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10th August 2019

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Published by membersonly, 2019-08-08 19:26:05

1333

10th August 2019

Work is continuing with much lineside plant in evidence. Many were out to see the train on all the
platforms (except Dolgarrog, which doesn't have one - as above). Busy service trains were crossed at
North Llanrwst in both directions. At Blaenau Ffestiniog the Ffestiniog Railway (FR) had made a real
effort 'Challoner' and 'High Napier' were chugging up and down the rare, normally very rusty P2
(protected by rolling stock at the Porthmadog end and a derailer at the buffer stops end) giving free
footplate rides to anyone who wanted one. Many from the tour made a scenic trip to Tan-y-Bwlch and
back during the almost 3 hour layover on the FR 13.40 departure, strengthened and double headed.

The time table had been adjusted to give two return options. Meanwhile a 'reopening ceremony' was
performed at Blaenau; the two standard gauge locos side by side. They used the exceedingly rare rusty
'Siding' - essentially a loop, to individually run round with No2 and No3 Ground Frames in action. Then
the whole train shunted into the siding for a TfW DMU to use P1. When it did and connected to/from
an FR service train in P3 and its loco ran-round, all five lines were in use (two standard gauge and three
narrow gauge) at the same time! The locals were clearly glad to have their railway back in action.

On Sun 4 Aug North Llanrwst had 5 arrivals/departures instead of the usual 3 (one from Bangor and
one to Holyhead). From 5-9 Aug there were 7 arrivals and 12 (!) departures but no exotic through
trains. Word is that the signaller has the following week off to recover from all the excitement.

1973] Proper trains: RTT suggests that from the Dec 2019 timetable change there will be three SSuX
Cardiff - Holyhead round trips formed of loco and push-pull sets at the expense of the Crewe based
Holyhead/Llandudno - Manchester Piccadilly/Crewe workings which will revert to DMU operation.

1974] Core Valley Lines (CVL): (BLN 1332.1850) The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) issued its formal
consent to the asset transfer on 12 Jul but with the caveats that for it to go ahead NR must: ●Propose
a Network Change in respect of it which must be agreed or any disputes resolved with all affected
Train/Freight Operating Companies. ●Remove CVL track access rights from existing contracts.

As outlined in the earlier item, the TOCs then need to negotiate new track access contracts with Amey
Keolis Infrastructure (AKIL), each of which requires ORR approval! AKIL also needs to obtain the
statutory safety authorisation from the ORR. Several major genuine concerns have in fact been raised
by the TOCs and the Freight Haulage Association who have all stated that they will not consent to the
Network Change before these matters are resolved. Until they do, the transfer cannot proceed.

The ORR is sympathetic and notes that this is the first transfer of its kind and that the issues raised
have highlighted the challenges involved and the need to reach agreement at an early stage in the
process. It understands that the organisations concerned are likely to feed their views into the
Williams Review - whose chairman has already indicated that he does not consider the existing
franchising structure fit for purpose! Once again, any resemblance to Br*x*t is purely coincidental…

1975] Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth: NR has temporarily closed Fron user worked level crossing on the
redoubled and reversible 'dynamic loop' section south of Welshpool (36m 39ch from Sutton Bridge
Jn). European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) marker boards MH1020 & 1022 protecting the
single line Fron Jn 18ch further south are so positioned that Down trains brought to a stand block the
crossing, causing safety hazards as well as contravening the 1980 Highways Act. This was evidently
overlooked or dismissed initially as, prior to the service enhancements of May 2015, trains were not
normally scheduled to pass on the loop so were very unlikely to stop there. The proposed hourly all
day service, on track for Dec 2022, will add to the problem. NR therefore proposes moving the marker
boards etc about 300m northwards, slightly delaying trains that are held there. Software updates for
the (already obsolete version of) ERTMS will then be carried out by Hitachi; their long lead times mean
that commissioning is not expected until early 2020. The total cost estimate for this is £437,000!!

1976] Abergavenny: (BLN 1319.2819) On 26 Jul the vertiginous temporary footbridge became
redundant when the permanent bridge reopened following repairs and refurbishment. As well as the
main structural components, these included providing new decking with a non-slip surface and
reducing the visibility of cabling! From a picture it looks very smart and a tremendous improvement.

1977] Cardiff Bay: On Sat 27 Jul all Treherbert - Cardiff Central (via Cathays) and return services were
diverted to/from Cardiff Bay, largely (but unusually not exclusively) replacing the normal shuttle
service from Queen Street P1. Realtime Trains described these changes as 'planned'; any information
as to the reason would be welcome as there does not appear to have been any advance publicity.

1333 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]
X.98] BELOW: The extended end of line headshunt at the new Welsh Highland Railway Caernarfon
station is on the trackbed of the former standard gauge passenger line (from Afon Wen on the
Cambrian Coast line). It once continued through the tunnel to Caernarvon (as it was; CP 5 Jan 1970)
passenger station then on to Bangor. The tunnel can be done in both directions on road vehicles
(but not by pedestrians) and 'virtually' by the little person on Google maps. (Ian Mortimer Jun 2019.)

X.99] NEXT PAGE UPPER: (BLN 1332.1715 & MR 133) Welsh Highland Heritage Railway (MR p30) on
the evening of Sat 22 Jun 2019 at Pen-y-Mount. A train of vintage stock returning from Beddgelert to
Porthmadog Tremadoc Road station with 'Russell'. The passengers had to detrain at the new Welsh
Highland Railway P3 here (right, out of sight) so they could walk over to watch the train doing the rare
connection ECS then rejoin it in P2 afterwards, seen here. P1 is on the left. (Ian Mortimer.)

MR136] Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, Durham (MR p9 & p32) (BLN 1326.MR56): A visit
was made on Saturday 13 July to this large world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in
North East England during the 1820s, 1900s & 1940s. The site was busy as this day was part of a 1950s
festival and a good number of visitors (mostly the ladies) were attired in the dress of that era.
Admission was a very reasonable £19.50 (£14.50 seniors) for adults and thereafter all the rides were
free - except the Model Engineers Railway see next report. The admission fee allows unlimited further
access for a year. On the 4' 8½" gauge Tramway a service was only being provided in a clockwise
direction - presumably this was thought to offer a better regulated service of cars. In use were trams
Blackpool 31, Newcastle 114, Sheffield 264 & Blackpool 40. All observed were filled to capacity.

The standard gauge Railway was offering a continuous service from Rowley station with 0-6-0ST
(P2000/ 1942) and two vintage coaches. The line runs for 20ch from the single platform station behind
the 1900s town main street, to emerge and terminate just short of the Tramway. The train almost
reached end of the line there. The Pockerley Waggonway was running between 12.30 and 15.00 with
6wG 'Steam Elephant' (AK/2001) and two coaches. The Colliery Railway has no public passenger riding
and was entirely static on this day. However, the Engine Shed containing three historic locomotives
was open for viewing. There is also a 2ft Narrow Gauge Railway, which operates demonstration trains
at certain special events. This was also static, with no locomotives discernible - although there are two
small sheds. In addition, part of the line had been covered with spoil and rubble. A more recent
addition is a 15" Gauge Railway, formed by laying two rails in the '4ft' of part of the Colliery Railway,
giving a running length of some 150 yards. This was in use for the first time and providing rides at the
Beamish Great North Steam Fair, held between 11 & 14 April 2019. Motive power was 'Katie' and
'River Irt' from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, top & tail. It is not known when it will operate again -
but presumably only during major events - as Beamish does not have its own 15" gauge motive power.

NEXT PAGE UPPER: Beamish; at a wet Rowley station, 'P2000' has just arrived back from a run on the
standard gauge line. NEXT PAGE LOWER: Beamish Model Engineers; a selection of motive power
stands on and around the turntable. (Both Peter Scott, 13 Jul 2019.)



ABOVE: The top of Beamish Rack Railway where it joins the ground level lines. Only two passengers at
a time could be put on the rack, but 70 members were on the day of our 2013 Beamish AGM. We were
lucky as there were few rack drivers and our booked one was sick on the day; very fortunately another
kindly came in (and a considerable distance) at short notice. (Both Angus McDougall, 30 Nov 2013.)

ABOVE: The unusual steam rack locomotive - it was an impressive sight and sound going up the incline.

MR137] Beamish Model Engineers, County Durham (MR p15) (BLN 1282.MR100): This society
operates a ground level 7¼" gauge railway within the large Beamish Museum. Public running now
seems to occur regularly on the second Saturday of the month from 13.00-16.00. On Saturday 13 July
the start of running was delayed until around 13.25 due to wet weather (the battery loco obviously not
being used in wet weather!). In use was a 0-4-0 rack loco named 'Magnu' with three sit-in coaches.

No fares were charged, but a £1 donation was suggested. The unique Rack Railway (MR p15) is no
longer in public passenger use. The guard explained that the long inclined viaduct does not have the
required clearance either side of the train for public running. It is not certain when the last passengers
were carried on the Rack line, but it was in public use during the Great North Steam Fair from 6 to 9
April 2017 event at the Museum. Does anyone know of any later days of public operation please?

X.100] NEXT PAGE TOP BOTH SIDES: (BLN 1332.1704 & 1866) Cambrian Heritage Railways, Oswestry
(MR p7) Thur 11 Jul; the clearance test train (prior to public opening of the extension on Sat 13 Jul)
stops before the B4579 Shrewsbury Road Gasworks Bridge - it did fit. LOWER: View of the bridge with
reinforcing metalwork and slab track which is to achieve/maintain clearances - it is fortunate that it
was double track here from 1900 until 1967 and there is room for a single track still. (Ian Hughes.)

SECOND PAGE: Travis Perkins Accommodation Crossing; the present end of line. TOP: Looking north
towards Oswestry. LOWER: Looking south towards Weston Wharf. (Both Chris Parker, 18 Jul 2019.)



PREVIOSU PAGE:

MR138] North Norfolk Railway, Norfolk (MR p8): A Beer Festival on 19-21 July occupied Sheringham
platforms 2 and 3, with a rake of coaches thoughtfully stabled in platform 2 to provide seating for the
participants. This meant that run-round in the station was not possible, and instead, arriving loco-
hauled trains stopped at Sheringham West Signal Box where the loco was detached and crossed to the
other line. Then a Class 08 diesel shunter, berthed at the level crossing end of platform 1, trundled out
to haul the train into the platform. All three stations have interesting shops and displays, but Kelling
Heath Park, classed as a halt, is a request stop with a very short platform, served only by DMU
workings. At Holt, incoming trains frustratingly cross right to the eastbound platform 1 (37m 61ch);
but platform 2 (37m 54ch) stretches tantalisingly further west! The 3½/5" gauge elevated railway at
Holt is stated to operate on Sundays and Bank Holidays. [Our 13 Mar 2015 & 10 Mar 2017 NNR trips
were very comprehensive! Platform 2 can be done during Galas and when special/dining trains run.]

MR139] Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, East Ayrshire (MR p10): A visit here on Sunday 7 July
(a 'Diesel Day') found services being operated by 0-4-0DM No1 (AB347/1941) and LMSR saloon coach
DM45020. This vehicle had latterly been used by EWS/DBC. The adult fare was £7 for one trip and
ticketing was as described in BLN 1329.MR100. Since that report dating from a 5 May 2019 visit the
ride has been extended further southeast along the Hargreaves owned line towards Chalmerston.

Trains run from 52m 65ch (Dunaskin) and now terminate at 53m 62ch - just short of Laight Farm Level
Crossing (53m 63ch; NS 4560 0741). The ride length is now 77ch - but as trains now only do one return
journey (a double trip was provided in May) a 20 minute service can be maintained. The normal steam
service loco - 0-4-0ST No10 (AB2244/1947) - was outside the shed along with the 0-4-0 fireless loco.

BELOW: (TRACKmaps 1 p2C Nov 2017) Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group - AB347 propels Saloon
DM45020 out of Dunaskin station onto part of the Chalmerston branch. (Peter Scott, 7 Jul 2019.)

[BLN 1333]
MR140] Mid Hants Railway, (MHR) Hampshire (MR p6): A visit was made here on a hot and sunny
Saturday 29 June. A two train (hourly interval) service was in operation, leaving both termini (Alresford
and Medstead currently) on the hour and crossing at Ropley. The two trains were formed: BR 2-6-0
76017 with coaches 21236, 3738 & 1105 (the 12.00 from Medstead), and BR 2-6-2T 41312 with S4211,
4910 & 4600. Our correspondent took the SSuO twice in each direction free bus service (run for MHR
by Top Marks Coaches) out at 11.20 (& 12.20) and back at 16.15 (& 15.15). The latter do not connect
well with trains arriving at Medstead at XX.25. Edmondson tickets are still issued, his at Medstead,
costing him £8 at the Heritage Railway Association (or MHR member) rate.

The main reason for going was the Urie Locomotive Society members' open day at Ropley, where 506
was in light steam and giving footplate rides out of the yard along the headshunt towards Medstead.
The various parts of 499 were on display including the new painted smokebox door. There were also
visits into the coach repair shed - with S4367, S1456, 16083 & 30828 present - and boiler shop, which
contained parts of Bulleid's 34105 'Swanage' and 35005 'Canadian Pacific'. Recommended though, is
the cream tea at Alresford refreshment rooms - two tasty warm scones with jam and cream, and a
large cup of coffee/tea for £5. Shame, though, that the (unhurried) waitress did not bring him a knife!

MR141] Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway, Greater London (MR p17) (BLN 1319.MR246):
This 2ft gauge line runs every Sunday from 16 March until 17 November, plus Santa in December for
which there are online bookings only (discrimination our reporter notes!). Our Roving Reporter visited
on Bank Holiday Sunday 5 May when 4wDH 'Spelthorne' (HE9357/1994) was hauling a train of two
coaches around the circuit three times for £3 adult and £1 child. 4wDH (HE9338/1994), along with
4wPH 'Hounslow' (SPL No.1/2008) and some wagons, were outside the shed formed of two containers.
On the other side of the A312 road viaduct is a pile of track panels for the proposed extension.

MR142] Southend Pier Railway, Essex (MR p17) (BLN 1323.MR31): A member visited this 3ft gauge
railway on Tuesday 2 July. He took the 15.00 departure along the pier. Train 'B' was operating, leaving
from the right hand platform looking down the pier. Train 'A' was stabled in the left hand track and the
staff allowed him a quick picture. Weather was warm, with sunny intervals and despite being a
weekday, the train was pretty busy, particularly heading south. At the seaward end the train used the
right hand (westward) track, the other being occupied by an engineers' wagon. He returned on the
next (15.15) train. The return rail fare for over 60s, children and other concessions is £2.65 (full being
£5.35) with flimsy paper tickets issued by the Council and collected (usually) on return to the shore.
Your BLN Editor recently paid for two trips (to do both extremities on the long train) and was issued
with one ticket with both trips on so had to point out it needed to be retained after the first trip.

MR143] Southend Cliff Railway, Essex (MR p34) (BLN 1329.1383): A short walk west from the Pier,
along the western esplanade at seafront level, is 4ft 6in gauge Cliff Railway, or lift, which runs daily
10.00 to 18.00 (winter 15.00) but check‡. The lift is Council owned and they funded the extensive
refurbishment early this century. Staffed, however, by volunteers it costs a reasonable 50p single. On
Tuesday 2 July, after calling the lift, it came down to pick our reporter up and he enjoyed an exclusive
ascent during which he was offered (and obviously accepted) a souvenir ticket and photographed the
original internal handle, most of the other equipment dating from the refurbishment. The lift can carry
up to 13 people, depending on how many wheelchairs and pushchairs are on board. [‡01702 618747]

MR144] Brookside Miniature Railway, Cheshire (MR p13) (BLN 1327.MR66): The new alignment,
avoiding Sidings Tunnel, opened on Saturday 29 June 2019 - restoring services to the full circuit.
On Saturday 6 July trains were being worked by 4w-4w 6610 'Miss Katie' with four sit-astride coaches -
from and to platform 3 at the main station. The fare was £2 for all, for which a titled roll ticket was
issued. The train ran via the circuit around the fairground site, but did not call at the station as the
fairground was closed. This station has lost its 'Bridge of Orchy' BR blue enamel sign.

MR145] Volks Electric Railway, East Sussex (MR p16) (BLN 1318.MR243): This line ran on Sunday 12
May - a bright sunny day, the day of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society London to Brighton run;
our Roving Reporter duly attended. Single car units 9 & 10 ran a 15 minute interval service with near
full loadings. The line can be divided into 4 sections, each with its own coloured single line staff.
On this date, with only two cars running, the staffs for each half of the line can be screwed together.

MR146] Stavely Branch Line Train, Nottinghamshire (MR p22) (BLN 956.MR233): This 7¼" gauge
railway operated inside Wheelgate Park (a children's theme park) at White Post near Southwell. An
enthusiast visited on Sunday 14 July with his grandson - adult only groups are not permitted to enter
(this is an "X" line in 'Minor Railway' terms). He found that the railway had been closed and lifted,
apart from a small section, buried in concrete at a former crossing. He was told it last ran in 2017 and
the equipment and track is in store on site and may be laid in a different place somewhere in the park.

MR147] Rainsbrook Valley Railway, Warwickshire (MR p25) (BLN 1191.MR158): This extensive 7¼"
gauge railway is owned and operated by the Rugby Model Engineers. Public rides are normally given
on the third Sunday of the month from April to October (14.00-17.00) and the site can get very busy
with typically around 1,500 passengers in the three hours. The station especially saw long queues and
had a constricted three platform layout. A large spacious new three platform station, located on the
2015 extension, has therefore been provided. This opened on Saturday 20 July - a special running day -
with the local Mayor in attendance and the Bilton Silver Band.

The new station has two long double length platforms: 1 & 3, while the middle platform 2 is only single
length. On this day there were six trains running and a boon to track bashers was the fact each
locomotive had a large number on its front indicating which platform it was to use! The double length
platforms unusually do not have departure and arrival sections, but trains can independently use
either and were normally running to the forward end if the platform was empty (this means no issues
with overlap!). Our reporter duly made a visit on the opening day, arriving around 15.00 after the
opening ceremony had finished. Having been to the railway in 2017 & 2018, the only platform at the
new station required was No3. Therefore, after a fair wait in the correct queue, a train was boarded in
platform 3 rear end for a full run around the line, passing non-stop through the old station platform 2.

However, due to the train being required for a special for the Bilton Silver Band, it ran to platform 1
instead of the 'booked' platform 3! So, our reporter had to repeat the entire operation from platform 3
again - this time returning correctly to platform 3. Platform 2 trains ran over the full line, but called for
alighting and boarding at the old station platform 3. Tickets were available from a caravan adjacent to
the new station and from the original booking office in the club house at the old station. These cost
£1.50 per ride for all and were titled green thin card. Of the trains in operation, some double headed -
two used platform 1, two platform 3 and two platform 2. The two sections not previously in use on the
2015/2017 extension were still not in use, although apparently are useable.

MR148] Clyde Valley Express, South Lanarkshire (MR p28) (BLN 1312.MR175): This 2ft gauge railway
runs inside Clyde Valley Family Park at Crossford near Carluke. On Sunday 7 July a 45 minute interval
service was being operated, with the final train at 17.00. In use was the only loco on site: a 4-4wBE in
green livery carrying a works plate stating 'Tschu-Tschu. 92318 - Neumarkt, Germany'. Rolling stock
was four covered bogie coaches. A senior adult admission was £8, after which the train was free. The
locomotive had been away to Alan Keef at Ross-on-Wye prior to Easter for repair and modifications to
the control system. The Clyde Valley Family Park is a sister to the East Links Family Park at Dunbar.

MR149] Hythe Pier Railway, Hampshire (MR p18) (BLN 1329.MR95): Bank Holiday Monday 26 May
saw our ever Roving Reporter at Southampton. A bus connection links the station with Town Quay for
the sailing to Hythe Pier [or it is one mile to walk - 20 minutes]. The vessel in use was 'Jenny Blue'.
On the 2ft gauge Pier Railway, our reporter noted Coach No2 has a notice saying that 'King George VI
sat here' - so he thus had a royal seat! The second loco was outside the shed at the land end of the
pier. The Hythe Pier Railway holds the official Guinness World's Oldest Pier Train Record.

ABOVE: Clyde Valley Express; the 4-4-0BE loco approaches the station with a well-loaded train.
(Peter Scott, 7 Jul 2019.)

1333 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]

1978] The Luca Pezzulo Express; Sat 20 Jul 2019: (BLN 1327.939) By our members John Hampson and
(Stocksbridge section) John Cowburn with some general background material from 'The York Press'.

FROM TO LEAD MILES
99m 45ch
Lancaster P4 Wakefield Kirkgate P1 37521 78m 47ch
Preston P5 37m 25ch
Rochdale P1 Wrenthorpe Sidings, West Line 37669
Wakefield Kirkgate P1 Tinsley Yard, Road No4 37521 1m 49ch
Wrenthorpe Sidings, West Line Stocksbridge, Ellen Cliff Loop 37669 27m 47ch
Tinsley Yard, Road No4 Hull P7 37521 12m 57ch
Stocksbridge, Ellen Cliff Loop West Parade Jn, 'E' Line/Up Leeds 37669 67m 64ch
Hull P7 Hull Carriage Sidings, Road 'E' 37521
West Parade Jn, 'E' Line/Up Leeds Kellingley Colliery, site of loading bunker 37669 0m 32ch
Hull Carriage Sidings, Road 'E' Wakefield Kirkgate P3 0m 27ch
Rochdale P3 37521 37m 58ch
Kellingley Colliery, Preston P4 33m 34ch
site of loading bunker Lancaster P3 70m 63ch
via Drax Power Station Loop 112m 05ch
[Information thanks to Jim Sellens] 133m 03ch

There was an element of understatement in the description ['Tour to Four Freight Locations'] of this
tour in the fixtures grid. The day was certainly 'rather special and unusual' in many ways, having been
conceived to raise funds for Martin House Hospice near Wetherby, which is a charity providing family-
led care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. Martin House had been an enormous
support for Luca and his family; the tour was named in his memory. Luca's mother is a Network Rail
incident controller at Route Control in York Rail Operating Centre, and the wider railway family across
many organisations had worked together to create an amazing and memorable itinerary.

Lancaster P4 - Up Main - Up Fast - Dn Through - Preston P5 - Up Fast - Bolton P3 - Up Bolton - Windsor
Bridge South Jn - Up Salford - Manchester Victoria P6 - Dn Rochdale Fast - Brewery Jn - Dn Passenger Lp -
Rochdale P1 - Brighouse - Healey Mills 'C' Jn - Healey Mills Engine Lines 'P'&'V' - Dn Healey Mills Dep Line
'A' - Horbury Jn - Dn L&Y Slow - Wakefield Kirkgate W Jn - Wakefield Kirkgate P1 (rev) - Westgate S Jn -
Wakefield Westgate Dn Through Line - Wrenthorpe West Sdg - Wakefield Westgate P1 - (Hemsworth)
Up Doncaster Passing Lp - Moorthorpe - Tinsley S Jn - Shepcote Lane E Jn - Tinsley Yard Rd 4 (to points) -
Shepcote Lane E Jn - Broughton Lane Jn - Woodburn Jn (direct to Stocksbridge Line) - Deepcar Exchange
Sdgs (ex-middle road) - Stocksbridge Railway 0m 60ch (Ellen Cliff Lp) - Broughton Lane Jn - Tinsley S Jn -
Aldwarke Jns - Up Main - Roundwood Chord - Kilnhurst Up Goods Loop - Mexborough - Up Conisbrough
Goods Lp - Hexthorpe Jn - Up Doncaster Avoiding Line - Bentley Jn - Up Fast - Thorne Jn - Goole - Hull P7
- Line 'E' (rev) - Hull Station/Carriage Sidings Line 'E' - Ferriby Jn - Up Hull Fast - Goole - Potters Grange Jn
- Kellingley Colliery Branch Jn - No2 Reception Line - Kellingley Colliery (Gross Weighbridge) - Drax Branch
Jn - Drax Power Station Reception Line 4 - Biomass Offload - Coal Offload Line 'C' - Tare Weigh Bridge -
cross right to Down Drax Branch - cross left to Up Drax Branch - Up Goole - Down Goole (to 48m 00ch) -
Wakefield Kirkgate P3 - Up L&Y Slow - Up L&Y - (former Healey Mills 'D' Jn) - Up L&Y Fast - Up L&Y - Up
Huddersfield Slow - Brighouse - Rochdale P3 - Thorpes Bridge Jn - Up Passenger Lp - Up Rochdale Fast -
Manchester Victoria P5 - Dn Salford (Line 'D') - Dn Bolton - Bolton P4 - Euxton Jn - Dn Fast - Preston P4 -
Dn through - Dn Main - Lancaster P3. [By Paul Stewart with thanks to Martyn Brailsford; calls in bold.]

BELOW: Wrenthorpe West Siding (note electrification) looking south towards Wakefield Westgate;
the main line to Leeds is far left. All pictures (unless otherwise specified) by Geoff Plumb, our official
Society Photographer https://plumbloco.smugmug.com/ or by authorised staff on his behalf.

To
Carlisle
To Settle Jn
To Morecambe

LANCASTER Miles Platting

Glasson Dock 1 CSaelnfotrradVli63ct8o9Erixacha7n41g1e 13 5
2 14 15
A To Manchester Ship
To Knott End
Canal system Central Piccadilly 12
To Trafford Mayfield

Park system 10

MANCHESTER Slade Lan

Garstang Goods stations CLC : 9 Central
12  LYR: 1 Windsor Bridge 10 Cornbrook
3 PRESTON
2 Liverpool Street GCR: 11 Ducie Street
4 To 3 Salford 12 Ardwick To B
Blackburn 4 Oldham Road WALSDE
5 Beswick MR: 13 Ancoats
To A LNWR : 6 Liverpool Road 14 Ashton Rd Coal
Ormskirk 7 London Road 15 Ashton Rd Goods
GNR: 8 Deansgate

LEYLAND To
Blackburn
Euxton Jn

5
CHORLEY

To Wigan

To Bacup

ADLINGTON ROCHDALE

To WigBaLnACKRODHorwiHPcAhORRKWWIACYH To Blackburn To Holcombe To Rawtenstall
Brook
CASTLETO
BOLTON Royton

6

To Wigan 7 Middleton MILLS HI
8 CLIFTON MOSTON
N 9
To Wigan

To Wigan

To St. 10 11 12 To Ashto
Helens

To Liverpool To Hadfie

CSD To Glazebrook To Warrington To New M
To Altrincham To Stockport

BRANCH LINE SOCIETY

The Luca Pezzulo Express
Saturday 20 July 2019

Numbered locations on main map

ne Jn 1 To Blackpool 12 MANCHESTER VICTORIA
2 To Longridge 13 BRIGHOUSE
3 Preston Dock 14 Heaton Lodge Jn
4 To Southport 15 Heaton Lodge East Jn
5 BUCKSHAW PARKWAY 16 Thornhill LNW Jn
6 LOSTOCK 17 Horbury Jn
7 MOSES GATE 18 WAKEFIELD KIRKGATE
8 FARNWORTH 19 WAKEFIELD WESTGATE
9 KEARSLEY 20 Wrenthorpe
10 SALFORD CRESCENT 21 See over page
11 SALFORD CENTRAL

Burnley HEBDEN MYTHOLMROYD To Bradford

BRIDGE SOWERBY To Leeds
BRIDGE To Halifax
TODMORDEN To Bradford To Leeds To Leeds 20
EN Milner Royd Jn Bradley Dewsbury 19 18
Greetland Jn 17 21
13 Wood Jn

Bradley Jn 14 15 16
To Huddersfield MIRFIELD

LITTLEBOROUGH Key To Barnsley
SMITHY BRIDGE Pre-Grouping ownership To Sheffield
Cheshire Lines Cttee
ON Garstang & Knott End
n Great Central
ILL Great Northern
Lancashire &Yorkshire
Oldham LNWR
Manchester S Jn & Altr'm
on Midland
eld Post-Nationalisation
Mills British Rail/Network Rail
Metrolink (former L&Y)
Metrolink (former MSJ&A)

Line usage
Passenger lines
Freight lines
Closed/out of use
Tour route
Joint lines (except CLC) are shown in
alternating colours.
Not to scale : not all lines shown.

To York To To York To
Cawood
To Leeds 36 33 SELBY
38
N Milford Jn Selby 34 35 37 39
Mine

Drax PS

To Leeds

To Leeds PONTEFRACT Temple Hirst Jn
To Leeds MONKHILL 32 48 47
To Leeds 50 49
20
19 18 51 WHITLEY HENSALL Aire Jn 46
52 PONTEFRACT BRIDGE SNAITH
BAGHILL
54 53 STREETHOUSE
To Mirfield 22 55 To Tho
21 17
23
Hull enla
1 Cotti
FITZWILLIAM 2 To Ba

3 Sprin

24 25 4 Cotti
MOORTHORPE 5 Hess
Cudworth To Stainforth 6 Anla
7 Victo

Barnsley To Doncaster To To Doncaster 8 Bota
To Penistone Hexthorpe Jn 9 Beve
10 Sculc
THURNSCOE 11 Sculc
GOLDTHORPE 12 Dryp
13 Victo
26 14 Fore

To Wath To Doncaster 15 Alexa
16 To W
31 Penistone
SWINTON and Gainsborough
Deepcar

To
Aldwarke Jn Doncaster Numbered locat oi ns on main map
17 Horbury Jn 29 Broughton La

ROTHERHAM 18 WAKEFIELD KIRKGATE 30 Woodburn Jn
CENTRAL 19 WAKEFIELD WESTGATE 31 Stocksbridge

27 20 Wrenthorpe 32 Ferrybridge S
29 28 To Worksop 21 See over page 33 Hambleton N
22 SANDAL & AGBRIGG 34 Hambleton S

30 Treeton 23 Hare Park Jn 35 Hambleton E
Sheffield 24 South Kirby Jn 36 Hambleton W
25 Moorthorpe Jn 37 Selby West Jn
26 BOLTON-ON-DEARNE 38 Selby South J

27 Tinsley South Jn 39 Canal Jn
28 Shepcote Lane East Jn 40 GILBERDYKE
Beighton Jn To Worksop

To Chesterfield To Nottingham BRANCH LIN

CSD The Luca Pez
Saturday 2

o Market Weighton

WRESSLE To Scarborough To Hornsea
HOWDEN
Gilberdyke Jn 42 HULL 43
44 GOOLE HESSLE 41
45 40 BROOMFLEET

BROUGH

SALTMARSHE FERRIBY

orne To Haxey

argement locat ions 2 To Scarborough 9 To Hornsea
ingham Jn 1 10
arnsley 3 11 16
ngbank Jns W,N,S 12 To King
ingham Bridge Jn 4 8 Cannon St 13 15 George V Dock
sle Road Jn 5 7 Paragon 14
aby Road Jn
oria Dock Branch Jn 6 HULL
anic Gardens Jn
erley Road Jn
coates Goods H&B
coates Goods NE
pool Goods
oria Dock
eign Cattle Depot
andra Dock
Withernsea

Hessle Jn

ane Jn 41 Hessle Road Jn 53 Crofton East Jn Key
n 42 Anlaby Road Jn 54 Oakenshaw Jn
43 To King George V Dock 55 Oakenshaw South Jn Pre-Grouping ownership
South Jn 44 Potters Grange Jn Dearne Valley
North Jn 45 Engine Shed Jn Great Central
outh Jn 46 RAWCLIFFE Great Northern
East Jn 47 Eggborough Power Station Lancashire &Yorkshire
West Jn 48 Kellingley Colliery Hull & Barnsley
n 49 KNOTTINGLEY Midland
Jn 50 Knottingley West Jn North Eastern
51 PONTEFRACT TANSHELF
52 FEATHERSTONE Other owners
British Rail/Network Rail
NE SOCIETY Derwent Valley Light Rly
Stocksbridge Railway
zzulo Express
20 July 2019 Line usage
Passenger lines
Freight lines
Closed/out of use
Tour route
Joint lines are shown in alternating
colours.
Not to scale : not all lines shown.

BELOW: The Stocksbridge Railway on a 1961 One-inch OS map. Dee
the Sheffield (off bottom right) to Penistone line. [See later fo

epcar station (closed to passengers 15 Jun 1959) is bottom right on
or 1985 pictures of the Stocksbridge Railway and more text.]





PREVIOUS PAGES: Two historical tour route maps by Dave Cromarty; map of The Stocksbridge Railway,
then aerial view of Kellingley Colliery site (different from the two in BLN 1332), the closed Eggborough
Power station is in the background with Drax (coal fired side) to its left further away. (Chris Davis.)

As is public knowledge, Luca had received regular respite care at the hospice since he was 18 months
for an undiagnosed neurological condition from which he very sadly died at the age of 11 in Oct 2018.
Luca's younger sister Kitty, his mother and her parents - Luca's grandparents - were our guests.

We were promised several very tasty highlights and I can't remember a previous tour that has packed
in so much in recent years. Traction was advertised as a Colas and a West Coast Railways Class 37
'top & tailing' Mk 1 stock. Naturally there was much speculation about what might produce, but in the
event, 37521 resplendent in Colas livery headed the train south from Lancaster and provided most of
the haulage all day with 37669 on the rear. In fact, 37521 had not hauled a charter since Feb 2004,
when perhaps fittingly, it was paired with 37669, although both locos have changed hands since then.

Following an early arrival into Preston P4, we
progressed south over the recently electrified
route via Chorley, Bolton and Manchester
Victoria, taking in Brewery Jn Down Passenger
Loop. After the Rochdale pick up (where there
were Northern DMUs in both the south and north
bays), we had a clear run through the Calder
Valley, which has recently been resignalled,
including the impressive 1 mile 1,125yd Summit
Tunnel. [LEFT: By Ian Mortimer; in May 1977 -
doesn't it look like a picture of a model railway,
and you might say that it's not very realistic as a
railway would never look like that in real life...]

The disused L&Y Milner Royd Jn signal box was
still standing but fenced off.

Eagle-eyed observers of the timing sheet had
noticed 15 minutes unaccounted for at Healey
Mills and although nothing had been advertised,
this was indeed an opportunity for a bit of bonus
track as we traversed Engine Lines 'P' & 'V' and
Departure Line 'A'. Surrounded by demolition,
dereliction and birch trees, this is the only
remaining Down route through what was once a
large and complex yard.

Beyond Horbury and running early, we waited on
the Down L&Y Slow - an unusual layout where the
slow lines are the central pair of four tracks and
the Down Fast is much lower than the other lines.
There was time for a brief leg stretch on P1 at recently smartened up Wakefield Kirkgate which even
has a nice modern café now, before reversing back up the gradient on the curve to Wakefield
Westgate. Here we took the relatively rare (and unadvertised) centre through road avoiding P2.
This rather surprised a member who was on said platform (booked operational stop) waiting to see us!

After passing the Prison Siding (without doing any time in there), a large number of NR ground staff
were at Wrenthorpe and ensured we reached the points at the end of West Siding. The tour route had
been well publicised within NR to encourage staff to pay their respects to Luca's family. The loop
junction was once Wrenthorpe South Jn where until 1965 a line to Ossett and beyond headed off.

Return was via the first crossover to Westgate P1, then the West Riding & Grimsby Joint line to South
Kirby Jn, pausing in the Up Doncaster Passing Loop at Hemsworth. After a brisk run along the Swinton
& Knottingley Joint, we diverged at Aldwarke Jn, passing the Liberty Steel plants, with four of their
locos outside the shed. There is still a lot of rail infrastructure in this area. Perhaps for a future tour?

Beyond Rotherham Parkgate, we were sharing the line with Sheffield Supertram before the NR line
singled and we turned east at Tinsley South Jn to explore what little remains of Tinsley Yard. Unlike
Healey Mills, much of Tinsley (once claimed to be the most modern marshalling yard in the world) has
been redeveloped or repurposed. Inward aggregates flows have started and there was some wagon
storage; the East Arrival Line is out of use. The East Departure Line (now a headshunt for the out of
use line to Outokumpu stainless steel that side) was very rusty - clearly not stainless steel track then.

Although unadvertised, and thanks to DBC ground staff, our tour was able to penetrate about half a
mile east beyond Shepcote Lane East Jn on No4 road, almost to the points at the end.

Next it was back to Broughton Lane Jn and to Woodburn Jn joining the Deepcar branch which was, of
course, originally part of the Woodhead route. Previous tours have run to the NR catch points, locked
by Annett's key, which are a short distance before the NR boundary (33m 20ch from Manchester
London Road - now Piccadilly, of course, via Woodhead). This is actually just beyond where the now
2m 26ch long Stockbridge Railway diverges from the former Woodhead route. The boundary itself was
once marked by a cast iron plate; the target was to do the connection onto Liberty Steel infrastructure.

Approaching Deepcar Exchange Sidings, just past the NR boundary, there was a delay as the points
had not been clipped. Fortunately, the Society carries point clips on tours for such an eventuality and,
once applied, we progressed slowly downhill through the exchange sidings. These now consist of only
the main line, which we traversed, and an outer loop; all other tracks (once six) have been lifted.

After the exchange sidings we became possibly the first public passenger train of locomotive-hauled
passenger stock ever to cross Deepcar viaduct and the Wortley Road bridge as we proceeded into the
Little Don valley towards Stocksbridge Works. Although the railway is understood to have operated a
passenger service from opening on 14 Apr 1877 until 1931, it is believed it was officially only for
Samuel Fox & Co employees and Penistone Grammar School students with passes issued and travelling
at their own risk! Your BLN Editor would be pleased to hear from any reader who has knowledge of
previous public trains on the branch or more information on these earlier passenger services.

The Luca Pezzulo Express slowly passed through a shallow cutting and over the level crossing of the
private access road to Ellen Cliff Farm with its public footpath. We soon reached Ellen Cliff loop, taking
the right hand 'main line' road with the loop, which once housed the main rail weighbridge for
incoming and outgoing traffic, to our left. We proceeded to just short of the end of the loop, where
the two lines converge again, 60ch beyond the NR boundary. Despite everyone's best efforts, this was
as far as the train could go as main line locomotives are prohibited from crossing the bridge over the
Little Don River at Henholmes, the lowest point on the Stocksbridge Railway, the gradient profile of
which is a large 'V'. This is where current main line rail traffic is exchanged between Liberty Steel and
DB Cargo. This was an amazing result and must have been newly scored track for almost all on board!

To add to the fun, Yorkshire Engine Co Janus loco '35' was present at Ellen Cliff with two internal bogie
flats loaded with rails from the works ready to relay the loop which was due to take place during the
works' summer shutdown or 'stop weeks' - a very positive sign. After a few photographs with the locos
posed side by side, the tour headed back east, climbing the gradient towards Deepcar; although the
Stocksbridge Railway Company booklet (see below) suggests this is as steep as 1 in 27, it is in reality
(nowadays at least) no steeper than 1 in 60. Nevertheless it is a challenge for longer departing trains
which also have to contend with the long curve of the exchange sidings on the steepest gradients.
http://bit.ly/2YtbEtH has more on the history of the line (with a passenger timetable!). Finally we left
Liberty Steel metals for Woodburn Jn, now some 45mins late. It had however been well worth it…

The organizing team was very aware of the need to regain time to protect the highlights that were due
later in the day and so a Plan 'B' was hatched. A public address announcement was made that we
would be diverting via Doncaster and Goole rather than Pontefract and Selby, to recover time.
[Of course, one member inevitably claimed that he only booked to do Barlby Down Passenger Loop at
Selby - we think he was pulling our leg.] This was understated on 'Liverail' as 'Off Route'. The diversion
turned out to include the Roundwood Chord, Kilnhurst Up Goods Loop, Conisbrough Up Goods Loop
and the Up Doncaster Avoiding Line! All juicy bits and full marks to NR for arranging all this on the fly.

We arrived at Hull P7 only 15 minutes down which still allowed time for a brief leg stretch and photo
opportunity. A GWR liveried 'short' HST on hire to Hull Trains provided a backdrop. Next was a shunt to
Carriage Line 'E' stop blocks - previously Hull P14, one of the former excursion platforms. This platform
does hold a bit of history as it was once used by European emigrants arriving in Hull and transiting
across the country to re-embark at Liverpool on their journey to North America. A group of 17 Society
members also did it on 14 Jan 1978 in less extreme circumstances; a football special from King's Cross
(via Boothferry Park platform on the Springbank Loop) with Crystal Palace supporters - £1.70p return!
Back in 2019, the stock was watered surprisingly rapidly and efficiently by 'Weedfree', who provided
their services free of charge as a donation to Martin House, then we retraced our tracks to Goole.

Taking the little used single line at Potters Grange Jn, which only has passenger trains in the dark at
certain times of the year, through Snaith and passing Drax and Eggborough, we headed for a further
highlight of the tour at the site of Kellingley Colliery. There cannot be many tours nowadays that
include a colliery in their itinerary. Indeed, Kellingley was the last deep coal mine in the country,
closing 18 Dec 2015 (final outward coal train 24 Dec 2015). All surface infrastructure except one siding
has been demolished although the area is far from reinstated and is a desolate scene of black slurry,
rubble and spoil which could easily be on an alien planet. E-BLN 1332.X.85 has a couple of dramatic
landscape aerial photos of our tour here, but we mustn't drone on. Between 21 Aug and 24 Nov 2017
spoil went out by rail to Killingholme to raise the land levels there, but traffic has not run recently.

Surprisingly, we were able to make our way well
into the site via Reception Line 2, reaching past
the former coal loading bunker to the gross
weighbridge site, as evidenced on large 'scale'
maps, although there was nothing to be seen on
the ground. There were some stored wagons
further on, but the crew sensibly decided that we
had gone far enough in view of the dubious
ground conditions. [LEFT: Ticket by Amy Nash.]

Returning back through Sudworth Lane, and past
the now closed and rusty line to Eggborough, we
picked up members of the Drax team at Hensall before heading for Drax Power Station, branching
onto one of the few surviving remnants of the Hull and Barnsley Railway system at Drax Branch Jn.
Two Cripple Sidings continued straight on the Hull & Barnsley trackbed about 230yd further towards
Hull as our tour turned sharp left past the NR boundary onto the Merry-go-round loop. The first
(straight) part is on the trackbed of the North Eastern Railway Goole - Selby line which closed in 1964.

Participants were required to remain seated and to keep all windows closed - this being due to the
harmful effects of biomass dust, as well as the limited clearances. During our tour we were treated to
a fascinating commentary from one of the Drax Visitor Centre guides as well as the Rail Operations
Manager. We were told that although all previous railtours to Drax had gone around the bypass line,
today we were going to travel through both the biomass and coal unloading plants!

A biomass train that had passed us at Sudforth Lane was held to allow the air to clear and the tour
progressed on Reception Line 4 through the Biomass Offloader under close supervision from ground
staff. We could see the very deep bunkers into which biomass is discharged next to the massive silos

used for dry storage. Relatively little coal is now delivered compared with biomass, but the unloading
infrastructure is operational. Our guide told us that the clearance is extremely restricted due to the
lineside 'Dalek' units which formerly operated the doors on HAA hoppers, and which are still in place.

In fact, the only passenger vehicle that had ever been through the coal unloading house was 'Caroline'
the NR Observation Saloon, on 27 June (BLN 1331.X.72) to test the clearance for our tour, and normal
Mk1s had never been tried! Passing the 0.5 mph speed limit signs and watched very closely by ground
staff, we made it through Line 'C' and came to a stand outside for official photos and presentations.
It was absolutely superb to get so close to a working power station and be treated to the detailed
commentary and explanation from those who work there. I was struck by the silence and awe in our
coach as we went around the loop. From Drax Branch Jn round the loop and back again is 10m 63ch.
There was tremendous support for this tour at Drax, who sponsored the booklet and map printing.

[Thank you to all participants who freely cooperated without question at Drax with the request for
windows to be shut and to remain seated; the organising team does not ask without good reason - KA.]

Back on the main line and with fresh air from the open windows again, we made our way west to the
first set down at Wakefield Kirkgate P3. A clear run through West Yorkshire gave an on time Rochdale
arrival. The final loop of the day was Thorpes Bridge Jn Up Passenger Loop but we spent rather longer
than planned there due to trespassers on the line at Miles Platting. After following a stopping service
to Bolton, the 37 got into its stride to arrive back in Preston and Lancaster only slightly behind time.

This tour was really a BLS spectacular. All the highlights exceeded expectations, extras were thrown in
and there was a great atmosphere. Additional interest was added to the diversion and, although we
didn't do Barlby or Gascoigne Wood Loops, there's always another day for that. Most importantly, at
least £18,000 was raised for Martin House (£2,005 from the raffle alone), and some of their team and
Luca's family were on the train. The incredible planning and arrangements were first class, involving
many organisations and individuals to whom we are all really grateful. It's amazing that such a feat can
still be pulled off in 2019. Many thanks to Kev Adlam for attending many meeting and the numerous
hours he put in on this tour, also to the catering team, stewards, cartographers, itinerary writer, ticket
designer etc for all their help This will be a hard act to follow [Try 14 Sep 'Bow Bells' tour - item 1876.]

BELOW: Wrenthorpe looking north to Leeds, our tour is in the west siding with EMU 331108 right.



PREVIOUS PAGE: Our Branch line Society Chairman, John Williamson, with Chris Verney from Martin
House. THIS PAGE (BOTH): Once it would have been impossible to show the whole of Tinsley yard in
one photograph but here it is in 2019. The east end of Road 4 looking west towards Shepcote Lane.

ABOVE: A small section of Tinsley Yard in Feb 1975 with a Class 13 hump shunting. (Ian Mortimer.)
BELOW: Healey Mills Departure Line 'A' with the tour waiting to ..... depart.

ABOVE: On the Stocksbridge Railway at the end of Ellen Cliff Loop looking towards the works, taken
by a NR representative while both trains were stopped. 37669, right, is on our tour. (Kev Adlam.)

ABOVE: The Stocksbridge Railway, some pictures from our riding visit on Mon 15 Jul 1985
using the internal brakevan seen at the bottom of the previous page. (All Ian Mortimer.)

[BLN 1333]
ABOVE: A most interesting picture of the arrangements at Deepcar in Jul 1985, looking south towards
Sheffield (formerly Victoria station). The line right foreground is from Stocksbridge Steel Works
(behind the photographer). The Woodhead line closed in Jul 1981 and Sheffield - Penistone (to
Huddersfield) DMU services were diverted via Barnsley in May 1983. By Jul 1985 the overhead wires
had been removed (don't the supports look odd without them) but the then 'branch' to Deepcar from
(Sheffield) Nunnery Jn was still double track. Deepcar station (CP 15 Jun 1959), signal box and trailing
crossover can be seen right of centre. Unlike now there was no direct connection between the main
line and the Stocksbridge Railway - which also continued on a lengthy branch to a tip with poor track
over rough terrain seen behind Deepcar station (off right). Needless to say our tour covered it.

BELOW: Back to the future and Ellen Cliff Loop again during our 2019 tour. (Geoff Plumb.)

ABOVE: The BLS Real Ale Team (left Neil Bentley and right Andrew Rawlinson) dispensed Luca's Aid
(4.3% ABV) - hand pumped these days using our Society's own equipment. Once costs were covered,
all profits went to Martin House Children's Hospice. BELOW: Not a 'Guess the Location'.

ABOVE: Hull P7, our loco is adding new meaning to the expression 'Stand behind the yellow line'.
BELOW: Meanwhile at the London end of Hull P7 (which was actually P4 prior to 1984)....

ABOVE: The London end of the lengthy Hull Station/Carriage Siding 'E' formerly P14.
BELOW: The 'keen' end of the train from the buffer stops; the ex-ScotRail DMU (right) is on Line 'B'.



PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: Drax Coal Unloading Line 'C'; there are six cooling towers for the coal plants and
six for the biomass plants. LOWER: The other end of the train here with the coal-fired plant behind.

THIS PAGE ABOVE: The cheque presentation team at Drax, Kev is fourth from the right.

BELOW: A First Class invasion; Luca's family are presented the second headboard made for the tour.

ABOVE: Luca's sister Kitty and mother Charlotte. BELOW: Luca's grandparents.

:Details must be checked 1333 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.

X.101] STOP PRESS: It has been reported that the final inward coal train to Aberthaw Power Station
should run (Freightliner Heavy Haul) on Fri 9 Aug from East Usk Yard (scheduled 15.29) arriving at
Aberthaw 16.56. The discharged wagons are due to leave at 21.24. The plant closes in March 2020.

1979] Manchester Central; Wednesday 14 August 10.00 to 16.00: Windmill St, Manchester, M2 3GX.
Between St Peter's Square and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stops, nearest main station: Oxford Road.
See behind the scenes, FREE drop in open day including a free coffee and brownie. Look round and
learn about the history of Manchester Central station, now an exhibition and conference venue.

1981] North Cornwall Miniature Railway, Sun 18 Aug: Miniature Railway Magazine (does it come
on A6 size paper?) advises that this will be the first public running day of this new 10¼" railway
at Coldnorthcott, St Teath, Camelford, PL30 3LL. Contact Bob Lanaway [email protected]
01208 850950. Reports/pictures welcome, particularly length, layout and future running dates.

1980] Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, Tue 5 Nov: A visit for Subterranea Britannica members. A group
http://bit.ly/2YQEqAF that is "fascinated by man-made and man-used underground places; from mines
to railway tunnels, military defences to nuclear bunkers and everything in between" It has over 1,000
members, the £25 per year (UK) membership includes a magazine three times a year, access to an
online forum, trips and visits. Fiddlers Ferry closes Mar 2020. Opened in 1973 with a 2MW capacity;
at its peak it burned 16,000 tons of South Yorkshire coal a day (transported via the Woodhead route).
From Warrington 10.30-15.30 in a hired coach and includes the control room, coal operation and
visitor centre. Photo ID required. £8 for coach hire. Book at https://my.subbrit.org.uk/ (login needed).

1981] Journey of a Railway Signalman: Tony Cook (2018). A history of signalling in Merseyside and the
Northwest. Hardback; 340 pages, 400+ photos (many colour), 50+ diagrams. Describes the author's
signalling career in the area, over 80 signal boxes he worked in and the lines (some since closed).
£20 includes P&P http://bit.ly/2ZDLMsq sales support Railway Benefit Fund, a small railway charity.

1982] UK Railtours, Wed 11 Dec, The Severn-Dudley Sins*: http://bit.ly/2SD6Dck has details of this
tour from Euston to West Midlands freight lines including the Ironbridge branch, Lichfield - Wichnor
Jn, Lifford Curve, Camp Hill - Landor Street Jn, Sutton Park, Pleck Jn - Darlaston Jn. 01438 715050.
*Will it be visiting Sinfin, Singer, Stone Crossing, Basingstoke, Chessington, Cressing & Cressington?

1983] The National Route Code Catalogue of Route Sections - 1 Jan 1973: A 280 page book 18" x 10½" (that's large!) weighing
2kg. An historical record; the 'Deleted since the last issue' page has delights such as Lochend North Jn - Leith Central, De

Trafford Jn - Standish Jn and Hunstanton Branch Jn - King's Lynn Dock Jn. Free to a good home (Update 8 Aug - has found one!)

1984] Fort William: This month is the 125th anniversary of the West Highland Railway opening from
Craigendoran Jn on Tue 7 Aug 1894 with a grand opening ceremony on Sat 11th. As older members will
recall, the original Fort William station (map next page) was on the waterfront by the Town Pier, but
closed from 9 Jun 1975 when the line was shortened by 45ch to build the new A82 dual carriageway.

A self-guided 2.5km walking trail is being launched to commemorate the anniversary. It follows the
route of the original railway. There are 19 stops, each with a historic photograph. Modern images help
match the past scene with the present day. www.fortwilliamrailtrail.co.uk has the trail guide in pdf
form. There are other pictures, diagrams and resources available by clicking the links at the bottom of
the page. The guide can be printed out, or the pdf can be viewed on a portable device while following
the trail. It is hoped to make this available in a printed form and as a smart phone app at a future date.
The trail was developed by our local member Nick Jones and is hosted by Glenfinnan Station Museum.

NEXT PAGE UPPER: 1960 1" 7th Series composite maps (with a poor join); the original Fort William
station is lower left. The site of the present station is arrowed - the line was straightened, the River
Ness diverted and some land reclaimed. Top right is the Aluminium Works. LOWER: The trail map.

●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
●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/indexhtml
●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


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