1324

ABOVE: Calvert South Shunt Neck. BELOW: Calvert North Shunt Neck (157m 06ch from Manchester
London Road - now Piccadilly, of course - via the former Great Central Railway main line).

ABOVE: Calvert Siding No2, from the north end looking south. Far left is the Aylesbury to Claydon
L&NE Jn bidirectional single line. BELOW: The end of the Up Bletchley Siding at Bicester Village which
is the future Up Bletchley line to (unsurprisingly...) Bletchley in the next phase of East West Rail.

ABOVE: The same location, the other side of the train, looking towards Gavray Jn and Bicester Village.

634] Carnforth Charity Charter Cracker, 8 Dec 2018: By John & Jenny Williamson (See TRACKmaps
Book 4, p31B Dec 2018.) The day started dry, and our journey to Carnforth was uneventful. The West
Coast Railways Carnforth depot entrance was guarded by a couple of intrepid BLS volunteers, who
ensured that only authorised people were allowed in through the gate. Orange vested people were
stationed at strategic points along the internal roadway, and cars were being shown to parking spaces
near the depot. There were more stewards on the platform to make sure that everyone knew what
where space was available. On the west side of the platform, a festively decorated train set was open,
and Gravy Train were performing wonders in the buffet car, providing hot drinks and snacks. Mark 2A
Tourist Standard Open, 5278 'Melisande', was waiting for us on the east side of the platform.

Who was 'Melisande'? A notice inside the
doorway explained that there was a
tenuous link to King Arthur, but no-one
really knows! (LEFT: ticket by Amy Nash.)

A Class 08 diesel shunter 08485 was
marshalled on the southern end and Class
03 03196 on the northern end of the
coach. 03196 had a very odd, but
somehow appealing, 'Taxi' sign on the
roof. Before long, the coach was full with
68 people, including 4 stewards, and maps
of the depot layout were being referred to
with an air of eager expectation.

[BLN 1324]
ABOVE: The platform, looking south - note the private footbridge. (John & Jenny Williamson.)

Which way would we go, and what tracks would we be taken on? It was a perfect day to visit as three
different train sets with locos were out on the main lines. Nobody had dogs with them, so there was
no need to observe the carriage sign to 'Please keep your dog off the seats'. At 10.27, there was a toot
from the 03, but this was either a false alarm or a signal for anyone still taking photographs to board
without delay. After a second toot, at 10.31, we set off in a northerly direction, and proceeded slowly
along the track to the NR boundary, close to the two NR North (Crag Bank) or Downside Sidings.
After reversal, we returned past the platform, west of the Steam Workshop, then west of the Carriage
Workshop & Paint Shop, on the though line between that building and the Carriage Storage Shed
taking the crossover to the former 'Steamtown' passenger line.

We reversed, passing the Steam Workshop to our right, then to the east of the large six road Steam
Shed where steam engines 35018 and 61306 were being worked on out in the open. We then crossed
over the turntable and went to the end of the five road Diesel Workshop headshunt (adjoining the
Steam Shed), stopping close to the buffers at the extremity of the track. During the trip, mince pies
were offered to participants. They were generously supplied by Gravy Train Catering, as thanks to the
Society for our custom during 2018. We trundled up and down the tracks and crossed crossovers for a
while, including through the Coaling Plant and the Ash Plant. We looked at the back of the Carriage
Storage Shed at one end of the site and entered the Diesel Workshop (Road 2) at the other end.

For our last southbound trip, 08678, with number 555 on its cabside, joined 08485, and from 11.44
gave us a short spell of extra haulage from the NR boundary to a point between the Carriage Storage
Shed and Carriage & Paint Workshop, before dropping off again, leaving us to return to the platform.

ABOVE: The south end of the train at the platform. (John & Jenny Williamson.)

A (wet) hat was passed round for a well-deserved collection for the crew, Gareth, Ian and Paul, who
had worked hard to ensure that we had a splendid trip. Time had overrun a little, and our return
arrival was at 11.51, so we were holding up the second group of 68 people. We were therefore asked
to please leave as quickly as we could. The reason for this became clear when we found that their cars
were being held in a queue near the entrance until there was space for them to park inside the depot.

Unfortunately, as we left, the rain arrived. It is to be hoped that this did not dampen the enthusiasm
and enjoyment of the new arrivals for a fascinating trip around a rarely visited rail depot.

Many thanks to all who helped to make these trips possible and to those who volunteered to help on
the day, from BLS, PLEG, and West Coast Trains,
and of course Gravy Train, who kept participants
fed and watered. On the day, over £6,700 was
raised for West Coast Railway's sponsored
charities, to be split equally between Brooke
Action for Horses and Donkeys, and Compassion
in World Farming. LEFT: Our very own Kev Adlam
presenting the cheques. (Kev Adlam.)

NEXT PAGE TOP: Inside the railtour coach. (John
Williamson or a very impressive 'selfie' by Jenny.)

TO FOLLOW: Photos taken by Paul Illingworth
and approved for BLN publication by WCR.



ABOVE: Crossing the turntable. These pictures were way beyond the call of duty (Paul was soaked).

635] Woodhorn Wanderer, Sat 23 Feb 2019: (by Duncan Finch) This followed our Society stewards'
annual training day at the Stephenson Railway Museum. Reporting from all over the country (even
the IOM) at 07.30 that morning, 21 had undertaken manual handling training first thing followed by a
suicide recognition and prevention course. The later was put on by The Samaritans - their first for a
railway enthusiast group - and was sponsored by Network Rail. It was actually far more interesting and
enlightening than might be imagined thanks to the presentational style and interest. Although the UK
suicide rate is falling, there were still 5,821 in 2017 (of 533,253 registered deaths in total) of which 237
were on the railways plus many more attempted - some of which resulted in life changing injuries.

Later that afternoon on the unseasonably mild and cloudy Saturday, 30 members (another full event)
gathered at the Woodhorn Narrow Gauge Railway, about half a mile from Ashington and a stone's
throw from the Lynemouth Power Station branch. The 1,000yd long 2ft gauge Woodhorn line, laid
with substantial rail, is adjacent to both the QEII Country Park and Woodhorn Museum (the former
Grade II* listed eponymous colliery, closed 28 Feb 1981 and now a scheduled ancient monument).

Public running at this time of year is restricted, 10.00-14.30 but daily, according to publicity posted at
the Railway. Your reporter arrived at about 16.00, after visiting the very interesting Museum, to find
the volunteers and trains ready. With time to spare (the fixture started at 17.00) the early arrivers
were allowed to look around Museum Halt area, talk to the friendly volunteer staff and take photos.

By 16.45 with 12 members present, the railway decided to begin the riding while awaiting the rest of
the group. So we all piled on to the bright PINK 'Barbie' liveried (!) riding wagon 'Ellie'. This has bench
seats for about six and is open sided with a plastic corrugated roof. The rest squeezed on as possible,
'passengers in excess of capacity'! Motive power was Hunslet 9353 'Jenbach'. Starting from the run
round loop we first propelled towards the Loco Shed, reaching the doors. Then we drew forward over
the level crossing before again reversing to complete the loop and reaching just inside the doors of the
long, Carriage Shed. Most of us thought this would conclude proceedings, and that we would wait for
the rest of the group to arrive, but no!...

With a lively blast on the horn, we set out from the Carriage Shed doors, via the loop again, over the
level crossing (protected by flashing lights and audible warnings) and with a fair turn of
speed/acceleration along the main line! Dusk was falling, and our passage along the 1,000yd run
surprised a few late walkers in the park and by the large lake! On two curves the track had been
canted for faster running - and we didn't hang about on any of the runs.

At Lakeside Halt, the far end of the line, we ran past the platform to the headshunt points. Our loco
and riding vehicle were too long for the headshunt and due to the activities of the local feral youth the
run round loop pointwork had been damaged, so rare track exploits had to be curtailed! Then it was
back to Museum, an interesting propelling move. Back safely, the remaining members were arriving
after their day working in the classroom, including the organiser John Cameron. 'Jenbach' and 'Ellie'
were stabled in the loop and all 30 participants boarded the main train of former man riding vehicles
from Vane Tempest Colliery hauled by 0-4-0 No2 Edward Stanton. Now there were seats for all (but no
spares) in covered stock! After another out and back trip to Lakeside it was through Museum platform
for that all important overlap, and right inside the single track Carriage Shed almost to the end of line.

Our later (but on time) arrivals then took to 'Jenbach' and 'Ellie' for another main line trip and 'Edward
Stanton' made a few moves to ensure everyone covered all the track. With darkness falling it was time
for your correspondent to leave, for a half hour walk along (sometimes) unlit roads to Ashington for a
bus to Newcastle (every 10 mins most of the day!). Alighting at the Regent Centre it was the Tyne and
Wear Metro to Callerton Parkway for an overnight stay prior to our 'South Gosforth Avoider' next
morning. Thanks indeed to the volunteer staff for their hospitality and John Cameron for organisation.

Apologies: With apologies - pictures for this report have been held over until e-BLN 1325 because less
time was available than usual this week to do them. Thank you to the members who have also sent in
other pictures. They will be saved for future use and please continue to end them in - BLN Editor.

Details must be checked; 1324 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN:

636] Inside (Glasgow) Central Station: BBC Scotland,
six parts from Sun 3 Mar 21.00-22.00, following the
work of the station and its staff. Sky channel 457 or
https://goo.gl/6gk45i

X.28] BLN 1324 Guess the location LEFT: There are
enough clues here to identify this Great British
national railway station, as an extra clue it was
mentioned in BLN 1323. Answer in e-BLN 1325.

X.29] Blackpool Transport, Sat 16 March 10.00 until
16.00: Disabled Access Day, including the trams
https://goo.gl/KPRpd5 has full details.

637] Tyne & Wear Metro: Our member Chris Davis
was lucky in our T&W tour raffle, winning a visit to
the massive T&W Metro Gosforth Depot (build by
the LNER!) which is to be redeveloped. Two spare
places are available (date to be agreed); contact
Chris [email protected] 0115 9724570.

X.30] STOP PRESS: Edinburgh's Tram extension was
approved on 7 Mar with some contracts awarded.
The full council votes to ratify the project on 14 Mar.

Southfield House Light Railway 2013 Extension
N
Not to scale : from an original hand drawn plan,
with thanks to Peter Scott for additional details.

Viaduct

Tennis Court

Loco shed Branch Line

Garden Station (Southfield Terminus)
Loop

Rose Main Station
Arch Railway (Southfield Central)

Tunnel Southfield House

CSD

638] Southfield House Light Railway: (BLN 1323.498) ABOVE Thanks to Dave Cromarty with help
from Peter Scott, a plan of the extensive railway. The open days and how to book were in BLN 1323.

639] London Transport Museum, Hidden London Tours: The next ticket release was at 10.00 Fri 8 Mar
but subscribers to the Museum e-newsletter could book from 10.00 Thu 7 Mar. There is an electronic
queuing system; it is worth joining the queue. Various dates and times are available for these most
interesting conducted visits in small groups which sell quickly - all profits support the Museum.
See https://goo.gl/3doZQk for details and to sign up for newsletter 020 7565 7298. ●Charing Cross
(access all areas including the Jubilee Line platforms with ECS use only). ●Aldwych (includes some rare
Grade I listed track). ●Clapham South deep level shelters, with over a mile of tunnels. ●55 Broadway
London's first skyscraper built in 1929 in Art Deco style, now Grade I listed, includes an unusual view of
London from the roof. ●Highgate station part of the aborted Northern Heights project. ●Euston the
lost tunnels, may not be available for long with HS2 work. ●Down Street - Churchill's secret station.

640] Haywood's Permanent Way, Wed 27 Mar 19.30, Scotland's Industrial Railways 1965-70: Illustrated
talk, by Roger Monk non-members £2, The Sports and Social Club, Main Road, Great Haywood, ST18 0SU.

641] Railfuture: https://goo.gl/ayUQNm has details of forthcoming conferences; Sat 18 May is the AGM
in Cardiff. Sat 22 Jun is a conference 'Rebirth of Railways' at Darlington Dolphin Centre (10 mins walk from
the station). On Sat 21 Sep near Bristol Parkway is a conference with the title 'Every Passenger Matters'.
https://goo.gl/EhRDQL has many local, public and free events of interest throughout the country.

●Bookings: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Rd, STOKE-on-TRENT, ST1 6EL. [email protected] 07983 541887.
●Fixtures Sec: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE, CW2 6XN. [email protected] @BLSGeneralSec
●Tom Gilby, (Weymouth Walkabout BLN 1320.3) [email protected] 69 Regent St, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8GY.
●Neil Lewis, (South Cheshire Miniature Railways BLN 1324.512) [email protected]
●John Cameron, [email protected] or text 07581178759; any letters to Paul Stewart (below) please.
●Paul Griffin, (Austria) 7 School Bell Meadows, Church Lane, Stoneleigh, COVENTRY, CV8 3ZZ. [email protected]
●Sales Officer: Graeme Jolley, Dolbryn, Penegoes, MACHYNLLETH, SY20 8NN. [email protected] 07484 646542.
●Editor: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX. 01684562862 07790652351. [email protected]
●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BS34