1314

MR196] Ilford & West Essex Model Engineers, Greater London (MR p17) (BLN 1021.MR119): This
must be one of the most easily accessible minor railways by public transport. It is located in a small
plot of land behind platform 4 at Chadwell Heath station. Even on Sunday there is a direct train every
15 minutes to/from Liverpool Street and Stratford. However, the site itself is not so easily accessible -
a small flight of steep steps leads down from the road. There is a small funicular type incline for taking
large items, like locomotives, on and off site. The plot is long, but narrow, and the 7¼" gauge ground
level railway fills the available space, with one terminal station and two other non-passenger reversals.

Passengers join and alight at the two platform Chadwell Major station. Trains then run over a double
track section to Farr End (sic) where the loco runs-round. The train then reverses and diverges right at
Boundary Junction on to a parallel branch (also mostly double track) to another terminus almost
opposite Chadwell Major, at the foot of the access steps, called Chadwell Halt. The loco runs-round
again and then returns to Chadwell Major, reversing again at Farr End. Your MR Editor visited on
Sunday 2 September - a gloriously sunny day with unbroken sunshine. As he descended steps from the
road he was greeted by the sight of a locomotive in the turntable pit at Chadwell Halt! This was soon
righted, although as only one train was running, it did cause a lengthy pause in the service and
consequently a long queue for a ride. In use was a Bagnall outline 0-4-0ST built by Station Road Steam,
Metheringham, with a rake of three nice sit-in coaches. The fare for one ride (for all) was 50p, with a
day ticket allowing unlimited riding for £3, which seemed popular with the local children!

There is a large clubhouse housing some model railways, which it is necessary to walk through to gain
access to Chadwell Major. There is then only a small outside public area. Inside the clubhouse there
are toilets and light refreshments available. The only other loco visible was 4wBE No6 'Chadwell', which
was under repair outside the shed. Some track repairs were underway between Chadwell Major and
Farr End, requiring single line working over the outbound line from Chadwell Major. This meant the
signalling, controlled from Chadwell Major West and Boundary Junction boxes, was not working and
flags were the order of the day. All passenger trains used platform 1 at Chadwell Major. Public running
takes place on the first Sunday of the month from April until September, from 10.30 until 16.00.
A very pleasant visit to a most unusual railway and site - thoroughly recommended.

MR197] Richmond Light Railway, Kent (MR p19) (BLN 1261.MR132): This private 2ft gauge opens once
a year to the public on the occasion of its Steam Fair (as advertised in BLN 1307.1349) and a member
duly attended on Saturday 18 August. As usual it was very well supported, though he saw fewer
'familiar faces' this year. Changes since his last visit in 2016 were the diagonal reversing loop across the
main circuit and an overall roof and additional station buildings at the main Richmond station.
Four locos were in steam and used on the passenger trains. Star guest was 0-4-0ST 'Cloister' (Hunslet
542/1891). Also running were 0-4-0T 'Susan' (O&K 3136/1908), 0-4-0T 'Jenny' (Arn Jung 3175/1921)
and 0-4-0PT 'Chuquitanta' (Decauville supplied, but Couillet built 810/1885).

Three passenger trains operated at once. Journeys started by the entrance, at the end of the branch at
New Barn Halt, before leaving it and running clockwise round the main circuit via Richmond station.
They then continued round again to Richmond before diverging right to take the relatively new
reversing loop across the middle of the circuit before returning along the branch to New Barn Halt,
where locos were uncoupled and swapped for the next run. By pausing the trains at Richmond station
and on the reversing loop at the appropriate times a continual revolving sequence was maintained all
day. Other locos present were Baguley Drewry ex-MOD 0-4-0 diesel No1, the French Campagne type TS
four wheeled (Series 1925 No903) internal combustion loco and an unidentified Motorail Simplex,
which hauled a passenger train at the end of the day. In the main shed were 0-4-0T 'Anne Marie' (Arn
Jung 2569/1918) under restoration, 0-4-0ST 'Elin' (Hunslet 705/1899) in a totally dismantled state with
boiler and frames separated, and an unidentified 0-4-0VBT Coffeepot. The 15" gauge Cagney 4-4-0 was
on view in another shed with a rather impressive model railway. A selection of classic road vehicles
were present including cars, traction engines, a Foden steam lorry and farm tractors. Of particular note
was a pre-war MAN small open backed truck sign-written for Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway.

ABOVE: Richmond Light Railway - 'Chuquitanta' is about to pass the spring point of the reversing loop
on its clockwise run around the main circuit. (Richard Weller, 18 Aug 2018)

MR198] Kingsbridge & District Light Railway, Devon (MR p15) (BLN 1285.MR127): Work on an
extension commenced on Friday 21 September, with site barriers going up the previous evening.
This will take the form of a balloon loop at the far end of the railway.

MR199] Stansted Park Light Railway, West Sussex (MR p25) (BLN 1038.MR42): A member visited
Stansted Park and its 7¼" gauge railway on Wednesday 22 August - a cloudy day. The car park and
facilities were busy, and two trains were running at frequent intervals as they filled up. The layout is
still a figure of eight, with trains returning to the platform from which they left, making completion of
all regular track easier! There has clearly been a problem with trespass in the past given the numbers
of signs warning against this. Another sign warns drivers of the descending 1 in 60 gradient in the
arboretum. The platform in the arboretum has a (garden) seat which is not used. Locomotives in use
were: 'Gaffer' with coaches 6, 3 & 10; and 'Rio Grande' with coaches 5, 1 & 8. Some other locomotives
could be seen in and outside the depot. Fares were £1.50 for seniors, £2 for adults, for which you get
an Edmondson size piece of card, carefully clipped before departure. There is no signalling other than
a (single) semaphore by the departure platforms, cleared by the booking office lady.

NEXT PAGE TOP: Stansted Park Light Railway - the very interesting routes and inviting track at end of
the station includes a double slip, an (almost) three way point plus short and long scissors crossovers.…
LOWER: In the same direction but through the station from the other end. (Stuart Hicks, 22 Aug 2018)



ABOVE: Melton Mowbray Miniature Railway - the loco with its one coach, rests
in Wilton Park. (Peter Scott, 27 Aug 2018)

MR200] Melton Mowbray Miniature Railway, Leicestershire (MR p20) (BLN 1237.MR109): It was
pleasing to find this railway in operation on Bank Holiday Monday, 27 August. The railway is a 10¼"
gauge circuit of 480 yards running in Wilton Park - both railway and park are owned and operated by
the historic Melton Mowbray Town Estate. Previous recent visits have found the line out of use.

Running was the 2w-2wPM locomotive built by G Wilcox in 1968. The driver stated it had been
re-engined recently. Passenger accommodation was a single sit-in coach, which appeared to have been
recently refurbished. The driver added the other coach was away for refurbishment - and had been for
quite a while! However, it was not needed on this day as the two visiting BLS members were the only
passengers, which was surprising given it was a fairly sunny Bank Holiday Monday. Fares for all were
£1 for three circuits. No tickets were issued, the money being collected by the driver. A notice stated
the running days as Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 12.00 to 16.00. The driver added this
was during the school holidays and weather permitting - he hadn't run the previous day as it rained for
most of the day. However, when walking back through the park at around 15.00, the loco and coach
were covered over and the office, where the driver waited for passengers, was locked up.

MR201] Ashton Park Railway, Somerset (MR p23) (BLN 1311.1740): A member visited this railway,
operated by the Bristol Model Engineers, on Bank Holiday Monday, 27 August. As previously
mentioned in BLN it is under threat of closure by the end of 2018 after some 45 years of operation as
Bristol City Council is reviewing its lease, and customers were being asked to sign a petition (and most
did, including our visiting reporter). It is not clear what the Council intends to do with the site that
could not be done instead nearby were they so inclined. On arrival at 15.00 both lines were busy.

Rides for all ages are 90p or 5 for £4 and 10 for £8 with printed roll tickets being issued from an
attractive ticket office building. Tickets are collected on the train before departure although our
reporter was allowed to keep one of them. There is both a 530yd ground level oval 5"/7¼" route run
clockwise, and inside it, an elevated 3½"/5" track (which is slightly longer as it loops inside round the
engine sheds) which is run anticlockwise. Trains on the ground level track were longer (two or three
coaches) with five in operation and so the queue moved quicker, and a ride was taken there first. Rides
were a single circuit, with set down and pick up at separate platforms a short way apart. Our member
purchased another ticket (risking domestic disapproval!) and joined the lengthy queue, all the way
across the footbridge, to the inner elevated circuit. There were also five trains running but queuing
was slow as some only had one coach. The arrival platform is only just short of the departure platform.



[BLN 1314]
PREVIOUS TWO PAGES: Ashton Park Railway pictures by Stuart Hicks, Bank Holiday Mon 27 Aug 2018.

The 'Bristol Post' reports that the Railway has been offered a new lease by Bristol City Council after the
petition to save it was signed by over 8,000 individuals. However, this comes with a rent two and a half
times higher and it allows the Council to give just 6 month's notice to quit at the end of the first year,
and is for a maximum of 10 years. This offers little security of tenure and, with an estimated need to
nearly double ticket prices to £1.50 per person, it is unclear if the Railway will opt to move out anyway
and seek alternative premises. The final operating dates this year, Sun 14 Oct and pre-bookable Santa
Specials Sun 2 Dec, may yet be the end to railway operations at this location.

MR202] Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, Cheshire (MR p13) (BLN 1117.MR149): This 7¼" gauge
railway started life in 1996 as a temporary line to celebrate the centenary of the nearby 15" gauge
Eaton Hall Railway. It was then adopted as a permanent line. A member visited on Thursday 30 August
and had a ride. The fare is £1.50 for adults and £1 for children, with paper bus-type tickets issued from
a machine. The usual locomotive, numbered 6602 (now around 18 years old) was hauling the train but
with only two coaches, as the other six are all out of service with various faults. Business was
reasonably brisk, but the short train was managing to cope with demand on this sunny mid-week
school holiday afternoon with plenty of people about. A further locomotive is on the way from
(presumably) the Brookside Miniature Railway, which closed recently and had to sell off all its
equipment - this machine is a CP outline diesel and has a larger engine and could probably haul around
10 coaches (although the platform only takes around four currently). This will lead to the disposal of
the Class 47 outline locomotive that is effectively the current spare. The drive yourself battery electric
tramway car is also out of use because of a minor electrical fault that can't be traced.

MR203] Snowdon Mountain Railway, Gwynedd (MR p30) (BLN 1309.MR143): On the damp Monday
afternoon of 10 September a visit was made to the railway to travel on, and photograph, the Swiss
BRB locomotive number 2 (and coach number 1) on its short journey (41ch), which was advertised to
go up (nearly 300ft) to Waterfall Halt. Not unusually, all normal services for the day were fully booked
when our reporter arrived, even though later afternoon services were probably not going to reach the
summit because of high winds. And you would have seen nothing because of the clouds! Having
arrived in good time, a coffee was taken in the buffet, before joining the queue for the train, which
was due to leave at 15.32 and follow the 15.30 departure to the summit (propelled by diesel No10).

Departure time came and went, but soon after the reason for the delay became clear when No6
'Padarn' arrived at the arrival platform (at 15.33) and both trains then set off. Prior to that there had
been plenty of hype from the Swiss tourist board staff about what was happening and cards for the
competition were handed out and filled in. Although departure was late, which our reporter initially
thought was the reason, the train didn't get very far - a little beyond the shed and a little way round
the corner and just onto the first steep part of the gradient. On return to the arrival platform there
was some opportunity to photograph BRB No2 next to its sister SMR No3. Disappointed, our reporter
also tried the 16.02 departure, which had no SMR train in front (and consequently left on time).

However, this only went to the same place. Enquiry of staff revealed that the rack cog on the BRB
locomotive will not synchronise properly‡ and so they are unable to go onto the proper rack section
and the ride lasts less than ten rather than about 20 minutes. Disappointing - but free of charge. Places
seemed to be available most weekdays at least on a first come first served basis (40 seats on each
train) - pre-booking had ceased. (‡Our correspondent thinks this is because it is pretty new, while the
track appears old and worn, but presumably fine for the local locomotives over the years.)

NEXT PAGE TOP: Is this Britain's most uninteresting miniature railway? Mid Wales Model Engineers -
A Class 08 runs around the small 165yd circuit on this rarely operated railway. (John Scott, 1 Sep 2018)

MR204] Mid Wales Model Engineers, Powys (MR p30) (BLN 1287.MR148): This 5"/7¼" gauge line was
running for the Newtown Food Festival over the weekend of 1/2 September. Public running here is
thought to be relatively rare and two members visited on the Saturday - although they did not meet!
It is a very uninteresting line - just a circuit of 165 yards around a small grassed area (Back Lane Park)
with no particular features. There is a cut-off line, inside the outer circle, which was not covered on the
passenger ride. Two circuits were given for £1 - with no tickets issued. Two trains were in operation:
Quarry Hunslet 0-4-2T 'Draig Goch' (MWMES No2 of 1999) with two coaches and 0-6-0BE 08199 with
one coach. Locomotives are kept off site, as there is no shed. The line is about ½ mile from Newtown
station. The senior member visiting went on to the Food Festival and had an Italian delicacy for lunch.
French wine was offered at £2 a glass. He had an excellent Cabernet d'Anjou. The 'glass' was a paper
coffee cup, full. More than twice as much as you would get in a pub for £3.50!

1314 FIXTURES REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]
2186] Saltmarshe - Hull Box Visits; 13 Feb & 7 Mar 2018, Part 2: (BLN 1313.2050) By John Cowburn.
After Oxmardyke Gate Box there is a two mile gap then three more boxes follow each other in quick
succession, leading to aspects of short-section working being employed.

Broomfleet Signal Box, a Grade 2 - signaller scale of 1-9 (9 = highest) - block post with adjacent level
crossing, is the first of these. It is on the Up side and is another NER Type S2 box, dating from 1904.
The box has evidently suffered from subsidence and now appears to be held up by two very large
vertical girders positioned at the east end corners; no two of the replacement windows appeared to be
mounted at exactly the same angle. The adjacent Broomfleet station is a remarkable survivor, being
located in the middle of windswept fields and a good half mile from the small but isolated village that
it serves. It consists of replacement wooden platforms adjacent to the former main lines, but with only
eight trains per day calling, 1,426 passengers in 2016-17 and apparently only two regular users.

The box is very spacious, but has only seven working levers in three remaining 'islands' of the 60 lever
frame. There are still 'station limits' here, with a home and starter plus a distant in each direction. All
signals are semaphore except the Down main starter, which is a three aspect colour light controlled by
lever 14, which can only be reversed when Cave's lever 14 has been cleared. This illuminates a white
light on Broomfleet's block shelf (see below); this signal also acts as the distant for Crabley Creek.

The adjacent Broomfleet level crossing is also non-standard; having 4 powered barriers operated from
a control unit in the corner of the box but no road lights, possibly now a unique combination on NR.

The absolute block instruments controlling the sections to the east and west are wooden-cased LNER
double-track examples and, because of the short sections and the presence of Oxmardyke and Cave
crossings, non-standard block working arrangements are used on both lines. In the Up direction, when
trains are accepted from Crabley Creek, for the benefit of Oxmardyke they are offered straight on to
Gilberdyke. In the Down direction, any train for which a 1-2-1 'train approaching' bell code is received
from Gilberdyke is offered on at this point to give Cave crossing keeper more notice of its arrival.

Two thirds of a mile down the line on the Down side, Cave Gate Box is a further 1904 NER Type S2
structure. It is much smaller than other similar boxes on the line, with an operating floor only a few
feet above track-level. As would be expected, it is staffed by a crossing keeper. The crossing here, as at
Oxmardyke, is controlled by manually worked barriers without road lights, again from the box by a
gate-wheel. In contrast to Oxmardyke however, the normal method of working here is for the barriers
to be kept closed to road traffic with the signals cleared, unless a vehicle wishes to cross; this explains
the presence of the 'RING FOR GATES' (sic) sign and accompanying plunger mounted on the fence
adjacent to the wicket gates. However, the road appears to have reasonable levels of traffic meaning
that the crossing keeper can be very busy; repeater block indicators and bell are again provided.

The 16 lever frame has only six working levers remaining; others are white (spare) and some are
missing. The gate-wheel is at the left hand end of the frame with, immediately next to it, the short-
handled blue and brown painted barrier release lever. Three levers are for the signals, including red
and yellow painted number 14 mentioned above; this carries a plate reading 'DOWN MAIN CONTROL
ON BROOMFLEET No.14 SIGNAL AND DISTANT'. Unless this is reversed, Broomfleet's three aspect
colour-light starter (located just short of Cave Crossing) and consequently its distant cannot be
cleared. The remaining two levers are brown painted and lock the wicket gates which remain here.

The last location visited on the first day, at the edge of the Goole Local Operations Manager's patch,
was Crabley Creek Signal Box, at the end of a minor road serving only a farm on the banks of the River
Humber. Visually quite similar to Oxmardyke, the 'Signalling Atlas' advises this to be a NER type S1b
structure dating from 1891 and extended in 1904. However it has been less sympathetically
modernised, now having large single pane replacement windows and a false ceiling, the only box on
the line to have been so treated. The frame has 14 levers, of which only five remain in use. The Grade
2 box remains as a block post, though at the most basic level with no station limits and only one home
and distant signal in each direction, meaning that a train has not cleared the section in the rear until it
is well into the section in advance. For working absolute block in each direction to Broomfleet and
Brough East, there are two black and white BR standard block instruments. The mechanical Down
home semaphore is mounted on a very nice bracket, no doubt a legacy of four-track days.

The fifth working lever, number 12, carries a plate reading 'RELEASE TO GATE KEY LOCKS' and provides
the interlocking for the adjacent hand-worked gate level crossing, which gives access to the farm on
the south side of the line. The single lane width wooden gates, which open out onto the line when
required, are normally maintained locked across the road with lever 12 sitting normal in the frame.
In this position, the two 'key lock keys' used to release the gates to be opened to the road are securely
retained in a 'lever key lock' at the base of lever 12. To open the gates for a road vehicle, the signals
have to be replaced at danger and lever 12 partially reversed. This locks the signals and releases the
keys which can then be used to unlock the gates. There are also uncontrolled wicket gates for
pedestrians on the public footpath which crosses the line here; 'Stop Look Listen' signs are provided.

The gates will survive re-signalling, with the box retained but downgraded to a gate box under the
supervision of York ROC. BLN 1299.400 reports that this is only because the original Railway Act
specified that a 'manned' crossing was to be retained for the landowner's access. (To be concluded.)

ABOVE: Crewe P12 at 06.21, Mon 27 Aug, awaiting departure of 'The Marching Crompton'. All pictures
by Society photographer Geoff Plumb https://plumbloco.smugmug.com/ unless specified.

FROM ↓ Miles & tickets thanks to Jim Sellens 2187] The Marching Crompton Railtour,
Crewe 138m 73ch 193m 23ch 213m 58ch Bank Holiday Monday 27 Aug: By Chris
Shrewsbury 106m 15ch 160m 45ch 181m 00ch Tennant. Another grey, early, morning on
Church Stretton Crewe station, waiting for yet another
Craven Arms 93m 36ch 147m 66ch 168m 21ch Railtour and wondering what share of
Hereford 86m 22ch 140m 52ch 161m 07ch new Track/Haulage/ Scenery/Food etc
Cardiff Central 55m 16ch 109m 46ch 130m 01ch (delete/add as required) this one will
bring. Soon enough the indicator boards
TO → X 54m 30ch 74m 65ch show a 06.25 Charter departing from P12.
Cardiff Cent Llanelli Carmarthen

A stream of familiar and new faces gradually form-up on the platform awaiting the arrival of the stock,

which soon appears, being propelled into the station by what is hoped are the required locos. Yes, two

gleaming, maroon liveried Class 33s (33029 & 33207), a rare site now, at what will be the head-end.

They are soon being filmed from many cameras, both still & Cine (Digital for our younger readers).

After some chivvying, the 'must get the master shot' passengers are all on-board and the train pulls
out on time - or at least as far as your scribe is concerned, full minutes only! A healthy roar from the
front-end augers well and we are soon pulling away to Gresty Lane, and on past Gresty Green Sidings,
where the previous Society Class 33 tour ('The Sussex Salopian') waited for loco problems to be sorted,
and through the gradually lightening, green, Cheshire countryside. The locos were obviously well in
command as we climbed up to the first major summit just north of Whitchurch. The long, mainly
downhill run to Wem saw a reduction in noise from the front end but time continued to be gained, so
much so that on reaching Harlescott Crossing we were 12 minutes to the good.

Alas the good work was then negated by a wait before entering (Crewe Bank) Up Goods Loop while
the train crew had the incorrect route reset for us. This nearly half a mile long recently fully relayed
loop has metal sleepers, continuous rails and is well ballasted. Arrival at Shrewsbury P7 was still one
minute early. More eager souls joined and we left on time, passing the massive three floor ex-GWR
Severn Bridge Junction Signal Box (left) - now the biggest operational manual box in the world.

Crewe P12 - Up & Down (Dn) Loop (Lp) - Up Nantwich - (2m 60ch) Up Main - (37m 41ch) Up Goods (Gds)
Lp - Shrewsbury P7 - Dn Hereford Spur - Dn Hereford - English Bridge Jn - Dn Main - Church Stretton P2 -
Craven Arms Dn Gds Lp - Craven Arms P2 - Hereford P1 (Dn Platform Lp/break) - Panteg Dn Gds Lp - Dn
Main - Dn Hereford - Maindee West Jn - Dn Main (briefly) - (Newport) Dn Relief/No4 Line - Gaer Jn - Dn
Main (159m 44ch) - Ebbw Jn - Up Relief (briefly) - Dn Relief - Line 'E' - Cardiff Central P3 - Line 'E' - Cardiff
West Jn - Up Treforest - Radyr Branch Jn - Penarth Curve North Jn - Up Treforest - (0m 55ch) Dn Treforest
- Ninian Park P1 - Leckwith Lp South Jn - Leckwith Lp - Leckwith Lp North Jn - Dn Miskin Lp - Tremains Dn
Passenger Lp - Bridgend P1 - Stormy Dn Passenger Lp - Margam Moors Jn - Up Branch - Up Ogmore Vale
Extension (OVE) - Margam East Jn - Dn Main - Court Sart Jn - Dn (Swansea) District - Grovesend Colliery
Lp Jn - Morlais Jn - Llandeilo Jn - Dn Main - Llanelli P1 - Carmarthen Jn - Carmarthen P2 (reverse/break) -
Carmarthen Jn - Up Main - Llanelli P2 - Llandeilo Jn - Swansea Lp West Jn - Llandore Jn - Up Main -
(202m 75ch) Up Relief (Port Talbot) - Port Talbot East - Up Relief (formerly Up Gds) - Margam East Jn -
OVE - Up Branch - Margam Moors Jn - Up Main - Stormy Up Passenger Lp - Pencoed Passenger Lp - Up
Miskin Lp - Up Main - (171m 49ch) Line 'B' - (171m 27ch) Line 'A' - Cardiff Central P1 - Line 'B' - Newtown
Jn (169m 69ch) - Up Main - (160m 41ch) - Up Relief - Newport (No3 Line/Up relief) - Dn Main (briefly) -
Up Main (briefly) - Maindee West Jn - Up Hereford - Up Main - Panteg Up Gds Lp - Up Main - (51m 13ch)
Up Relief (Hereford) - Up Main - Woofferton Up Gds Lp - Leominster P1 - Craven Arms P1 - Church
Stretton P1 - English Bridge Jn - Up Hereford - Dn Main (Shrewsbury) - Crewe Jn - Dn Main - (2m 60ch)
Dn Nantwich - (1m 18ch) Gresty Green West Jn - Gresty Lane Dn Through Siding - (0m 38ch) Gresty Lane
Jn - Dn Nantwich - Dn Salop Gds Loop - Dn Nantwich (briefly) - Up & Dn Loop - Crewe P12.

ABOVE: Route (current Sectional Appendix names) by Paul Stewart with thanks to Martyn Brailsford.

Then it was over the Red Brook (not the River Severn), just after the third side of the triangle trails in
left at English Bridge Jn. The name refers to the road bridge where the old A5 crossed the River Severn
(Welsh Bridge is the road bridge carrying the old A5 into Wales and is to the west of the town centre).

The locos now faced a long climb up to the summit just beyond Church Stretton, our next passenger
pick-up. Unfortunately, the views of the hills that close in, particularly on the west side and especially
the Long Mynd, were restricted due to the low cloud as the weather had deteriorated slightly. Much of
the roughly seven miles from Wayford Bridge to the Summit is now at 1:100 so the locos were earning
their keep. However, we were still four mins early at the station (time to note the incorrect platform
numbers in June 2018 TRACKmaps) with a slightly early start, having collected all intending passengers
and extra supplies of liquid refreshment. The just over half a mile run to the summit was taken without
undue effort. The route is now more or less downhill to the River Wye crossing just south of Hereford.

A successful run through the Craven Arms Down Goods Loop, thanks to the especially arranged
attendance of a Mobile Operations Manager, preceded a pickup at the station (platform numbers
correct here!). Track work for the new connection to the Central/Heart of Wales Line was noted, for
installation from the end of Sep. A slight improvement in the
light and the hills receding improved the views; but for much
of the trip the prospect was spoilt, at least for the writer, by
the fact that many of our railways have become 'green
tunnels'. [Devegetation is costly with safety/manpower
requirements and can only be done at certain times. It
grows back rapidly without fires started by steam locos - Ed.]

ABOVE: Craven Arms Down Goods Loop looking south at the signal box (taken by WCR staff).
BELOW: A fine collection of some of the Society train stewards and WCR staff are seen at Hereford,
Julian Bracchi is the driver. The south departure from P1 which the train will make on restarting is only
normally done in passenger service by the 05.26 (SSuX)/05.42 (SO) from Hereford to Barry Island.

[BLN 1314]
On down through Ludlow and its tunnel and then Woofferton where the line from Bewdley through
the Wyre Forest once trailed in left and Leominster, with little to see of the former branches to New
Radnor/Presteigne and Bromyard/Worcester - the latter is now part of the bypass (A49). A sharp
brake at Shelwick Jn, where the Worcester line trails in left, results in a Hereford P1 two-minute late
arrival for a different 'break' of nearly 20 minutes so no need to worry. This was another chance to
photo the locos, view the fine station with its impressive architecture or exit, some for a quick smoke.

On restarting it was hoped that the buffet facilities might start to produce the much in demand bacon
rolls for those 'slumming it' in Standard Class, but coffee was taken in the interim. Once over the River
Wye the climb sharpens to around 1:100 up past the site of Red Hill Jn (2m 11ch) where the original
double track line from Hereford (Barton) trailed in right. Then downhill to south of Pontrilas before
the locos have to start digging deep for the climb up to the summit at Llanvihangel, with more long
stretches of around 1:100. A visit to the Society sales stand to collect pre ordered copies of the new
Western & Wales TRACKmap - excellent and only £10, with now the whole of Wales and even the new
Craven Arms layout. One disappointment, a gap from Old Oak Common to Aynho Jn, and since this is
not covered in the current Book 4 [new edition pending], it requires a session with the photocopier!

On down past Abergavenny and the site (right) of the triangular junctions with the long lost Heads of
the Valleys Line - No1 in the writer's list of Welsh lines for visiting once the Society's TARDIS (Time And
Relative Dimension in Space) is working! Another unrecognisable railway scene at Pontypool Road,
where the once vast collection of lines, the Goods Lines, yards and industry here and to the south have
now disappeared apart from the Panteg Down Goods Loop which was successfully traversed.

After joining the main line from Paddington at Maindee West Jn we crossed a very full flowing River
Usk and took the Down Relief Line as far as Gaer Jn before a rather nice - gricing wise - move to the
Down Main and back to the Down Relief at Ebbw Jn. Arrival at Cardiff Central P3, to set some
passengers down and collect our final batch, was nine minutes early; so time for more loco 'shots'.

A smart, one minute early, departure saw us routed via the Leckwith Loop followed by a visit to the
Down Miskin Goods Loop, Tremains Down Passenger Loop, Down Stormy Passenger Loop and the
Ogmore Vale Extension before Port Talbot, all required by many. An early arrival at Llandeilo Jn via
the Swansea District Lines saw our first disappointment of the day; we were unable to access the
Llandeilo Down Goods Loop as it was out of use but not appreciated by our NR timers in Milton
Keynes. Oh well, you can't win them all, so on to our stop at Llanelli 8 minutes early.

LEFT: That's just the ticket … with thanks, as usual, to our
ticket ace Jim Sellens (and for the other fixtures as shown).

Here those visiting the recently opened Llanelli & Mynydd
Mawr Railway on the former Cynheidre Colliery site left us
in a small fleet of road coaches. In true Heinz style here are
57 varieties of photos of the event https://goo.gl/RBUkYN
can you see yourself or anyone you know? The main tour
run alongside the Loughor Estuary gave the locos little need
to show off their power, being almost flat. It was interesting
to note that the tide here was nearly out as compared to
that at Newport, showing the vast range that the Bristol Channel/Severn Estuary affords. Carmarthen
P2 was reached 13 mins early, an excellent end to the first half of the tour. After photos, many of
those remaining made their way into the town crossing the Afon Tywi/River Towy by the old road
bridge north of the station or the new footbridge from the station entrance. Over the river a fairly
steep ascent was required to the town.

Back again our two locos were repositioned at the head of the train with 33207 leading. A chance to
take a few more photos and to note the buffer stops marking the limit of the old line to Aberystwyth

[BLN 1314]

(56 miles) with branches to Newcastle Emlyn and Aberaeron. After another gentle run back to Llanelli,

arrival was still three minutes early to collect our 'Preserved' batch of passengers. Unfortunately, three

quarters of the party suffered from a broken brake problem, so were unable to achieve the haulage

but all covered the Cynheidre track including the Welsh 'rarebit'. A slight delay in loading led to a two

minute late departure. Llandeilo Jn Up Goods Loop is out of use so we were not signalled that way.

3 3

FROM ↓ mileages thanks to Jim Sellens

Carmarthen 75m 25ch 143m 08ch 161m 47ch 168m 61ch 214m 18ch

Llanelli 54m 70ch 122m 53ch 141m 12ch 148m 26ch 193m 63ch

Cardiff Central X 67m 63ch 86m 22ch 93m 36ch 138m 73ch

TO → Cardiff Leominster Craven Church Crewe
Central Arms Stretton

Our train then took us over the main line between the former Duffryn (sic) West Jn to Cockett West Jn
which both ceased to be with redoubling in 2013. Next was Swansea Loop West Jn across the single
track bidirectional Swansea Avoiding Line to Landore Jn and back via Neath to Court Sart Jn. Here we
were scheduled to proceed via the Up Through Siding, past the remains of Briton Ferry Yard, to Briton
Ferry East Jn. [The first bit of rare track your Editor did on a HST by Sunday diversion in the 1970s.]

Unfortunately, it was not to be, as apparently the 'Civils' had decided to do some work and traffic was
barred. Better luck at Port Talbot though; we went through the Up Relief, extended to Margam East
Jn on what used to be the 'Up Goods' (explaining why we didn't need Goods Line Authority). Then it
was across to the Up Ogmore Vale Extension, past the remains of Margam Knuckle Yard to Margam
Abbey Works East Jn, the Up Branch to Margam Moors Jn and the Up Main. Stormy Up Passenger
Loop was safely accomplished as was Pencoed and Miskin. However, from arriving in Pencoed Loop
six minutes early, we departed 16 down due to late running services! With regard to earlier comments
about vegetation, the starting signal for this loop was partly obscured by overhanging tree growth!

Another deletion from route was Cardiff Central P0 (zero) where we ran into P1 instead due to station
staff concerns about train length. The following services are regularly booked to arrive in P0 from the
west: ●09.45 (SSuX) ex-Bridgend via Barry (so also crosses the Cardiff Central east end ladder); via the
main line: ●11.10 (SSuX) ex-Swansea. ●16.47 (SO) ex-Llanelli and ●19.10 (SO) ex-Swansea. Arrival and
departure were both down 16 minutes. Routing was by the Up Main to Ebbw Jn, where we crossed to
the Up Relief to Maindee West Jn, before turning off to follow our outward route along the Marches.

Panteg Up Goods Loop was safely traversed but we hurried past the Pontrilas Up Goods Loop as the
booked relief signaller had not attended to open the box. More luck with the next scheduled section of
grice, the much sought after Hereford Up Relief Line, one of the 'middle' lines, with the station passed
twenty minutes early. (The Down equivalent was removed years ago and subsequently reinstated.)
The light was starting to fade now, the day never having really 'brightened up', as we made our way
steadily climbing north. Through the newer of the two Dinmore Tunnels on an easier graded alignment
prior to our set-down stop at Leominster; more time gained here, 21 early arriving and 22 leaving.

So on to Woofferton were we duly entered the Up Goods Loop and here we sat. Having arrived
19 mins early, we finally left on time some 37 mins later. There was concern by NR that we could have
caused problems if we'd have left early. Further set downs at Craven Arms (arr two early) and Church
Stretton (arr three late - though left on time). A hoped-for on the day bonus of a trip through Sutton
Bridge Up Goods Loop was not to be due to the headways but we did run through Shrewsbury Down
Main (Through line), previously out of use and partially lifted for a long while for underbridge repairs.

Beyond Crewe Jn things were taken easily, we were a couple of minutes down at Wem and Nantwich.
The approach to Crewe was taken gently as we were routed from Gresty Green West via the Through
Siding to Gresty Lane Jn and then the Down Salop Goods Loop to P12, where final arrival was on time.

Well, another tour over and for your 'scribbler' a few more obscure 'Quail' bits inked in, some track not
travelled for years re-covered and a chance to catch-up with various acquaintances. The double
headed Class 33s were a big attraction. So many thanks to all those involved: the Network Rail staff for
much co-operation, the train crews including the kitchen staff - I did get my bacon barm and very good
it was too - and especially the West Coast guys, your locos do you credit. Also the BLS 'team' (even the
comic duo of Guyl'm & Grabbit doing their best to persuade you that you will win a prize in the raffle)
and especially our Kev. As a result of the tour over £3,300 was donated to Railway Children (for UK
use) with matched government funding worth £6,600 to them, and £500 went to St John Ambulance.

ABOVE: A pair of Pauls at Cynheidre; on the left is our previous BLN Wales Regional Editor, Paul
Jeffries who had come especially to see us and right is Paul 2. (Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway)

PREVIOUS PAGE UPPER: The Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway, on the site of Cynheidre Colliery
National Coal Board sidings looking north, the coach is at the platform. Far left behind the buddleias
was the BR branch from Llanelli which closed from 23 Mar 1989. The colliery was off picture (right).

BELOW: After the brake failure, the brakevan and Sentinel are seen at the north end of the line.

THIS PAGE BELOW: Awaiting departure for Crewe from Llanelli P1 on the return part of the tour.

X.150] PAGE AFTER NEXT: A superb picture with the Wow Factor, it could be a painting even! by Geoff
Plumb taken during our visit to Adrian Shooter's private Beeches Light Railway on Sat 25 Aug 2018…

2188] The Royal Garden Party, Sat 8 Sep: By Duncan Finch.
11 Months after Bill Davis's excellent 'Animal Tracker' and
'Along Lilliput Lines' came the sequel. Again it was in
Hertfordshire and Essex. The Saturday 'Party' began with 15
Members (a full fixture and incredibly no one turned away)
meeting at Van Hage Garden Centre, Great Amwell - where?
- Yes that's right near Ware. It's home to the East Herts
Miniature Railway, a 580yd (public run) 7¼" gauge complex
railway around the rear of the Centre run by volunteers raising money for local charities. They carried
their 1,000,000th passenger on 3 Jun 2016 and the railway is nearing the end of its 40th year. This was
marked by a simple headboard on our steam tank engine 'Ettie Faith', a black 0-4-4.

We began about 10.30, all on one (full) train before public running, by traversing the normal run of
two full signalled circuits, firstly the outer (with an impressive tunnel) and then via the station avoider
to the inner circuit. Its main feature is a bridge over a pond with a water fountain that misses passing
trains (just!). Back at Great Amwell station single platform the train reversed to the shed doors of the
two carriage sidings (but not inside, even the best limbo dancers would struggle with only just enough
clearance for the sit astride riding vehicles). Then it was forwards via the rare connection from the
station avoider to the outer running line. Several circuits covered the through connections before
running via the platform to ascend the turntable road to short of the end of the Loading Line, for now.

After more circuits the tour set back to the Loco Shed traversing each of the three roads there, across
the Ash Pits to the stabled locos - some inside the shed. Unusually Road 3 is nearest the running line
and Road 1 is furthest away. The shed headshunt and the single inner circuit (other) Carriage Shed line
were also covered, the latter once off a long lifted reversing diagonal return loop across the circuit.

BELOW: East Herts MES, Amwell Jn and signal box showing the interesting layout (all covered) - the
branch to the two carriage sidings is on the left. (All photos in the report by Stuart Hicks, 8 Sep 2018.)





ABOVE: The three road engine shed (and yes, all three were covered on our tour).

PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: The rarest bit of track and the final reversal in to the siding off the centre of
the circuit. Left is a 'bidirectional' signal - there are quite a few of these on the railway. The head and
ladder can each be swiveled round by 180o for running in the opposite direction on the circuit. As for
that '40' (mph) speed restriction sign - no chance!

While all of this was going on the diesel hauled public service had started. A goodly number of
passengers young and old were circulating round looking on in perplexity/bemusement/amazement at
our antics! We then moved on to the finale, managing to traverse the turntable road to the very end of
the Loading Line. Here a carriage was detached and 'people power' used for full 360o 'spinnage' on the
turntable, as well as five steaming bays, each in their entirety. Thanks are due to the very friendly
enthusiastic volunteers here, for understanding our requests and allowing us to gatecrash their normal
running day. This meant extra work for them on top of normal service (usually signalled automatically
from the Impressive signal box). With all of this, track coverage here stood at some 99.9%!

After the garden the 'Party' continued apace as members moved on to the 570yd 10¼" Hatfield House
Miniature Railway. This is adjacent to the farm in the grounds of the house which King James I visited
in 1611 (the 'Royal' bit of the day). The railway opened 30 Mar 2013, the driver, loco, rolling stock and
track came, lock stock and barrel, from nearby Knebworth House when that railway closed. It is a fairly
simple inner/outer circuit from a single platform station Salisbury Halt. We were met by the two man
crew who appeared with petrol loco 'Rhuddlan Castle' and train. Public running after their official
lunch break was yet to begin but would do fairly soon so we set out and covered the normal run twice
for the vital 'overlap'. Then it was over to the two long open ended corrugated iron shed structures.
One of the shed branch roads had to be traversed by 'people power' and the whole coaching set as it is
articulated. The other (with the single road Loco Shed) was covered one person at a time, again with
human assistance, riding on Loco 'Midget'. The Loading Line, through the Loco Shed beyond was on
quite a steep gradient with only 'delicately' supported track so was unavailable. However, again this
was almost total coverage, in the convivial friendly atmosphere on a very mild if cloudy afternoon.

BELOW: Hatfield House Miniature Railway - Salisbury Halt.

ABOVE: The open ended Engine Shed which continues on as a 'ski jump' - the loading line.
They are very trusting in this part of Hertfordshire; that is a public footpath in the background.

So our merry Party proceeded with confidence to Vanstones Woodland Railway at Vanstones Garden
Centre, Codicote, near Stevenage. This is a 10¼" gauge, 550yd balloon loop mainly through woodland,
like many minor railways. An unusual feature is that the station is at the end of a branch off the main
circuit. Trains propel out from the station and reverse to then run around the loop, usually twice and
lead back to the station. Our train was waiting with 'Borough of Buxton'. This is one of four identical
late 1960's vintage 'Meteor' locos https://goo.gl/zGSZ3Q based here; it is red. The others present are
'Meteor IV' (bright green), 'V' (darker green) and 'IX' (bright yellow). In your reporter's opinion, they
look rather odd and angular, rather like Class 74s for those old enough to remember these, not me,
I hasten to add! The Woodland Area has quite a sharp steeply graded curve and our loco initially

struggled but made it on the second attempt.
Pulling up alongside the very long overgrown
loco and carriage shed, deep in the woods,
we stopped for the other three locos to be
removed from the shed, stabled for
inspection/photos and then moved clear so
our entire train could be hauled to the end of
the shed. It was pitch black inside and our
BLN Editor could be heard commenting that it
would make a great Ghost Train for
kids/adults - cobwebs and all!

(PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: The participants on the second trip were happy to enter the ghostly shed,
on the basis that the first lot had actually all emerged again. ABOVE: The station, although one is left
wondering from the sign what 'other' sort/s of 'station/s' might be found at a garden centre…?

The other shorter shed line was occupied by stock. 'Meteor IX' then took over for very rare haulage
around the whole circuit (it is not very powerful) and back to the shed. 'Borough of Buxton' returned
us back to the station to complete the trip here.

It was now 15.45 and Day 1 (incredible value at just £10 all inclusive) was complete with thanks to
those involved for a great day, particularly Bill Davis for his meticulous planning and execution.
Members were able to make for their accommodation or return home in sociable hours. With several
hours of daylight remaining two keen peripatetic members drove to Hatfield and walked the 6½ mile
St Alban Way, unsurprisingly to … St Albans. CP 1951 this former Great Northern Railway trackbed is
mostly intact with much of interest to see at each station and halt. Nast Hyde Halt has recently been
smartened up with many replica, but authentic, looking features. Passing Hill End station (once for
Hertfordshire Mental Hospital!) they wondered if any of our ticket collecting members might own a
single to here from Old Hill. Next was the famous 'Salvation Army Halt' - actually west of the location
shown on the 'Disused Stations' website. The name derives from that organisation's nearby printing
works. After passing beneath the spectacular brick built underbridge carrying the Midland Main Line
high above the track bed and the GNR St Albans London Road station, the St Albans Abbey branch
was reached. Return to Hatfield was from St Albans City via Thameslink (running well and busy late on
a Saturday evening) then north from King's Cross; a bargain at £10.05 with railcard for 37¼ miles by
rail and enabling the whole 6½ mile trackbed to be covered without having to walk back in the dark.

.Details must be checked. 1314 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.
2189] The Dennis Howells Memorial Train, Sat 20 Oct: A branch line style train, GWR Pannier Tank
No 9466 (main line ticket expires 24 Oct) and three coaches raising money for St Luke's Hospice,
Harrow. Drayton Green 10.15; West Ruislip Up platform to water (crossovers each end from/back to
the Down line) 11.00; Princes Risborough 12.30/16.00; departs from P3 to signal ME159 then propels
back into P2 to reverse. West Ruislip 16.45; Drayton Green 17.15. Book at https://goo.gl/jEEbHs £55.

2190] Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway (Cynheidre Colliery site; SA15 5YF): (MR p9) Sat 20 Oct 11.00,
Volunteer Recruitment Day. Sat 8 & Sun 9 Dec 10.30-15.10 Train rides (Sentinel Loco No10222 &
brakevan) and Santa's Grotto. £8 Adult, £7 Senior (with two train rides and mulled wine thrown in).

[BLN 1314]

2191] Douglas Bay Horse Tramway, IOM, Sun 21 Oct: The final day of operation of the full line as
double track (NOTE end of season now brought forward from Sun 4 Nov). Special events include
double deck Tram 18 with two horses from Derby Castle, return trips at 10.15 and 11.15 (and final run
at 17.30 with one horse - special fare £10 for this run includes commemorative certificate). Summerhill
Stables open 10.00-14.00 with tours at 11.30 & 13.30. Group photo of all 20 horses at Derby Castle
14.15 followed by a cavalcade of trams and horses with a commentary. Reconstruction of Douglas
Promenade starts over the winter with at least part of the tramway due to reopen Thur 25 Apr 2019.

2192] Mid Hants sponsored walk, Sat 10 Nov: Help the railway to re-ballast 1,000yd of track at
Wanders Curve between Medstead & Four Marks and Ropley. Minimum sponsorship £10 for over 16s
(under 16s no minimum), walks start between 10.00-11.00: (1): Free vintage bus Alresford to Ropley
then 3 miles back; (2): Medstead & Four Marks downhill to Arlesford - 6 miles or (3): From Alton to
Arlesford - 10 miles. Return is by vintage bus, just turn up on the day - no trains running! Sign up, and
create a fundraising page (but not compulsory to take part) at https://goo.gl/HPLoKe or donate.
https://goo.gl/ugjVmm is the printed version - donations can be Gift Aided. There is no need to book
in advance, just come on the day. Queries: [email protected] or 01962 733810.

2193] Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways 2019 Calendars & Christmas Cards etc: Support the
railways (they do actually need this); from https://goo.gl/VKodTQ or the station shops. The cards are
from commissioned paintings of the lines all in the snow; 2017 designs: 'Earl of Merioneth' on 100mph
straight and the other shows Garratt '87' hauling a train across Pont Croesor bridge. 2018: One card
shows 'Linda' & 'Blanche' on Ty Fry curve and the other shows 'Prince' hauling a heritage train. Your
Editor's packs have just arrived and they are very nice, colourful and scenic Christmas cards indeed.

2194] Dartmoor Railway, Train to Christmas Town: (MR p6) Okehampton station, EX20 1EJ. Based
on the book 'The Train to Christmas Town' by Peggy Ellis. 19 dates from 30 Nov-27 Dec, 14.30 (some
days), 17.00 & 19.00. From £18.75 Adult; to book https://goo.gl/DFfP6i 08000 232383 (open
13.00-01.00). On TRACKmaps Book 3 (Jun 2018) p11C: Line 2 is at the top; these trains do the
unusual Meldon East Ground Frame end connection (198m 76ch) and Line 12 where they reverse
(the bottom most one furthest from the normal passenger line next to 'Christmas Town'). (Also see
track diagram BLN 1295.2566 - with photo; this e-BLN is on our website.) To maximise track
coverage, book Standard Class and request to be sat behind the front engine, they then run through
Okehampton to Milepost 196 and return. Free parking, the round trip takes about 70 minutes -
perfect for families, children and gricers. Some trains are already fully booked; book in advance.

2195] London transport Museum Vintage Shop: https://goo.gl/taW7As has details of condition,
weight etc of various original Underground signs etc for sale from £10 to £1,200 including delivery.
For £1,200 it's an original 'Victoria' roundel sign 125cm x 150cm, for £10 it's a Jubilee Line door button.

2196] Blackpool Tram Shop: (BLN 1302.741) The new premises, replacing the one on North Pier,
opened in July at Unit 8, Juniper Court, Whitehills Business Park, FY4 5QF, (near M55 Junction 4) on the
outskirts of Blackpool by B&Q. There is a large selection of 'Videoscene' DVDs - available post free
anyway - (mainly railways but including trams), some back issues of 'Tram Magazine'/various books.

2197] Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, Thur 4 Apr 2019: Anyone who still needs the mainline
connection might be interested in a Steam Dreams steam hauled railtour from Chinnor (07.30/23.00) -
Princes Risborough (rev) - Bicester Village - Oxford - Basingstoke - Bournemouth - Swanage (14.30/
17.00). Return is diesel-hauled to Southampton (rev) then steam hauled to Chinnor, presumably via
the Laverstock Loop and Basingstoke. From £119 return https://goo.gl/KL3AF8 01483 209 888.
Regarding the e-BLN 1212 supplement: The original Watlington branch/Chinnor passenger service was
withdrawn from Mon 1 Jul 1957; Sat 29 Jun 1957 was actually the last day of passenger traffic.

ABOVE: David Williams (right) at Cappy, the 1' 11⅝" Froissy Dompierre Light Railway. (Angus McDougall, 13 Jul 1986)

2198] DAVID WILLIAMS: (Jan 1935 -25 Sep- 2018) Former Member number 1826. Although not a
current Society member, many of our members may remember with affection the many tours to Europe
(and beyond) which David organised between 1981 and 1995 under the name of 'Enfield Expeditions',
and subsequently assisting Richard Pegler with ADL (Along Different Lines) tours until 2006. Although
mostly to Western Europe, after the fall of the Berlin Wall many tours ventured to Eastern Europe and
beyond including the USA and Zimbabwe. Most of the trips involved some sort of gastronomic activity
and, although mainly on passenger lines, many hard to get freight lines were also covered. RIP.

●Bookings Officer: .UNTIL AGM. Jill Everitt, 4 Barnside Way, Moulton, NORTHWICH, CW9 8PT. [email protected]
●Sales: Mark Gomm, 84 Mornington Road, STOKE-ON-TRENT, ST1 6EL. 01782 769960 (day). [email protected]
●Editor: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX. 01684562862 07790652351. [email protected]
●Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947

X.151] LEFT: Stonehaven:
The ECS of the 16.36 DMU
from Aberdeen derailed
on Wed 10 October - "Did
the points move for you
dear?" It was re-railed on
11th but the Aberdeen to
Dundee line was closed
all day (Thursday).

At least there are two
crossovers at Stonehaven!

(@BenPhilip_STV)