BELOW: The other end of the Heavy Repair Bay (Lines 5 & 6 run through the bu
uilding), taken from the incline up to the Central Engineering Workshops Dock.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ 407] Rail Rambles: https://www.railrambles.org/ (founded 1989.) Every Sat, and at least one Wed per month, there is at least one guided ramble (no charge), of about 6-10 miles, which starts and finishes at a station in Wales or the Marches. The walks are designed for reasonably fit adults but accompanied U18s are welcome. They use public rights of way with stiles, kissing gates and uneven paths. This is not a club and is not related to the similarly named 'Railway Ramblers' who walk trackbeds. You don't need to be a member or have to book in advance. Simply choose a walk from the programme and buy your return train ticket for that day, to either the start of the walk or the finish (whichever is further away). Then come along and enjoy the fantastic countryside that we are so lucky to have around us. The walks are free to join; just remember to bring adequate footwear, waterproofs, a packed lunch and plenty to drink. New walkers are always welcome but feel free to contact us. Train times are centred on Shrewsbury; you can travel from any station that suits you. There are people who regularly come from mid-Wales, Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Herefordshire and even Cardiff. The group encourages people to use public transport for at least part of their journey wherever possible (part of the fun of Rail Rambles is the train trip) but you will always be welcome. [Our Wales Reg Ed, Chris Parker, has participated, and is also a Railway Ramblers' Area Coordinator.] 408] Rails from Shrewsbury, A Pictorial Journey 1970s-2012: Peter J Green, hardback, 204 pages, 18.1 x 1.9 x 25.2cm; RRP £25 (available for less online) Published by Pen & Sword. This is a photographic record of the lines that ran through Shrewsbury from 1974 until 2012. It confirms how Shrewsbury is on one of the busiest junctions with freight and passenger services towards Aberystwyth, Hereford, Crewe, Chester and Wolverhampton also (once) local freight to Craven Arms, Gobowen, Blodwell Quarry, Wellington, Welshpool, Madeley Jn to Ironbridge, as well as Shrewsbury Abbey. These were all controlled by various semaphore signal boxes, the largest was at Severn Bridge Jn. In 234 of the 268 monochrome photos in this book, stations and supporting buildings are included, as well as many classes of locos from 25s to 47s. The rest cover steam specials and heritage lines. The station is Grade 2 listed, while Shrewsbury Abbey station (once terminus of the Shropshire & Montgomeryshire Light Railway) has been saved by preservationists and is now a community hub and exhibition centre. There were also at least three other Shrewsbury stations (see Quick) during this junction's busy history prior to the 1970s. Author Peter Green's love of railways began in 1959 and his knowledge is reflected in this book. He has written other books on railways including 'Railways in North & Mid Wales in the late 20th Century'. This book about Shrewsbury offers a superb insight into this busy railway junction which today still sees numerous services passing through it. Also included at the end of the book are the heritage lines now running on section of lines once served by trains that ran through or to Shrewsbury; they include the Llangollen Railway, Telford Steam Railway, Severn Valley Railway, as well as the more recent Cambrian Heritage Railways and, at Chirk, the Glyn Valley Tramway. (Dana Wiffen.) 409] Appleby Frodingham Railway-Scunthorpe: https://www.afrps.co.uk/ has details of some of their 2024 events (before the railway system at the steelworks contracts further). They include steam and diesel hauled brakevan railtours, Pacer, steam and diesel driving experiences and after dark evening Pacer tours (90-120 minutes) with a commentary on steel making, explaining the steelworks site. 410] Crowle Peatlands Railway: (MR p20) (BLN 1388.2948) A new station is planned at the south end outside the shed, previously trips have boarded from inside the shed (which may continue for a while). CONTACT DETAILS: On website Contacts page and an updated BLN & Committee Directory was with BLN 1437 ●Editor: Paul Stewart [email protected] 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX 01684 562862 07790 652351. ●Sales: Darren Garnon [email protected] 3 Reader Drive, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 9FD. ●Printed by Willow Printing & Design Ltd [email protected] 75/79 Back Cross Lane, NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS, WA12 9YE 01925 222449. ●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, STOKE GIFFORD, BS34 8NP.