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Published by membersonly, 2019-10-03 18:10:15

1337

5th October 2019

Number 1337 (Items 2392 - 2515 & MR 184 - MR 196) (E-BLN 99 PAGES) 5 Oct 2019

BRANCH LINE NEWS

Respice in praeteritum, praesens et futurum

Published 24 times a year by the Branch Line Society; founded 1955.
branchline.uk https://m.facebook.com/BranchLineSociety/

Membership Enquiries: Alan Welsh [email protected]
22 Treemount Court, Grove Avenue, Epsom, KT17 4DU. 01372 728677

British Isles news from member7s2; 8a6n7i7nternational section is available.
Opinions are not necessarily athvaoislaebolef .the Compilers or the Society.

BLN 1338 is dated Saturday 19 Oct; contributions by Wednesday 9 Oct please

2393] :Important Announcement:: After more than nine years editing 222 editions of International
Branch Line News (BLNI) since 5 Jun 20c1i0et,yP. aSouclieGtryi.ffin has decided that now is the time for him to
step down. This will happen in the next few weeks (not months), although we are pleased to report
that Paul is able and willing to continue as a major contributor. This comes when the Society has run
some very successful recent international railtours, with more planned. We are now looking for a
volunteer, or team of volunteers, to take over from Paul - a detailed knowledge of all the railways in
the world is NOT required. Various flexible ways of continuing to produce BLNI, a major part of the
Society's offering, might well be possible. For example job shares or splitting the work between a
team, although one person would need to be in overall charge for each edition. Derek Woodward
has kindly agreed to continue as deputy to proof read and assist. There is no requirement to follow
the present BLNI format or style - the World is your oyster. We hope that members will be
motivated to help and enable BLNI to continue. Maybe you could offer to support the new BLNI
Editor/team with your knowledge of a particular area/region by answering queries? Please contact
Paul Griffin informally (no obligation) at [email protected] to discuss or offer help.

Date Event and details  = Please Book Online BLN Lead Status

Sun 6 Oct Ffarwelio â Phacer Cymoedd Caerdydd (Pacer track tour) 1333 MG OPEN

Wed 9 Oct Durham Coast signal boxes (e-BLN 1335) FULL e-1335 NJ FULL

Sat 12 Oct The Sandwich Deal (Ramsgate 08.30-17.00) EMU tour 1336 MG OPEN

Wed 23 Oct The Kernow Funicular - private funiculars in Cornwall BELOW MG OPEN

Sat 26 Oct 10.00 Lavender Line Track/Traction Event UPDATE BELOW BELOW MG OPEN

Sat 26 Oct 15.30 Eastbourne Miniature Magical Mystery (tour) 1336 MG OPEN

Fri 15 Nov 09.30 AGM Warm Up; North Derbyshire Minor Railways BELOW MG *OPEN*

Sat 16 Nov 09.00/10.00 The AGM Roundhouse Explorer BELOW MG *OPEN*

Sat 16 Nov 64th AGM at Barrow Hill Roundhouse (12.00-15.00) 1336 MG OPEN

Sat 16 Nov Barrow Hill AGM film show with hot buffet (17.00-19.30) 1336 MG OPEN

Sun 17 Nov 09.30 Sherwood Forest Railway (15" gauge) followed by… BELOW MG *OPEN*

Sun 17 Nov AGM weekend loco-hauled tour WATCH OUR WEBSITE TBA TBA Claimed

Sun 8 Dec The Bootle Brush Track & Class 47 Traction tour 1335 MG OPEN

Sat 14 Dec BLS Men of Steel - farewell to British Steel Redcar station BELOW GB NOTIFY

Sat 4 Jan 20 Scunthorpe Postponed, to avoid probable non-BLS tour clash TBA TBA Claimed

Fri 24 Jan Madrid Circumnavigator tour, NEW DATE; NOTIFY INTEREST 1336 IS NOTIFY

30/4 - 3/5 REDATED to avoid a tour clash, four day Irish long weekend TBA TBA Claimed

31/5 - 7/6 *NEW* target dates for BLS railtour in northern Sweden BELOW TBA Claimed

26-28 June *NEW* The Niedersachsen Explorer; dates for your diary BELOW TBA Claimed

GB = Geoff Blyth; IS = Iain Scotchman; MG = Mark Gomm; NJ = Nick Jones; TBA = To be advised.

2394] :The Kernow Funicular; Wed 23 Oct:, A Society first, trips on two significant scenic funicular
railways in Cornwall which the public are not permitted to ride on. NOW OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS.
Our minibus leaves St Austell station car park (the Travelodge is nearby) at 09.30 prompt (connects
05.25 ex-Bristol Temple Meads a short HST) returning to Truro for 18.26 to Paddington (connection to
Birmingham New Street etc) then to St Austell 18.40. A two hour visit to Padstow Lifeboat Station
(which is not at Padstow!) includes the 32.24m long 48o gradient PRIVATE funicular electric railway
opened in 2001 to transport lifeboat crew, equipment and supplies up and down the cliffs. Then the
most southerly railway in mainland Britain; the 45m long 38o gradient 8ft gauge PRIVATE electric
funicular installed 1995 at Lizard Lifeboat Station for a two hour visit. The views from both railways
are spectacular in this very scenic part of the country. 19 participants needed for viability - please book
ASAP. £50 per head includes minibus, donation to both lifeboat stations, tea/coffee. Please book
online or ask someone to do this for you to help us. Otherwise post to Mark Gomm (back page) with
BLS membership numbers and email address or at least an A5 (BLN) size 1st Class SAE.

2395] :The Lavender Line, Isfield Investigator; Sat 26 Oct, 10.00-15.00:, (BLN 1336.2263) Subject to
any on the day problems, the full haulage specification is: Thumper 1118, Thumper 1133, Wickham
Railbus Lab 20, 09025, Andrew Barclay Army 221, Ruston 422 Valiant, Hibberd Planet 15. The latter
two will be used to 'top & tail' the Toad brakevan. This is thought to be the entire internal combustion
engine powered operational fleet at Isfield! It has been confirmed that Riley's Miniature Railway will
open throughout the visit by donation (100% goes to Evelina Specialist Children's Hospital, Lambeth,
London). Lunch arrangements have also been confirmed. This friendly heritage railway is going to a
great deal of trouble for us so please book and support this fixture and give it some publicity too.

BELOW: The Golden Valley Light Railway; Butterley one of our youngest members, Archie Lewis,
driving under instruction doing the shed road - if only we had all started that young… (Neil Lewis.)

[BLN 1337]

2396] :The North Derbyshire AGM Warm Up; Fri 5 Nov, 09.30 (TBC):, The day starts with the 2ft
gauge, 1,400yd long Golden Valley Light Railway (MR p14) at the Midland Railway Centre (Swanwick).
It runs over ¾ mile from there along the aptly named and picturesque Golden Valley. We aim to cover
as much of the comprehensive network of lines, sidings, shed and workshop lines as possible here.

Next is the adjacent Butterley Park Miniature Railway, (ABOVE) a 3½/5" gauge elevated railway, in
attractive parkland. The 1,320ft long line is an oval circuit with working miniature semaphore signalling
and a tunnel. A connecting spur from the nearby steaming sheds completes this railway. We plan to
cover this non-passenger spur during our visit. After lunch we travel to the Derbyshire Dales for the
Wirksworth Miniature Railway (MR p14). This friendly 7¼" gauge line runs alongside its big brother,
the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for 180yd and has a siding and headshunt, which we aim to cover.

Our final miniature of the day is a quick drive 'down the hill' to the former spa town of Matlock [an
early bath?]. Here we visit the 200yd very unusual 9½" gauge Hall Leys Miniature Railway (MR p14) in
the town's charming Park of that name. We aim to traverse the non-passenger (two road) shed lines.

All events are private (non public). Members only £40; U18 £20 (must be accompanied by an adult);
no part fares. Please advise if you can assist, or need assistance with, car transport from Chesterfield
station. Bookings per item 2394 above; enquires to our member Neil Lewis [email protected]
the organiser, or by post with SAE to 95 Little Morton Rd, North Wingfield, Chesterfield, S42 5HL.

2397] :The AGM Roundhouse Explorer; Sat 16 Nov, 09.00/10.00:, (MR p8) Campbell Drive, Barrow
Hill, Chesterfield, S43 2PR. A diesel hauled exploration of the Barrow Hill site, in our riding vehicle,
'Molly'. The site is closed to the public all day, but opens for participants 09.00 when the splendid new
café will be available for you to purchase hot drinks and breakfast items. There is ample free parking
and a well stocked shop. Strictly limited to 50 members, departing 10.00, firstly exploring the new
infrastructure installed to stable East Midlands Trains rolling stock during the 2018 Derby blockade.
There are three new lines to cover and it is planned to include the Springwell Branch end of the line,
and down to the NR boundary. It is hoped that a sought after loco will be hired from a site tenant.

The fixture pauses 11.30 for our AGM, resuming for another hour after, covering available lines around
the site before finishing ahead of our 17.00 film and buffet event. Thanks to our Martyn Brailsford and
Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society for all their assistance with this fixture. [It is not likely to be repeated
in the near future.] £20 BLS members only; U18 (adult accompanied only) £10; book per 2394 above.

BELOW: Butterley Park Miniature Railway; the interesting junction for the steaming bays. (Neil Lewis.)

2398] :2019 AGM and Film Show with Buffet; Sat 16 Nov:, A reminder to please notify if you wish to
attend our Annual General Meeting from 12.00 to 15.00 (see BLN 1336.2267). Bookings are also open
for our AGM Film Show from 17.00 to 19.30 with an interval hot buffet; see BLN 1336.2269. Andy
Main will be presenting some of the many films he has made over the years about Minor Railways.

X.132] :The Sunday AGM Dash; Sun 17 Nov, 09.30 (TBC):, (Not in paper BLN.) Lamb Pens Lane, off
Gorsethorpe Lane, near Edwinstowe, NG21 9HL. Enjoy a pre-AGM railtour morning dash across the
border into North Nottinghamshire with a comprehensive visit to the very friendly Sherwood Forest
Railway (MR p22). This delightful, ⅝-scale; 15" gauge line runs in the shadow of big brother (the
former Chesterfield to Lincoln LD&ECR, now a branch from Shirebrook to Tuxford RIDC). Since our
31 Mar 2016 visit, the railway has extended from 550yd to about 640yd. The station area now has a
new layout to do; an adjacent platform, replacing the former island, with a realigned running line and
loop. The owner and his son welcome us to join them for an extensive private tour of their railway. BLS
members only £10; U18 £5 (must be accompanied by an adult). Please advise if you can assist, or need
assistance with, car transport from Chesterfield station or Barrow Hill Roundhouse (returning in time
for our mainline tour). Bookings per 2394 above; enquires to the organiser [email protected]
our local member Neil Lewis, or by post with an SAE to 95 Little Morton Rd, North Wingfield, S42 5HL.

2399] :The BLS Mxs, Men & Women of Steel; Sat 14 Dec:, (BLN 1336.2277) The final day of service
at our much loved, but least used, perhaps most isolated and inaccessible national station which
serves nowhere - just the sort of thing to appeal to members. Only 40 passengers were recorded in
2017-2018 (probably 2% of our membership making a return trip), so 31 trains have to call for each
passenger. It 'temporarily' closes from Mon 16 Dec 2019 - although it remains to be seen if this
turns out to be the new way of avoiding stopping even one train a week in one direction. [Perhaps
Gina Miller might interest Lady Hale & Co in this?] To commemorate the occasion we hope that, on
Sat 14 Dec, as many members as are able will join the 16.55 Redcar Central to British Steel Redcar
(16.58), the last Up train to call. Return is on the final train of all, at 18.17 to Redcar Central 18.21.

The Off Peak day return is only £2.60 (Railcard £1.70), pay on the day. The 82 mins 'trapped' at the
station in the First Class Lounge will soon pass in the company of fellow BLS members - bring warm
clothes. It is also possible to do a morning return trip with 30 mins there. Some members might be
encouraged to go if they know there will be other members there. An East Yorkshire member plans
to spend the whole day on the station, from 07.57 until 18.17, suitably equipped with a picnic
hamper, vintage brandy and appropriate picnic table! But will he be able to make use of the famous
chair, kindly obtained by our Scotland Regional Editor, or will that have been already bagged by
somebody else? Please notify genuine interest to Geoff Blyth at [email protected] or
by post to 26 Trafalgar Way, Billericay, CM12 0UT as soon as possible. This is so that we can advise
Northern of the numbers expected. If you cannot join us, you can still buy this ticket (or any other)
to the station as a souvenir, or order online and collect at your local ticket machine (item 2439).
Please state if you are going in the morning or evening and if you plan to alight and wait on the
station. Numbers (but no names) will be published in BLN so that members can see if they are likely
to have company. If there is enough interest the Press may be alerted to this historical occasion.

2400] :BLS Northern Sweden Railtour; Sun 31 May - Sun 7 Jun:, Save the dates. The plan is to use
loco-hauled stock with a restaurant car to do freight lines and non-passenger curves in Northern
Sweden not covered by recent tours. The route is very much in planning and very dependent on the
availability of an ERTMS signalling fitted loco. The proposed routing is hoped to include the following:

֎Day 1: Gavle - Soderhamn - South curve - Kilafors (reverse) - Soderhamn West - north curve -
Sundsvall - Ange - Ange Freight Yard - Ovansjo via south curve (reverse) - Ange avoiding line to
Moradal - Bracke - Ostersund C (overnight).

֎Day 2: Ostersund C - Ulriksfors - Stromsund - Ulriksfors - Hoting - Langsele (reverse) - Vasteraspby -
Nyland (if non-ERTMS fitted locomotive is allowed to work through the station at Vasteraspby) -
Solleftea (overnight).

֎Day 3: Solleftea - Langsele - (reverse) - Mellansel - Ornoldskoldvik C (as far as possible with non-
ERTMS, ideally would like to go through to Ornskoldvik Port) (reverse) - Mellansel (reverse) - Vannas
via old route at Nyaker and south of Hornsjo - Tvardback (reverse) - Umea-C (overnight).

֎Days 4/5/6: Umea C - Industrial branch north of station (part of old line route?) - Vannas - Boden C
Avoiding line - (If ERTMS train/loco available Haparabanda - Tornio/ Kalix), otherwise via new tunnel
cut-offs at Hornsjo and Nyaker - Ange, then Okelbo - Storvik (reverse) - Sundsvall/ Gavle (overnight).

֎If ERTMS-fitted loco available: Sundsvall - Botniabanen - Timra - Tunadal, Vasterasby - Nyland,
Vasterasby - Langsele, Ornskoldvik C - Port branch, Ornskoldvik C - Mellansel, and Husums N. - Ragon,
maybe Malung on return working. Then tour train returns to Nassjo.

2401] :The Niedersachsen Explorer; Fri 26 to Sun 28 Jun 2020:, A three day BLS tour of freight lines of
the Osthannoversche Eisenbahn in northern Germany by loco hauled train. There will be familiar faces
to advise if you have not done one of these before. At this stage please just save the dates.

1337 HEAD LINES (Paul Stewart) [email protected]

2402] Keeping Track, (extra to Head Lines) significant passenger service suspensions: *= new/altered

BLN Start (incl) Reopens Location (stations 'exclusive' if bracketed) bold = closed now

1336.2272 5 Oct 19 14 Oct 19 *(Crianlarich) - Fort William Jn
1335.2124 14 Oct 19 19 Oct 19
1335.2140 8 Sep 19 21 Oct 19 Chester P7 - (Bache)
1336.2276 21 Oct 19
1331.1539 9 Oct 19 Green Lane station Down P2 only (to Chester)
1330.1399 2 Jan 19 Delayed
1334.2005 †4 Nov 18 Dee-layed (Coleraine) - Londonderry
1329.1254 26 Oct 19 11 Nov 19
1328.1196 26 Oct 19 Mid Hants Railway; Alton P3 - (Medstead & Four Marks)
1334.2002 9 Nov 19 4 Nov 19
1333.1883 28 Nov 19 15 Nov 19 Llangollen Railway, (Carrog) - site of former Corwen East
1325.655 16 Feb 19
1332.1699 20 Oct 18 2 Dec 19 *(Barmouth) - Pwllheli (now extended another week; confirmed)
28 Sep 18 Unknown
17 Feb 20 Havant Jn - (Chichester) [†Date of last public service]

2020? *Tiverton Parkway - Worle Jn/Weston-Super-Mare/Castle Cary

Keymer Jn/Falmer - Lewes - Seaford/Polegate

*Dolgarrog station (also BLN 1333.1972) pictures e-BLN 1337

Reedham Jn - Berney Arms request stop - (Great Yarmouth)

CairnGorm Mountain Railway, 'Base Station' - Ptarmigan

2403] Crianlarich (excl) - Bridge of Orchy (excl) & Upper Tyndrum: (amending BLN 1336.2272) TCP/A
12.45 Sun 8 Sep; ROP Thur 12 Sep 2019 due to the dip at Underbridge 139. Upper Tyndrum would be a
very unsuitable place to transfer passengers between road and rail, because it is up a steep and
narrow lane. Also crewing a Crianlarich - Upper Tyndrum shuttle would be difficult, because Mallaig
crews work south to Crianlarich and while the line was closed they turned round at Bridge of Orchy.

2404] Aln Valley Railway; Bridge 6 crossing (42ch*)-Greenrigg Halt (1m 20ch):(MR p6) (item MR 184)
On Sat 14 Sep 2019 a test train ran to the new end of line (1m 26ch) just before Greenrigg Overbridge
(NU 2168 1145). Cawledge Viaduct is from 1m 00ch to 1m 06ch and Greenrigg Halt, on the left in the
direction of travel, has a loop (1m 15ch to 1m 25ch) and will also have a south facing 'bay'. Three
coaches with Engine No60 ran ECS to check the clearances and platform location. The driver had been
a fireman on the branch (CP 29 Jan 1968) in British Rail days. The fireman rode on the line regularly as
a child and his father was a guard on it. It is 1m 6ch from the new end of line to Alnmouth station.

2405] (Anglesey) Valley Freight Sidings (260m 04ch): (BLN 1336.2369) On Wed 18 Sep 88002 & 88009
arrived at 10.24 and left at 14.17 (41 mins early) with the final nuclear flasks for Crewe and Sellafield.
Wylfa, was the last (commissioned in 1971) and largest of the UK's Magnox fuelled power stations -
the final one operational in the world. On 30 Dec 2015 it ceased generating and 98,890 fuel rods, each

43" long have since been removed (99% of all radioactive material) from the two reactors. The next
seven year stage of decommissioning is 'care and maintenance' with most of the site being cleared to
leave the two reactor buildings and empty dry fuel stores. Residual radiation levels will take about 107
years until 2126 to decay to manageable levels. In Jan 2019 work on a new station was suspended.

2406] Aln Valley Railway; Bridge 6 crossing (42ch) - Cawledge Viaduct (1m 00ch): OP Sat 28 Sep for
the final weekend of normal running in 2019 (there are later Halloween and Santa Specials). Greenrigg
Halt is not yet fully built but the track is complete. [*All mileages are from Lionheart buffer stops.]

2407] Douglas Bay Horse Tramway: (BLN 1336.2271) TCP 23 Sep 2019; the last day of operation of
Derby Castle - Palace Hotel, promenade vehicle entrance (45ch long) was Mon 22 Sep. (Item 2486.)

2408] Longport Jn* (16m 31ch) - Land Recovery Terminal: (BLN 1333.1952) Mon 23 Sep 2019 DC Rail
ran a route proving test train consisting of two Class 20 locos light engine to this site operated by 'Land
Recovery', a materials reclamation company. It was said to be the first train for over 12 years. ROG
Wed 25 Sep the first inward loaded commercial service arrived from Crewe, Basford Hall Sidings at
17.11 and was split into two portions. The unloaded wagons left at 05.33 next day. Online systems
show it as 'Pinnox Branch Esso Terminal' a former incarnation. *Former junction for the Pinnox Branch
CA 17 Feb 1964, which was a through line to Tunstall Jn on the Potteries Loop Line (Etruria - Kidsgrove).

2409] Crianlarich (excl)- Fort William Jn: (Updating BLN 1336.2273) TCP/A Sat 5 Oct; ROP Mon 14 Oct.

2410] Barmouth (excl) - Pwllheli (incl) and 16 stations: (BLN 1334.2005) TCP Sat 26 Oct now extended
to 16 days until Sun 10 Nov 2019, for engineering work at various locations. The first week is half term.

2411] Tiverton Parkway (excl) - Taunton (incl) - Castle Cary (excl); & Taunton - Weston-super-Mare
(excl)/Worle Jn with Bridgwater and Highbridge stations: (BLN 1328.1196) TCP/A Sat 9 until Thur 14
Nov 2019 (both inclusive). This is to complete spray concrete work in the crumbling 1,092yd Whiteball
Tunnel (173m 13ch to 173m 83ch), north of Tiverton Parkway, with other works at various locations.
There will be no trains at all at Taunton station for the six days. A through Paddington - Plymouth
restricted service (roughly two hourly) runs via (Yeovil) Pen Mill Jn - Yeovil Junction, taking an hour
longer than usual. A few are extended to/from Penzance and many of them call at Axminster and
Honiton. CrossCountry services do not run between Bristol Temple Meads and Tiverton Parkway.

BELOW: Longport Jn (formerly for the Pinnox Branch - stub right) has changed out of all recognition
since this picture was taken on 25 Jan 1992; looking north towards Kidsgrove. (Angus McDougall.)

1337 BLN GENERAL (Paul Stewart) [email protected]

2412] My First Railway Memories (14): By our Jersey member Chris Totty. I was born in Oldham but
our house was too far away from the stations on the Oldham Loop to make any use of them, and the
nearest bus stop was only a couple of hundred yards away. However I remember, on what is nowadays
called a 'sleepover' at my maternal grandparents, who lived in Waterloo St almost next to the railway
bridge, lying in bed and listening to the steam locos shunting through the night in Clegg Street Yard.

My parents told me, as I was far too young to remember, that the first grice of my life took place on a
Manchester tram at the age of 6 months just before the trams finished (10 Jan 1949). Unfortunately
I don't know where we went and never asked if I did any Stockport trams which lasted to 25 Aug 1951!

My interest in railways was probably kindled by my father who built me a Tri-ang 00 scale electric
railway for my third birthday, especially when all my mates had Hornby 0 gauge clockwork sets.
The trouble was that I was only allowed to watch while my father operated it! [Know the feeling - Ed.]

The big mystery of my rail travel came in the summer of 1951 when my parents and I stayed at a
holiday camp in one of the Witterings near Chichester and added a couple of days in London to visit
the Festival of Britain. My father sent the holiday luggage by PLA (Passengers Luggage in Advance)
from Oldham Clegg Street to Chichester. This bit is proved as I found the case ticket in his papers
when he passed away, BUT, I would be very pleased if anyone can answer this $64,000 question.

The luggage ticket shows the case went to Chichester 'via Marylebone'. What were the conditions for
using this service? Did you have to go the same way as the luggage or could you take any route that
you wished? If you had to go the same way as the luggage then this would be my one and only journey
over the whole of the Great Central route, but I rather suspect we took the bus to Manchester London
Road (Piccadilly since 12 Sep 1960) and went to Euston from there. Certainly trips were made on the
remaining London trams (the last ran on 6 Jul 1952), but again no records exist of where we went.

In the summer of 1954 we went on a major expedition to Belgium! How my parents paid for this I have
no idea, especially when all my school friends went to Blackpool, or if they were well off, Scarborough
or Bridlington! By this time Dad had a car so we motored to Dover and went to Ostend on a paddle
steamer. From Ostend we used the coastal tramway and also went on a day return by train to Bruges.
This is probably the first train journey I can remember and there are photos in the family archives.

When I was 6 my father took a new job in Uxbridge where I discovered the London Underground and
have been fascinated with it ever since. When asked what I wanted for my 7th birthday my reply was
'a return to Cockfosters!' So my father and I went to Uxbridge station, where the booking clerk was
rather amazed to be asked for tickets to the other end of the line. There was a through Piccadilly Line
train, 1927 stock probably, and when we reached Cockfosters it was pouring down with rain! So it was
into a newsagent for a couple of blocks of chocolate and back home on the next train. Unfortunately
this only ran to Rayners Lane so we had to change onto a Metropolitan train there.

In Jun 1957 my mother and I made a journey back to Oldham to see my grandparents. This journey is
well remembered as we took the 12.37 Euston to Stockport Edgeley and then, after an hour's wait
(which did not amuse my mother), the 17.14 to Oldham Clegg Street. My only journey along the
northern section of the Oldham, Ashton & Guide Bridge Junction Railway. The one disappointment is
being told lots of stories about the Delph Donkey (CP 2 May 1955) but I never had a trip on that one!

In Jun 1958 my primary school decided to take the top year to a holiday camp at St Mary's Bay in Kent.
Again this was probably unheard of in those days. As soon as we had some free time I was off across
the playing fields to find the station on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. When eventually
returning to our accommodation I received a severe telling off as nobody knew where I was! However
there were two excursions during the week, one to Dungeness lighthouse and the other to Hythe,
both done by train so I was able to scratch off the whole of the RH&DR at a very early age!!

16 Aug 1958 saw the family off to foreign lands again, Cattolica on the Italian Adriatic Coast. This
holiday was memorable as we spent a lot of time visiting my father's old haunts where he was posted
in WWII. However, it was rail all the way from London Victoria to the coast, ferry across the Channel
and then trains all the way. The memorable bit of track was going round the Petite Ceinture in Paris!

When I reached the age of 11, I went to a grammar school in Hammersmith. This involved three trains
each way, Cowley (Uxbridge Vine Street branch which CP 10 Sep 1962) to West Drayton; on to Ealing
Broadway and then to Ravenscourt Park. If on the return I missed the through Uxbridge Vine Street
train at Ealing Broadway, then there was a fourth train from West Drayton for Cowley on the branch.

My parents must have been very forward looking because again at the age of 11 we went to see an
aged aunt in Deganwy. I was allowed, by myself, to have a day off and went from Deganwy to Blaenau
Ffestiniog North, wandered around Blaenau looking at the remains of the Ffestiniog Railway (FR) and
the GWR branch from Bala Junction, then it was by bus to Portmadoc (as it was then) and the FR to
Tan-y-Bwlch, their operational limit. I ran to the Oakley Arms in a downpour and waited in the phone
box for the bus back to Blaenau! The day finished off with a train to Deganwy which left the rest of the
Llandudno branch to be the second last piece of track I needed to complete the whole of British Rail.
This was eventually done in May 1973; the last piece of track was Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge - an
add on to a Merrymaker from St Pancras on 9 Jun 1973, two months before I emigrated to Jersey.

2413] Points & Slips: ●●E-BLN 1334.2046] The captions on the second and third photographs 'Up P1
looking west towards Middlesbrough' and 'British Steel Redcar looking east towards Redcar Central
and Saltburn from Up P1' are reversed due to a last minute change of the pictures. Paper BLN is fine!

●●BLN 1336.2307] There are different opinions amongst our members as to how 'Guisborough' is
pronounced, but as your NE Regional Editor was local his word is final… 'Gizborough' (or 'Gisborough')
but not 'Jizborough'. In the Nunthorpe item, in e-BLN, the local prominent hill is named Roseberry
Topping, not Roseberry Parkway. One doubts that people parked their horses up there in the days
before mechanical transport. And members may well agree that Roseberry Topping is a more plausible
name than Roseberry Parkway for some vile artificial dessert! A problem with your BLN Editor's
computer 'Cut and Paste' facility - which seemed to develop a mind of its own - caused this and also:

●●2310] With apologies, (only affecting e-BLN), in the list of brakevan trips from Cambois the 'West'
should have been 'West Blyth Staiths' not 'West Widdrington Opencast' of course. Incidentally, the
two adjacent Blyth Power Stations were independent of each other. Construction of the 'A' Station
(2 x 120MW units) began in 1955, commissioning was 1958-60. Work started on the 'B' Station in 1961
with commissioning 1962-66; it had 2 x 275MW & 2 x 350MW units. All generation ceased in 2001.

2321] At Edge Hill Signal Box the Westinghouse NX (Entrance Exit) panel was actually commissioned in
1961 and in fact decommissioned in 1985. It was replaced by a BR(LMR) NX panel, which was itself
decommissioned in 2009. A small additional TEW (a signalling engineering company/brand) NX panel
was commissioned in 2008 controlling the Olive Mount Chord area and this too was decommissioned
in 2009. The box now has a TEW NX panel, commissioned in 2009, which controls the whole box area.

2414] BLN 1337 Quiz, Part 1 TRUE or FALSE: With thanks to Angus McDougall; answers in BLN 1338.
❶ No English railway company was the sole owner of a Scottish line.
❷ Bundoran was in the Republic of Ireland but Bundoran Junction was in Northern Ireland.
❸ Midland Railway locomotives were painted green before adoption of the famous red colour.
❹ St Helens Junction is no longer a junction.
❺ A Furness Railway loco fell down a mine shaft at Lindal in the 19th century never to be recovered.
❻ Gateshead & District tramcars were all single deckers.
❼ Passenger service on the GNR Nottingham Suburban line ended because of WWII bomb damage.
❽ Trent was solely a passenger exchange station.
❾ Hopton Incline on the Cromford & High Peak line was once cable worked.
❿ Like its English counterpart, the Great Northern Railway of Ireland used somersault semaphores.

2415] BLN 1337 Quiz, Part 2 MULTIPLE CHOICE: Thanks to Angus McDougall, answers in BLN 1338.

① At which of these places was a station suffixed 'Castle' (a) Bristol, (b) Lancaster, (c) Nottingham?
② The main line of the Lancashire, Derbyshire & East Coast Railway was intended to run from
......(a) Warrington to Sutton-on-Sea, (b) Chesterfield to Lincoln, (c) Shirebrook to Sutton-on-Sea?
③ The Dereham - Wells-next-the-Sea line lost its passenger service in (a) 1963, (b) 1964, (c) 1965.
④ Paisley Gilmour Street eastern end was formerly controlled from (a) Stoneybrae, (b) Wallbrook
......Junction, (c) Wallneuk Junction.
⑤ Woodville Midland Railway (Derbyshire) station was originally named (a) Woodville Road,
......(b) Wooden Box, (c) Woodstone.
⑥ The lines outside Belfast Queens Quay divided for Bangor and other locations in County Down at
......(a) Ballyclare Junction, (b) Ballyboley Junction, (c) Ballymacarrett Junction.
⑦ The wheel arrangement of the LNWR 'Claughton' class of loco was (a) 2-8-2, (b) 4-6-2, (c) 4-6-0.
⑧ In later British Rail days first class card tickets were (a) red, (b) white, (c) blue.
⑨ The Forth Bridge* was opened in (a) 1888, (b) 1890, (c) 1905.

*Now there are three, perhaps one might ask when the fourth Forth Bridge will be needed?

1337 EAST MIDLANDS (Graeme Jolley) [email protected]
2416] Sharnbrook Jn - Sharnbrook Tunnel - Wymington Deviation - Wellingborough station (south):
(BLN 1334.1993) The bidirectional Up & Down Slow Line was slewed into its final position between
58m 30ch (Sharnbrook Jn) and 62m 07ch from Fri 23 Aug. After final commissioning the line will
essentially become the Down Slow. On 28 Sep most of the edging for the reinstated Wellingborough
P4 on the future Up Slow was in place, this was the old P5 which was abandoned in the mid-1960s.

2417] Melton Mowbray: The 1,575yd Down Goods Loop was signed out of use from 23.00 Sat 14 Sep
after our 'Breckland Freighter' railtour had taken it at 20.21.This is long term, possibly permanent;
freight is to be regulated on the Down Goods line between Oakham and Langham Jn instead.

2418] Welbeck Colliery: (TRACKmaps 2 p29A Oct 2016) NR is to end the private siding agreement with
Harworth Group PLC and permanently abandon the connection at Welbeck Colliery Jn (13m 17ch),
including the trailing crossover, associated signalling and the branch to the NR boundary at 2m 63ch.

The colliery was sunk in 1912-15 and even appeared in PSUL between 1977/78 and 1981/82 due to the
annual special passenger train chartered by Welbeck Colliery Miners Welfare (there was a short low
level platform at the colliery, but boarding/alighting was by ladders). Our members could buy tickets;
for example on Sun 31 July 1977 it went to Bridlington, (BLN 1233.997) excursion P8, no less.

The final passenger train on the branch was UK Railtours 'The Friar Tuck' http://bit.ly/2nbFQbH on
Wed 30 Dec 2009. The last shift at Welbeck Colliery was on 1 May 2010 but rail traffic continued to
clear the coal stockpile. Interestingly there was then also inward coal from Daw Mill Colliery by rail for
blending due to degradation of the Welbeck stockpile. The final coal train left for Drax on 1 Oct 2010
and the pithead area was demolished by Feb 2012, but track remained to the end of line (3m 54ch).

2419] Gainsborough Lea Road: (BLN 1327.960). The concrete Down P2 (for Sheffield/Doncaster) is
certainly no oil painting and has deteriorated over the last 10 years. It is now breaking up and is out of
gauge, creating a trip hazard, and is also affected by embankment subsidence. Its platform edging had
to be cut back for the Joint Line gauge enhancement, significantly increasing the stepping distance. NR
has indicated that it is to build a new modular platform 110m southeast of the existing platform for
4-car trains. It will have a shelter, lighting and be accessible to all by a ramp. The present P2 is to be
removed afterwards (so, if you haven't done it…) The cost is put at about £2.8M compared with almost
£4M to repair the present platform - which would also require a prolonged closure to passengers.

2420] Barton-on-Humber: East Midlands Railway, which is due to take over the branch* has advised
that they expect to start an all year Sunday service in Dec 2021. At that time they will also extend the
Leicester - Lincoln hourly service to Grimsby Town. This year the Barton - Cleethorpes SuO service ran
20 May until 9 Sep. [*Does anyone know when, it seems not to have been with the franchise change?]

2421] Immingham: (TRACKmaps 2 p 31 Oct 2016) There are unconfirmed reports that NR is proposing
to sever the 'Grimsby District Light Railway' railway via West Marsh Jn and Pyewipe Road. However,
it is wondered if this is being confused with the definite proposal to abandon the disused West Marsh
Sidings - incorrectly 'Grimsby Marsh West Sidings' on some papers (BLN 1336.2288). A recent visit
found the Light Railway (all of which is 10 or 20mph restricted) to be very shiny. It was in use on 13
weekend dates in May, Jun and Jul for freight traffic and engineering trains due to engineering work at
Ulceby. It is understood that the staff on the ground are unaware of any planned severance. There is a
plan to move signalling at Immingham Reception Sidings signal box (104m 30ch), where equipment is
life expired with no spares available, to Immingham West box. Both are owned by Associated British
ports and staffed by NR. There have been past plans for a Humber industrial zone, between the Light
Railway and the A180. DB Cargo infrastructure at Immingham Sorting sidings is being modified; this
includes the arrival/departure line splitting into four full length loops with a shorter fifth loop.

1337 GREATER LONDON (Geoff Brockett) [email protected]
2422] Swiss Cottage(s): (BLN 1336.2298 a clarification) (London railway Atlas p25 3C - 2018) Since
resignalling from 2 Sep 2019 it is possible to reverse northbound Metropolitan Line trains in Finchley
Road platform and return them south via the crossover at the closed Swiss Cottage ex-Metropolitan &
St John's Wood Railway station. It OP 13 Apr 1868 and was the terminus of that line from the south to
30 Jun 1879 when it became a through station on extension of the line (now the Metropolitan Line)
north to West Hampstead. This Metropolitan Line Swiss Cottage CP 18 Aug 1940. However, there is
still a connecting passage behind a door from the present Jubilee Line† Swiss Cottage station, upper
circulating area (just below street level) to the closed Met Line station. This is because it was originally
planned that both Swiss Cottage stations would stay open with passenger interchange between them!
One circular subsurface booking hall would have served both lines had this happened. [†The Jubilee
after 1 May 1979; previously part of the 20 Nov 1939 Bakerloo Line Stanmore extension, of course.]

2423] 1839 style Real Ale Trail: (BLN 1336.2282) Coaching inns changed their status over the years;
during the stagecoach era they not only offered overnight accommodation and refreshment but also
sold tickets and booked passengers. They continued this function into the early days of rail travel.

A member has found 1839/40 vintage newspaper advertisements for the London & Southampton
Railway advising travellers that tickets could be obtained 'at Nine Elms terminus' and this was followed
by a list of inns in London where there were also sold. The London & Croydon Railway continued the
pub theme; two of their stations were named after nearby hostelries: Dartmouth Arms (renamed as
Forest Hill in 1844) and Jolly Sailor which became Norwood (the first station) in 1846.

2424] Bank: (BLN 1332.1725) In early Sep the new Cannon St entrance building roof was complete; the
new southbound Northern Line platform is under construction. Facilitation work was to start on 30 Sep
for construction of three new escalators between the DLR concourse and the Northern Line platforms.

2425] Barking - Gospel Oak: (BLN 1334.2025) Our keener members will need to redo this 13¾ mile line
now that it is operated by the new 4-car Class 710/2 dual voltage EMUs, as they reach the end of line
at Gospel Oak bay P3 and go further at Barking P1 bay. A correspondent found them to be
comfortable and spacious (particularly compared with the 2-car Class 172/0s!), with very good
acceleration. All stations were busy on the afternoon of Fri 20 Sep, during the month of free travel,
although most journeys were short. The OHLE has been restored on the single-track curve between
South Tottenham West Jn and Seven Sisters Jn, even if the PSUL service has not - it has not run since
Sat 30 Apr 2016. However, ECS workings do run to maintain crew route knowledge.

2426] LUL Leaf Fall Timetables: (BLN 1313.1962) As usual the Piccadilly and Metropolitan Lines have
special timetables between 7 Oct and 22 Dec. On the Piccadilly Line, service levels are slightly reduced
and running times increased http://bit.ly/2nxg4yP so anyone wanting to make rare moves listed in
our Microgricing Guide should double check this. The Metropolitan Line only has increased running
time north of Rickmansworth http://bit.ly/2lgnBB8 but again it would be wise to double check.

2427] Meridian Water becomes clearer: (BLN
1336.2295) The public journey time to/from
Stratford is 15 minutes for the 5m 66ch journey,
so two units are required to provide the new
seven-day half-hourly service. The new 3m 27ch
Lea Valley Reversible (costing £170M along with
station works etc) is occupied for around 50
minutes of each hour, so the frequency cannot be
increased without track enhancements. The trains
are not a captive shuttle (otherwise they would
have a long wait at Stratford and it would be
almost as exciting as driving up and down the
Stourbridge Town branch for a whole shift).

Instead, SuX the diagrams are integrated with the
half-hourly Stratford (mostly P11) to Bishops
Stortford service to improve train use and driver
productivity (like most Greater Anglia EMU
services, they are Driver Only Operated).
Generally, the XX.38 from Meridian Water arrives
Stratford P11 at XX.53 to become the XX.00 to
Bishops Stortford and half hourly.

There is a similar type of pattern with trains from
Bishops Stortford turning back in Stratford P11
then running to Meridian Water. Thus (SuX) four
trains an hour turn round in P11,then take the Up
to Down crossover at Olympia Park Jn after
departure. The method of working also explains
why a broken rail at Roydon recently disrupted
the Meridian Water shuttle and the mixture of 4
and 8-car units in use recorded in BLN 1336! On
Sundays two trains are captive to the service (are they then 4 or 8-cars?), turning back in Stratford P12
where they each wait 24 mins every hour between runs and do the Up to Down crossover of the
Olympia Park Jn scissors before arrival instead. There is a separate half-hourly SuO service between
Stratford P11 and Hertford East, so both Olympia Park Jn crossovers can easily be done all day
Sundays. [ABOVE LEFT: Before and after layout with thanks to our very own Martyn Brailsford.]

The new service doubles the number of trains calling at Lea Bridge (ROP 15 May 2016) to four an hour
in each direction - it recorded nearly 390,000 passengers in 2017-18. Just west of that station a new
facing crossover is taken to the right at Lea Bridge Jn (6m 50ch) to the Lea Valley Reversible with its
60mph line speed throughout. A large amount of housing development is underway at all four
stations. The platforms of the closed Angel Road station remain forlorn just the other side of the North
Circular Road overbridge at the north end of Meridian Water station, barely 100yd away.

2428] Barking Riverside: (BLN 1329.1270) In connection with the extension, Ripple Lane West Yard
Siding No4 (the most southerly) was taken out of operational use from 23 Sep until early 2020.

2429] Bexleyheath Line: NR is to close the line between Blackheath Jn and Slade Green Jn/Crayford
Creek Jn from 15 until 23 Feb 2020 inclusive (half term) to regrade the side of a cutting between
Barnehurst and Bexleyheath, easing the slope and build retaining walls of piles/steel beams.
The cutting has had four landslips in the last decade, most recently Feb 2019 (BLN 1323.374)closing
the line for seven days. 2,500 tonnes of earth and trees will be removed and 8,000 tonnes of material
used to build new walls. Other infrastructure work and station maintenance will be carried out as well.

X.133] ABOVE: (BLN 1336.2292) Feltham, the platform extensions and temporary footbridge,
looking west towards Staines as a train is leaving. (Stuart Hicks.)

2430] Crossrail: (BLN 1335.2155) The first two major items of infrastructure, the tunnel portals at
Victoria Dock and Pudding Mill Lane, have been handed over to Rail for London Infrastructure, who
will now be responsible for their maintenance. A progress report issued by Crossrail Ltd on 20 Sep
implied that they are still on target to open the core section between Oct 2020 and Mar 2021.
However press reports suggest it could be delayed until mid-2021. Full scale test running of trains
cannot start until Bond Street station is sufficiently complete to be used for emergency evacuations.

2431] HS2: (BLN 1335.2160) A formal award of the contract for the management of the construction
and delivery of the station at Old Oak Common has been made to a joint venture of Balfour Beatty,
Systra and Vinci. This comes after HS2 Ltd won a legal appeal to lift a suspension order on the contract
award, although a legal challenge by rival bidder Bechtel is not due to be heard until next year. There
is, of course, uncertainty about the entire HS2 programme at present and the chairman of HS2 has
suggested that HS2 could initially start at Old Oak Common rather than Euston. ('Transport Briefing')

2432] Nine Elms Jn: NR is consulting on removing four sets of points, the crossover between the Up
Waterloo Curve and Windsor Reversible and the link between the Up Windsor and Down Waterloo
Curve. The work is proposed during a 10-day Christmas 2020 blockade. Their use is infrequent as the
Linford Street Junction line is little used, and alternatives exist at Carlisle Lane Jn nearer to Waterloo.
The points need renewing; removal will have no impact on timetabled services or diversionary routes.

2433] Watford DC Line: (BLN 1328.1150) Class 710 EMUs (54 sets are on order) began operation on
this line on 9 Sep. It is now operated by a mixture of 710s, 5-car Class 378s and the three Class 378s
reduced to 4-car length! As a result, the full 4tph service now operates for most of the day. However,
three round trips remain cancelled in the middle of the day to allow driver training on Class 710s.

1337 NORTH EAST & YORKSHIRE (Geoff Blyth) [email protected]
2434] Norton South - (Ferryhill) Tursdale Jn: (BLN 1335.2168) It is reported that NR has refused to
allow Northern Connect services to run via Norton - Ferryhill on the grounds of capacity. However,
discussions will continue and it is understood that Northern is absolutely determined to get paths later
- if not sooner - for this route, which formed part of its franchise bid and subsequent commitment.

Network Rail's hesitation arises from not knowing what LNER wishes to run on the ECML from 2021.
The Northern paths were 'contingent' (so dependent on LNER's requirements) and so could last no
further than 2021. NR and Northern hold meetings with such bodies as Nexus (Tyne & Wear) and some
Stakeholders. Local Rail User groups intend to stake a claim to be such a 'holder' and continue the
'uphill task' of obtaining a better train service between Teesside and Tyneside. A member of the
Railfuture (NE) committee referred to Scottish instances of 'conflicting paths' on the ECML being no
bar to services such as to North Berwick and now Tweedbank, whose slow locals each cross the ECML
generally twice and four times an hour in each direction respectively with no noticeable ill-effects.

2435] Knottingley: NR intends to permanently abandon all trackwork into, and at, Knottingley Station
Sidings, located south of the station between Knottingley South Jn and Knottingley West Jn (DB Cargo
Knottingley sidings on TRACKmaps 2 p40A Oct 2016). They have not been used for about 15 years and
NR knows of no future rail freight use for the site. Following a category 'A' SPAD in Aug 2018, it was
recommended that signal FE5406 be removed here to reduce risk. The abandonment is part of the
re-control of Ferrybridge (which was new in 2006!) and Prince of Wales Colliery boxes to York ROC,
due to take place in 2021. ABOVE: Signal boxes come in all sizes and shapes, this is Ferrybridge - only
opened in 2006; perhaps it might make a nice bungalow after closure. (Angus McDougall, 2 Feb 2008.)

2436] Boulby: (BLN 1250.255) The rival Sirius Minerals (formerly York Potash) company has run into
financial difficulties. It could not raise the money to launch the next phase of its development of the
world's largest Polyhalite mine and the government declined to back the project. Construction is well
under way of a 23 mile underground conveyor from the mine, near Sneaton Thorpe, south of Whitby,
to a materials handling facility on the eastern edge of the Wilton site on Teesside. The company has
decided to reduce the rate of development. This news will no doubt be welcome (!) to the owners of
Boulby mine, whose market could have been threatened, with a consequent reduction in rail traffic. In
retrospect maybe the original idea of upgrading the Whitby Branch for the traffic might have worked?

2437] Redcar: (BLN 1333.1904) It seems that Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough services running to
Redcar in the new timetable change may not be achieved very often in practice. The Class 68 hauled
Mk5 sets are reportedly struggling to keep to time on the Liverpool to Scarborough services,
particularly eastbound. Clearly, late running trains would be turned back at Middlesbrough.

2438] British Steel Redcar British Steel (again!): (BLN 1336.2277) Final scheduled trains on Sat 14 Dec
are 07.57 & 16.58 to Bishop Auckland (both from Saltburn) and 07.57 & 18.17 to Saltburn (from
Hexham and Bishop Auckland respectively). This is double the pre-May 2018 timetable frequency;
although on opening in 1978 it was hourly with extra peak calls. Its 'temporary' closure is supposedly
to allow faster journeys to Redcar Central. This is technically correct but it is only two trains each way
(they could make it a request stop!). http://bit.ly/2n6Pi0i is an interesting video about the station by
Geoff Marshall (of 'All the Stations' fame). Redcar Central's unique sliding level crossing gates appear.

ABOVE TOP: 7th Series 1" OS (1951) with the pre-1978 route, Redcar Central is upper right. LOWER: A
modern map with the deviation and Redcar British Steel station shown. Again Redcar Central is upper
right; there has been land reclamation. The old route is dotted and the Wilton branch is bottom left.
The line through British Steel Redcar, as it was then signed, OA 19 Jun 1978. It was a southwards
deviation of the main line, between the new Redcar Ore Terminal Jn and Coatham Bridge, west of
Redcar. The line was 24ch shorter than the previous route that followed the coast (hence the change
of mileage on TRACKmaps 2 p47B and 48A. British Steel funded it to free up land for the new Redcar

Steelworks which was never fully developed. The station served the new Steel House offices and
replaced the unadvertised Warrenby station, CP the same day, on the old route (BLN 1304.953). On a
Tue in Oct 2009 a correspondent was on the train calling at 16.46 and 4 passengers joined, all regulars.
So which will be our new least used station? Nearby Teesside Airport (74 passengers 2017-18) is not
closing in Dec; it still has its one train a week at 14.54 (SuO); the 14.24 Hartlepool to Darlington.

ABOVE: A first generation DMU to Saltburn diverging right onto the new deviation. The original line
trackbed curves left just in front of the train. It has just passed the then new Redcar Ore Terminal Jn,
(the pair of lines far left), Tod Point Jn is just beyond the signal in the middle of the picture.
Four pictures taken on 15 Sep 1978, three months after the deviation opened. (All David Bickell.)

BELOW: Approaching the Down platform at the new station with a new signal and overbridge beyond.

ABOVE: And the new station is called….. In the background are the iron works and coke ovens

BELOW: The Saltburn end of the deviation approaching Redcar Central. The track was still in place
(right) except where the old and new lines converged and the tracks had been slued, looking west.
The silhouette of the single blast furnace is visible on the horizon, just left of Coatham Overbridge.

2439] Pointless tickets: (Item 2399) Members might like to buy an inexpensive souvenir of our least
used and least accessible station, a day return from Redcar British Steel (as shown on the booking
system, although British Steel Redcar in the paper timetable) to Redcar Central dated 14 Dec, the
last day of service. This is easily done via the National Rail website (or staffed station and from most
ticket machines or websites selling tickets) and costs all of £2.60 (Railcard £1.70) for an off-peak
return. Alternatively a day return to South Bank is £3. This could have an interesting effect on the
statistics. If more than 20 members do this, the station could achieve the largest percentage gain in
usage in the country this year despite closing closing part way through! Either ticket has the
interesting feature that it is impossible to make the journey as a genuine originating passenger at
British Steel! The National Rail website states: However, there is now NO access at all to this station
as the British Steel site is now closed, which was the only public access route to this station. It can be
done by a double return trip from Redcar Central though to access the station for a return journey!

2440] Leeds - Harrogate - York: The biggest event in the cycling road race calendar, the UCI Road
World Championships involving over 1,400 cyclists from 90 countries, took place between 22- 29 Sep
in East and North Yorkshire, focused on Harrogate. The races included routes between Harrogate and
Leeds/Bradford. Northern and LNER ran 62 additional trains on 21/22 and 28/29 Sept, with 17,000
extra seats. On Suns 22 & 29, the first trains from York to Harrogate ran over an hour earlier than
usual but there was not a significant number of extra trains as capacity is constrained by the single line
between Poppleton and Knaresborough, with the 1m 50ch Hammerton to Cattal dynamic loop. LNER
ran additional services between Leeds and Harrogate, especially on the Sundays; on 29 Sep, 12 trains
were booked from Leeds and 13 back. These were shown in Realtime Trains as 'Timed for 125mph max
(on the Harrogate line‽); High Speed Train (HST125)'. They were presumably HSTs or perhaps Azumas.

BELOW: (BLN 1336.2311) An open and shut case. Boroughbridge Crossing, Northallerton, was open to
cycle race traffic but closed to other road users and trains (so the cyclist could use the wrong side of
the road!). Luckily there is a bridge (background) for the ECML. (John Rennilson, Wed 25 Sep - not 23rd.)

2441] Thorpe Marsh Power Station: (TRACKmaps 2 p18A Oct 2016). NR plans to abandon the points at
164m 18c, which controlled access to the former Power Station siding on the Down Skellow (south
side of the line) at Thorpe Marsh Jn. The crossing has already been plain lined due to a crack. There is
no Connection Agreement in place and no known future rail freight use. The station closed in 1994
(after only 31 years), the last commercial traffic was residual coal to other power stations thereafter.
Although there have been some expressions of interest in future rail freight at this location over the
past 25 years, none came to fruition or remains active. The last use was for engineering and logistics
purposes during construction of the Doncaster North Chord about six years ago.

2442] Horton-in-Ribblesdale: NR has
advised of their intention to reinstate the
rail connection from the Settle - Carlisle
line into Hanson's Horton Quarry near
Horton-in-Ribblesdale station. This will
also require the removal of the station
barrow crossing and the construction of a
footbridge to replace it. You BLN Editor
arranged a trip on the internal loco over
the previous Settle Limestone internal
railway there on Sat 3 Oct 1981 and 10
members participated (there was no
party limit). At that time there was just
occasional outward wagonloads of stone.
It was known to be on its last legs and
traffic ceased soon after. The quarry is within Yorkshire Dales National Park and this project follows
the success of Tarmac's Arcow Quarry rail facility (OG 26 Jan 2016) just a mile south. Presumably the
connection will trail into the Down Main, outward loaded trains running round at Blea Moor as do
those from Arcow. BELOW: Our Sat 3 Oct 1981 tour at Horton-in-Ribblesdale Quarry, Settle Limestone
(hence the loco 'livery'). The extensive sidings were then little used. Upper left a semaphore on the
Settle & Carlisle line is highlighted. ABOVE: 1960 map, with the station, quarry branch and sidings.

ABOVE: A member is left holding an OS map while its owner rides, no Quails! (Ian Mortimer, 3 Oct 1981.)

2443] T&W Metro: (BLN 1335.2178) An ex-T&W Passenger Transport Executive employee has
provided summaries of the South Shields service for Nov 1991 and summer 1994. The former confirms
that six Metros an hour ran to South Shields from 24 Mar 1984, when that section opened, until 1994.
Then eight an hour ran until the opening of the Sunderland extension (31 Mar 2002). Doubling the
three single line sections on the South Shields branch is a 'nice to have' that has been around for a
long time and would reduce the maintenance requirements of the points at the start/finish of the
single track sections - and occasional disruption due to failures. It would also allow a new stop on the
single line section between Hebburn and Jarrow, long requested by local residents. Given that
18 services an hour used to run between Pelaw and South Gosforth, there should be no problem in
adding extra Metro services west of Pelaw if the Washington extension is ever built.

The main problem with the Sunderland line is timetabling Metro units, (max speed 80km/h - 50mph),
between heavy rail passenger and freight services and also 'stretching' the fleet to serve the expanded
network. This led to the present service of five Metros an hour, which then had to be replicated on the
rest of the system to keep it in balance. This created another problem. There is a stark contrast
between the six services an hour (one Northern, five Metro) north of Sunderland and only one train an
hour south of there (plus a few Grand Central trains). There is an aspiration to increase the service on
the Durham Coast from hourly to twice an hour. The 'Northern Connect' Middlesbrough service would
have to run this way if the routing via Ferryhill is finally rejected. However, NR has apparently said
there is insufficient capacity north of Sunderland to accommodate any further Northern services.
This is an issue which will have to be resolved as it could create a politically embarrassing situation if
the only Northern Connect service planned for the North East is prevented from being delivered.

2444] Teesport Refinery: NR has issued
a Short-Term Network Change variation,
a two year extension to a previously one
which expired on 5 Sep. It concerns the
removal of the Shell Junction, points at
Grangetown. This is a paper exercise as
the points, formerly accessing Teesport
Refinery, have been plain lined.

(Plan LEFT is thanks to Dave Cromarty.)

The (Royal Dutch) Shell Teesport
refinery opened in 1968. The branch to
it ran on the north side of the Saltburn
line, where the Wilton branch diverges
left before it descended to dive under
the main line. The refinery branch then
diverged left itself, crossing above the
Wilton branch on a surviving bridge.

The 1969 Sectional Appendix shows the
refinery branch as a single line with no
token; from Grangetown to the
Exchange Sidings notice board was 1m
1,025yd. There is no mention of Shell Jn, which implies that it was created at a later (unknown) date.
The layout was rearranged to result in the short section of quadruple track west of Shell Jn which still
exists, with double track crossovers in each direction at Shell Jn. These were later replaced by the
single lead junctions as are there now.

The refinery only had an active life of 16 years; closure was announced on 26 Sept 1984 and the last
loaded train left at 00.30 on 29 Nov 1984. Then, up to 21 Dec 1984 there were five inward workings
and two outward, all discharged tank wagons. Presumably it was used for secure storage. The wagons
had all been removed by Dec 1985 and the Private Siding Agreement was terminated on 9 Jul 1986.

NR is to ..assess potential future traffic with Train Operators and local stakeholders and formalise
requirements at Teesport and the former Shell Branch. The potential future traffic appears to be nil, as
the site of the Exchange Sidings is now occupied by a Tesco distribution centre and of the refinery itself
by a container stacking area for Tees Dock. Satellite photos also showed some long white objects,
which puzzled your Regional Editor until he realised they were carriage bodies, presumably landed
from Japan and on their way (by road) to the Hitachi plant at Newton Aycliffe (BLN 1304.955).

1337 NORTH WEST (John Cameron) [email protected]

2445] Manchester Piccadilly: A Manchester & Birmingham Railway plaque (a high quality replica of an
1839 original) was erected after rebuilding of the station in the mid 1960s.The original is at York
(National) Railway Museum. The replica was removed in 1998 during a station upgrade. However, it
never reappeared when the work finished in 2002. The plaque has now been recovered thanks to
railway enthusiast Melvin Thorley (a former BLS member). 'Mel' was a train driver in 1998, noticed
that sign was still missing and spotted it on eBay for £3,700 in Aug 2019. The sales blurb recommended
a forklift to load it on to a truck on collection from a location in Nottinghamshire. Mel contacted the
Railway Magazine, who alerted Lord Faulkner, president of the Railway Heritage Association. Lord
Faulkner then spoke to Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of NR, and they asked the British Transport Police
(BTP) for help. On 12 Sep, the BTP retrieved the replica, citing NR as the rightful owner. NR plans to
clean and paint the plaque before putting it back up at Piccadilly (but away from the station dentist).

2446] Smithy Bridge, Castleton, Mills Hill & Moston: The Blackburn - Todmorden - Manchester
Victoria - Southport service is the only one booked to serve these stations on Sundays. However, it is
frequently cancelled due to staff shortages. A bus is put on between Blackburn and Todmorden while
trains run between Manchester and Southport. However, the four Greater Manchester stations have
no rail service or a replacement bus service. Leeds to Manchester trains via the Calder Valley trains do
call occasionally under a special stop order, but this is rare. Northern is urgently seeking a solution.

2447] Deansgate: On Sun 22 Sep the 22.43 Manchester Airport to Blackpool North had a door fault in
P2 so it stood there from 23.07 (on time) until 23.51. This resulted in the 20.25 Euston to Preston
(already diverted at Crewe due to a fatality involving the 18.51 Edinburgh to New Street at Winsford),
the 22.52 Wilmslow to Lime Street and the 23.25 Manchester Piccadilly to Chester crossing from the
Down Oxford Road to the Up Oxford Road at 189m 50ch. They continued on the bidirectional Up
Bolton in the Down direction to cross back from the Up to the Down Chat Moss at 30m 14ch. Our
member was returning home on the Preston train after our Birmingham Balti Bash tour (hot stuff).

2448] Mossley & Greenfield: For the Dec timetable NR is to lengthen Mossley P2 (to Huddersfield) by
22.55m to 117m; P1 is already 124m so does not need extending. At Greenfield P1 is to be lengthened
by 22.55m and P2 by 33.34m; both will then be 117m long too. New lighting columns will be installed.

2449] Lime Street: The station has been named Major Station of the Year, at the 2019 National Rail
Awards. It beat London Bridge, King's Cross, Glasgow Central, Manchester Piccadilly and York. The
award follows completion of the major £140M overhaul of the historic Grade II listed station last year.

2450] Metrolink: A member was on a tram to the Airport when a passenger experienced an epileptic
fit. The driver was alerted at Wythenshawe Town Centre stop and contacted Control. Initially the
driver was instructed to continue to the next stop, Robinswood Road, and wait for an ambulance well
clear of the crossover (to allow other trams to pass). However, the passenger's condition resolved and,
in a fitting end, the tram was allowed to continue to the Airport P5 (not normally used). It is on the NR
side of the barriers and passengers had to be let through by the station staff, as Metrolink contactless
cards/tickets will not operate them. This included the passenger who had fitted and refused to wait for
an ambulance as he had recovered. [Medical note: Some poorly controlled epileptics do have regular
fits; the most important thing is to protect the airway. Clear the mouth of debris, loose false teeth,
check the tongue position and put them in the recovery position. Look for a medical alert bracelet. An
ambulance is only needed if it is a first ever fit, persistent or there are any injuries or complications.]

BELOW: 1:25,000 map (1954), Waterfoot station is middle left (with Rawtenstall off left), Stacksteads
station and Bacup are off right. Thrutch Tunnel is the lower continuous one with Newchurch No1 & 2
above it, respectively left and right. Some reports have these names, incorrectly, the other way round.

























the guard who said that he had never reversed at Droitwich before and wanted to get some photos of
his own ''…so he could show the lads at the depot what it's all about!'' Having duly photographed
proceedings and returning to the train a group of younger people still lingered. While our member
bought his ticket to Hartlebury he overheard one say ''Where are the buses?'' When advised they
were up on the main road, but they might have missed them by now, they summarily hailed a taxi!

Despite all the display screens showing all the stations it was calling at, and the simple fact the train
was actually sat in Platform 1, some passengers arriving at Droitwich still made their way over the
footbridge to the 'normal' (but on this occasion wrong) Platform 2 while others pointed out the error
of their ways. On boarding the train, still slightly incredulous, many opined this was the wrong side and
they would end up going to Worcester.... one shouted "I want to go to Cradley not Whitlocks End...
where the hell is Whitlocks End anyway?" None highlighted the imminent opportunity to traverse the
rare trailing crossover on departure, specially secured by the MOM just for them. This illustrates in
summation that you just can't tell some people and there is a lot of ingratitude in the world...

There was great fun on the line on Mon 1 Nov 2010 after resignalling and remodelling on the North
Warwick Line had resulted in Shirley crossover being abolished with a new one commissioned at
Whitlocks End instead. This coincided with the arrival of brand new smart, just out of their box, Class
172 DMUs with shiny pristine wheels and undercarriage (replacing Class 150s which were distinctly
showing their age). They also had a new livery, London Midland at the time. So that first Monday
evening passengers turning up at Worcester innocently for their normal daily journey home were
faced with new very different looking trains they had never seen before going to a place they had
never heard of before. Cries of ''Is this train really going to Kidderminster were common?"

BELOW: The 18.35 arrival from Whitlocks End at Droitwich Spa P1 forming the 19.00 return.

NEXT PAGE TOP: The Mobile Operations Manager clamps and scotches the crossover north of the
station; note the fine semaphores, left, before the overbridge. (All Simon Mortimer, Sat 28 Sep 2019.)

LOWER: Perhaps the couple on the platform are 'discussing' if the train really is for Kidderminster?

[BLN 1337]

ABOVE: North of Droitwich the ground signal (bottom left corner) and main semaphore are now set
for the Kidderminster line (left) - there were no trains to/from Bromsgrove (right hand route at the
signal box). The Droitwich turnbacks (which have not happened for many years) are on again all day
Sat 5 Sun & 6 Oct. Far left the Down Goods Loop has been secured out of use for quite a few years.
How many semaphore signals can you find - look very carefully there are actually 11!

2480] Wilnecote: The re-signing team visited on 14/15 Sep; the station looks very smart indeed.

2481] :Situation Vacant:: A Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership is to be developed following
securing for funding. It includes Hagley, Bewdley (Severn Valley Railway!) Great Malvern, Redditch,
Barnt Green, Honeybourne and stations in between plus Wythall (only) on the North Warwick line.
The part time (22½ hours) Community Rail Officer, on a three-year fixed term partnership, will be
based at the new Community Rail Hub at the West Midlands Rail Executive offices in Birmingham (not
in Worcestershire!). This might suit some BLS members perfectly. Closing date for applications is
11 Oct. See http://bit.ly/2m7M8cf for details, there are fringe benefits and it is an 'out and about' job.

2482] Rugeley Trent Valley: The electrified 'middle siding' (with a ground frame each end) off the
bidirectional Up & Down Cannock line adjacent to P1 was recently observed to be very rusty and has
not seen any traffic for some time. A member asks if anyone knows when it was last used, please?

2483] Tyseley: On 24 Sep multiple axle counters failed at the north end of the depot for a prolonged
period - traced to water ingress. Fortunately there is a southern exit but CrossCountry Class 170 DMUs
were severely restricted from leaving the depot which, with signalling problems on other lines, caused
severe disruption. Some, including the 16.49 Birmingham to Nottingham and the 17.39 Birmingham
to Derby were diverted via Whitacre Jn and Kingsbury Jn so called at Water Orton P1 rather than P2

2484] New Street: (BLN 1336.2347) Apart from the bay mentioned, it is perhaps not widely known
that two other bay platforms have been proposed previously, 10B for use by trains to the Pembroke
Dock branch only and 2B for future developments. Did anyone foresee the one that was built?

2485] Ironbridge: (BLN 1337.2353) Harworth, a property and regeneration company, own the
Ironbridge Power Station site not Hargreaves. The latter is a 'diversified group delivering services to
the industry and property sectors' - including some residual open cast coal mining activity in the UK.

1337 ISLE OF MAN (Graeme Jolley) [email protected]
2486] Douglas Bay Horse Tramway: (BLN 1336.2271) Temporary closed to passengers 23 Sep 2019;
the last day of operation of Derby Castle - Palace Hotel, promenade vehicle entrance (45ch long) was
Mon 22 Sep. This was due to road works and applies for at least the rest of this year. There have been
occasional days when running has been cancelled due to road works already. The IOM Minister for
Tourism has recently been quoted as saying that he didn't think the horse trams should run at all in
2020 to aid the redevelopment works but discussions are in progress. The Horse Tram team, along
with volunteers, will continue to offer stable tours to all groups who were expecting horse tram rides.

1337 IRELAND (Martin Baumann) [email protected]
2487] Br*x*t: The Belfast - Dublin 'Enterprise' service is jointly operated by Irish Rail and Translink
Northern Ireland using 8-car push pull trains, refurbished in 2015-16 partly using EU money. Irish Rail
has been working closely with Translink since 2017 to understand the potential impacts of Brexit and
implement mitigating measures to ensure that a 'seamless service' continues to operate across the
border. Under all Brexit models passengers will see no change to the joint service. [Some might say
that's a shame with the regular breakdowns, poor scheduling and expensive fares we are advised!!]

Britain's status as an EU member state means that under EU Directive 2012/34, Translink drivers are
currently able to drive trains south of the border. As the directive would cease to apply in Britain if
Brexit takes place, Translink is seeking to become an operator in the Republic of Ireland. [This might
assist Irish Rail too as they are having difficulties with the EU over (non)-open access to their tracks!]

Translink is well advanced in obtaining approval from the Commission of Railway Regulation to be
licensed as a railway undertaking in the Republic should a no-deal Brexit take place. If for any reason
licensing is not completed (if necessary) by 31 Oct, proposals have been developed where Enterprise
services south of the border would operate under Irish Rail's operating arrangements and licenses
pending the finalisation of Translink's status as a railway undertaking on that section.

2488] Dublin Suburban: From 30 Sep seven days a week, a few changes were made to one or two late
evening Dublin to Maynooth, M3 Parkway, Hazelhatch, Bray, Howth, Malahide and Dundalk services.

2489] South Wexford Line: On 21 Aug Multi Purpose Vehicle '790' ran from Rosslare Strand to
Waterford weed spraying, returning that way on 26 Aug. October 'Modern Railways' reports that the
South Wexford Line appears to have been excluded from the 2019 programme up to then (the earlier
workings not actually spraying but just taking a 'short cut'). South Wexford politicians raised this with
the National Transport Authority who advised that a suitable regime to preserve the line 'long term'
would be established with Irish Rail. The 2,131ft long Barrow Bridge (81m 49ch to 82m 01ch) with 14
spans (one of which can swing) on the line - the longest rail bridge in Ireland - has recently been added
to the National Trust of Ireland 'Buildings at Risk Register'. Wexford County Council has commissioned
studies into a 30 mile cycleway on the trackbed between Rosslare and Waterford which would include
Barrow Bridge. Irish Rail has previously said that it wishes to develop Rosslare Port for lo-lo traffic with
a rail freight terminal. [Lo-lo = 'lift on/lift off' - the ships have the crane facility rather than the ports.]

There once was a BLS member for Limerick 2490] Limerick Junction: On Mon 9 Sep the 13.30 to

Who was no longer particularly quick Cork (12.00 from Heuston) ran into P1 as the lifts (for

He had dodgy knees the new P4) were under maintenance, a move which

Stairs no longer a breeze was much appreciated by our correspondent with his

So was very glad of IR's trick very dodgy knees. The Cork train was held north of

Limerick Junction due to the delayed departure of the 13.22 from P1 to Heuston - it had been held

waiting for the Limerick connection. Departing south 12 mins down it had regained 8 mins by Cork.

2491] Killed freight at Kildare: On 14 Sep the 11.00 Dublin to Cork was held at Heuston, eventually
leaving 48 mins late. There was a special stop at Newbridge then at Kildare the train was signalled
around a failed freight on the Down line via the bidirectionally signalled Up P2 (rather than the
bidirectional Up Main), then back over to the Down line south of the station. The freight appeared to
have been split, with half in the siding and the rest blocking the Down line. This was presumably to
allow Down trains to pass it via both facing and trailing crossovers at Kildare, rather than over a longer
single line section. Loco 083 had failed and '076' on another freight left its wagons in Portarlington
loop and ran to Kildare to rescue it. Another special stop was made at Portarlington and our member
left at Portlaoise (by then 99 mins late). It went on to turnback at Mallow with buses forward to Cork.

2492] Londonderry: (BLN 1336.2274) A report from Magherabeg Loop where your Regional Editor was
waiting for the 10.10 from Great Victoria Street, running 20 min late, to pass. The crossing is normally
at Ballymena. Although the new Londonderry platforms are on schedule, work on the adjacent
buildings is late and will not be completed until early next year requiring temporary access
arrangements. When the station opens members will need to go to sample the Londonderry Air.

2493] A Special Announcement for BLS Members: The 18.15 Bangor to Belfast 'the other station' runs
ECS to Adelaide Depot after terminating. Recently a conductor announced ''If you don't want to go to
the Depot with the train, please change here." Cue for Society members to stay where they are…

1337 SCOTLAND (Mike McCabe) [email protected]
2494] Ayr to Fort William via Burma: The Scottish Railway Preservation Society usually runs an
autumn excursion from Ayr; this year it was on Sat 28 Sep to Fort William. It was operated by West
Coast, who sent 47851 and 47854 light from Carnforth to Bo'ness on 27 Sep. Unfortunately, 47854
refused to start on the Saturday morning, but West Coast's 37685 was in the yard at Bo'ness and could
be used instead - to the approval of quite a few passengers. This meant that the ECS left for Ayr 106
mins late, so it was decided that the trip would start from Paisley Gilmour Street. Passengers from Ayr
and intermediate pickup points were able to travel to Paisley by ScotRail services at no extra charge.

The tour reversed in Gilmour Street P3, so no rare crossovers. With 37685 leading, departure was
13 mins late, waiting for the 08.05 from Ayr, which may have had some excursionists on it. The special
was routed via the Up & Down Through Terminus Line, otherwise known as the 'Burma Road', from
Shields Jn to Terminus Jn. This has a restriction of only 5mph through the diveunder below the Ayr
lines; passenger trains normally use the Clydesdale lines. The routing appears to have been scheduled
to prevent conflict with the 08.55 Glasgow Central to Wemyss Bay, but was necessary on the day to
avoid delaying the 09.12 to Paisley Canal. It was interesting to note that a bridge number plate on a
pipe or cable bridge over the line identified the route as 'Burma Road', so an unofficial name has seen
official use. The name was probably adopted first by engine crews during the WWII. The original
Burma Road linked Burma with China and was built so that the British could provide supplies to the
Chinese during the Sino-Japanese war (1937-45). That was a difficult route and the engine drivers
probably had the same opinion of the steeply graded and sinuous railway through the diveunder!

Azuma 800111 was at Polmadie, prompting comment on the relative comfort of the seats in that train
and those in the SRPS Mk1 carriages, over half a century older. After running via Rutherglen West
Curve and Glasgow Central (Low Level), the train made a final pick up stop at Exhibition Centre then
continued via Yoker. That was fairly unusual, as loco-hauled trains, including the Caledonian Sleeper,

normally run via Singer. On the West Highland line a 20 mph temporary speed restriction was still in
place on the bridge near County March summit that was damaged by scour on 8 Sep (BLN 1336.2272).

Ready for the line closure from 5 to 14 Oct, a large quantity of equipment, ballast and other material
was stockpiled by the line at Horseshoe Curve, and there was a collection of portable buildings in the
valley. It was noticeable how much anti-boulder fencing has recently been erected on the slope above
the railway on the section alongside Loch Treig. A significant amount of wire mesh has been applied to
rock faces along the entire line. Arrival at Fort William was punctual at 14.45 which was 5hrs 41mins
from Paisley, over twice as long as it takes by car. The duration of the journey meant that only 85mins
was scheduled in the town. However, the main attraction of Fort William is the journey to it not the
town itself. The return journey, all the way to Ayr, was uneventful. The North Blyth to Fort William
alumina train was crossed at Crianlarich. It seemed longer than usual, possibly because Alcan is
stocking up in advance of the line closure. The more usual route via Singer and Anniesland was taken
into Glasgow and the Down Clydesdale line to Shields Jn. There was fine, sunny weather all day!

2495] Loo Charges: Queen Street is managed by ScotRail so spending a penny is still expensive. The
reports about continuing toilet charges on police advice are just a convenient (sorry!) excuse. ScotRail
is extremely short of cash and survives courtesy of the Dutch taxpayers, so every penny spent helps!

X.134] BELOW: (BLN 1332.1702) Stopped by a facing point! A Sat 31 Aug 1978 Society Railtour at
Riccarton Oil Terminal (Kilmarnock) - now demolished. It was very brave of British Rail Scottish Region
to turn out such a smart refurbished DMU for a freight line tour! (Greg Beecroft.)

X.135] ABOVE: The bottom of the very steep Kirkcaldy Harbour
branch which was 4mph restricted. BELOW: At the top of the
incline looking north towards Dundee. LEFT: The sign at the top
of the branch - see bottom right. (All Ian Mortimer, Aug 1978.)

2496] Announcing a new method of announcing: http://bit.ly/2oGl5pk Following a successful six
month trial on the Helensburgh/Milngavie - Bathgate - Edinburgh line, live announcements from the
West of Scotland Control Centre to train passengers began during the last week in Sep on many routes
in Strathclyde. This is done via the Global System for Mobile Communications. Passengers receive the
best available information and Drivers can concentrate on operational matters. As well as disruption
and delays, information is provided about forthcoming engineering work and special events.

2497] Denmark Hill: In the summer a member noticed a poster advising that there would be no trains
between Denmark Hill and Bromley South over the next weekend and they were diverted via Herne
Hill (not stopping). So why is this in the Scotland section of BLN? The poster was at Glasgow Central!

ABOVE: Greg Beecroft, 30 Jun 2019.

1337 WALES & THE MARCHES (Chris Parker) [email protected]

2498] Tondu Jn - Margam Abbey Works East Jn: (BLN 1314.2184) Diversions via the little used Ogmore
Vale Extension (OVE) line are scheduled from 23.50 Sat 21 Mar until 00.30 Mon 23 Mar 2020 according
to a Weekly Operating Notice although a local member has heard they may take place earlier. Before
anyone gets too excited, this is for freight only, passengers are put on buses. He also reports that Llynfi
Goods Loop on the Maesteg branch, which closed 12 Apr 2017 due to the condition of track, reopened
on 9 Sep after partial relaying. This should now allow access to the two bidirectional Garw and
Ogmore Loops for freight to/from Margam to run round. As last year the goods loop is not required to
run the Rail Head Treatment Train (BLN 1296.9) as it is booked to leave Bridgend for Maesteg
immediately after the final train (ECS to Canton) comes off the branch. Will re-devegetation of the OVE
also be necessary? It is hard to believe that HSTs formerly used this diversionary route.

2499] Llandudno Jn: (BLN1336.2369) Down Sidings devegetation was to start week beginning 16 Sep.

2500] Future uplifting experiences at Cadoxton: (BLN 1329.1369) This is another station to benefit
from the DfT 'Access for All' programme with a new footbridge, lift towers and support columns being
installed during the four weekends ending 8 Sep. Funding of £3M was allocated at the start of CP5
(2014-2019). The footbridge has no ramps so the lifts provide the only step-free access.

2501] TfW Station Improvements: (BLN 1333.1480) Launched in Swansea http://bit.ly/2nEAxlc this
recent publicity puts some flesh on the bones of the station improvement proposals included in the
2018 franchise launch. Detailed reports on each of the 247 stations managed by TfW were prepared
between Oct 2018 and Apr 2019 to identify what work is possible. Rebranding, shelter replacement or
repair, devegetation, remarking car parks (where they exist) and the provision of improved passenger
information, CCTV, free WiFi, secure cycle storage, new litter bins and local area maps is to take place
at all stations. A deep cleaning programme has already begun, Ruabon being the first recipient.

Interchange stations (Llandudno Junction, Craven Arms, Carmarthen, Bridgend, Radyr, Abercynon,
Hereford, Llanelli, Machynlleth, Pontypridd, Severn Tunnel Junction, Wrexham General and Shotton)
are also to have improved and/or additional commercial retail facilities. Additionally passenger
information screens, signage and 'wayfinding', multi-modal transport information including bus 'real
time' details, accessible toilets and help points will be provided. Work has already begun at Bridgend.

Hub stations (Cardiff Central, Queen Street, Chester, Newport, Shrewsbury and Swansea) are to
receive all the above plus improved ticket retailing facilities, significantly more cycle storage capacity,
fully refurbished waiting areas and recycling centres for sustainable litter collection. Swansea is to be
the first beneficiary. At least 1,500 additional car parking spaces throughout the network are to be
provided during the 15 year franchise term. The budget for the entire project is £194M. Proposed start
dates for the various aspects are given but no target completion dates - clearly TfW is learning fast.

2502] Severn Tunnel Jn (STJ): Prospective open access TOC Grand Union Trains has offered to upgrade
this station car park and other facilities (including provision of an extra plastic chair à la British Steel
Redcar perhaps?) and help create a new link road to the M4. This is in support of its application to the
ORR to run a two-hourly Cardiff - Paddington service from May 2021 using Class 91s and ECML Mk IV
coaches. It would initially serve Newport, STJ and Bristol Parkway, plus Cardiff Parkway when/if that
opens. Of course, the plans depends on the Severn Tunnel electrification problems being resolved
(BLN 1336.2378). There is a suggestion that Class 802s bimodes would be used from 2023 in any case.
The M4 link would incorporate former service roads either side of the former toll booths on the
approach to the Second Severn (Road) Crossing and is therefore seen as a relatively easy project.

2503] Stock control? (BLN 1336.2377) The Class 230 hybrid unit trialled on the North Cotswold line is a
prototype, not one destined for TfW. A member understands that the Class 153s to be used until they
enter service do not meet Persons of Reduced Mobility requirements but TfW has decreed that these
do not apply to journeys of less than one hour (can anyone confirm this please?) such as Wrexham -
Bidston (just!) However it could prevent Conwy Valley line services running through to Llandudno. The
loco-hauled stock currently used on the Rhymney line is also said to be non-compliant; here omission
of some stops to reduce journey time or replacement stock from DRS is being talked of.

2504] December Timetable: (BLN 1335.2247) According to Realtime Trains, intermediate Cardiff
Central - Bridgend calls by Sunday long distance services are much reduced in the new timetable; just
two Down and one Up at Pencoed, for example. Could this mean that an extension of the Ebbw Vale
service to Bridgend or a new Cardiff - Maesteg Sunday service is or has been considered to replace
them? Several Ebbw Vale services are indeed being extended to Bridgend, but SuX and non-stop from
Cardiff! Shrewsbury - Crewe intermediate stations are to be served by a new local SuO service so that
longer distance services can omit them, with some Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff trains extended to/
from Swansea. There is still no sign of the Shrewsbury - Wrexham or Llandudno Jn - Chester SSuX
gaps being filled. It would be interesting to see what the franchise agreement says about all these.

2505] Dolgarrog: (BLN 1333.1972) As regular
readers are already well aware, from 24 Jul
Rheilffordd Dyffryn Conwy ar agor ar gyfer
busnes. Bilingual leaflets can be found at
many TfW-served staffed stations announcing
this to the general public (English version:
Conwy Valley line open for business).

They include the full current timetable but no
indication that it isn't entirely correct as
Dolgarrog station remains closed. A visit by a
local member of Railway Ramblers on 21 Sep
confirmed that only the bare 'footprint' of the
original platform remains, with no sign of any reconstruction work. The lamp posts and dot matrix
passenger information screen looked new but the running in and information poster boards seemed to
be unscathed flood survivors; the latter is bare apart from a notice attached to the top of one, so
inconspicuous that the photographer failed to spot it at the time and will make a further visit to read
it! Most surprising is that the track through the station also appears untouched; the nearest new
ballast is about 200 yards away in both directions. However there must be a possibility of this station
becoming the answer to the question posed in BLN 1336.2277. In its present form it resembles a
ground level halt from days of yore served by railmotors with retractable steps. Even if these still
existed, they certainly wouldn't satisfy present day accessibility requirements!

BELOW: Walking down the road to Dolgarrog station, it's a lovely day for a train trip on 21 Sep.
The fences and gates were replaced after the flood damage (note the dry field on the right). (Bill Clark)

ABOVE: The sight/site that greets potential passengers; are the cable carrying pipes chained to prevent
them from being stolen or floating away? After recent rain the field was flooded. (Bill Clark, 29 Sep.)

1337 MINOR RAILWAYS (Peter Scott) [email protected]

MR184] Aln Valley Railway, Northumberland (MR p9): The Railway was successful in applying for a
grant to construct a platform and run round loop at Greenrigg ending 1m 26ch from Lionheart station
buffer stops, approximately half way towards the ultimate goal of reaching Alnmouth station.

The grant awarded, together with 20% match funding from the sustainable transport charity Sustrans,
amounts to £146,600. The Rural Development Programme for England grant covers groundwork costs,
trackwork, construction material for the platform and the purchase of a coach for conversion into a
café/waiting room/toilet facility. The grant is provided through the Rural Payments Agency using funds
jointly provided by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and by the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Greenrigg station will provide a destination for passengers who
may wish to alight for a picnic by the river, continue their journey on foot to experience the local
wildlife or visit local beauty spots such as the Cawledge Viaduct or the River Aln, which can be crossed
near this location using stepping stones. These are named as such on the 1:25,000 scale OS map.

When complete, the railway will be able to offer a 1¼ mile train ride to a specific destination, more
than doubling the current journey available from Lionheart station. The toilet facilities at Greenrigg
will be a useful facility for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. A separate grant application submitted by
Northumberland County Council for an adjacent cycleway and fencing is still undergoing appraisal with
a response pending. [Update: See earlier items 2404 and 2405.]

MR185] Border Union Railway, Scottish Borders (MR p10) (BLN 1335.MR170): The northern extension,
towards the tunnel mouth, came into use in autumn 2015. The southern extension over Bridge 200
opened Saturday 20 April 2019. On Saturday 7 September, trains were operated by 4wDM (FH3777/
1956), formerly 'Upnor Castle,' hired in for the season from Andrew Briddon, while their 0-6-0DH
(JF4240015/1962) is away for repairs. Trains formed of a brake van ran on demand for £5 per ticket
with two trips. Also on site is RB004, a first generation rail bus, which was to operate on Sunday. Plans
over the winter are for a workshop and loco shed to be built, to keep the rolling stock under cover.

ABOVE: Border Union Railway; loco & brakevan in Whitrope Siding station. (Rod Bryant, 7 Sep 2019.)
BELOW: The station seen from the south end. (Chris Parker, 4 Aug 2019.)



[BLN 1337]
PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: The south (Carlisle) end of line which was double track before closure, hence
the width of the trackbed. LOWER: At the north end is Whitrope Tunnel. (Chris Parker, 4 Aug 2019.)

MR186] Strathspey Railway, Highland (MR p10): On Thursday 5 September the 10.30 train to Boat of
Garten was formed by LMSR 2-6-0 46512 (Sdn/1952) with Sc5060, Sc5057, Sc1928, Sc17101, Sc5149 &
Sc5228 - the front five coaches all initially allocated to party traffic, although staff were discussing if
they could release some for casual passengers. 66743 was stabled outside the gate at Aviemore, while
the 'Royal Scotsman' was at Boat of Garten.

MR187] Saffron Walden & District Society of Model Engineers, Essex (MR p17) (BLN 1295.MR237):
This Society operated a 1,300ft ground level 5/7¼" track and a (latterly out of use) 400ft elevated
3½/7/7¼" line next to Audley End Miniature Railway. The Society has lost its site. Final public running
was Saturday 14 September, track lifting began the day after and the site has to be cleared by October.

BELOW: Saffron Walden Model Engineers; a train on the now closed line. Note the tracks of the
adjacent, and still open, 10¼" gauge 1 mile Audley End Miniature Railway (Peter Scott, 16 Sep 2012.)

MR188] West Lancashire Light Railway, Lancashire (MR p19) (BLNs 1295.2560 & 1317.MR229): The
future of this 2ft gauge railway was secured on 9 August 2019 when it completed the purchase of the
land on which it stands from owners, and long term landlord, Henry Alty Limited. The railway needed
to urgently raise £260,000 to fund the purchase, which was achieved with the help of members,
friends, neighbours and supporters. Some changes around the site will be driven by the adjacent
housing developments, including a site access, car park, a new electrical substation and new toilets
with disabled access. The purchase means the railway can now plan improvements to its site and
facilities. However, there remains a need to raise money to repay loans used to fund the purchase.

ABOVE: Apedale Valley Light Railway; A rare passenger train on the Field Railway. Readers might care
to count how many Society members they can spot aboard! (Peter Scott, 21 Sep 2019.)

MR189] Apedale Valley Light Railway, Staffordshire (MR p23) (BLN 1300.MR43): Located in Apedale
Community Country Park near Newcastle-under-Lyme, this 2ft gauge railway is owned and operated
by the Moseley Railway Trust. The Trust held its 50th Anniversary Gala over the weekend of 21 & 22
September. For this event only, rides were available over the normally non-passenger Field Railway.

The MR Editor visited on the Saturday and noted a good number of Society members also present.
(The event was advertised in BLN 1334.2128.) Passenger trains on the Field Railway loaded at the level
crossing by the yet to be constructed Museum building and ran to Loos Loop (about 230 yards) and
return (no alighting or boarding at the far end). The train was operated top & tail by various 4w petrol/
diesel locos with two small 4w coaches with side mounted benches - passengers being chained in!

These trains represented the first passenger trains operated on the original railway at Moseley Hall
Grammar School in Cheadle (photo e-BLN 1334), from which the Trust was formed and grew. On the
normal 500 yard passenger line between Silverdale and Apedale Road stations, passenger and goods
trains alternated. On a run taken by our reporter the train was hauled out by 4-6-0T 303 (HE1215/
1916) and hauled back by 0-6-0WT 104 (HC1238/1916). There were at least another four locos in
steam and a train of skip wagons also ran over the Field Railway between the passenger trains. Aurora
North Shed was open and with various stalls and some stock. Site admission was £6, with unlimited
riding on the Field Railway and one ride on the normal passenger line, (additional rides could be
purchased for £3 each). A very enjoyable and interesting event, made better by the glorious weather.

MR190] Invergarry & Fort August Railway Museum, Highland: A member visited this site on Sunday 1
September, the final operating day of the season. The track appears unchanged from that described in
BLN 1316.2420 with pictures (our 5 August 2018 visit report), with a short run through the west side of
the island platform and immediately north, together with a short parallel track not connected to it. He
was told that the ultimate aim is to have a length of about a mile, mostly south from the station over
trackbed made available by the Forestry Commission. Work has started on building a replica of the
signalbox on the platform. The timber frame of the building has been erected. The small diesel
locomotive has been out of use for a while; our reporter was told this is due to vandalism, though no
damage was evident. Rides are given on a small four-seat draisine, which is brought to the site on a
trailer on operating days. The Museum is acquiring a goods brake van, which is to be used for public
rides. This needs to be moved from a site in England and have some renovation work done to it.

MR191] North Weald & District Miniature Railway, Harlow Garden Centre, Essex: This new 7¼" gauge
railway opened on Sunday 8 September 2019 at Blue Diamond's Harlow Garden Centre, not far from
junction 7 of the M11. The railway features a station, with two tracks adjacent to the car park area,
leading to a scissors crossover after which the track splits to form two prongs of what will become a
full circuit. There is a curve effectively making a triangle. Trains leave the station and proceed to the
left hand prong, before reversing around the curve onto the right hand prong. A further reversal takes
the train directly back to the station. Facing points in the direction of travel are all sprung. The full
circuit should be complete by next Easter. On Sunday 15 September two trains were in service, both
running on demand. In use were: 0-4-0ST 'R J Goulding' (Station Road Steam) in a green livery and
Bo-Bo BE No14 (Ride on Railways) in a blue & yellow livery. Each was working with a train of two blue
bogie sit in coaches. The ride lasts about four minutes and costs £1, with no tickets being issued.

BELOW: North Weald & District Miniature Railway; built by Station Road Steam of Metheringham,
0-4-0ST 'RJ Goulding' stands ready. (Peter Scott, 15 Sep 2019.)


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