1325

ABOVE: 66065 is off to Newport Docks; the Newport Docks to Margam train in the distance is on the
actual Courtybella Loop (left line). BELOW: After running round, 66177 heads off for Margam as a 'top
& tailed' Birdport to Margam train passes it on the Down Relief line. (All Nick Jones Tue 5 Mar 2019.)

761] Newport Docks branch & Courtybella Loop: (BLN 1297.179 &TRACKmaps Book 3 (Jun 2018) p20)
Our peripatetic member was fortunate to witness unwonted activity (by present day standards) here
around midday on Tue 5 Mar. It is very rare for two trains to be present at the same time, but on this
occasion a freight for Margam headed by 66177 was waiting to come off the Newport Docks branch as
one from Margam headed by 66065 arrived to go in. 66065 ran round its train first, then the outbound
train drew forward into Courtybella Loop. The inbound train proceeded down the Docks branch, then
66177 ran round the outbound working and drew it into the Up and Down Goods Loop. At the same
time a 'top & tailed' Birdport (on the Uskmouth branch) to Margam freight passed on the Down Relief,
highlighting the benefit of keeping Courtybella Loop in use as opposed to setting back on the Down
Relief! These trains formerly used more economic alternatives to the second loco: a Shark ballast
plough/brakevan and then from 2016 a 'control vehicle', consisting of a well wagon and modified
container (BLN 1285.1562 https://goo.gl/Gx5iyP has a picture) until it became 'life expired'.

762] The bull mystery deepens: (BLN 1324.630) A highly respected member (no prizes for guessing
who) writes: I really don't think Llangelynin is the answer. The only exit was a short path/track - which
also served the church - sloping upwards a hundred yards or so to the main coast road [where, in the
late 1960s and possibly early 1970s, the ex-GWR wooden signpost advertising the halt's existence still
stood - Regional Ed.] Llangelynin was, however, of more than passing interest, in that - at the time of
family holidays at Llwyngwril on the Cambrian coast in the late 1950s - it was served by more than just
request stops. There were several booked weekday calls, with even the Down Cambrian Coast Express
Pwllheli portion booked to call there on school days! The only Sunday workings (09.00 Machynlleth to
Barmouth and 17.45 return - all year, for mails) were not normally booked to stop there.

However, periodically (annually, or quarterly, our member can't now remember) Sunday evensong was
conducted at St Celynin's Church, for the ecclesiastical equivalent of maintaining route knowledge
perhaps, but since de-consecrated. It was originally the parish church for the district, so then the Up
train stopped at the halt specially to set down, just after 18.00. After the service, it was a 1¾ mile
trudge (which seemed much longer....) back along the main road to our holiday cottage.

Certainly you are right to disqualify Gogarth and Abertafol - on one side of the line was the road, on
the other the river estuary. Nor do I think any of the other halts south of Portmadoc/Porthmadog
qualify as all have road access. However, Black Rock Halt, which seems to have been built to serve
nothing more than the extensive beach and the odd farm, might have a better claim, although it was a
pretty tidy step (other than along the beach) to the nearest station. April 1957 Bradshaw's Guide (for
example) has three stops each way, in the middle of the day only [as no lighting] of which 14.14 Down
was the only definite call. In turn both your BLN Ed and Regional Ed have doubts over Black Rock Halt.

The Llŷn Peninsula Coastal Path crosses the line at its site in a sandy area more suited to golf links than
cattle grazing - there is nothing that could be described as either a field or a bull in the vicinity. So
having seemingly eliminated all closed halts on the Cambrian Coast line, over to you, dear members!

1325 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]
MR43] Cambrian Heritage Railways (Oswestry), Shropshire (MR p7) (BLN 1332.MR27): Replacement
of the track following trackbed lowering at Gasworks Bridge is now well advanced as was seen in the
photograph with e-BLN 1323. Of note is the concrete slab section under the bridge itself. The
remainder still requires ballasting and levelling etc, while a gap remains south of the bridge at the
access point for road vehicles. However, permanent speed restriction and 'limited clearance' warning
signs have already been erected, the bridge's supporting girders repainted and milepost 18¾* has
been reinstated immediately north of the bridge. [*Distance from Cambrian Junction at Whitchurch].

BELOW TOP: Unusual on a heritage railway is the recently installed concrete slab track beneath the
B4579 Gas Works Bridge to maintain the loading gauge and allow the track to be lowered.

LOWER: South of the bridge, taken from a public footpath crossing of the railway. (Both Chris Parker.)



X.34] ABOVE: Devil's Bridge, Vale of Rheidol Railway (MR P29), No7 has just arrived
on the 10.30 train from Aberystwyth. (Garry Lonsdale 25 Feb 2019.)

MR44] Crich Tramway Village, Derbyshire (MR p32) (BLN 1321.MR16): 'British Trams Online' reports
that on 24 February, a number of trams and other objects were moved around as part of the project to
install new displays in the Great Exhibition Hall. The creation of a new exhibition on the life and
achievements of Michael Holroyd Smith resulted in the need for some shunting on this day with some
rarely seen trams appearing in daylight. With the traverser only recently returned following overhaul,
it was in great demand this day being used to move various trams between tracks.

As some heavy objects needed to be moved to new positions within the Exhibition Hall to make way
for the new display, it was decided to utilise London Tramlink 058 with its crane - the first time this
modern works vehicle had ever ventured inside the building! This necessitated the removal of some
other vehicles, with Douglas Head Marine Drive 1, Blackpool & Fleetwood 'Rack' 2, Blackpool Conduit
4 and the Manchester horse drawn tower wagon all getting a taste of the unseasonal winter sunshine.

After the necessary work had been done, Tramlink 058 was dispatched to Glory Mine to assist with the
ongoing track renewal work there, while the aforementioned static exhibits were moved back into
position. Glory Mine siding has not been relaid but will be next winter; the headshunt will be used for
stabling. The new exhibition is expected to be ready for the start of the new season, although further
movements may be needed first to prepare for the final installation of the new displays. [See 650 too.]

MR45] Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, Lincolnshire (MR p20) (BLN 1312.MR174): On Saturday 23
February a member made his first visit of 2019 to this 15" gauge railway, which runs along the coast in
the Lincolnshire seaside town of Cleethorpes. He thought he was about an hour early for the first
train, but to his surprise Lakeside station, the Railway's HQ, was open and the first train was loading
due to an earlier 10.00 start - not something that normally happens in the quiet ends of the season.

ABOVE: Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; 'Rachel' running round at Kingsway station.
BELOW: A close up view of 'Rachel' at Kingsway. (Both Robert Sharpe. 12 Feb 2019.)

[BLN 1325]
After obtaining his all-day pass (the price has now risen to £15) - he expected to see a steam
locomotive as Saturday is almost always a steam day but was surprised to see 'Rachel', a small diesel
acquired towards the end of last year's season. He boarded the train which had a good run down to
Kingsway to deliver the staff member who works the shop there and to open the gate protecting the
station. After running around, there was a rather spirited run by 'Rachel' on her first day in actual
passenger service, before stopping at Lakeside prior to heading off to Humberston. However, after
leaving Lakeside the train was brought to a halt just short of the second of the two level crossings on
the railway. The guard then stood on the crossing to flag the train over, due to a fault with the level
crossing which had occurred just before the Santa Specials last year. So for the time being two new
'STOP AND OBTAIN PERMISSION' signs have been provided.

The majority of the day passed otherwise smoothly until 'Rachel' started shutting down while idling.
For some time prior, she had been suffering from an inability to keep up the pressure in the braking
system and so needed help from a motorised pump carried in the guard's compartment - this got so
bad that our reporter was pressed into service and asked to lean out the train and listen for any
grinding or hissing coming from the brake pipes or the brakes themselves! After her fifth shutdown, a
radio message was sent asking for advice, at which point DA1, known as 'Dai', was brought from
Lakeside - she'd been brought off shed an hour previously just in case. 'Rachel' was then carefully
coaxed from Kingsway to the loop section at Lakeside, detached from the train and dismissed to the
shed where she played no further part in proceedings.

With DA1 attached, service resumed more or less to time with no issues except where one lady tried
to light a cigarette and was promptly told off by the guard and driver! No work has yet taken place on
the planned extension to the caravan park (beyond Humberston) as some complications have arisen,
though it is not known what these are. There was an amusing moment when tickets were being
checked by the guard. A large and boisterous group had boarded and seemed put out that they were
asked for their tickets. When the guard simply nodded at our reporter, the group asked why he had
not had his ticket checked, the reply was 'Oh, he always has the same ticket. We never bother with
asking him'. When he asked the guard later, it turns out they are 'trained' not to bother asking our
member (that's sharp) on account they know him far too well and the mere sight of him on the train is
enough 'authority' to travel. If only it was that way on all trains, he adds!

MR46] Bristol Harbour Railway, Bristol (MR p6): On Saturday 2 March services were being operated
by 0-6-0ST 'IW & D No34' (Avonside 1764 of 1917) with bogie wagon DB978121, Conflat B506002 and
Toad brake van 17391. The wagons have been converted into open coaches with seating. Passengers
were also conveyed in the Toad. Trains were only running between the M shed and SS Great Britain,
with the loco propelling the train out from the M Shed. According to a volunteer selling tickets at
M shed, no trains had operated down the branch to Vauxhall Bridge since 'late last summer'. However,
both the M Shed web site and on-site notices by the railway refer to alternate trains down both legs.

Fares were £2.50 single and £3.50 return. Inspection of the branch to Vauxhall Bridge found the rusty
track to be intact as far as the point where the river bank has slipped - between the bridge and the
warehouse near the Create Centre. No track has been laid at the new shed or where the new station
will be near the Create Centre. All trains observed were well-loaded and the whole Floating Harbour
area was very busy. [Repairs are still pending to the river bank beyond the Chocolate Path - BLN Ed.]

MR47] Seaton Tramway, Devon (MR p32) (BLN 1315.MR214): Pre-booked Depot tours, which will also
give participants an Explorer day ticket for the Tramway, are to cost £14.95 (just £3.95 more than the
Explorer ticket). Tours are planned to run twice per month from May to October, except August.

NEXT PAGE TOP: Bristol Harbour Railway; 'IW&D 34' raising steam outside the shed - part of M Shed
Museum building. Crane rides sometimes operate along the quay - far left. (Peter Scott 2 Mar 2019.)



PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: A Great Western Railway 150th anniversary steam shuttle, from Wapping
Wharf (in its final years as a rail served coal depot), to Bristol TM on 22 Sep 1985 by the River Avon on
the part of the Bristol Harbour Railway not currently in use. ABOVE: Wapping Wharf. (Ian Mortimer.)

1325 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]
BELOW: The day before the morning after... on the way to Carnforth; a random pacer at Lancaster

north bay P1 and, no, it wasn't going to Wigan Wallgate. (All picture by Mx Mark Maggas.)

763] The Ruby Vampire, a steward's viewpoint, Sun 4 Nov 2018: By Mark Haggas. This tour began the
previous day for some of the stewards, who met at Crewe station for service trains to Carnforth to
prepare the stock. After moving our extensive railtour kit from the station over to Carnforth West
Coast Railways Depot, we were directed to the train, loaded our supplies and began preparation.
This included fitting coach letter labels, window decals, raffle posters and toilet check sheets in each
coach - all requiring large amounts of non-marking sticky tape. Tour brochures, refuse sacks, and
passenger manifests are also placed in every coach. Checks were made that signing in sheets for
stewards, radio check lists, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, toolkit (very important) and cleaning
materials were all present and correct. We were now about half way back to Crewe. Completing all
this in advance saves much time and helps on the day of the tour.

Similarly quite a few hours are spent before a tour making up hundreds of sets of raffle ticket with the
same numbers (but in six different colours!) and tearing up the counterfoils into individual tickets so

each one has an equal chance. The prizes have to be
sourced, collected and sorted, the list / flyer assembled /
printed then delivered. We won't mention producing
historical / geographical route notes, maps, track plans,
souvenir tickets etc. On route we discovered that our Class
33 needed some hydrostatic oil. The train crew had the oil
but were missing a funnel to pour it in and by now all the
shops were closed. Fortunately, our ever resourceful
Fixtures Secretary was able to find one at home (handily
near Crewe) and brought it to the train early the next
morning to allow a top up to take place!

ABOVE: Jim Sellen's terminal ticket, which was in the 20,000 series, before his well earned retirement.

On the day of the tour we reported for duty at 08.40, the stock arrived into Crewe P11, and with all
aboard we depart for a brisk run to Chester in the sunshine with the Class 33 leading. The stewards
then began their ticket check against the manifests and handed out the tour brochures and maps.
Kev and Jim later issued the last ever of Jim Sellen's wonderful souvenir tickets, as he retired from this
role after the tour. Approaching Chester the tour took the facing crossover at 178m 56ch cutting right
across the station approach at Chester East Jn to run through Chester Reception Road (Line No1); a
first for nearly all. At Chester West Jn it was on to the bidirectional Up Slow then, briefly, the Up Fast
before Windmill Lane Tunnel to reach the Down Fast then the redoubled section beyond Saltney Jn to
Rossett Jn. At Gobowen a reversal enabled coverage of the trailing crossover immediately north of the
station to run back to Wrexham General and through P3 to take the bidirectional connection to the
Down Bidston. Spirits were high on the fully booked tour and the usual charity raffle was in full swing.

After Dee Marsh North Jn (formerly Birkenhead Jn) we entered Birkenhead Sidings at the stipulated
5mph and noticed that the ride became rough. The train stopped promptly as the emergency brake
PassComm had been pulled by one of our trained stewards in Coach B. The front wheel set (only) of
the leading bogie of Coach B had derailed to the side. Fortunately there were no injuries due to the
low speed (indeed the very reason for taking these lines at slow speed) and, after checking everyone
was OK, the train crew gathered trackside to confirm what had happened and to make the necessary
calls to Network Rail. The local Mobile Operations Managers were soon on site and Wigan 'BRUFF'
re-railing team was called to assist. Unfortunately this headshunt is now a dead end rather than a loop.

The teams deliberated various ways to recover the situation, from detraining passengers to arranging
road transport at the nearest access point. Both options were discounted, and it was decided to run
the rear non-derailed Coach A with half the participants and the Class 33 back to Wrexham General to
transfer passengers to service trains. This was to be repeated for the remaining participants. Once the
Class 33 had departed, the rest of the passengers in the derailed coach were moved back to Coach C so
that Coach B could be detached. The two other coaches with the passengers were then drawn forward

away from the derailed one by the Class 47 so the BRUFF guys could start re-railing work. This involved
four hydraulic jacks and wooden blocks as packing. After just an hour, the coach had been raised,
moved across and lowered safely back onto the tracks - very professional and impressive work.

The Class 33 and its now empty coach had returned and, with Coach 'B' re-railed, there was a change of
plan. Coach A and the Class 33 shunted out of the way, while the 47 backed our two coaches onto the
re-railed Coach B and then propelled it back over the track into the cripple siding at the other end of
Dee Marsh ['silver lined' rare tack for those remaining]. Coach B was then detached and stabled for
later recovery which required wheel skates. We then pulled forward and the 33 and Coach A rejoined
our set to form a 3-coach train comprising Coaches A, C and D still with the 47 and 33 at each end.
The Ruby Vampire returned to Crewe station, arriving two hours ahead of schedule! The Society is
extremely grateful for the professionalism and support shown by the teams from Network Rail, West
Coast Railways and DB Cargo (including BRUFF), who efficiently ensured we all returned home safely.

BELOW: The derailed bogie before the lift then slide, looking south towards Wrexham General.
There are two pictures of this railtour at Gobowen and Wrexham General in e-BLN 1316.

ABOVE: The Wigan BRUFF Team arrives.

ABOVE: After the lift, sliding the bogie across as a Bidston to Wrexham Central train passes (the same
unit did each hour in alternative directions they are two hourly on Sundays). BELOW: Back on the rails!

Of note, the derailment occurred during the charity raffle and it was decided to continue with it.
The response from the 220 aboard was magnificent and (with other fund raising) an impressive £1,025
was donated to support the Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes volunteers. [Merseyrail's charity in its
Ruby anniversary year, hence the 'Ruby Vampire' tour name which puzzled some.] Many positive and
supportive messages were received following the tour from participants praising the way the situation
was handled, including the parts played by our Tour Manager and stewards. The understanding and
calm response of our participants was also noteworthy (for one it was his third such event on railtours)
and actually some very interesting rare track was covered before the derailment.

764] The Positioning Move; Sat 2 Feb 2019: By Neil Greenwood. This 'one direction' tour (no it wasn't
Harry Styles and Co in concert) started off as an ECS move from Carnforth to Bristol Temple Meads for
our Looe Brush railtour the following day. However, with an interesting route in prospect it was
thought perhaps 70 or 80 would take advantage of it being opened up to passengers, particularly with
the line through Cheltenham Spa closed all weekend for signalling work. In the event over 210
participated (quite a few not on the Looe Brush as it filled quickly) and there was even a raffle which
raised an excellent £1,050 for the Brush Type 4 Fund. That group was well represented on the train in
Coach 'A', they provided many great prizes for the raffle and were also very keen to buy tickets too.

With a flat fare of only £40 and a very sociable 11.16 start from Lancaster, pick ups were made at
Preston, Crewe and Stafford on the aptly named 'Positioning Move' with two West Coast Railways
Class 47 locos, 'top & tail'. 47772 provided the traction all day; 47826 had its turn the following day.

Less than 24 hours before the tour left Crewe, 60009 'Union of South Africa' was in steam on P12
waiting to go onto depot. (BELOW) It's a case of catch this loco while you can as it will be withdrawn at
the end of April; the owner intends to display it on his Balbuthie estate from the end of next year.

[BLN 1325]
At 13.15 on 2 Feb the rather less well known, 47772, pulled into P12 in the sun, sporting 'Brush Type 4
Fund' and the red with silver lettering 'Branch Line Society' headboards. This 'Birthday Brush' (build
date 1 Feb 1965) celebrated its 54th birthday the previous day. It carried four different numbers over
the years and was named 'Sir Gwynedd/County of Gwynedd' from 31 Oct 1982 to 22 Dec 1993. At the
rear, 47826 the younger brother, at only 53 years old, had also carried four different numbers and was
named 'Springburn' 10 May 1989 - 3 Oct 1990; 31 Oct 2001 - 31 Jul 2007 & 16 Jun 1987 - 10 May 1989.

Brush Traction built a total of 512 Class 47s at either Crewe or Loughborough between 1962 and 1968,
making them the most numerous class of mainline loco on the British Rail network. This meant that
they were to be found almost everywhere; this ubiquitousness earned them the nickname 'duff' as
they inevitably cropped up on trains that the general haulage fraternity wished they hadn't - except
those without a steam heating boiler, of course! However, from the perspective of their operators,
British Rail, they were one of the more reliable and successful types, borne out by the fact that in 2018
there were still 24 Class 47s operating revenue earning trains on the national network.

As might be expected the route to Bristol was not
the shortest and involved some rarely used (by
passenger, indeed by any trains) curves and one
or two loops. The last pick up was Stafford where
we waited at P6 for a Liverpool to Birmingham
New Street EMU to pass. On departure we then
waited time at Rickerscote on the Up Penkridge
Slow for a Manchester to Bournemouth Voyager
to go by. Stafford P6 and the Up Penkridge Slow
(the former Up Birmingham Slow) now see very
few passenger service trains. P6 used to have
daily activity with AM4 EMUs on services between
Stafford, Stone and Manchester Piccadilly departing from the northern end and departing to
Birmingham from the southern end. Once AM4s ran hourly all stations (even Norton Bridge) New
Street to Manchester on this route! ABOVE LEFT: The souvenir ticket designed by Amy Nash.

Chord from Bushbury (Oxley) Jn to Oxley, Stafford Road Jn. Most railtours seem to do it in the Down
direction, and there is no booked traffic on the Up, so this was a bonus. A straight forward run towards
Shrewsbury taking the Down Wellington through that station (middle line) brought us to our second
rare curve of the day at Abbey Foregate Jn. The double track loop line allows trains from Wellington
to join the line to Craven Arms and Welshpool without reversing at Shrewsbury station. Again there is
no booked traffic in this direction. 97303, one of the ERTMS signalling equipment fitted Class 37s, was
stabled at Coleham Depot (just north of Sutton Bridge Jn). This loco's infamous claim to fame is that it
was involved in a fatal accident on an unstaffed crossing in Penrhyndeudraeth on 2 Sep 2009. [Those
who wanted to cross were supposed to ring the signaller first, but sadly the person concerned didn't.]

On our way to South Wales we took in Craven Arms Down Goods Loop and stopped at Hereford to
change crew. The day had been cold but clear of snow, although as we ventured further south more
and more snow could be seen on the hills and lower lying areas. Darkness fell as we approached the
Newport area, taking the single bidirectional line Hereford Loop then cross over to run through No2
Reception Line at East Usk Yard. This local freight hub stabled locos and wagons during the Bristol
Parkway blockade in Sep 2017 and was similarly used for the more recent Filton re-quadrupling.

NEXT PAGE UPPER: 47772 at Stafford P6 looking north, left is the bidirectional Stafford Goods Loop
through the former Royal Mail Terminal 'P7'. LOWER: The other end of the train looking south with
47826; the former Royal Mail terminal platform is to the right. (All pictures by Neil Greenwood.)

The first curve of interest, a few miles south of Penkridge, was the 'freight' only 1m 2ch Up Oxley

[BLN 1325]
We were relieved to take the Up Relief over the Bishton Flyover and by Magor the tour was a few
minutes ahead of schedule. However, this was all set to change when we came to a halt just short of
Severn Tunnel Junction. For around 20 minutes we sat in sub zero conditions outside, although the
train heating was working well. The original plan had been to use the Up Pilning Loop followed by a
run down the newly reinstated Down Filton Main into Bristol Temple Meads P6. However, NR Western
had just implemented their 'Key Route Strategy' due to the adverse weather - this prohibits any points
being reversed unnecessarily in case they won't normalise after. To compensate, our Marching
Crompton II (Sat 23 Mar) is booked to do the loop with an extra pick up at Severn Tunnel Junction.

For the same reason we then took the Down Filton Relief instead of the newly relaid Down Filton Main
from Horfield Jn into Temple Meads, reached three minutes early! Nevertheless, for a stock positioning
move we had the pleasure of being hauled by a veteran Class 47 on an interesting and unusual route.
The (real) ECS was later seen recessing in the Middle Siding (reached via the west end ground frame).

X.35] The Woodhorn Wanderer, Sat 23 Feb
2019: (BLN 1324.635) RIGHT: Amy Nash's
souvenir ticket (with thanks to Willow Print and
Design). John Cameron will be handing these
tickets out to Woodhorn participants on our
'Marching Crompton II' and 'Ruby Vampire - the
Second Bite' railtours. (John is a steward in
Coach 'C' both days.) If you were on the trip and
still did not receive one please send an SAE to
Kev Adlam (per back page) with a request.

BELOW: The start of the tour at Museum Halt.
(All pictures by Geoff Plumb; 23 Feb 2019.)



PREVIOUS PAGE: On the way from Museum Halt to Lakeside. THIS PAGE: Our tour at Lakeside Halt.

Details must be checked 1325 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.

765] Tyne & Wear Metro: (BLN 1324.637) Chris Davis was lucky in our T&W tour raffle, winning a
visit to the massive T&W Metro Gosforth Depot (built by the LNER!) which is to be redeveloped.
Two places are still available (date to be agreed); contact [email protected] 0115 9724570.

Quorn 10.04 11.45 13.44 15.19 766] The Mountsorrel Railway, Sunday 31 March
2019: Through trains using two steam engines
Heritage Centre 10.44 12.24 14.29 † 16.09 'top & tail' from Quorn & Woodhouse to the end

Rothley 11.02 12.43 14.47 16.27

of the mile long Mountsorrel branch (ABOVE) calling at Nunckley Hill. There visit the interesting local

Heritage Centre, Museum and Community Café which does excellent food (and in particular

wonderful cakes and ice creams). Book at Great Central Railway Website: https://goo.gl/KJstmE or

at Quorn & Woodhouse, or Rothley stations also (cash only) on the train. The timetable is above left,

†Last round trip from the Heritage Centre. One return trip is £6 Adults; £3 Child or with a Great

Central Railway Day Rover a £3 supplement gives unlimited travel on these trains (this can be

purchased with the Day Rover, in advance or on the day as above). (Great Central Day Rover: Adult

£18; Child £9 or (£16/£8 after 14.30) Family 1A&3C £30 or 2A&3C £40 both £5 reduction after 14.30.)

767] Haywood's Permanent Way, Wed 24 Apr 19.30, Rolleston-on-Dove station: An illustrated talk, by
Clive Baker. Non-members £2, venue: The Sports and Social Club, Main Road, Great Haywood, ST18 0SU.

768] Blackpool Heritage Trams, Rigby Road Depot Open Day, Sun 25 Aug: (BLN 1323.492) FY1 5DD, the
first full depot open day since 2010; see some of the stored fleet and behind the scenes. Heritage tram
shuttle North Pier - Depot; visiting vintage/preserved road vehicles (bus/car/wagons) & heritage bus trips.

NEW: DRIVE A HERITAGE TRAM 08.30-17.00, a course for two people with a full safety brief, introduction
to the tramway, familiarisation with the tram and each driving for three hours in total between Pleasure
Beach and Little Bispham. Includes a workshop tour, a selection of 'Real Drive' souvenirs, a framed course
certificate, breakfast rolls, refreshments during the day and lunch. Up to four companions (£10 each) can
join at North Pier or Tower Heritage stop to travel and have lunch. £450 per person for two, or £800 for
one person (6 hours driving). See https://goo.gl/Z1iD82 for dates/conditions & bookings 01253 209521.

●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
●Tom Gilby, (Weymouth Walkabout BLN 1320.3) [email protected] 69 Regent St, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8GY.
●Neil Lewis, (South Cheshire Miniature Railways BLN 1324.512) [email protected]
●John Cameron, [email protected] or text 07581178759; any letters to Paul Stewart (below) please.
●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.
●Editor: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX. 01684562862 07790652351. [email protected]
●General Secretary: Tim Wallis, 10 Sandringham Road, STOKE GIFFORD, BS34 8NP. [email protected]
●MAPS: By permission of the National Library of Scotland http://maps.nls.uk/index.html

●Paper BLN Printed by Willow Printing & Design Ltd, 75/79 Back Cross Lane, NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS, WA12 9YE.
[email protected] 01925222449 https://goo.gl/X6aQBA

●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947

X.36] BLN 1324.X.24 Guess the location
LEFT: This Great British national railway
station, also mentioned in BLN 1323 was
Great Malvern, the style of stonework is
very typical of the area. This out of use
station pillar box is on P1 set into the
station building itself. (Stuart Hicks.)

Property Section - The Old Station
Corbière: At the extreme SW tip of Jersey.
Modernised with a glazed extension, 270o
panoramic views of the coast/St Ouen's
Bay from the sun deck and terrace. The
original 1899 two-storey building had a
station master's house, booking office and
waiting rooms. Outside is a long single
platform and a railway walk. OP 1 Jul
1899; CP 30 Sep 1939 a bus route serves
locations on the Jersey Railway and
terminates nearby. https://goo.gl/RXXo9x
has details, pictures, etc 01534717100.
Our Jersey correspondent asks if it's the
dearest station conversion yet - £3.75M?

X.37] Virgin Trains: In Pendolonos (only,
not Voyagers) free WiFi is being extended
to all Standard Class coaches 'by May'.