1404

ne Society deal with an arboreal problem near the site of Colesloggett Halt.

BELOW: (Item MR128) Amnerfield Miniature Railway; in happier days a

a train passes an interesting historic coach body. (Peter Scott, 23 Jul 2006.)

MR127] Llangollen Railway, Denbighshire (MR p9): A test train ran over the extension to Corwen
station on Saturday 28 May 2022. It was run to gauge check platform clearances and other structures
after completion of track work. The train consisted of a rake of empty coaches, running with special
permission under an engineering possession and hauled by Class 47 D1566. It was crewed by Mark
Smales, Iain Ross and Mike Williams, who between them have given over 70 years of voluntary service
to the railway. There is more work to do before the extension can open to public trains. The station
building and canopy need to be completed and then the whole project will require final sign off from
the ORR. The railway is now saying it is hoped to open the extension by early 2023 at the latest.

MR128] Amnerfield Miniature Railway, Berkshire (MR p12) (BLN 1023.MR140): Located not far south
of Reading, near Burghfield, this 5/7¼" mixed gauge railway runs across the fields of Amners Farm.
The Farm's website states the railway had open days on Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 July 2021 (with a
socially distanced one-way system for visitors). There has been no further information since.

On Sunday 29 May an inspection of the railway via a (seldom used!) public footpath, which crosses the
line on the long single track section between the two return loops, found that the track was intact and
apparently in good condition, only lightly overgrown but heavily rusted. At one time it ran for the
Lambing Open Days at the Farm, but the sheep were sold after the 2019 season. From information
received, it seems the group who previously ran the railway, ceased to do so due to a difference of
opinion with another Farm tenant. The Farm owner (Chris Webber) intends to leave the track in situ
and will mothball it for a year or two if required. He is keen to find a group willing to run the railway.
Chris owns the track and rolling stock, but locomotives would need to be supplied by a new operator.
If interested please contact him via the Farm website www.amnersfarm.co.uk or 07836 714463.

MR129] Steeple Grange Light Railway, Derbyshire (MR p15) (BLN 1375.MR64): The Killer's Branch of
the railway reopened on Easter Sunday, 17 April - initially to Dark Lane Quarry for the first few weeks
as some track re-fettling was still required. It is open Sundays until 25 September main and branch line
trains from 11.00, last train 16.05. Adults £5; Concessions £4; Family 2A & 3C £15; all single fares £1.

MR130] Exeter Model Engineers, Devon (MR p15): This society has built a ground level 5/7¼" gauge
railway in the grounds of St Katherines Priory at Polsloe Bridge in Exeter. The new railway opened for
public running on Sunday 5 September 2021, with an 'E' run of 150 yards. It is planned to increase this
to a full circuit in due course. The railway operates on the first Sunday of the month from 11.00-15.00,
and also on Friday mornings when the Priory is open. A visit was made on Sunday 5 June - it was the
Queen's Platinum Jubilee weekend and a suitably themed event took place with stalls, bunting and,
most importantly, the running of the railway. Steam trains started operating from 11.00 and were well
patronised. The fare was £1 return, with the 150 yards of track duly covered. At the moment it is a
simple end to end line, the final section will be constructed to complete the circuit over the next
couple of years and will involve great expense with a new bridge joining the two ends. Also a line will
be built to access a new three road container shed.

MR131] Lodge Farm Park Railway, Greater London (MR p17) (BLN 1335.MR167): Public running here
is generally on the second and fourth Sundays of the month (note the change from 'Minor Railways'
booklet), April to October. A visit was made on Sunday 12 June. Two train operation was only from the
southern station Havering Halt; the northern station of Black's Brook was passed through nonstop.
Only battery locos were in use on this occasion. A live steam loco, which was running the previous
Sunday (when passenger trains were not in operation), was not in steam. Maybe it's not passed or
insured for public operation? There was quite slick working with a token for the single line section
being replaced by the incoming train at the start of the balloon loop, which clears a semaphore for the
outgoing train which then collects the token, putting the signal back to danger. The fare was £2, with a
nice commemorative Platinum Jubilee ticket in the style of an orange NR ticket.

MR132] Whitfield Light Railway, Merseyside (MR p20) (BLN 1382.MR135): This 10¼" gauge 300yd
long railway was visited on Sunday 22 May. The line still ends at the fallen tree, awaiting a busy farmer
to have time to remove it so that the line can be extended round the lake to form a return loop circuit.
A relatively new diesel loco was in use, 0-6-0 No5 (to be named 'Griffin' built by Denver Light Railway),
while work is carried out on the railway's steam loco. The fare was £2.50 and the café is worth a visit.

MR133] Poole Park Railway, Dorset (BLN 1395.MR34): Reopening has been delayed as Bournemouth,
Christchurch & Poole Council failed to secure a contingency locomotive as promised in December.
Council officers expected to receive the new electric loco so the railway could reopen this summer.
However, it has been delayed due to issues 'sourcing bespoke machinery'. The arrival of the new
coaches is due 'very shortly' (as at 3 June) despite also suffering delays in acquiring materials. Recently
the Council advertised for two part time (averaging 15 hours per week) staff to run the railway.

While work on site to build the new engine shed and track (still 10¼" gauge) has been completed,
efforts are now being made to source a temporary loco to meet an aim of a reopening 'later this year'.
Works to improve the fencing, update various elements at the station and some minor ground works
were being carried out on site in early June. Shropshire based Track Systems was contracted to carry
out the onsite part of the £480,000 project. This started in December last year with removal of the old
track. Around £20,000 worth of machinery was stolen from the Track Systems team working in the
Park back in February. However, it was said this would not cause any delays to this element of the
project. The rolling stock is to be two coaches, one will be accessible to wheelchairs and have a roof.

Councillor Anderson said: The local miniature train community continue to be highly supportive of the
developments at Poole Park Railway. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank them all for their support,
advice, and encouragement to date. We are now looking to recruit new team members to manage the
running of this train service. They will support our wonderful group of enthusiastic volunteers, who are
ready to support the day-to-day running of Poole Park Railway when it opens.

MR134] Hythe Pier Railway, Hampshire (MR p18) (BLN 1388.MR199): The centenary of the 2ft gauge
700 yard long railway will be marked on 23 July, with a 'Rock the Train' event. This event is normally
the 'Rock the Pier' music festival, but has been renamed to honour the railway.

MR135] Strawberry Line Miniature Railway, Keynsham, Somerset (BLN 1095.MR145): This was a 5"
gauge railway, originally opened in 1999, which developed into an extensive layout. It was taken over
by the Country Park (now Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park) on the retirement of its builder and
owner. During 2020-21 the outer circuit was regauged to 7¼". The Park's website neatly summarises:

The Strawberry Line Miniature Railway has undergone a major overhaul during 2020-2021 and is now
operating a 7¼" gauge circuit to accommodate the increased footfall and popularity we've seen over
the last few years. A 7¼" line is more commercially used throughout the UK, is more robust, sturdier
and safer to operate. We are still keeping some of our original 5'' track to allow visiting engines to haul
passengers or wagons on either line. We are also planning to operate as a small club in the future so
watch this space! The two routes each consist of a 400m [sic] loop of track, finishing where you start.

The new 7¼" gauge track follows the original outer loop but avoids the tunnel and the original 5" track
still goes through the tunnel. Both tracks can load/unload passengers on our original platform.

A visit on Jubilee Bank Holiday Thursday 2 June found the outer 7¼" gauge (not dual gauge) circuit of
325 yards in use with two trains running continuously on demand. Hauling three sit astride coaches
was Bo-Bo BE steam outline No7. Initially hauling two sit astride coaches was No13 named 'Emma' - a
Bo-Bo BE 'Burton & Ashby Light Railways' tram. However, it over heated, and then operated on its
own, before being taken out of service. The driver of the tram stated the regauging had been done
last year, during lockdown. There were no trains on the 5" gauge inner circuit - although a report from
a visitor the following day stated one ran, but only for demonstration, with no passengers. Rides are
free once the park admission has been paid. This is £17.50 for adults (booked online, with timed
admission slots). There is a cheaper rate after 14.00 at £11.50 - but this is only available for online
bookers. Note also, the Park opening is restricted to school holidays only, and some weekends in July.

MR136] Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway, South Lanarkshire (MR p28) (BLN 1350.MR59): This 2ft
gauge railway reopened after the Pandemic on Sunday 15 May (then Sundays until 30 September,
10.45-16.00) the first passenger trains since 2019. It is Britain's highest adhesion railway reaching
1,498 feet above sea level running 1,200 yards from Leadhills to Glengonnar Halt, on the trackbed of
the former Caledonian Railway standard gauge Elvanfoot - Wanlockhead branch. Planning permission
has been granted for an extension of about 400 yards from Glengonnar towards Wanlockhead.

MR137] Lakeshore Railroad, Tyne & Wear (MR p25) (BLN 1399.MR78): A visit to this very friendly 9½"
gauge railway on 31 May 2022 found the trains being worked by ⅙ scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
4-6-2 No3440 (Jennings/Proudlock/Wakefield 1968). The other steam loco is a ¼ scale Ferrocarril
National del Magdalena 'Columbia' 2-6-2 No27 'Adiela' (Kitson/Bell/Burgoyne circa 1939) which was
brought out of the shed for our reporter to see, and was to be used for the remainder of the week for
two train working. Both are coke burning. The line also owns a 4-wheel petrol hydraulic locomotive.

The fare for a circuit of the line is £1.50. No tickets are issued. Having opened in April 1972, the line is
celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year and was holding a very rare gala on 1 & 2 July, when it was
hoped to have four visiting steam locomotives and one or two diesels.

MR138] Cavan & Leitrim Railway, County Leitrim (BLN 1395.531): This 3ft gauge railway reopened for
passenger trains on Saturday 4 June. The Railway stated: Following proactive engagement with the
Commission for Rail Regulation, the Cavan & Leitrim Railway proudly announces a return to the
operation of [passenger] train services. This marks a momentous occasion in our history. Thank you to
the Commission staff for their visits and guidance. Also a massive thanks to our own Darragh Connolly
for supporting us with our paperwork and documentation through this time. The line originally opened
on 27 May 1995, but ceased running public passenger services, with the last trains on 16 August 2014
(probably). Trains run on Saturdays & Mondays (11.00-17.00) and Sundays (13.00-17.00). Fares are €8
Adult, €5 Concession and €18 for a Family.

MR139] Moira Canal Festival, Leicestershire: The 20th Moira Canal Festival was held on 21-22 May
around Moira Furnace on the banks of the restored Ashby Canal. One of the family attractions on offer
was 'Train Rides'. These were facilitated by Burton-upon-Trent Model Engineering Society with some
50 yards of elevated 5" gauge portable line along the towpath, using two sit-astride coaches hauled by
a model of BR 0-6-0T '1947'. It was not very busy when seen a few times - although our reporter notes
the MES members were more interested in internal discussions on technical details than in marketing!

1404 FIXTURE REPORTS (Paul Stewart) [email protected]
1734] The Royal Charter, Crewe to Windsor & Eton Riverside (return) Fri 3 Jun 2022: By Paul Clifford.
So here we are, my wife and I, standing on Watford Junction station P6 at 15.42 on Thur 2 Jun, having
collectively decided to 'let the train take the strain' (remember straplines like those back in the day?)
for both the Down and following Saturday's Up journeys. This was instead of risking the first day of the
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration Bank Holiday on the M6 motorway et al with possible congested
road traffic. Anyway, we both receive free National Rail travel for life - so why not?

My day's observations started well (my wife lets me 'participate' and she does not knowingly distance
herself from me while I am 'participating'), because as well as the now usual standard majority
procession of Class 390/0, Class 390/1 and Class 350/X variants, we do occasionally have a locomotive
or two negotiating Watford Junction. Literally seconds after arriving on the platform, Class 88 Bo-Bo
88010 'Aurora' enlightened us with its presence on a Tesco Container load duty on the Up Slow
(although not so slow in passing through). Note to self: always, always, prepare camera before arriving
at a railway station, location, etc. So, immediately the first 'cop' of the day and me now comfortably
thinking that this is going to be a good weekend (as you do).

We travelled on the 16.04 LNwR train to Birmingham New Street from Watford Junction to Milton
Keynes Central, arriving 16.30 (Siemens Unit 350239 vehicle 61539) and then on the 16.42 Avanti
West Coast Super Voyager Unit 221114 (travelled on vehicle 60764) ex-London Euston to Bangor,
forward to Crewe. A pleasant surprise was passing Class B1 4-6-0 steam locomotive 61306 'Mayflower'
and her associated support coach shunting on the Up & Down Thru' Siding (just northeast of Rugby
station on the Up side). After that, it was an effectively uneventful journey until slowing down on
arrival alongside Brook Siding No1 of the Arriva Traincare Maintenance Depot (Crewe Carriage Shed
[CP] in old money). Two new Stadler Merseyrail Class 777 suburban network Units, 777016 and 014,
were stabled (along with a glimpse of many more of these Class 777 Units stored at the rear of the
Depot adjacent to the Up & Down Potteries/Potteries Loop lines). Can anyone explain why-o-why the
vehicles of these Units are embellished with the seemingly never ending (well, 12 digits) UIC (Union
Internationale des Chemins de fer or International Union of Railways) EN (European) numbers?

Having just once traversed the Channel Tunnel route for delivery they are extremely unlikely to
operate internationally within their predicted lifecycle. Anyway, reaching Crewe at 17.52, and not
wishing to push my luck in any way (regarding 'more observing'), I decided to accompany my wife out
of the station smartish and head for our accommodation for the next two nights at The Waverley
Hotel, only 10 minutes' walk from the station. Some months ago, we did try to book into the Crewe
Arms Hotel for our accommodation during this sojourn but were politely told by Hotel staff that this
establishment is closed for refurbishment for the remainder of this year. I learnt very early on the next
day, while walking to the station to catch The Royal Charter train that this is not the reason why the
Hotel is not accepting guests - but I will not disclose the real reason as it is both nationally political and
sensitive combined. [Sorry but BLN 1392.70 revealed all - the Hotel closed 8 Oct 2021 as it was taken
over by the Home Office to accommodate people in custody with strict security measures - Ed.]

Incidentally, my first ever visit to the great magnificent (at the time) Crewe station was in the summer
of 1965, only to be told by a gathering of fellow number snatchers at the north end of the station,
after my immediate arrival, that I had 'just missed a Warship' - Crewe, I have never forgiven you.

So, after depositing our possessions in the Hotel room, we set off to explore the delights of Nantwich
Road which included a pint of very black stout beer with coffee bean infusion in the Ebenezer Bar, and
then a very agreeable and fulfilling Thai evening meal (accompanied by wine and Tiger beers) in a
remarkable local restaurant. And so to bed - a very enjoyable, satisfying afternoon and evening.

Fri 3 Jun 2022: I really do not want to enthuse too much about the train and the voyage in this article,
as I believe that the 225 participants know all of this already, and for those that did not but are
interested in the journey, will have no doubt researched and/or been informed anyway. Suffice to say,
that we arrived on P11 at about 06.30, along with a few other stalwarts ready to board, including
noticeably Mr Pete Waterman OBE, President of Railway Benefit Fund. At 07.02 precisely, Class 47/4
Co-Co diesel locomotive D1924 (47810) 'Crewe Diesel Depot' pulled into the platform from the south
hauling 'The Royal Charter' train - 10 vehicles and steam locomotive Class 7MT 4-6-2 70000 'Britannia'

from Crewe Holding Sidings. Settling
down in Pullman Dining Coach 'B'
(a good old British Railways Mk1 First
Open) Seats 19 and 20, we were off at
exactly 07.18 on this prestigious train
as part of Her Majesty's Platinum
Jubilee celebrations, with the very
fitting 'Britannia' at the head - built at
British Railways Workshops' Crewe
Works in 1951 and having a previous
Royal connection by hauling the
funeral train of King George VI from
Wolferton to London Liverpool Street
on 11 Feb 1952 for his funeral on 15th.

Having recently returned to service (in Apr 2022) after a lengthy major refurbishment programme, it is
of no surprise that Britannia (and D1924) performed faultlessly on both journeys, with all scheduled
stopping, watering and timing location points reached exactly as planned (with some early, and
therefore subsequent waiting time for departure) The onboard meals and drinks were all excellent,
copious and unhurried, the service staff were very competent and polite - all in all, a major credit to
Saphos Trains, and I would wholeheartedly recommend travelling again in this fashion.

Additional good points for me personally were new track routes traversed: Up Willesden Relief; Brent
New Jn; Willesden Jn (Acton Branch); Down Willesden Relief; Willesden No7 Jn; Up & Down Acton
Branch; Acton Canal Wharf Jn; Down Cricklewood and Acton Wells Jn. A major bad point for me for
the journey was nothing to do with the organisation, or the train etc, but the amount of unwanted,
unmanaged lineside vegetation overgrowth and encroachment. [NEXT: Crewe P11 - Bernie Lovelock.]





BELOW: Before the trip 'Paul' proposed to his girlfriend 'Isla' on the footplate (he

er grandfather helped build 'Britannia') - fortunately she said 'Yes'! (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: 'Ello, 'ello, 'ello, what's goin' on 'ere, then? I'd like you to accompa

any me to Crewe railway station, sir. (Jenny Williamson and the next two….)









THIS PAGE: Windsor & Eton Central (once with
four platforms) now just has one and one track.
All by our report author, Paul Clifford, 3 Jun 2022.

(ABOVE: Did they used to be served by Sealink?)



BELOW: The Long Walk (it is too - 3 miles) leading to

o Windsor Castle in Windsor Great Park. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: David Palmer (who compiles most of the itineraries for our So

ociety tours) with his wife Penny; opposite is Sarah Miles. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: Two of our First class stewards (off duty during this trip) Q

Quailing; Bernie Lovelock left and Denzil Peacock right. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: Our member Mark Thomas and his wif

fe Nicola serving at the buffet bar. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: In the corner with glasses is your Wales & The

Marches BLN Regional Editor, Chris Parker. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: A trio of our Committee members, left to right Mark Haggas, John Ca

ameron (also BLN NW Regional Editor) and, of course, Kev Adlam. (Tony Miles.)

BELOW: The least said about th

his lot the better… (Tony Miles.)

Having worked and lived away in the Middle East region for almost the past 13 years, and this being
my first real mainline train trip of any length back in Blighty (now permanently repatriated), I was
appalled to see this aspect accompanying us almost throughout the whole journey. Indeed, not
wishing at all to sound like a 'Victor Meldrew' type, on the return the train was 'scraped' by branches
many times between leaving Windsor & Eton Riverside and Old Kew Jn. ['I Don't Believe It…']

(All references are to TRACKmaps Book 4, 2018 and Book 5, 2019) Crewe P11 - Up Slow - Stafford P4 -
Up Stafford Fast - Whitehouse Jn - Up Trent Valley Slow - Atherstone P2 (water stop) - Nuneaton P5 -
Up Trent Valley Slow - Rugby P6 - Up Northampton - Mill Lane Jn - Up Northampton Fast (middle line)
- Up Slow - Milton Keynes P1 - Tring P5 (water stop) - Wembley Central P6 - Up & Down Willesden Relief
- Up Willesden Relief - Willesden Jn (Acton Branch) - Down Willesden Relief - Up & Down Acton Branch -
Acton Canal Wharf Jn - Acton Wells Jn - South Acton Jn - Old Kew Jn - Windsor & Eton Riverside P2 (5 hr
break) - Old Kew Jn - Kew East Jn - South Acton Jn - Acton Wells Jn - Acton Canal Wharf Jn - Up & Down
Acton Branch - Willesden Jn (Acton Branch) - Down Willesden Relief (water stop) - Up & Down Willesden
Relief - via first X/O (7m 74ch) - Down Slow - Milton Keynes P3 - Down Northampton - Northampton P2 -
Down Northampton Fast - Down Northampton - Hillmorton Jn - Up Northampton - Rugby P6 - Up and
Down Thru' Siding (water stop) - Up Trent Valley Slow - Newbold Jn - Up Trent Valley Fast - High Oaks Jn
- Down Trent Valley Slow - Down Trent Valley - Attleborough South Jn - Nuneaton P3 - Nuneaton North
Jn - Down Trent Valley Slow - Milford Jn - Down Stafford Fast - Stafford P3 - Up Stafford Slow - Down
Stafford Slow - Stafford North Jn - Down Slow - Crewe South Jn - Up Slow - Crewe P11.

ECS moves to service steam engine and turn train: Windsor & Eton Riverside P2 - Feltham Jn - Old Kew
Jn - Barnes P1 - Up Windsor Slow - Clapham Junction P3 - Up Windsor Slow - first X/O (3m 63ch) - Up
Ludgate - Longhedge Jns 'C' - 'B' - 'A' - Battersea Reversible - Stewarts Lane Jn - Battersea Loop Run Round
Line No1 (to beyond Battersea Dogs Home Viaduct - rev) - [Britannia and support coach only ran to/from
Stewart's Lane Depot] - Stewarts Lane Jn - Battersea Reversible - Longhedge Jns 'A'- 'B' - 'C' - Down
Kensington - Latchmere No3 Jn - Down West London - Kensington Olympia (through line) - Mitre Bridge
Jn - Down West London - Willesden West London Jns - Down Willesden Relief - Willesden Jn (Acton
Branch) - Down Willesden Relief (clear of signal - rev) - Up & Down Acton Branch - Acton Canal Wharf Jn
- Acton Wells Jn - South Acton Jn - Kew East Jn - Old Kew Jn - Feltham Jn - Windsor & Eton Riverside P2.

So, from arriving in Windsor at 13.05 to departing at 18.13, my wife and I (both having visited the
town on a few occasions previously), decided not to do the usual tourist thing and visit all the main
sights (also obviously because of the Bank Holiday suspected large crowds), but to chill and go and find
a nice nearby pub and watch the world go by. No (non-liquid) lunch required as we knew that we were
in for a large and sumptuous dinner treat upon our return to the train.

The Bel (sic) & The Dragon did the trick - sitting outside with wine and cider, watching the Dray Horses
and Police Horses being pampered rotten by the passing public. We are both dog-lovers, particularly
dachshunds, so from my wife's original idea we then decided - for the time that we were in Windsor -
to participate in 'dachshund spotting'. Now I know that many aeons ago within the famous 'Observer'
range of books, there was an Observer Book of Dogs, and I would be pretty sure that the dachshund
breed would be included, but not being in possession of such a publication on the day, I am afraid to
report that our 'dachshund spotting' exercise was informal and so no official underlining or 'cops'
could be recorded. But I can report that in total, 16 different dogs were observed consisting of
smooth-haired, wire-haired, black and tan, miniature and silver dapple types. [No hybrids/bimodes?]

While in Windsor I asked for permission (as you do) to quickly visit Windsor & Eton Central, the 'other'
railway station in Western Region territory. This was achieved by purchase persuasion of a coffee and
biscuit with a mottled attempt at a historical explanation of the replica steam loco GWR Achilles Class
4-2-2 No3041 'The Queen' (without tender) that has been residing in this particular entrenched
location for nearly 30 years. DMU 165105 was observed and photographed.

Sat 4 Jun 2022: After a reasonably late lie in for the morning, we arrived back at Crewe station about
10.00, travelling home to Watford Junction on the 10.22 to Stafford (EMU 390136 vehicle 69536),
10.55 Stafford to Milton Keyne Central (EMU 350104 vehicle 63714) and 12.22 Milton Keynes Central
to Watford Junction (EMU 350232 vehicle 61532), and arriving at Watford Junction at exactly 13.00

(everything timed to perfection!). All-in-all, an excellent three days meticulously organised, managed
and achieved by all parties involved. This was not quite the end of the story, as on the Milton Keynes
Central to Watford Junction train, dachshund No17 was spotted [a spotty dog?] recorded and stroked
- a young silver dapple long haired male named Frank! This charity tour, with many Society members
on board, raised over £60,000 for Railway Benefit Fund - commendably Saphos Trains (part of Jeremy
Hosking's Locomotive Services Limited, based at Crewe of course) provided the train and locos free.

1735] The Sandhill Explorer, Sat 25 Jun 2022: By Bill Davis. A full party of 46 members enjoyed a
breakfast roll and cuppa in 'The Train Shed' at Page's Park station before joining our track bash (sorry,
all available track tour) of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway. This was an 'after' railtour
(after the realignment and extension had opened); see BLN 1388.2994 for our 2 Oct 2021 'before' tour.

Bodily needs satisfied and all safely aboard, the train was propelled by 4W DM No51 River Sark from
P1 to the buffer stops, reversing to the station throat and propelled again to the same buffer stops,
but this time via P2. Re-reversing, the connecting line to Page's Park Yard was reached and covered to
the headshunt buffers before traversing all four Yard roads in turn to the shed doors. It was noted that
the station running-in board read Pages' Park, prompting a discussion on correct apostrophe use and
whether this public sign overrides other versions. [The actual Park is apostrophe-less and there is only
one; as mentioned before in BLN, chronologists use the public timetable name - Page's Park it is then.]

Returning to P2, another reversal took us onto the main line. The journey to Munday's Hill followed,
stopping at most level crossings (the rest were covered at walking pace) and included photo stops at
Leedon Loop, Vandyke Road and the tunnel bridge* on the new deviation which opened on 13 Mar
2022. The Chamberlain's Barn branch was extremely overgrown and impassable without a machete.
Although disconnected from the main line, a 50yd stub of track remains under the greenery, occupied
by the vestigial remains of a 20hp Simplex (4W DM MR4805) and three tipper wagons, suitably tipped
over by locals... At the new deviation tunnel bridge*, the train was well positioned for photography
and provision may have been made for double track. [The size allowed standard pre-cast concrete
components to be used and gives better visibility for train drivers in both directions.]

After a brief pause on Stonehenge Works station bypass road line, the bidirectional Main Line (right
looking to the end of line) was taken on the Munday's Hill extension (OP 30 Apr 2022), stopping short
of the stops for the loco to run round before a photo stop. (This is how public services work with no
boarding or alighting there for the foreseeable future. A member was told that when the present
sandpits are worked out in about 5-6 years a further extension would be possible). After setting back
to the buffer stops, return was via the bidirectional Relief Line (left of the Main looking to Munday's
Hill) to Stonehenge Works platform, believed to be the first passenger train to use some of that line.

The train was now split and the remaining vehicle with No34 Red Rum and LOD No758009 Dolly Parton,
'top & tail', set out on a comprehensive tour of the available sidings - one particularly long line was
clear to the stops. Otherwise known as slow motion ping pong, this included overlap with the Relief
Line at Coulthard Jn. All safely traversed, the train was reassembled in the platform and, after the
crew PNB, returned to Page's Park P1 behind River Sark, running wrong road both sides Leedon Loop.

A shunt to Page's Park P2 was next and, after two reversals, the train traversed the No1 road into the
shed, then back into the yard where the tour terminated.

Thanks are due to all the very friendly staff at Leighton Buzzard and especially Chris Wright, the Events
Manager, and Terry Bendall, Duty Operations Manager, who kept the wheels rolling throughout. Even
the weather cooperated, unlike during our previous 2 Oct 2021 'Shifting Sands' railtour. Your Fixtures
Secretary would also like to extend his thanks to our member Bill Davis for organising this excellent
fixture also thanks to Martyn Brailsford and Peter Scott for the up to date revised track plan.

*The railway has been very careful to classify the new structure as an overbridge and not a tunnel,
otherwise all sorts of very complicated Health & Safety rules and regulations would come into force!

:Details must be checked ..1404 CONNECTIONS (Paul Stewart) [email protected] .Please mention BLN.

1736] MNR, County School station: A new elevated 3½/5'' railway runs SuO 11.00-16.00 until 28 Aug.

BELOW: (Item 1735) Leighton Buzzard Railway (David Farron) -

all photos taken during our Sat 25 Jun 2022 tour unless specified.

BELOW: Another view of the new deviation tunnel. O

Oh no it isn't! It's a bridge if anyone asks. (Kev Adlam.)

BELOW: Photos stop at Munday's Hill note the special headboard p

provided by the Leighton Buzzard Railway at the front. (Kev Adlam.)

BELOW & NEXT TWO: Exploration of the longest line (clea

ar to the end) at Stonehenge Yard. (All three by Craig Ross.)









BELOW: At Stonehenge Yard, one of our junior members, Samarti Sm

mith, a photo submitted by his father. (Phillip Smith via Lisa Sheppard.)

BELOW: Eight years earlier, the Chamberlain's Barn branch when it wasn't o
Very unusually the branch was actually in use on Tue 5 Jul 2022 - the Sim