1323

489] …And finally (thankfully!) Woofferton UGL, not a Shaggy Dog Story: (BLN 1322.356) According to
the totally unreliable Marches rumour factory, the track removal resulted from a report of rough
riding. Protective collars will have been placed on associated levers in the signal box (particularly those
controlling the single lead turnout) and freight operators are no doubt barking mad about the adverse
effect on schedules. Fortunately Cardiff - Holyhead WAG Express services are unaffected.

1323 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]

ABOVE: Recent progress with new track at Gas Works Bridge, Oswesty, looking north (Chris Parker).
MR27] Cambrian Heritage Railways (Oswestry), Shropshire (MR p7): The railway has been awarded
£117,911 by the Rural Development Fund for Phase II works at Weston Wharf. The Railway will add a
further £30,000 for which it needs to raise funds. The scheme will deliver a much needed destination,
providing a 210ft long platform with a full length run round loop alongside the main line, further
provision of a siding to access the Goods Shed and a newly constructed two coach bay platform. There
will also be a new building to accommodate much needed toilet facilities with connections to mains
services, adjacent to the Goods Shed office which will be refurbished into a period waiting room with
display material relating to the site's historical significance. Provision for hard/soft landscaping and
fencing is included together with a pedestrian connection to the Stonehouse Brewery.
At Weston Wharf, the only platform was a goods loading point, which was not high enough, had no
real foundations and then was extended with a very substandard extension. Starting over again is the
only option to create a platform even to take short trains. The loop will be laid for much longer trains.
The overall impression will be of a small rural halt. Weston will probably remain the extent of trains
until there is a new (A483) road bridge over the line, unless some agreement can be made for limited
use of the level crossing across that road. The canal restoration will eventually connect to the southern
part of the line; great progress has been made but this is still some years away. There is much
industrial heritage along the route; the Railway could be the thread that links sites together.

At Oswestry station, plans are afoot to bring back more original features - the missing ingredients are
money and volunteers. The next feature to return will be the centre road, allowing a run round facility,
for which the materials are mostly to hand. Waiting for restoration are the signals and water crane.

MR28] Aln Valley Railway, Northumberland (MR p9): One of the Railway's locomotive fleet ran onto
the Cawledge Viaduct during the week ended 25 January 2019 (the first time one had traversed any
part of this structure in over 50 years!). The Railway's permanent way gang has been busy extending
the line beyond Bridge No6, where the current passenger services terminate. Track is now laid over
Cawledge Viaduct, towards Greenrigg Bridge and the proposed Edenhill Halt (which is just out of sight
beyond the eastern end of the viaduct itself). The locomotive in question was Drewry 0-6-0DM 'Drax'.

MR29] Hastings Miniature Railway, East Sussex (MR p16) (BLN 1300.MR42): Our Roving Reporter
visited this 10¼" gauge railway on Sunday 23 December. The single fare was £2 with a return £3 - this
compares with 6p and 10p in July 1974! 4w-4wDH 'Speedy Fizzle' (RVM Engineering 2011) was in use
hauling four covered coaches. Our reporter was the only passenger each way, to/from Rock-a-Nore
station. More passengers were expected after lunch. The rest of the stock was in the shed/tunnel area.

MR30] East Hill Cliff Railway, Hastings (MR p34) (BLN 1185.MR98): The 5ft gauge funicular railway was
working when our Roving Reporter visited on Sunday 23 December. BELOW: (Peter Scott 17 Feb 2018).

MR31] Southend Pier Railway, Essex (MR p17) (BLN 1304.MR83): On a very windy Sunday 27 January
our Roving Reporter visited the Pier and its 3ft gauge railway. Coaches B1-B6 were in the left (looking
out to sea) platform together with a flat wagon and single car 4wBER 1835. 4w-4wDH 'Sir William
Heygate' was not on site. Operating from the right hand platform was 4w-4wDH 'Sir John Betjeman'
with coaches A1-A6. Trains depart from the land end at XX.00 and XX.30 and from the pier head at
XX.15 & XX.45. A senior citizen return is now £2.60. The Museum is not due to open until the spring.
Southend Council is now formulating plans to replace the rolling stock, which is operating beyond its
expected life span - it is not known if this includes the track and railway structures at this stage.

MR32] Watford Miniature Railway, Hertfordshire (MR p19) (BLN 1298.MR28): Our locally based
Roving Reporter informs us that the 10¼" gauge railway in Cassiobury Park was not running on
Christmas Day 2018 (as planned, the new operator did/does not intend to run on 25 December). The
weekend of 27 & 28 April will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the railway, with an intensive service,
visiting engines, photographic exhibition of the line's history, free entertainment and more.

ABOVE: Watford Miniature Railway, a view of the station as preparations for running are made.
(Peter Scott 22 Dec 2013.) Aren't the policeman train operators young miniature these days - Ed‽

MR33] Shrewsbury Abbey Miniature Railway, Shropshire (BLN 1321.MR15): A member comments
that had he been a BLS member in 1982 we wouldn't have had to wait 37 years for a follow up on this
Railway! In 1978, with his girlfriend (now some 39 years his wife), he had a Welsh railway holiday
based on a one week 'Freedom of Wales' rover ticket. They based themselves in Shrewsbury for
several days and stayed opposite the Abbey in the then Cannock House Guesthouse. This is the
building shown as No3 on the plan in the BLN 1321 item, now apparently converted to flats.

Their two single rooms (things were done differently in those days!) were on the first floor either side
of the entrance arch to the yard. The landing corridor had steps both up and down to clear the height
of the arch. They had noticed the miniature railway tracks in the yard and from memory and looking at
the photo in E-BLN (the one that looks from the arch down the yard) the scene has not really changed,
including the signal. The somewhat austere landlady informed them that it was her brother's (could he
be 'the old guy out the back?') setup and there was a suggestion that he might run it during their stay.
This didn't happen and they didn't push the point as their programme was tightly timed and really
packed in. This was his first real year back into full blown gricing and they were determined to cover as
much as possible each day. The mention of the GWR King is not a surprise, but after all this time he
cannot remember if they actually saw it out in the yard on returning one evening. He has a hunch that
they did. He does recall that the family not only ran the guest house but also operated a haulage
business from the yard with contract work for Tate and Lyle. Interestingly, the sign writing on the
building above the signal in the E-BLN picture advertises 'charabancs and lorries for hire' and other
related details. The Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Light Railway Shrewsbury Abbey station was in
use as an ƐSSO oil terminal with tank wagons stabled, served by the Coton Hill Yard Class 08 shunter.
As seen BELOW (with a friendly driver, most of them were) in Jun 1981 (Ian Mortimer).

MR34] Halesworth to Southwold Railway, Suffolk: Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway
Society members laid 3ft gauge rails over the surviving inspection and washing-out pits at the site of
original Southwold Railway's 1914 locomotive shed at Halesworth in October 2018. They replaced rails
lifted in 1941 and scrapped along with Sharp Stewart 2-4-0T No2 'Halesworth', which had remained at
the site following the closure of the line in 1929. Reinstating the rails forms part of a reconstructive
industrial archaeology project undertaken in harmony with the Halesworth Millennium Green Trust,
which owns the site. The Society's long term plans include building a replica of No2 'Halesworth'.

However, their next project is to lay a length of demonstration track on the route of the former
Southwold Railway about 100 metres north of the shed site, close to Network Rail's East Suffolk line,
towards Halesworth station. Since its formation in 2018, the Society has undertaken consultation with
local residents and says it found strong support for the reinstatement of the railway. The first 3 miles
of trackbed from Halesworth towards Wenhaston are outside the designated Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty. It is therefore thought this project will not encounter the same planning regulatory
difficulty, which has frustrated previous Southwold Railway revival attempts. The Society says their
scheme fits with the aim of the local authorities and tourism groups to promote inland rather than
coastal attractions. This trackbed, owned by private and public owners, is unobstructed other than the
original terminus being lost to housing - it is planned to build a recreated Halesworth station on a new
site. The Society also states there is no conflict with the separate Southwold Railway Trust, who is
developing their Steamworks site in Southwold, opened July 2018 (BLN 1310.MR150). It added:

Both groups have the same aim - albeit with a slightly differing geographical emphasis - to restore the
8 mile railway for tourists, and .... to relieve the pressure on East Suffolk's narrow and busy roads.

MR35] Churnet Valley Railway, Staffordshire (MR p8): The big project at the start of 2019 is to create
two extra sidings at Froghall to keep coaching stock there, rather than having to bring it each day from
Cheddleton. Site clearance work was carried out in January - the sidings will be formed from the half
mile or so of track left south of Froghall (towards Oakamoor) - this will be lifted and relaid at Froghall.

BELOW: Churnet Valley Railway - on the occasion of a gala, a DMU prepares to depart from Froghall
with the 10.30 Leekbrook towards Oakamoor (Peter Scott 28 Sep 2008).

X.21] Telford Steam Railway, NEXT PAGE: 'Polar Express' tail loco on 14 Dec 2018 (Sir Ian Hughes).



MR36] Crowle & Thorne Moors Peat Railway, Lincolnshire (BLN 1309.MR147): Things have progressed
well at this new 3ft gauge railway. The new workshop was constructed early last year and there has
been a delivery of sleepers and rail. The Schöma locomotives have also been moved into the new
workshops and track laying has commenced. The Simplex is currently at the local college and is coming
on well. Permission has been granted for 500 metres and it is hoped to lay 100 metres in 2019.

1323 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .
490] Scunthorpe Cold Steel Tracker, Sat 5 Jan 2019: By Terry Cotter. For me this event has very much
become a 'season opener'; something to look forward to following return to work for a few days after
the Christmas break. On a chilly morning [they had been warned] 66 of our members ranging from
Scunthorpe Virgins to stewards and regulars needing little available track - but still enjoying the unique
experience - gathered on the Appleby Frodingham Railway Preservation Society (AFRPS) platform
ready for the 09.30 departure time. The platform PA (our General Secretary!) announced that the train
had left the shed and was en route. Yorkshire Engine No1 duly arrived and the three brake vans were
swiftly filled, so off we went taking advantage of the reduced works activity after the holiday period.

Passing the AFRPS shed, it was noted that the buffet car was undergoing refurbishment and so would
not be available for our lunch stop. However, the sight of the DMU with rows of sandwiches soon put
minds at rest. With e-BLN 1323 is a marked up tour plan (new updated layout) thanks to the inimitable
Martyn Brailsford. The initial area visited was the Rail Service Centre via 227 Loop (as the main line
was blocked by a chocked wagon) and the sought after (well by me, at least!) Plate Mill Siding 24 stub.

The former Plate Mill was being demolished but this is part of a large investment so a positive thing.
With all the NR Christmas engineering works, the Rail Service Centre was unusually clear of the special
mainline rail carrying wagons which are normally present. The two 6 Bay lines were covered as far as
the tantalising open doors, then 2 Bay West and East lines to the first barrier but sadly not beyond.

BELOW: Our all first class accommodation, note Alan Sheppard's homemade headboard (A Sheppard).



PREVIOUS PAGE UPPER: The view forward propelling
along Gantry Road towards Rail Service Centre Bay 6.

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Rail Service Centre 6 Bay
entrance with rail sections on ultra low ground level
trolleys in the distance. All pictures Simon Mortimer.

However, the New Gantry line buffer stops were
tested in traditional Scunthorpe style (a first for nearly
all, as previous visits had been limited by parked
wagons). The final item in the area was the short
headshunt (only just accommodating the three brakevans) reached via Corus Rail Sidings 4 Road.
Then the loco abandoned us to return from another direction and reattached so return was via the
loop outside Corus Rail Sidings 7 Road - very efficient. This confirmed the extra mile of effort always
put in by all those operating our tours and very much appreciated, so now is probably a good time to
thank Glenn, Alan, Martyn and everybody else involved in making these days so enjoyable.

ABOVE: Souvenir ticket by Amy Nash and printed by Willow Printing & Design, Newton-le-Willows, our
Society printer. (Even with the curved corners on the actual ticket, showing we don't cut corners...)

Trent Low Yard sidings (out via 10, back through 9) were next on the itinerary then Anchor Exchange
Sidings 14 and 16 followed by Number 2, taking care to not go too far [What, BLS members go too
far‽] to pass the NR boundary and then alarmingly activate the 'SPAD' Alarm at Scunthorpe Signal
Panel - but ensuring full overlap. Again all very desired pieces of track here and not just by me. Now if
only that row of crippled, sorry mobility impaired, wagons filling the very rusty Road 12 could just be
moved … [...everyone needs Road 12!]. BELOW: Approaching Rail Service Centre 2 Bay West.

ABOVE: One lump or two? Attempting to set the stove fire in the 'keen (cold?) end' brakevan.
ABOVE: Propelling into the New Gantry Line.... most unusually it was actually clear of wagons.

ABOVE: The Appleby Coke Ovens branch; a coke car with hot coal is under the quenching tower to the
right with an impressive plume of steam being produced. NEXT PAGE: Appleby Coke Ovens quenching
tower... beyond workers have hoods and respirators - rare track indeed! There were many coke ovens
in Britain once. Some (such as Norwood in Newcastle) were so regular you could set your watch by the
plumes of steam. The ovens have to be kept going 24 hours a day or the internal walls collapse.

The steel works seemed to be gradually coming to life. The odd loco (and some even) were on the
move with various clouds of steam appearing here and there. Appleby Coke Ovens was no exception,
reached via its branch to the yellow safety gate which gave an excellent view of the coke car, ovens
and quenching tower. It runs alongside the Basic Slag Road (no comment) of the tarmacked variety.

It was lunchtime so we returned to the AFRPS shed. Here some more unexpected steam was seen but
not enough to allow a scratching in of 0-6-0 'Cranford' which hauled the DMU coaches (with snacks,
sandwiches and drinks) in as a mobile café once everyone had alighted from the brake vans. After the
usual efficient catering and look round, the group returned to the vans for the afternoon session.

This began by retracing our earlier route beneath the High Lines in the heart of the steel works but
instead of carrying on to the southern part of the site, a reversal was made (so the keen end of the
train was the right way round but keep that to yourself) sending us back north. Had the wagons in
Anchor Sidings Road 12 been relocated? Sadly not but a further reversal after a short while could only
mean one thing the highly prized High Lines and a highlight for me! The tour reached the first set of
points, equalling the previous record set by our 18 Aug 2018 tour (very much appreciated as I wasn't
on that). After a good view of the obscure and rarely seen lines and locos up there, reversing, we
headed north again, completing the Coke Ovens Weighbridge Loop. Then the tour took the inner loop
to Mills Exchange Sidings for dead end Number 6 to the parked wagons. Returning north, a further
reversal saw us take through Siding No10; I had hoped for 8 or 9 but was thwarted by more wagons!



To follow it was via the former Bloom & Billet Mill (rare running through a building here) to the
Concast area via the current main line. This has a sharp 'S' shape curve which the brakevans squeal
round. We were surprised and delighted to discover a new straighter, more direct line being built, in
fact almost complete except for the new points, which were lying adjacent to each end and awaiting
installation. This new through route (BLN 1320.5) has a loop in the middle, bypasses the Slab Yard and
is expected to be open before our 26 Aug 2019 tour. It will be more suitable for the Norwegian locos.

This area was very much alive which was good as the heat of the castings was certainly appreciated.
After testing the buffers of both sidings (difficult as they are rarely clear - this was a short window of
opportunity we grabbed) and Caster 5 Loop, it was off via 5 Bay Loop (another first for me) then the
Mill Shop Running Road to the Iron Pits. All track was covered as far as possible, despite the Shark
brakevan ballast plough disagreeing with the buildup of deposits, but fortunately only in one direction!

With light fading it was off to our last area - the Torpedo Repair Bay, where Roads 1 (inside the
building), 4 and the eastern stub (effectively Road '6') to a parked wagon were covered. Welcome heat
was generated from a hot torpedo wagon being cleaned out. Alas, after 7 hours which had really flown
by, our tour was over. One brakevan had a very good fire warden (Mark Haggas), the Shark is 'fireless'
and our speedy Coventry member eventually slowly coaxed the fire of the third into action. The
Society's hypothermia blanket was not deployed. Finally it is pleasing to report our donation of £2,907
to support the good work of the AFRPS volunteers. A big thank you to all involved in the planning,
operating and catering on this fantastic fixture and, if you missed out, why not try the August one?
[After a recount - BLN 1321.147 - this has been re-designated No19 of recent years.] I'm already
eagerly counting down the days to the 2019 Christmas break in anticipation of a 4 Jan 2020 No20 visit.

BELOW: An inviting line up to the refurbished High Lines (I'd be inclined to agree).

ABOVE & NEXT PAGE TOP: For many the 'high' light of the whole railtour was the High Lines alongside
the top of the Four Queens Blast Furnaces with their mysterious, rarely seen, track and inhabitants.
These High Line 'locos' are not classed as 'railway' but as 'machinery' and therefore are not part of the
normal railway infrastructure - their drivers are classed as 'machine operators'.

Details must be checked 1323 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.

491] Steam Dreams, Sat 23 Mar: Southend East (07.45/23.13), Rainham, Barking and Stratford to the
Bluebell Railway (with the bluebells in flower). From £119 https://goo.gl/swgMyq 01483 209 888.

492] Blackpool Heritage Trams Sat/Sun 23/24 Mar, Winter Gold Service, 10.00-17.00: Six trams in
service https://goo.gl/XVDYUv over the full tramway. Day rover £11 Adult, £6 Child, £25 Family (with
all Blackpool Transport tram & bus services). Heritage Tram day ticket (concession) £9. Other Gold
Services are: 20-22 Apr (Easter), 4-6 and 25-27 May, 22 & 23 Jun (model trams and layouts weekend),
20-21 Jul, 24-26 Aug (& Depot open day), 28-29 Sep, 23-24 Nov. Santa trams: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22 Dec.

493] Steam Dreams, Thur 4 Apr: Chinnor (08.00/23.55) - Bicester Chord - Oxford - Reading West -
Wareham (for Swanage option) or Weymouth.From £119 https://goo.gl/fMx9NB 01483 209 888.

494] Hastings Diesels Ltd, Sat 6 Apr: Hastings (07.55/17.43); certain stations-Tonbridge (09.12/16.35)
- Charing Cross (10.20/15.19) - Angerstein Wharf (10.02) - Grain (13.27) in the delightful Hastings
heritage unit, fares from £40. Booking form https://goo.gl/cT3gQe and details. Future (unconfirmed)
plans include 11 May to Lowestoft for the Carlton Colville Trolleybus event, 6 Jul to Parkend, a rare
chance to do the Dean Forest Railway connection and 17 Aug Princes Risborough & Quainton Road.

NEXT PAGE: The self-powered hoppers on Scunthorpe High Lines by the Four Queens Blast Furnaces.

495] Steam Dreams, Thur 11 Apr: Liverpool St (11.20/22.45), Colchester, Norwich (14.25/19.00) then
full length of Mid Norfolk Railway - this would be a rare trip to Worthing, Hoe Rd Crossing (15m 16ch)
with the mainline connection - Dereham (break). From £119 https://goo.gl/bnDLhf 01483 209 888.

496] RPSI, 'West Wake', Sat 13 Apr: Dublin Connolly (07.50) - Manulla Jn connection (only used by
tours, freight and ECS) - Ballina (12.30/14.25) - Claremorris - Westport - Connolly (20.57). £65/€70.
Class 071 locos https://goo.gl/GuvynW (booking fee €5.58 or by post https://goo.gl/i4Doy1 no fee).

497] Seaton Tramway Depot Tours 11.00 & 14.00: (MR p32) 14 & 28 May, 11 & 25 Jun, 9 Jul, 3 & 17
Sep, 1 & 22 Oct. New for 2019 (as well as the new terminus if you still need it) are 'behind the scenes'
tours at Riverside Depot throughout the year - travelling by tram from Seaton terminus with unlimited
tram travel all day. Led by a tram driver see the metal and wood workshops and view some of the long
withdrawn trams. £14.95 book online at https://goo.gl/sSbVHd (the day ticket alone is £11).
The Tramway has other special events such as bird watching trips (for Ian Delgado and twitchers),
wildlife and landscape photo events or drive a tram for 30 minutes, half a day or all day (30 miles).

THIS PAGE: The Fawley Hill Railway (item 500) in Aug 1987. BELOW: On the incline (Ian Mortimer).

[BLN 1323]

498] The Southfield House Light Railway (7¼" gauge), 11.00-15.30: Sundays 17 Mar, 14 Apr, 5 May,
9 Jun, 7 Jul, 1 & 29 Sep and 27 Oct 2019. Southfield House, Kenwick Rd, Louth, LN11 8NL. The basic
run of over a mile (with a significant viaduct) takes half an hour! https://goo.gl/9SMLBB is a 9½ min
video with a plan at the start. The 'Station Buffet' will be available, all children must be supervised at
all times. The largest garden railway in the UK, and in lovely grounds, if you only ever visit one this
should be it! To book email [email protected] or text/phone 07906 166858.

499] Steam Dreams, Sat 4 May: Paddington (07.15/23.20), Slough, Reading (08.10/22.10) Newbury
and Exeter to Dartmouth (13.00/16.15) From £119 https://goo.gl/ZhDmbL 01483 209 888.

500] Fawley Hill Railway, Sun 23 Jun: (BLN 1322, Fixtures Grid) Fawley, four miles north of Henley-on-
Thames, RG9 6JA, (SU 756859), (MR p7) with free parking. Due to TV filming, the 16 Jun Father's Day
public running at this interesting, steeply graded, standard gauge private railway has been cancelled.
There is a Diesel Day Sun 23 Jun with rides (no BLS fixture that day). There will be a Café, an Ice Cream
Van, unlimited rides on the trains and full access to the Museum. We have been asked to give this
publicity, any member who would like to attend must please email [email protected]
A portable miniature railway is expected to be available with heritage and modern traction options.

501] Steam Dreams, Sun 14 Jul: Paddington (09.00/21.00), Slough, Reading, Salisbury - Yeovil Railway
Centre (that is Yeovil Junction P3) (13.30/16.40). From £119 https://goo.gl/Wg8ict 01483 209 888.

502] Steam Dreams, Sat 5 Oct: Sheffield Park, Bluebell Railway (07.15/23.15), East Grinstead (08.15/
22.30) to Worcester via Oxford (Sreturn Stroud). From £119 https://goo.gl/XxzghW 01483 209 888.

503] FOR SALE/POSSIBLY EXCHANGE: (BLNs 1320.MR7 & e-BLN 1321.X8)) Glenfinnan Woodland
Miniature Railway has some unused rail for sale https://goo.gl/Q253dy (or possibly exchange) as
they need a higher grade for the heavy steam loco(s). 18mm high steel bullhead 7¼/5" gauge, 105
straight 3.5m lengths. Can deliver £1,100 the lot. If you know of anyone interested please advise them.

504] GWR Penzance Depot Charity Open Day Sat 13 Apr, 10.00-16.00: Adult £15, accompanied child
£5, 2A&3C £37. Limited to 4,500 tickets, no pay on the day. A bus shuttle is expected from the station.
See https://goo.gl/XPGDJ4 to book. (Pathfinder is running a tour to Penzance this day.) A range of old
and new traction, the first open day since the facilities here have been extended and upgraded.

505] Llangollen Railway, 'Filling the Gap to Corwen Appeal': (BLN 1320.MR5) (MR p9) The new
station due to open this year will be just 'Corwen' with no prefix or suffix. Although there has been
good progress, funds are still needed to enable the 200yd gap in the embankment west of the site
of Corwen East station to be filled. Please make cheques payable to 'CCRD' (Corwen Central Railway
Development); donations over £100 receive four day rover tickets for use in 2019 on normal service
days. Please post to the Treasurer, Mr Paul Bailey, 'Dolwen' Bryn Eglwys, Corwen, LL21 LY.

The station is unusual with access from ground level to the island platform up on an embankment
and a 14ft vertical drop within the subway. Rather than one platform one side of the embankment,
as with the temporary station (as was the original idea for Corwen), an island platform was chosen
to accommodate two trains - eventually, when the signal box is commissioned. Initially it will be one
engine in steam west of Carrog with a ground frame to work the loop - as at Carrog when it opened
in 1996. However, mobility impaired access is an issue; a stair lift seems the most likely solution.

NEXT PAGE TOP: Work on the new island platform at Corwen in January. (All by George Jones.)
LOWER: A road rail vehicle on the embankment between the Corwen stations.
SECOND PAGE TOP: Corwen East station being dismantled looking east towards Llangollen.
SECOND PAGE LOWER: The same location looking west towards the new station.





[BLN 1323]

X.22] The Rang Railway, :APPEAL: Crossness Pumping Station, London: This NEW railway is part of
Crossness Engines Trust https://goo.gl/EzizKL based at the Grade I listed pumping station, It is
looking to raise £12,500 by Crowdfunding to purchase track for a 700m long 18" gauge passenger
carrying line. Over £10,000 has been pledged but the rest must be raised by 12th March to succeed.
A range of rewards is on offer including, for £250, a day track laying! See https://goo.gl/aXVcpK

506] Virgin Trains London - Birmingham £10 Monday single (Railcard £6.60) until 15 April,: Fixed
price advance ticket trial (Mondays only either direction 11.00-13.00 and after 20.00). Also Watford
Junction, Rugby, Coventry and Birmingham International. https://goo.gl/VDsdnk on sale from all
channels up to an hour before the train first departs (subject to availability) seat reservation required.

507] SRPS, The Forth Circle, Sun 19 May: (BLN 1321.230) Now morning, afternoon and evening trips,
with Flying Scotsman (includes past Longannet power station) bookings now open 'by early March'.

508] Track Plans of Minor Railways: By our very own Peter Scott. A series of books covering all British
Isles Minor Railways. Each has its own page or two with the full track layout, sidings, sheds, additional
details and features. The books have about 60 comb bound A5 pages with a plastic cover. The new 3rd
editions are fully updated and redrawn to a higher uniform standard. Prepare for the Minor Railway
season ahead. Prices includes P&P; stocks of Vol 1 & 2 are very limited (please check). To order email
[email protected] with requirements and details. Pay by BACS or cheque payee 'P. Scott' to
93 Josephine Court, Southcote Road, Reading, RG30 2DQ. For queries email or write with an SAE.

Vol 1 - SOUTHERN ENGLAND, £9: Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire, Hampshire,
IOW, Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex, East Sussex, Greater London, Kent (119 railways) July 2013.

Vol 2 - MIDLANDS & EASTERN ENGLAND, £9: Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Bucks, Herefordshire,
Worcestershire, West Mids, Warwickshire, Northants, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Shropshire,
Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Norfolk (135 railways) September 2014.

Vol 3 - NORTHERN ENGLAND, £9: Cheshire, Derbyshire, Notts, Lincolnshire, Merseyside, Greater
Manchester, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Durham, T&W, Northumberland (122 railways) Oct 2015.

Vol 4 - CHANNEL ISLANDS, IRELAND, ISLE OF MAN, SCOTLAND & WALES, £9: Alderney, Guernsey,
Jersey, Isle of Man, all of Ireland, Scotland and Wales (95 railways) October 2018.

X.23] Blackpool Heritage Trams, Rigby Road Depot Open Day, Sun 25 Aug: FY1 5DD, the first full depot
open day since 2010, see some of the stored fleet and behind the scenes. Heritage tram shuttle from
North Pier, visiting vintage/preserved road vehicles (bus, car, wagons) and heritage bus trips.

509] Great Malvern station, Save Lady Foley's Tea Room :PETITION:: (BLN 1321.204) As indicated
closure of this delightful characterful eatery is possible after 5 Jul due to a massive rent increase.
Please see https://www.change.org/p/mr-j-chaudhry-van-der-velde-save-lady-foley-s-tea-room

●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