1271

ABOVE: Old and new at Bispham with the OOU connection from the north to the centre road
visible behind the trams (Stuart Hicks). BELOW: Rigby Road depot after the tour (Jim Sellens).

[BLN 1271]
As we approached, stopped and expected to get off 'please remain seated' was the instruction from
the stewards and the tram turned sharp left along side the fitting shop to stop at the far end of the
building where the wires ended. A fitting end to the superb 42.1 nautical mile tour (an average of 7
knots) of the Blackpool Tramway system - an impressive haul of all available rare track and you should
have seen the one that got away! We could easily become hooked on swell trips like this.

A 'chart' of the moves and distances is available as a download with e-BLN thanks to Jim Sellens. Many
thanks to all concerned, particularly Bryan Lindop head of Blackpool Heritage Trams and his colleague,
Gary Conn for his Kev-like enthusiasm and organisational skills. They were delighted and very grateful
for all the promotional work, sales and fund raising achieved by the Society for them on this trip which
will mostly 'sponsor' the new LED lights on trawler 737. Thanks also to our anchorman, Kev Adlam.

BELOW: The end of the tour alongside the fitting shop. (Jim Sellens)

ABOVE: Penrhyn Quarry Railway, Felin Fawr platform on the recent extension (OP 17 Sep 2016), as
with most of the lines here it was traversed with the riding vehicle at the extremity. (Alan Sheppard)

3224] Penrhyn Quarry Railway (PQR), Sun 20 Nov: (BLN 1270.3022) This historic 2ft gauge railway
transported slate about six miles from Bethesda to Port Penrhyn at Bangor and CA Jul 1962. Much can
still be walked. Today the heritage PQR aims to reopen sections. After the Blackpool trip (above), some
had stayed the night intermediately for our 11.00 visit. A helpful sign on the A5 pointed the way to the
railway in the hamlet of Coed Y Parc. Parking is limited so members were directed to a slightly soggy
field. The walk then to the railway was interesting by mountains of slate waste to join the track bed.

Hot drinks and biscuits were gratefully
received. Loco 26 (RH 221625/1943) and coach
'R' waited at the inland end; beyond sat 'Odin'
(MR 5859/ 1934). The two worked our train
between them, Odin with a lengthy coupling
bar, following at first. Despite the dramatic wet
weather in the days leading up to the event,
and 'Storm Angus' elsewhere, on the day, it
was a lovely sunny late autumn morning with a
crystal clear blue sky. The Snowdonia peaks
were highlighted by snow. The good weather
was just as well as coach 'R' had no roof! It was
also rather cosy with three bays of seats and all 21 participants shoehorned on to one trip, some
sideways to fit! Fortunately, leg stretches, or rather leg untangles, were frequent.

Departing 11.17 from the small recently constructed Felin Fawr platform on the extension (OP 17 Sep),
'The Quarry Quest' tour headed through the station loop alongside the previous much longer single
platform. A 7¼" line once ran on the platform https://goo.gl/Fn3Uhw but has sadly now gone.

ABOVE: Attractive views in Wales - the countryside and mountains (with snow) are not bad either!
St Ann's Hill (Halt) platform at the north end of the Heritage PQR. The Loco Release Line is top right
next to the light engine. 21 'average' (?) BLS members managed to fit into this coach (Ian Mortimer)

After a quarter of a mile on the original PQR main line, St Ann's Hill (Halt) platform was reached.
None of the platforms have a name board. John Cameron's request to go to the end of line was readily
agreed to by the friendly and helpful volunteers (notable for being remarkably young!). A missing
bridge over a minor road (see OS map: e-BLN 1270.3022) limits current operations but the enthusiastic
railway has plans to extend both ways, probably south first towards the massive Penrhyn Quarry itself.

Next was the end of the loco release line here, known as Quarry Siding, then back inland to veer left to
the lengthy loading line, a significant distance away from the running line. On the way past the first
time it had been full of wagons but was now pleasingly empty as our train reached the very end.
Return south was on the original main line avoiding the former station, then left in to the twin track
Felin Fawr Works, an original building where most stock is kept. Line 1, the much longer one, was
taken which actually runs through the building and for quite a way beyond outside (next time!). About
half the lengthy building was covered to where a nice little tank engine 'Jubilee' (MW1382/1897) was
undergoing restoration. It originally worked at Penrhyn Quarry and had returned after some 50 years
away, just the week before our visit. Access to the other shed line was via basic 'push across' points so
not covered on the train. Beyond the shed were the workshops of 'PQR Engineering', an affiliated
company which the railway is developing to undertake commercial work. Not just railways but
bespoke gates have been constructed and many new passenger coaches. Good luck with all this.

BELOW TOP: The extremity of the 'loading line' looking south towards the Quarry and normally full
of wagons. Right is the PQR main line, the points right of centre are for the loop. (John Cameron).



PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: View north (towards St Anns Hill/Bangor) on leaving the line; the displaced
stock normally stabled on this 'loading line' is temporarily on the running line left (Ian Mortimer).

ABOVE: Looking north, the light engine is on the PQR main line, right is the platform that was used
prior until 17 Sep on the platform loop and previously had a miniature railway along it. (Ian Mortimer)

Finally, the tour reached the south extremity. For its 17/18 Sep weekend open day the railway had
temporarily been extended beyond the overbridge there, then the rails removed although the sleepers
still remained. A very convenient truck allowed griceage of the other depot line with people power
(and permission of course!). Thus ended an excellent two hour visit to this friendly railway which now
welcomes visitors with regular running days and special events. Thanks to our hosts and also to John
Cameron who organised the event for the Society.

In the lovely sunshine and superb scenery, three members took a 7-mile walk exploring the trackbed
around the outside of the gigantic Penrhyn Quarry (still partly in production). The heritage railway is
aiming for the former level crossing (SH 6243 6570), a perfect terminus being close to the major tourist
attraction of 'Zip World '. This is not the national collection of men's trousers but a one-mile (in two
sections) long zip wire ride over the deep, vividly coloured flooded section of the 'missing mountain'
with fantastic views (£60 a go). Judging by the noise from the zippers it is quite an experience; claimed
to be the longest in Europe and the fastest in the World! The quarry can be appreciated from the
visitor centre viewing point (free with facilities). Guided off-road vehicle tours to the highest point
(distant views if clear) are available for £10, but BLN brings you, free of charge https://goo.gl/a9l4lZ !

BELOW: (Alan Sheppard) Our tour inside the shed/workshop (Road 1) - an original building. Isn't it
funny the way you always have someone looking the other way to everyone else… Road 2 on the right
includes a full sized pit. The large workshop had quite a few brand new coaches in various stages of
construction. There was also a buffet car from the South Tynedale Railway at Alston. PQR is clearly a
railway with ambition, enthusiasm and energy. Http://www.penrhynrail.co.uk/ is the new website
and https://goo.gl/BVJS3e has some historical pictures and information.

Please mention the BLS when booking or enquiring.……..1271 CONNECTIONS……….Details must be checked with the organisers.
3225] Derby Roundhouse Tours: (Item 3222) Adjacent to the east exit of Derby station, explore the
oldest turning shed in the World. The crumbling remains of George Stephenson's Grade II listed 1839
Roundhouse have been restored into part of Derby College and the guided tour reveals how the
impressive new buildings complement the character of this historical site. The Engine Shed and
Carriage Shop are included with true-life stories of the men, women and children who pioneered
Derby's railway industry. The tour lasts 45-60 minutes and ends with a cup of tea or coffee. They are
available: Wed 11 Jan at 18.30, Sat 14 at 10.30, Wed 25 at 18.30 & Sat 28 at 10.30 also Wed 8 Feb at
18.30 & Sat 11 at 10.30 (etc). Advance booking essential at https://goo.gl/zUDAnl or 01332 643411.

3226] The Bristol Docker, Sat 28 Jan: Pathfinder Tours, Didcot Parkway (06.30/22.50) 7 pickups
(not Oxford - ?Down Main) - Birmingham International & New St (08.30/20.50) - Bristol Parkway
(10.40/18.45) - Filton West Jn - Henbury - Avonmouth Docks (rev) - Henbury - Filton Chord - Bristol
TM Down through - Parson Street Jn - Portbury Dock Jn - Portbury Cargo Terminal (rev) - Portbury
Coal Terminal (rev) - Parson Street Jn - Bristol TM Up through - Narroways Jn - Clifton Down - Run
Round Siding for SITA Severnside, FIRST RAILTOUR over the new south connection (rev) - Clifton
Down - Bristol TM (rev) - Filton Bank - Bristol Parkway etc. May also include 'several goods loops
Birmingham - Bristol'. From £92 adult Standard https://goo.gl/8ufRzO 01453-835414/834477.

3227] Aldwych Underground Station, Guided Tour, Fri 17 Mar: https://goo.gl/K6gXYC Kev Adlam has
kindly arranged a private walking tour of this closed Piccadilly Line branch terminus, the day prior to
our HST tour from King's Cross. Participants must manage 170 steps each way on a spiral staircase.
This fascinating, thoroughly recommended location was described in BLN 1226.252. The Editor will
email a copy on request. This is a Railway Children charity event, £50 per head; contact Kev, as below.

3228] Vinter's Railway Gazetteer: 'A guide to Britain's old railways that you can walk or cycle'.
The 2011 edition is out of print; author, Jeff Vinter from Railway Ramblers has kindly given BLN details
of his new second edition and 'bound' to be of interest to many members. It is correct to 31 Oct 2016,
about four times bigger, with four times the number of pictures, than before and more are in colour.
There are many new routes, much more content with essays on the subject. Paperback, 168 pages
226mm x 248mm ('Coffee Table') published Apr 2017 (£19.99) - The History Press, Brinscombe, Stroud.
Don't order one yet! Thanks to Jeff's generosity, a very special offer is kindly anticipated for BLS
members (please send in additions/amendments and consider joining Railway Ramblers in return!).
3229] Scottish Model Engineering Trust, Wester Pickston Railway: (See item 3220) Glenalmond,
Methven, PH1 3RX, (NN984281). Https://goo.gl/qGSfpD rides 11.30-16.00 at this extensive, friendly
7¼" ground level remote railway with a complex layout on: 16 Apr, 28 May, 30 Jul and 3 Sep 2017.

X.195] BLN 1270, Guess the Location: (BLN 1270.X.189) BELOW LEFT: The resident Wickham's trolley
full of BLS members and a trailer with the weed sprayer at Hull Alexandra Dock, 9 Dec 1980……more in
BLN 1272! (Ian Mortimer). BELOW RIGHT: 1951/59 map of the dock; the railway here CG by Jan 1983.

X.196] London Underground Map: https://goo.gl/7qtMSo is an interesting geographical map.

Paper BLN Distribution: Dave Monger, 6 Underhill Close, GODALMING, GU7 1NU. [email protected] 07592 585230.
E-BLN (Distribution and download problems only): (GENERIC ADDRESS) [email protected]
SALES: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST1 6EL. [email protected] 01782 769960 (daytime).
Fixtures Secretary: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE CW2 6XN. [email protected] Twitter: @BLSGeneralSec
Chairman: John Williamson, 'La Marguerite', Croit-E-Quill Rd., LAXEY, Isle of Man, IM4 7JD. [email protected]
NEWS TEAM: Wales: Paul Jeffries, 54 Heol Erwin, CARDIFF, CF14 6QR. [email protected]
Branch Line Email Service: Nick Garnham, [email protected] Subscribe: [email protected]
South East England, East Anglia & Ireland: Julian James, 58 Nelson Road, WORTHING, BN12 6EN. [email protected]
London: Geoff Brockett, 155 Onslow Gardens, South Woodford, LONDON, E18 1NA. [email protected]
West Midlands: Brian Schindler, 15 Sudeley, Dosthill, TAMWORTH, B77 1JR. [email protected]
East Midlands: John Cameron, 10 Friar Gate Court, Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1HE. [email protected]
South West: Mike Newman, 19 Plover Close, Worle, WESTON-Super-MARE, BS22 8XB. [email protected]
North East England: Geoff Blyth, 26 Trafalgar Way, Queens Park, BILLERICAY, CM12 0UT. [email protected]
Scotland: Mike McCabe, Lawrenceholme Barn, Oulton, WIGTON, CA7 0PH. NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
North West, Yorkshire, Humberside, & IOM: Graeme Jolley, 3 Laurel Cottages, Rencell Hill, LAXEY, IOM, IM4 7BJ. [email protected]
Minor Railways (British Isles): Peter Scott, 93 Josephine Court, Southcote Rd, READING, RG30 2DQ. [email protected]
Editor/Head Lines: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX [email protected] 01684562862 07790652351.
Printed by Deva Enterprises, Waters Edge, The Drive, Ifold, LOXWOOD, West Sussex, RH14 0TD 01403 752735 [email protected] or
[email protected] Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Rd, Stoke Gifford, BRISTOL, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947.