removed and plain lined), we headed north over 13ch
to Terrace Jn and paused in expectation at the propelling traversal to come over 5ch to Marley.
The tour tottered round the (now) rare curve and duly arrived at Marley House. Our group was then
escorted away in groups of 10 - the actual trip had taken about 7 minutes; many spent three times
longer in the buffet! It was a useful add on after Tanfield's public running, as so many of us were in the
area for the T&W trip, with relatively rare steam haulage on a Society trip and 57 took advantage.

225] All Our Yesterdays -Tanfield Railway:

BELOW: From BLN 815 (29 Nov 1997) the quoted back reference is lengthy and detailed.

Details must be checked 1321 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.
226] National Railway Museum York, Search Engine: (BLN 1320.18) https://goo.gl/FLHW8f Wed-
Sat 10.00-17.30. Free access to over 25,000 railway books and journals, about a million engineering
drawings, 11,000 posters, 2,300 prints/drawings, 1,000 paintings & 1.75M photos. An appointment
is not needed to see most, but notice of at least a week is advised to view archives or rare books.
Over 6,000 books and journals in the open access library area, study tables, computers for research
and to access archive catalogues, microfilm readers, free WiFi and a bookable group study room.
227] Mansfield & Pinxton Railway: Sat 2 Feb - Sat 2 Mar, Mansfield Museum, Leeming St, Mansfield,
NG18 1NG - a short walk from the station. Exhibitions, talks, walks, leaflet, archeology, website, a
book, teaching materials, activities and heritage boards along the route. See: https://goo.gl/TFrVfN
228] The Rovers Return... Northern Day/Weekend Unlimited Travel: Until Sun 24 Mar, collect three
tokens from local newspapers (JPIMedia - 36 titles are involved) across the North of England on
participating dates, now extending to Gainsborough and Ilkeston. If you are not 'local' or miss a copy
ring JPIMedia on 03304030066 for copies to obtain the tokens. See https://goo.gl/wQy9RC for
details, print the form, attach three tokens and take it to a staffed station up to three days before the
date/s of travel. If you are not near a staffed station, contact the Northern 'Customer Experience
Centre'; cannot be sold on trains. Although this might all seem a bit complicated it is a very good
offer indeed! Up to FOUR Northern (only) one Day Rangers (£10) or all Weekend Rovers (£17.50) -
child 5-15 half price - can be purchased (for the same day/weekend) for each three tokens. Strike
action may affect Saturdays though. The tickets allow unlimited travel on any Northern trains only all
day weekends and Bank Holidays or after 08.45 Mondays - Fridays with no evening peak restrictions.
229] Wensleydale Railway, Sat 6 Apr: Railway Touring Company steam hauled special covering the
main line connection and the rare Northallerton to Leeming Bar section. Carnforth 07.52/22.41,
Skipton, Woodlesford 10.28/19.46 and York 12.55/18.15 to Redmire 14.30 & Leyburn (break, return
16.50). From £109 (steam Carnforth - Redmire - York). https://goo.gl/iipo8C or 01553 661500.
Note: Revised times and now does Whitehall Jn - Engine Shed Jn and Castleford - South Milford Jn in
both directions. Transport will be provided from Woodesford station back to Leeds in the evening.
230] Scottish Railway Preservation Society, The Forth Circle, Sun 19 May: Linlithgow (morning),
Dalmeny and Inverkeithing (afternoon). Forth Bridge, Fife Coast, Longannet, Stirling and Polmont.
Steam hauled by 'Flying Scotsman'; bookings open March https://goo.gl/jA4W8u 0131 202 1033.

231] Langford & Ulting Halt: FOR SALE https://goo.gl/dbh9EJ A Grade II Listed 1840 period cottage
later used as the stationmistress's house (said to be the first in England). The Halt platform is still
visible, 1¼ miles from Maldon East on the branch from Witham - the delightful 'Blackwater Rail Trail'.
The listing does not say how much of the railwayana is included but several signal arms, signs etc are
visible in the photos. Two double beds, one acre. Zoe Napler Country & Equestrian 01621 476105.
232] Vale of Rheidol Railway, Driver for a Fiver: 27-30 May, 21 Jul, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 & 24 Aug
(Green timetable - 5 round trips). Drive a steam train, usually on Devil's Bridge 'demonstration line'.
233] Crewe Diesel Depot, Sat 8 Jun 09.30-16.00: A short walk from the station; last entry 15.00. A charity
open day organised by local Virgin Trains staff. 30+ steam, diesel and electric exhibits at the former diesel
depot, now the operational base of Locomotive Services Limited. Most of Britain's train and freight
operating companies are sending locomotives and units for display. Advance tickets only (limited to
5,000) online, by phone or post from 6 Feb with details on 'Railway Magazine' website at the end of Jan.

234] Otterton & East Budleigh Light Railway, PROVISIONAL Public Running Sun 9 Jun: (BLN 1276.119)
(MR p15) Usually 11.00-17.00. The Old Station, Fore St, Otterton, EX9 7BD, (SY077851). Rare public
running including the relatively new triangle over the drive in front of the house (ABOVE) at the former
East Budleigh station http://goo.gl/Bvm5wy on the Budleigh Salterton (to Exmouth) branches. Part of
the local National Gardens Open Day, which did not happen in 2018. Mention you are a BLS member
and, if it's not too busy, extra track may well be available. Full details appreciated nearer the date.

●Bookings: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Rd, STOKE-on-TRENT, ST1 6EL. [email protected] 07983 541887.
●Fixtures Sec: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE, CW2 6XN. [email protected] @BLSGeneralSec
●General Secretary: Tim Wallis, 10 Sandringham Road, STOKE GIFFORD, BS34 8NP. [email protected]
●Tom Gilby (Weymouth Walkabout BLN 1320.3) [email protected] 69 Regent St, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8GY.
●Paul Griffin, (Austria) 7 School Bell Meadows, Church Lane, Stoneleigh, COVENTRY, CV8 3ZZ. [email protected]
●Sales Officer: Graeme Jolley, Dolbryn, Penegoes, MACHYNLLETH, SY20 8NN. [email protected] 07484 646542.
●Paper BLN Problems: Dave Monger 6 Underhill Close, GODALMING, GU7 1NU. [email protected] text/ring Editor.
●MAPS: By permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html
●Editor: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX. 01684562862 07790652351. [email protected]
●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947