1331

ABOVE: A couple of weeks later and single lane road working is in operation, Stop/Go board controlled
(as is the tram); the Marquee is middle left. (Jenny Williamson, 18 Jun 2019.)

BELOW: A load of bollards form a corridor to protect the tram/horse. (Jenny Williamson, 18 Jun 2019.)

ABOVE: The new Lhergy Crossover (1m 32ch) in use by Car No4 on Tue 21 May 2019. (Mervyn Rogers.)

1663] Snaefell Mountain Railway: (BLN 1329.1357) A member experienced the Laxey - Bungalow
single line working mentioned in both directions on Tue 21 May and it was very interesting indeed.
A new trailing crossover called 'The Lhergy' by tram crew had been installed at 'Lhergy Beg' (a nearby
stream), between Poles 1057 & 1058, 1m 32ch up the mountain from Laxey. It is past where cars stop
(around Pole 1016) on the Up (ascending) track - right hand running remember - to view Laxey Wheel.

The single line working was from this crossover on Up track to/from Bungalow. Down cars from the
Summit actually reversed over the trailing crossover on the Summit side of Bungalow A18 level
crossing; then continued down towards Laxey on the Up track in the wrong direction to join the Down
track via the new Lhergy Beg permanent crossover. A train staff was in use for the single line working.
It had a key attached to unlock a padlock on the point blade at the Up track end of the new trailing
crossover. The point is clamped in reverse except when an Up car enters the single line. The conductor
of the Up car receives the token from the driver of the Down car, unlocks the clamp on the point
blade, removes the clamp and normalises the points after the Down car has traversed the crossover.
The Up car proceeds clear of the crossover and the Guard reverses the points, secures the point blade
with the clamp and then locks it with the padlock. The Up car then proceeds up to Bungalow.

In summary it was possible to do the 'other' (trailing) Bungalow crossover and the new one on a Down
car. The driver said double track would be re-instated a few days later before the TT trials started.

1664] IOM Railways versus TT: (BLN 1329.1357) A member just returned from his annual trip to the
IOM for the TT takes issue with the last paragraph. Having visited the island for the TT since 1992, and
not having taken a bike since 1995, he strongly disagrees with the statement that public transport
during the TT period is difficult and uncomfortable, and also that there are long waits for trams.

[BLN 1331]
He always uses public transport extensively with the weekly rover tickets (now Go Cards). It is true
that, during the road closure periods, services are disrupted but this is equally true of private
motoring, and the same applies to any traffic congestion issues. The buses can be very busy but to
describe them as 'generally uncomfortable' is an overstatement in his opinion. The Douglas to Ramsey
via Peel bus is even augmented with a special timetable over the TT. He doesn't understand how the
tram service can be described as causing long waits when for the whole TT period up to Senior Race
day at the end Timetable 'D', the most comprehensive, is in operation on the Manx Electric Railway,
and similarly Timetable 'F' on the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

Apart from a similar part-week in July this is the best service of the whole year, with a 30 minute
interval for long periods of the day! His personal view of public transport on the IOM during TT is that
it is excellent. (IOM Editor comment: It is fantastic that a visitor to the island for 'TT' has such a positive
view of the TT couple of weeks. Both from previous residency and IOM Transport employee point of
view, these couple of weeks are challenging to say the least!)

1665] IOM Steam Railway: There has recently been strong but unconfirmed expectation that one of
the five new boilers being constructed for the railway by the Severn Valley Railway is to be to Mannin's
specification. This 1926 built Beyer Peacock loco, No16, was the final one of the original fleet and is
different to others with a much bigger boiler and considerably more power. It has not steamed since
1964 and is now in Port Erin museum. It may be restored for the Railway's 150th celebrations in 2022.

X.77] BELOW: The 2ft gauge, 1,000yd Groudle Glen Railway (MR p12); assisting loco 'Otter' and train
loco 'Annie' at Sea Lion Rocks terminus looking north with a full train. (©Andy Overton, 9 Jun 2019.)

1331 WALES & THE MARCHES (Chris Parker) [email protected]
1666] Llanwern: (BLN 1327.1098) The recent S&C renewals here were part of a 14 day NR/Colas Rail
project which achieved 97% 'diesel free' operation. Solar lighting and power were used throughout the
21 acre worksite including access roads, parking areas, accommodation and staff facilities as well as
the track working area itself. This is seen as proof of the viability of a sustainable 'Site of the Future'.
It was a significant achievement in support of NR's aims to reduce non-traction energy consumption by
almost 20% and carbon emissions by 25% during CP6. NR hopes that an unspecified rail renewal
project later this summer will be 100% diesel free, traction excepted of course! ('Railway Herald'.)

1667] Shrewsbury - Wrexham: On 12 Jun after the 06.10 Shrewsbury to Wrexham General lost 10
mins in reaching Gobowen (before completing its journey with no further delay), no traffic passed over
this line until the 04.35 Holyhead to Cardiff Central next day. (Realtime Trains shows it as changing
reporting numbers at Chester and again at Shrewsbury - 1V90/1T90/1Z90 respectively). 48 hours of
continuous steady rain had caused flooding south of Gobowen (the usual problem is a syphon - as in
water, not Class 37s - beside Gobowen's renowned Orthopaedic Hospital) and between Ruabon and
Wrexham. The only services running between Wrexham and Saltney Jn were to/from Liverpool Lime
Street via what (despite BLN 1330.1442) is still termed the 'Halton Curve' in local publicity at Lime
Street rather than something which could be confused with a train ticket (the Frodsham Single)!

With Chester - Crewe also blocked (for rather longer, so no Wrexham Virgins) and roads to Shrewsbury
reported difficult, your Regional Editor drove to Wem instead of Gobowen to make an urgent rail
journey to Euston - out via Shrewsbury and Coventry, back via Trent Valley and Crewe without
incident. Surprisingly, other than a couple of early morning cancellations on 12 Jun, Cambrian line
services escaped unscathed and repairs to the Conwy Valley line have not been significantly hindered.

1668] Chester: (BLN 1330.1442): (TRACKmaps 3 p33D - Jun 2018) P3 is not a bay but a bidirectional
Down & Up Platform (through) platform, divided into 'A' & 'B'; the passenger bays at the east end of
the station are P1 on the Down side and 5 & 6 on the Up (P2 is a further bay at the west end).

The e-BLN photo captions were transposed; 150237 is standing in P1, evidently after arrival from
Liverpool on 20 May (175101 alongside is stabled in the unnumbered 'Parcels' platform). 158838 is
awaiting departure for Liverpool from P5, evidently on 23 May. In the background is the odd gap in the
roof over P5 & 6 resulting from a fire on 8 May 1972 when the brakes failed on a Class 24 hauled
freight train consisting of gas oil, petrol and kerosene tanks. The train was routed into what was then
bay P11 where it collided with a stationary DMU. The subsequent fire caused irreparable damage to a
section of the roof and British Rail didn't feel the high cost of replacement was justified or affordable.
The incident escaped the attention of BLN at the time!

1669] Ebbw Vale: (BLN 1330.1513) A Swiss member taking time off from Rhätische Bahn driving to
complete his British route knowledge found the Cableway operating and apparently in good order on
the afternoon of Mon 10 Jun. It was being well used mainly by students travelling to the town from the
nearby college. Operating times (not recalled) remain SSuX. A security person from a private company
was in attendance either aboard or at one of the two stations, no doubt to prevent vandalism.

1670] Conwy Valley line: (BLN 1328.1216) Thanks to a member who attended a 'drop in' meeting at
Llanrwst about the repairs. The northern section of this scenic 27½ mile branch is due to reopen on
Tue 16 Jul to Llanrwst where the Eisteddfod is being held from 3-10 Aug. There are discussions about
increasing services then, possibly running a shuttle to Llanrwst to supplement the normal three-hourly
service. Using stock 'borrowed' from the Cardiff Valleys perhaps, a Class 37 and....no, surely not!!

A TfW rep said that the Llanrwst - Blaenau Ffestiniog section is expected to reopen a week afterwards
(23 Jul). Given the topography the worst damage is likely to have been in the flood plain of the Conwy
Valley itself, as usual, north of Betws-y-Coed (the branch then follows a tributary, the Afon Lledr,
south, ascending towards Blaenau Ffestiniog). Significant repair work to six miles of track,
embankments, ten culverts, eight level crossings and Dolgarrog station have been needed this time.

ABOVE: The previous Blaenau Ffestiniog terminus in Welsh rain, the Goods Yard is on the right;
looking north towards Llandudno Junction, the Trawsfynydd line is off left. (Ian Mortimer, Jun 1975.)

NR is funded to maintain the current railway, so the works are just repairing what's been washed out
(but extra 'resilience' is included - see below). Any pre-emptive strengthening or replacement would
need dedicated funding to be allocated. A representative at the Llanrwst drop in session estimated
that perhaps 40% of the alignment around Llanrwst has been rebuilt over the past decades. An exhibit
showed a rebuilt embankment with 'rock armour' along either side and a waterproof membrane along
the formation itself to stop the ballast and subgrade being destabilised and washed away. Another
exhibit showed one of about half a dozen culverts that are being added in other rebuilt areas.

Much of the damage to the alignment was caused by flood water that was trapped the wrong side of
the railway line. When in flood, the River Conwy overflows its banks south (upstream) of Llanrwst due
to the water slowing down as it navigates two tight bends. On this occasion, it overtopped a (non-
railway) embankment of 10m, and flowed north into the town. The railway embankment (11m high)
was then caught between this floodwater and the river itself. As the river level dropped, the water
trapped on the other side washed out the embankment. To deal with this, the number of culverts in
the area is being doubled, so that flood water can return to the river without damaging the railway.
As mentioned, NR is not funded to add culverts to any other (un-breached) areas as a preventative
measure. However the plan is to keep the current designs on file, so that if another portion of the line
is breached like this in the future a solution will be at hand and can be implemented quickly.

Some 8,000 tonnes of washed out material has been removed to be recycled with installation of about
7,500 tonnes of 'rock armour' to improve resilience against future floods. NR has worked in close
partnership with Natural Resources Wales to obtain necessary licences and investigate solutions which
will hopefully prove to be long term. This is particularly welcome as on the evidence of drone footage
https://goo.gl/WXRzKT much material from recent repairs was washed out again in March! A video
(1½ mins) https://wi.st/31XM2Us shows repair work, which has been taking place seven days a week.

[BLN 1331]
The silver lining to the very heavy storm clouds that caused the severe flood damage on 15/16 Mar is
that a 30mph restriction (described as 'historic' and 'unexplained'!!) from 8m 55ch to 8m 70ch south of
Dolgarrog station towards North Llanrwst has, after thorough investigations, been raised to 45mph.
No section of the branch is authorised for more than 45mph and the southern section is 30/20mph.

1671] Burst Sectional Appendix (SA) again: (BLN 1330.1438/63 & 1506/16) More historic data in the
SA! It refers to Rhymney North and South Ground Frames, which were abolished when the line was
re-signalled. The local instructions index refers to a non-existent instruction presumably deleted when
'Barry Sidings' was renamed the Down Vale of Glamorgan Loop but overlooked in the locations index.

1672] Cardiff Bay: (BLN 1328.1220) BBC News reports that the refurbished office accommodation on
the upper floors of the station building 'opened' (became available for occupation?) on 18 Jun. Work
continues to create a café and cocktail bar on the ground floor, expected to commence trading in July.

1673] Bridgend: (BLN 1330.1517) On Ford's Branch the NR boundary is at 1m 18ch (the work's gate on
their side of the A48 level crossing) rather than 1m 13ch which is on the junction site of that crossing.
As stated and illustrated in e-BLN the Monmouthshire Railway Society 26 Sep 1992 'DMU Demise' and
Pathfinder's 22 Apr 1995 'Scrummager 3.1' (the last tour on the line) both went into the works sidings.

BELOW: Monmouthshire Railway Society Kenfig Krawler tour http://bit.ly/2XjgDYY of 18 Oct 1980
(with many of our society members on board) on the south side of the A48 level crossing on the Ford's
Branch. Standing on the ground to the right of the cab door is the late, great, Douglas Eacock a former
Society Membership Secretary. (Both pictures by Dave Plimmer)

NEXT PAGE: 19 Feb 1983, three years after the branch had opened, during our Blue Dragon railtour
http://bit.ly/2NteHNW organised by our present Chairman John Williamson and, of course, showing
the destination as 'Uxbridge' (that would have been Vine Street, the branch north from West Drayton
CP 10 Oct 1962). The A48 runs along the background with the sign 'Engine Works West Entrance'.

1674] Tower Opencast Disposal Point: (BLN 1276.584) http://bit.ly/2YhA4Tk includes very interesting
pictures with notes of open cast mining operations during the final weeks before the last coal train to
Aberthaw Power Station on 24 Feb 2017. The photographer clearly had special access permission.
Coal trains continued to Earles Sidings, Hope, until 11 May 2017 to clear stocks (BLN 1283.1240).
The last Aberdare - Tower working was UKRT's 'Valley Legend' tour of 30 Jul 2017 (e-BLN 1288.X.132).

1675] Rhymney: (BLN 1329.1367) Class 37 powered trains (peak hour only initially) resumed on 17 Jun.

1676] Magor & Undy 'Walkway': (BLN 1296.72) This proposed station with platforms on the Relief
lines between Severn Tunnel Jn and Bishton Flyover at or very near the site of the former Undy Halt
(150m 50ch; CP 2 Nov 1964) is supported by 'MAGOR', which is quite naturally http://bit.ly/2ZRR3vU
the Magor Action Group On Rail. A previous application to the New Stations Fund was unsuccessful but
MAGOR representatives and the local MP were to meet DfT officials in London on 20 Jun regarding a
fresh application. This is against the background of plans for an M4 relief road avoiding the Brynglas
Tunnels bottleneck at Newport recently being scrapped and the Welsh Government being left with a
budget of up to £1.4bn for alternative congestion solutions. By modern standards, though perhaps not
traditional ones, the proposal is innovative in that there would be no car park but connections to local
bus and cycle routes. [Edinburgh Gateway OP 11 Dec 2016 has no car park, by design.] Crucially, the
station would be within 15 mins walk of most of the existing 6,000 residents and the further housing
developments planned for the area. The plan is that any ticketing franchise should be at the local
Community Centre Reception so that any profit from the ticket sales will return to the community.

The estimated cost is £7M using an existing footbridge and subway (known as the Undy underpass! ….
if there was one at Ware it could be 'underware' and what about Neath and Pant?) as well as lack of a
car park minimising this. MAGOR is bidding for £75k from the Welsh Government to fund design work.

1677] South Wales Metro: (BLN 1315.2279) On 25 Jun TfW announced that Balfour Beatty, Alun
Griffiths and Siemens have been awarded the first Early Contractor Involvement contracts to begin
preparatory works on this £738M project. They are being tasked with building the Metro's control
systems, stations and maintenance depots.

1331 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]
MR115] Gartell Light Railway, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1304.MR87): A visit was made to this 2ft
gauge railway on Bank Holiday Monday, 27 May. The usual three train service was in operation from
10.30 and most trains observed in the morning were well filled or full. Running were: Bo-Bo DH No1
'Amanda' (Gartell/2003 using parts from a Southport Pier loco). 0-4-0T+T No9 'Jean' (NDLW/2008) and
0-4-02T No6 'Mr G' (NDLW/1998) - each with a set of three enclosed coaches. Stabled adjacent to the
station was 4wDH No5 'Alison' (AK10/1983) and in the shed was 4wDH No2 'Andrew' (BD3699/1973).

An adult all day rover ticket was £8 for which a blue Edmondson card ticket was issued. Trains
departed from Common Lane platform 2 running to Pinesway Junction station where the loco ran-
round. The northern extension to Tower View station was then covered before another run-round and
a non-stop run to Park Lane station. (The section between Tower View and Park Lane is on the
trackbed of the former Somerset & Dorset Railway). After another run-round the train returns direct to
Common Lane platform 1, departing in parallel with the next train from Pinesway Junction. A large
building on site doubles as a ticket office/café and is used for events such as weddings. An extension
beyond Tower View north to Templecombe is no longer an ambition for the current owners.

BELOW: Gartell Light Railway; 'Amanda' approaches Pinesway Junction with a train from Tower View,
on Somerset & Dorset Railway trackbed with full size signals. (Peter Scott, 27 May 2019.)

X.78] ABOVE: (Appropriately) Glengonnar Halt end of line on the remote, but interesting and very
friendly, 2ft gauge 1,200yd Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway (MR p28). The Railway says that it is the
highest station on an adhesion worked railway in the UK. (William Ramsden, sadly the only passenger.)

MR116] South Somerset Model Engineers, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1286.MR143): This Society has a
5/7¼" gauge ground level track alongside the approach road to Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne. A visit
on 27 May found the railway deserted - as expected. The track was all clear and is still useable. It was
not possible to determine if it had been used recently - the rails being aluminium. Some sleepers on
the main running line appeared to have been recently renewed. The lines into the carriage shed had
fairly large weeds over the rails. There was no publicity or signboards about the railway on site and the
Society's web site is longer active. Further information about operations here would be welcome.

MR117] Mangapps Railway Museum, Essex (MR p8): A member paid a visit to this privately-owned
museum and standard-gauge railway on Sunday 26 May. The entrance is a mile north of Burnham-on-
Crouch station on the B1021 Southminster Rd. The museum houses some 16 locomotives and a good
number of carriages and wagons. Despite being built on a green-field site (literally as it is a farm!),
Mangapps is home to a number of relocated and restored railway buildings and signal boxes; it also
has a fine collection of railway relics. Edmondson style tickets are issued. The museum is open 11.30-
17.00 (last admission 16.00) weekends and Bank Holiday from March to October and daily in August.

The first train is advertised as leaving Mangapps at 12.15 and then running hourly until 16.15. Thanks
to a Sat Nav error, your reporter frustratingly arrived just as the 14.15 was departing on time down the
main line. However, he was delighted to discover that hourly rides were also being given down the
Southminster Road branch at 45 minutes past the hour in Canadian caboose CP 434677.

This is believed to be the only such vehicle in the UK. It has just four high level window seats, reached
via a ladder with very narrow steps plus limited accommodation in the living space downstairs. 03399
provided the haulage. The branch, about a quarter of a mile long runs parallel to the museum entrance
road. Even though it was a Bank Holiday weekend, visitor numbers were very low, perhaps because
the advertised BHSu/BHMO steam trains were not operating this day. Haulage was instead provided
by 31105 propelling two ex-BR EMU coaches from the main platform to the buffer stops, just over half
a mile away. After reversal a brief pause was made at Old Heath station. Trains only operated if there
was demand as they were concerned about the fuel cost. Your reporter had to request that the 15.15
mainline train be run as the staff didn't realise he had yet to do it!

MR118] Midland Railway (MR) - Butterley & Golden Valley Light Railway, Derbyshire (MR p8 & p14):
A member visited this well known heritage railway via UK Railtour's 4 May 'Amber Valley Venturer'.
The tour ran over the main line connection to Swanwick Junction, with 47401 piloting on the MR
metals. At Swanwick, your correspondent made straight for the Golden Valley Light Railway terminus.
The signs (Next train at ...) did not look good at first, but a few minutes of patient waiting were
rewarded with a Simplex and an Ashover coach appearing. This was never going to cope with the
throng from the charter, but the cheerful volunteers quickly added three toastrack coaches and a
second Simplex. The well loaded double header soon set off for Newlands Inn. After returning to
Swanwick, a quick sprint up the hill took your correspondent to the Butterley Park Miniature Railway.

This 3½/5" gauge elevated line is surprisingly heavily engineered, with some fairly high embankments,
a bridge over the access path and brick lined tunnel. Two circuits of the line behind a beautiful scale
Jubilee was had for a £1 donation. Lastly, it was back to the standard gauge. Mark 1 and Vintage sets
were in use. Three locos were sharing the haulage duties, Peckett 1163 'Whitehead', Austerity 'Lord

[BLN 1331]
Phil' and 47401 again. The Vintage set was sampled, travelling in 'the oldest surviving Midland coach'
(according to the guard). '1163' coped surprisingly well on a train, which really seemed too long for
such a tiny engine. A quick look at the extensive museum sheds and a meal in the excellent café were
enjoyed before the railtour set off back to London. PREVIOUS PAGE: Approaching Swanwick Junction
from Butterley, Peckett 1163 looks to be under-sized for its train! The connection to the Swanwick
branch platform (and branch), is on the right of this view. (James Beal, 4 May 2019.)

MR119] Northampton & Lamport Railway, Northamptonshire (MR p7) (BLN 1320.MR1) Work to
refurbish Bridge 11 (4m 31ch) was to commence on Monday 3 June and last about five weeks. This is
necessary for passenger services to extend south to Boughton loop (3m 78ch) north of the A5199
former level crossing. Volunteers constructed temporary steps down either side of the bridge and a
bridge over the stream, so that walkers can bypass the bridge while it is closed. Cream Tea specials run
on 7 & 21 July and 4 August, with a High Tea special on 18 August - advance booking is required for all
of these trains. Otherwise, normally trains run hourly from 11.00-16.00 on Sundays until 27 October.

MR120] Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, Devon (MR p15) (BLN 1318.MR235): On Thursday 9 May work
started on laying a length of (non-operational) track in the platform at Snapper Halt. By mid-afternoon
on Sunday 12 May, five track panels had been put down, approximately 150 feet of track along nearly
the whole of the length of the platform. Final levelling and some top ballast was to be completed later.

MR121] Epping Ongar Railway, Essex (MR p7): A member visited this Railway, once part of London
Transport's Central Line, on Friday 7 June - the first day of their three day Spring Steam Gala. Advance
one day tickets were £20 online (£22 on the day) with an Edmondson card ticket being provided at the
booking office on arrival. Running were GWR 2-8-0T 4270 (a late addition from GWSR), USATC 5197
from the Churnet Valley Railway and 4-4-0T Met No1, on longer term loan from Buckinghamshire
Railway Centre. Two rakes of coaches were in use: 9385, 16237, 4889, 5181 & 5136, along with 9410,
4925 & 13341 (lengths to suit platform lengths at North Weald, the second rake using the shorter
eastbound platform in both directions). An hourly service was operated, passing at North Weald, with
another locomotive added to westbound trains there to top & tail to Epping Forest and back, the other
detached on the return. Also running on brake van shuttles from North Weald platform 3 was 'Isabel'
(Hawthorn & Leslie 3437 of 1919), acquired in 2012 and out shopped in summer 2017. '4270' replaced
SRPS's CR 419 which had failed at GWSR and been sent back home early in disgrace. Neither of the two
nominally resident steam locomotives was present. The restoration of GWR 4953 'Pitchford Hall' is
nearly over, but the loco is understood to be too large for the line and will probably spend most (if not
all) of its life hired out. Work on their GWR 4141 will start when the Hall is complete. Three buses were
in use on connecting services to Epping LUL station and Shenfield: RTL 1076, RT 2150 and RMA 11.

MR122] Burghclere Miniature Railway, Hampshire (MR p18) (BLN 1318.2569): This 7¼" gauge railway
was in operation for the 2019 'Family Fun Day' on Sunday 26 May. The line has been extended by
around 50 yards in the northeast corner - this extension opening the same day. Rides for all were £1
for which a laminated ticket was issued and then collected for re-use before boarding. Two three
coach trains were in operation, each running from their own platform at the only station by the
railway's workshop near the Social Club building. Each train was topped and tailed: GWR 0-6-0PT 1503
was paired with 0-6-0 diesel 'Harlech Castle' and 0-6-0ST Hunslet 'Merlin' with a 4wBE loco. The
trackbed for the reminder of the circuit has now been cut out and a passing loop seems to be under
construction on the north side of the future circuit where trains currently terminate.

MR123] Kerr's Miniature Railway, Angus (MR p28) (BLN 1311.MR161): Sadly, it has been reported this
historic 10¼" gauge railway is again under the threat of closure. Owner John Kerr has found dwindling
visitor numbers have put the operation in jeopardy and is to consider its future at the end of the
summer season. Last year he warned the line was about to close after attracting unprecedented low
numbers and he is facing a similar dilemma this year with a dwindling footfall.

ABOVE: Kerr's Miniature Railway; 25179 'Loch Lee' approaches Hospitalfield Halt. If you are in the
area please go and have a ride this summer and help save the line! (Peter Scott, 27 Jul 2018.)

He said: What is very clear this year is the numbers are still not very good. We are not having the
footfall the railway needs to go on a positive way for the future. The people who are coming really
appreciate the fact we are there but there are not enough of them. Although the Railway enjoyed a
'superb' four day Easter weekend, with just under 500 passengers, these figures were a 'rarity' - In
comparison, over the three days over the Bank Holiday weekend, we had just shy of 100 people which
makes it very difficult for us planning for the future. We just hope and pray the weather is nice all the
time as these numbers are just not good enough. We are going to have another bash at it; we have not
completely given up.

Mr Kerr, whose grandfather Matthew opened the railway in 1935, has shelved plans to extend the
Railway to the new play park. Although the railway is signposted, he claims visitors to West Links Park
do not make the short walk to the railway. He will decide in September what direction the Railway will
take in the future. A mile from Arbroath station it runs weekends from April until September 11.00-
16.00 (weather permitting) plus selected additional days through the summer months, fare £2 for all.

MR124] Chasewater Narrow Gauge Railway, Staffordshire (MR p23) (BLN 1279.837): Heritage Railway
254 (10 May 2019) records that this 170 foot long 2ft gauge railway operated carrying passengers on
Sunday 7 April 2019 for the Chasewater Railway 'Littleton Colliery Coal Train' event held over that
weekend. This was advertised (28 March) on Chasewater Narrow Gauge Railway's Facebook pages,
with confirmatory pictures after the event. They state "we try to run when the main railway has events
on". There was also mention of running on Sunday 26th May for Chasewater Railway's 60th Anniversary
Gala, but there has been no evidence of other public running since 2014. Keep an eye on Facebook!

MR125] North Ings Farm Narrow Gauge Railway, Lincolnshire (MR p20) (BLN 1283.MR109): This 2ft
gauge, long established railway, in the fens of Lincolnshire was visited on Sunday 2 June. Our reporter
and his partner were the only visitors, so a full workshop and depot visit could be made. The train runs
on demand and on this day 4wDM 'Bullfinch' (HE7120/1969) was in use. The line is a 400 yard long
circuit with just the one station. Trains run in an anticlockwise direction. No track alterations to the
main running line have taken place since the last track plan was published (3 May 2015). A small café is
in operation with hot drinks and snacks available. Admission is a reasonable £3 including rides.

BELOW: North Ings Farm Narrow Gauge Railway, 'Bullfinch' stands ready for another trip
around this 2ft gauge 400yd railway. (Rod Bryant, 2 Jun 2019.)

ABOVE: Melton Mowbray Model Engineers; a train on its second circuit
about to bypass the station. (Peter Scott, 2 Jun 2019.)

MR126] Melton Mowbray Model Engineers, Rutland (MR p22) (BLN 1237.MR112): The only public
miniature railway in the small county of Rutland! The Society has both inner elevated (rarely used - no
public running) and outer ground level and lines in a small site adjacent to the Sports Ground in the
village of Whissendine. The ground level 5/7¼" gauge line consists of a 220 yard long circuit with one
station with an island platform. There is also a two road shed and the usual elevated steaming bays.
The Society holds an annual Miniature Steam Rally, usually on the first weekend in June and this is the
best time to visit the railway. On Sunday 3 June at least three members had congregated on site by
11.00. Two passenger trains were in operation on the ground level track, each formed of one sit-
astride coach hauled by steam locos Bagnall 0-4-0ST 'Nomi' and Hunslet 0-4-0ST 'Maj-Je-Mos'. Rides
started from the inner platform face and included two circuits, the second via the outer platform face.
Fares were £1 for all, for which paper Edmondson size tickets were issued and collected (and re-used)
before departure. Excellent refreshments were available in the Club House adjacent to the station.

MR127] Shipley Glen Tramway, West Yorkshire (MR p32) (BLN 1305.MR96): Similar to this site's last
report, the visit on Sunday 5 May by your two peripatetic members was their second, their first having
been in association with the Society's 1978 AGM! The 20" gauge 386 yard tramway OP 18 May 1895
and was operating on demand. Advantage was taken of all return tickets being available as day rovers
to sample both sides in both directions to all four extremities. Fares are Single/Return: Adult £2.50/
£1.50; Senior/Concession £1.50/£1; Child £1/50p (free under-5) with numbered large paper tickets,
different colours for each variety. These show the issuing location (eg 'TOP STATION') and a black &
white photo. An old chassis is displayed on a section of disconnected track by the top station.

Just below here, there was a tremendous display of wild garlic and bluebells alongside and across the
tracks, with the line wending its way down the wooded incline at a maximum gradient of 1 in 7. The
trams (one blue and one red) are covered 'toastracks' and passengers face the direction of travel. The
tramway is now operated by a volunteer Trust. Importantly, the volunteers stress this cable operated
system, over rollers between each track, is a funicular. It meets the definition of a railway, especially
one on a mountainside operating by cable with ascending and descending cars counterbalanced. Public
services operate Sundays all year, plus Saturdays Easter to Boxing Day and Bank Holiday Mondays
12.00 to 16.30. The lower station (with nearby parking) is just over a mile to walk from Shipley station.

MR128] Downs Light Railway (BLN 1327.1106): This private 9½" unusual gauge railway operated on
Monday 6 May as described, primarily to show prospective parents that their child's education here
extends beyond formal studies. Initial progress on steaming Atlantic 'George' (1939, acquired by the
school in 1941, with 80th birthday headboard and flags) and rather younger 2-6-2 'James Boyd'
(of 1992) Milner engineering rebuilt on site - referred to as 'JB' - was such that the planned early runs
with 'Tim' (0-6-0 petrol, arrived 1986) were cancelled. However, steam pressure took a while to build
before each loco took turns with one coach (one sit-astride, the other seated) to run from Hoyland
Town terminus through the curved, tight tunnel onto the 'Meadow' loop and straight back. Priority
was given to parents but opportunities for the BLS members present were provided. The historic
railway is generally run for, and by, pupils on Saturday mornings as a 'hobby' activity, so is generally
unseen by the youngest pupils who attend school Mon to Fri only. Although a Bank Holiday, the school
was working normally so three young classes took the opportunity to see the railway in action and
take rides. This unexpected demand led to the two coaches being coupled and double headed to
speed things along - a lovely sight and sound! However, the queue became longer rather than shorter.
It was decided to operate circular trips around the Meadow, via the chord that is the third side of the
triangle with the line to the terminus. This gave all youngsters a ride just before going home time and
also allowed one run for others wishing to travel over the chord before the train returned in service to
the terminus. Particularly notable was passenger trains running with trainee youngsters supervised by
other youngsters who had passed out as drivers - the colour of their neckwear identifies their status!

1331 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]
X.79] Highland Line Signal Box Visits (2); Sun 25 Nov 2018: See BLN 1330.1521 for report.

[BLN 1331]

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Perth station signalling
school training Power Signal Box type panel. (All
photos Nick Jones 25 Nov 2018 unless specified.)

LEFT: A block instrument made of cardboard and
paper (!) also at Perth station Signalling School
(now there's an idea to reduce signalling costs…)

BELOW: A train from Edinburgh passes the
difficult to access/photo Hilton Junction Signal
Box heading towards Perth station.

BELOW: Inside Hilton Junction Signal Box; the actual junction itself can be seen top right.

BELOW: A most unusual view of Hilton Jn, note the switch diamond; Moncrieffe Tunnel is ahead to
Perth, left is the Stirling line (which the train will take) and right is the Ladybank line for Edinburgh.

THIS PAGE: Perth power signal box panel.





BELOW: The twelve keen BLS signalling aficionados are in the frame..... (don't pull their legs).

BELOW: Part of the non-functioning 'omnibus' phone, once commonplace in signal boxes etc.

BELOW: Pitlochry, in many ways the activity through the windows is as interesting as the box interior...

THIS PAGE: Pitlochry platform extensions as at 25 Nov 2018 (the loop was not altered).

Details must be checked 1331 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.

1678] Chester Zoo: Upton-by-Chester, Chester,
CH2 1LH. About 1½ miles walk from Bache station,
also frequent bus services and brown 'tourist' road
signs. The one mile circuit monorail here (LEFT)
opened in 1991 at a cost of £8M is due to close
permanently in 'late summer' after operating for a
further 'couple of months'. £2.25 per trip (or £4 all
day pass online in advance if it is bought with a Zoo
admission ticket which also saves 20% on the gate
admission price).

1679] FOR SALE, Newtonhill Signal Box (one only):
(BLN 1329.1360) The materials are accepted by
Purchaser on the basis that they have already been
used. Already used from the 1870s to 26 Apr 2019
between Stonehaven and Aberdeen at 230m 59ch; bids to [email protected] by
16pm (quote!) on 8 July. Please note a possession will be required, this will be at cost to yourself in
addition to dismantling and any costs associated with the removal.... (This could be dearer than the
box itself with all that compensation and all those replacement buses!)

The purchaser agrees to indemnify NR against all actions, claims, costs, expenses, losses, damages and
other liability arising from the use of the materials by the purchaser or any other person, including,
without limitation, use at work. NR gives no warranties to the purchaser as to the quality of the
materials or their suitability for any purpose and all such warranties, whether express or implied (either
by common law or by statute) are hereby excluded. Finally you have to pay before you are allowed to
take your purchase away - caveat emptor indeed!



PREVIOUS PAGE: Oxford Rewley Road Swing Bridge (next item) while aqua-gricing the Sheepwash
Channel on 26 May 2019. In both cases the extant railway bridge is that just north of Oxford station. In
the upper shot the swing bridge is on the left, and in the lower on the right. (Both Jenny Williamson.)

ABOVE: Passing the bridge (the swinging section is on the other side of the bank).

1680] Oxford Rewley Rd LMS Swing Bridge, Wed 10 Jul, 17.30-19.30: (BLN 1270.3068) Said Business
School, Park End St, Oxford OX1 1HP. The Oxford Preservation Trust is restoring this scheduled
ancient monument which once carried double track over the Sheepwash Channel just north of
Oxford station on the Up side. All are welcome at this FREE event about the history and heritage
of the bridge and plans to restore it to working order. Booking http://bit.ly/2ZKAHFE is essential.

1681] Every Home Should Have One (or Two): DBC is offering locomotives 59201-59206 for sale at
Westbury, 'as seen' by competitive open tender; see http://bit.ly/2IXh1aE - closing date Wed 10 Jul.

1682] London Transport Museum Depot, Open Weekends 13-14 Jul & 28-29 Sep: 11.00-17.00 (last
admission 16.00). 118-120 Gunnersbury Lane, Acton Town, London, W3 9BQ, (TQ 194 797), two mins
walk from Acton Town Underground station. Adults £12; Concessions £10; Children/LTM Friends FREE.
Much to see; the 7¼" gauge 180yd Acton Miniature Railway (MR p17) is expected to run - £1 per trip.

1683] Vintage Trains; Welsh Marches Express, Sat 20 Jul: Dorridge (07.40/20.25) & selected stations
to Snow Hill (08.22) - Kidderminster - Gloucester - Maindee E to N Jn - Hereford 12.41/17.06 - Abbey
Foregate Curve - Bescot - New St (19.43) - Dorridge. May include loops such as Droitwich Up Goods
Loop for watering etc. Steam hauled by 'Bahamas' from £99 http://bit.ly/2LkfUED 0121 708 4960.

1684] The Lincolnshire Wolds Railway: (BLN 1300.MR48)
(MR p8) This 1m 72ch standard gauge heritage railway plans to
extend five miles south of Ludborough (on trackbed it now
owns) to Louth at about £280K per mile. Phase 1 is ¾ mile to
Pear Tree Lane Crossing by the former Utterby Halt (LEFT).
The appeal has now exceeded £50K. Each mile of track needs
176 rail lengths (£600 each), 16 membrane rolls (£308 per
roll), two miles of drainage pipe (£150 for 50m), 120 tons of
drainage gravel (£60 per ton), 1,800 tons of ballast, 352
fishplates (£25 each), 2,112 sleepers (£30 each), 704 fishplate
bolts (£5 each) and 4,224 steel keys (£1 each). If you would
like to see this friendly, attractive line extended please donate
via http://bit.ly/2XhoVVo (and gift aid to add 25%) or
01507 363881. The railway also owns 1¾ miles of trackbed
north of North Thoresby station, its present northern
terminus, towards Grimsby as shown on the map.

1685] Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Sat 12 Oct
11.50-16.00: (MR p10) Irish Traction Group 30th Anniversary
Diesel Gala (with the IRRS), various locos and railcars:
Downpatrick - Inch Abbey/ Magnus's Grave. The direct Inch
Abbey - Magnus's Grave link is not available because of
permanent way work. Day Rover: £15/€17 (ITG, IRRS and
D&CDR members £10/€12). Connecting coach Dublin Red Cow
Luas Stop (08.45/19.10) - Heuston (St John's Road
09.00/18.45) - Dublin Airport Coach Park (09.30/ 18.15) -
Downpatrick (11.30/16.15). At £18/€20 the coach MUST be
reserved in advance by giving full name, number of
passengers, boarding point and mobile phone number to
[email protected] or by post to: Irish Traction
Group, 31 Hayfield Road, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 1DE. Note
that payment for the day rover tickets and the coach
connection will be collected on the day in cash.

1686] Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (K&WVR)
Through Tickets: (RIGHT) Now available from all
operators and stations. They are excellent value on
this delightful 4m 70ch branch now in its 50th year
of heritage operation where there is much to see
and do. The standard add on fare is only £12 Adult;
£6 Child or just £7.90 Adult with a Senior, 16-25,
(26-30?), Two Together, Disabled, Family & Friends
or Dales Railcards. On a 'normal' day these are even
Day Rovers (£18, Concessions £15, Child £9 on the
day); on special events they allow one return trip.
The combined tickets with easy interchange at Keighley also give admission at Ingrow to 'Rail Story',
the award winning Museum of Rail Travel and the BLS* 'Ingrow Loco' exhibition. If a national
conductor can't 'find' them on the system the combined ticket can be purchased at Keighley National
Rail station on arrival - as this was. A normal K&WVR return (without the Museum/ exhibitions) is £12
Adult, Concessions £11, Child £6. Residents of BD20, BD21 or BD22 postcodes can buy a £5 annual
Local Residents' Railcard for a 50% K&WVR fare discount. [*Bahamas Locomotive Society of course.]

1687]:CORRIS RAILWAY EXPERIENCE DAY:: (MR p29) (BLN 1304.994; major article, map & photos)
Would you and a small group of similarly-minded friends like to spend a day trying your hands at
driving steam, diesel and battery powered electric locomotives on part of the oldest narrow gauge
railway in Mid Wales? If so please read on for information about the Corris Railway Experience Day.

(TRACKmaps 3 p33G - Jun 2018) The revived section of the historic 2' 3" gauge Corris Railway runs
between Corris station, (with a small railway museum), in the village and Maespoeth Junction‡, just
under a mile. (Corris station, SY20 9SH, is on the A487 Machynlleth - Dolgellau road at the Braich Goch
Inn). It is intended to extend the line further but the current operation allows the following:

[‡Former junction for the horse drawn Upper Corris Tramway; 4¾ miles north of Machynlleth station.]

❶Drive steam locomotive No7 at the head of a train between Corris and the Junction. No7 is a 21st
.....Century version of the original Corris Railway No4 - now at the neighbouring Talyllyn Railway.
❷A chance to drive the Orenstein and Koppel diesel locomotive No11 and Ruston diesel No6 at the
.....head of a train over the line between Corris and the Junction.

❸Trundle around the array of sidings on the footplate of modified Motor Rail Simplex No5 'Alan
.....Meaden'. The first motive power for the revival of the line - perhaps go along the 'main line' too.

❹Work in and out of the Maespoeth Junction carriage shed with our Clayton battery electric loco
.....No9. It was formerly in use by Wincilate Limited at their Aberllefenni Quarry. Aberllefenni was once
.....the northern terminus for passenger trains on the Corris Railway.

❺A trip 'down' from Corris using one of the original methods of motive power, a gravity train ride in
.....some of the restored wagons. This is a unique and exhilarating experience not available elsewhere.

❻A chance to see the work of a guard on the Corris Railway.

❼A tour of the original loco shed and the new carriage shed at Maespoeth Junction to see the
.....facilities and the work in progress on restoration and construction of new rolling stock.

❽A walk down part of the section of route which we intend to reopen south of Maespoeth Junction.

❾Membership of the Corris Railway Society for the current year.

The Experience Day is available in Apr, May, Jun and Sep on days when normal services do not run - so
the railway is yours for the day! www.corris.co.uk has the timetable. However, the railway is run by
volunteers so needs a minimum of five weeks notice of a booking for the Experience Day please, to
arrange to staff and run it properly. Tea, coffee and water are supplied during the day but not food.
Sandwiches, snacks etc can be purchased in Corris village café, which is just 100yd from the station.

The maximum number is 6 but the day can be arranged for fewer, even just a solo booking. It usually
starts at 10.00 and ends by 17.00 (with train connections from/to Birmingham New Street etc at
Machynlleth) to give time for farewells, chat, locking up and making the sites secure. Cost £450,
regardless of the number, payable to 'The Corris Railway'. This is reduced to £360 if you do not wish to
include the steam loco in the day. A non-refundable deposit of £100 for the group is required at
booking and full payment at least seven days before the date. This pays for the programme above and
also includes membership of the Corris Railway Society for each person. Members of the Society each
receive a quarterly magazine 'The Corris-pondent' and travel allowances for future visits. Plus, if the
day leads to a desire to do more on the Railway among the course participants, a chance to become a
volunteer to help with the next steps of the revival. It's a lovely part of the world to spend some time.

Your Chairman, Mrs Williamson, General Secretary, BLN Editor, NW Regional Editor and a couple of
other members have all 'experienced' this day, thoroughly enjoyed it and fully recommend it.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, reasonably fit and must not have consumed alcohol or drugs
in the 12 hours prior to the start. (For a celebratory drink after the day, the 'Slaters Arms' in the village
opens at 18.00; listed as of particular historic importance by CAMRA) or the nearby Tafarn Dwynant.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink in Dolgellau and Machynlleth.

So there you are. Four or five locos, one gravity run, rare track to travel over and beautiful countryside
around it. Why not give it a go? Contact [email protected] or  01654 761701/761303. All locos

are subject to availability (may be affected by mechanical problems). The money raised by Experience
Days goes towards the construction costs of the next steam loco, No10, a 21st Century recreation of the

original Corris Railway 'Falcon' 0-4-2 saddle tank engines. www.corris.co.uk has news of this project.

Okehampton P2 dep 10.15 11.15 12.15 14.15 15.25 16.35 1688] Dartmoor Railway:
LEFT: The 'Heritage Shuttles'
Meldon Viaduct arr 10.30 11.30 12.30 14.30 15.40 16.50 run with Class 08, D4167 or
dep 10.45 11.45 12.45 14.45 15.55 17.05 Class 205, 1132 'Thumper'.
They are volunteer operated
Okehampton P2 arr 11.00 12.00 13.00 15.00 16.10 17.20

SSuO and Bank Holidays until 19 Sep (check times for various special events, cream teas at Meldon

buffet coach etc). All day Rover Adult £5, Senior £4, Child £3, Family £14 - single fares also available.

On Sundays until 8 Sep they connect with the GWR Exeter - Okehampton Sunday services (timetable

BLN 1330.1530). The restored Okehampton station with the Old Station Tea Room is worth visiting.

1689] Scottish Grand Tour: An innovative ScotRail circular tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh to
Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, then bus/ferry to Mallaig and back on the West Highland line. At £89 or
£58.75 Railcard; Child £44.50, it is good value and covers 4 days travel in 8 days allowing many breaks
of journey and intermediate stopovers. Travel clockwise or anticlockwise and start from any point on
the tour. Standard Class ScotRail train travel anytime except Inverness - Glasgow/Edinburgh (when it
is not valid before 09.15 weekdays); it also includes the Mallaig - Armadale (Isle of Skye) ferry and
Armadale - Kyle of Lochalsh by coach. Available on the day from ticket offices at any staffed station.

1690] Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, Sun 4 Aug: Steam hauled trains by No85 'Merlin',
three separate trips, for Enniscorthy Rockin' Food Festival: Dublin Connolly - Enniscorthy; Enniscorthy
- Rosslare Strand & return; Enniscorthy - Dublin Connolly. It runs in the same path as the 'Sea Breeze'
but the short working is Enniscourthy to Rosslare Strand with no booked Wexford stop on the return
so might use the loop there to pass a Down Dublin Similarly at Rosslare Strand to pass the up Dublin.
For details including timings and fares see http://bit.ly/2XkJYTf or + 44 28 9358 6200.

1691] South Tynedale Railway: This now 4½ mile long 2ft gauge line (the trains give the impression
of a rather wider gauge) runs MFX until 20 Jul then daily to 31 Aug; MFX in Sep; TThSSuO in Oct (but
daily 19-27 Oct). From Alston 10.30, 13.00 & 15.00 returning from Slaggyford 11.30, 14.00 & 16.00.
Journey time is 35 mins through lovely scenery on England's highest narrow gauge railway - riding
on the rear balcony of the train is particularly recommended. Santa specials run every Dec weekend.

The restoration, passenger facilities (including free parking) and catering at both ends of the line are
superb. Alston has more bus services than might be expected. All day rail travel is only £10 Adult (£9
Concessions, £5 Child, Family £25 2A&3C) and can be gift aided, which adds 25% to help the railway.

The railway aims to reopen the other ⅔ of the 13 mile branch north to Haltwhistle (CP 3 May 1976
as a standard gauge branch) and has real prospects of doing so. It relies heavily on its membership,
donations (which can be gift aided) and volunteers (posts available in many areas). For details see
http://bit.ly/2Fv6RwX 01434 338214. A membership application form is enclosed with BLN/e-BLN.

●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/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

X.80] ABOVE: BLN 1331 Guess the (precise) Location: Our member Dan Hitchens with new stocks of
raffle prizes he has kindly donated to the Society, but where is this exactly and what is the train
service here? (Kev Adlam.) X.81] BELOW: Crianlarich Lower and why not? (Ian Mortimer, May 1980.)