1283

ABOVE: Not the BLS tour train! A two-car DMU heads south along the coast near Easington Colliery
with a train from Sunderland to Middlesbrough on the glorious sunny afternoon of Thur 30 Sep 1971.
In the distance is an overhead bucket-line carrying colliery waste to be dumped straight into the North
Sea! This area was the location for the final scenes of the film 'Get Carter', starring Michael Caine. Note
the telegraph poles, a common part of the railway scene then (and the copper wires were stolen too).

The raffle numbers are announced by Paul, no luck for me, the Victoria line driving simulator would
have been my choice of a prize. Into the gloom of Sunderland station, where our tour is routed in the
rare direction through bidirectional P1/2 and back over the first crossover in the tunnel north of the
station, another use of my red pen. On the left is the Stadium of Light, home to another recently
relegated football club (Sunderland AFC). Another claw back is achieved when the DMU takes the
Down Pelaw goods loop; we couldn't travel this route on our 'Tale of Two Ports' tour in August 2016
because of state of several sleepers. We all know what can happen to railtours over rotten sleepers…!
Now about 20 minutes late and an announcement was made that due to an oversight in the usual
meticulous planning, we cannot go into Newcastle station via the planned route, over St James' Bridge
Jn crossover - because it had been recently removed! It was also very important to arrive close to time
at Ouston or the main line reversal there might be cancelled. We stay on the south side of the river,
take the Up & Down Slow past Tyne Yard and are at Ouston on time but not on-Tyne!

I required the move to reverse on the Up to the Down and to my surprise this is what was achieved, in
a matter of moments. Unusual for the BLS, almost four hours into the tour until the first reversal. Soon
after Kev comes on the PA, pleased with the outcome of the move and with his usual wit, quotes
'Ouston, we have no problem!' Back along the Up and Down Slow at Tyne Yard and the curve left to
Norwood Jn for a brief leg stretch on the island platform at Dunston (ROP 1 Oct 1984). Also, an extra
pick up for Dave Monger, who missed the start of the tour. Kev then makes a personal welcoming
announcement for Dave much to everyone's amusement, informing him on the facilities on board.

BELOW: On Dunston island platform - and just what is the collective noun for a group of BLS stewards?
A high-viz of stewards? A litter pick of stewards?

BELOW: By way of contrast, our TPE tour passed the site of the large Derwenthaugh coke works

(closed 1986 and one of the largest) south of the River Tyne, just past the MetroCentre on the left

heading to Carlisle but it doesn't look like this! It is now Derwenthaugh Country Park. NCB 0-4-0ST (OC)
No78 (RSH No7538 of 1949?) is busy shunting at the Coke Works on a very cold and dull day in March

1969 - most of the smoke and steam is actually coming from the plant itself (out of view left).



[BLN 1283]
ABOVE TOP: Taking full advantage of his TPE tour cab pass, but working hard for it as always, our
Society photographer now found himself in the front cab following the reversal at Ouston. This was a
highlight, the very rare 'Hexham Middle Road' beneath the C1896 Grade II listed elevated NER box.
Off left were the former freight sidings and right are the Engineer's sidings with the station beyond.

ABOVE LOWER: Another Grade II listed signal box this time at Haltwhistle where, until May 1976, it
was possible to catch a connection to Alston, from P3 on the left (the line trailed in behind the signal
box). This delightful 13 mile branch is nearly all walkable and after 25 July is due to be open from
Alston to Slaggyford (4½ miles) with the South Tynesale Railway's latest extension. But one day……

Along the very pleasant Tyne Valley we go, a route I have not travelled for some years. At Hexham, the
tour takes take the exceedingly rare 'Middle Road', in fact the most southerly of the through lines.
I am led to believe that there were more through tracks in years gone by, they just haven't changed its
name. At Baron House Level Crossing is a glimpse of the site of one of the forts that is part of Hadrian's
Wall, the name of today's tour. A fair few visitors can be seen wandering around the area.

Next, a photo stop with a difference and not for the benefit of those on board. We pause just before
Wetheral station to wave to Sam Dixon, his wife Zoë and their two children Archie and Woody. Sam is
a DRS controller and a fund raiser for Railway Children. He had been instrumental in arranging the DRS
conductors for today's tour. Sam, we very much appreciate the excellent work you have done for our
members and the Railway Children Charity including the 15 Jun 'Cat & Dock' tour; long may it continue.

Onwards to Carlisle arriving into P6, the doors are opened for some more fresh Cumbrian air. During
the break, arriving on a through road is 68025 'Superb' on a Belmond Pullman ECS working. Now for a
combination of incredible, almost unbelievable, moves (under 'local arrangements') and a break in P1.
Alas nothing goes to plan with the BLS and a complicated magical mystery tour begins. With thanks,
I'm hijacking Ian Delgado's summary (edited) to save you all from reading more waffle from me:

Manchester Pic P12 - Dn Fast - Pic East Jn - Up Fast - Dn East - Up East - Guide Bridge - Stalybridge P3 (Up & Down
Middle P3 - Diggle DPL - Huddersfield P8 - Dewsbury DM - Copley Hill East Jn - line 'E' - Leeds West Jn - line 'F' - Leeds
P16 - X/O to P14 & 15 exit line - Marsh Lane Jn - Dn Goods Loop - Dn Hull Main - Micklefield - Church Fenton P4 -
Church Fenton North Jn - X/O to Up Leeds (UL) - X/O to Dn Normanton - Colton South Ladder - X/O to Up Leeds -
X/O to Dn Leeds - York P11 - Loco Line - Dn Fast - Skelton Bridge Jn - X/O to DS - Dn Longlands Loop - Eaglescliffe Dn
Goods Loop - Stockton Cut Jn - Hartburn Jn - Cliffe House DGL - Sunderland P2/P1 - St Peters P2 - Dn Pelaw Goods
Loop - Park Lane Jn - Up Gateshead - King Edward Bridge East to South Jn - Low Fell Jn - X/O to DM - Up & Dn Slow -
Birtley Jn - X/O to UM - Ouston Crossovers - Up Main - (rev) - X/O to DM - Birtley Jn - Up & Dn Slow - Low Fell Single -
Norwood Jn - Dunston (photo stop) - Hexham Middle Road - London Rd Jn - Dn & Up Newcastle - Carlisle P6 (rev) -
Shunt Neck - (rev) - 'B' Up & Dn Goods - Caldew Jn - Dn Goods - Kingmoor Jn - Dn Main (rev) - X/O to UM - Up Main -
Kingmoor Jn - Up Passenger Loop - Caldew Jn - Up Main - Carlisle North Jn - facing X/O - Wall Siding 2 - High Wapping
Siding 3 (right most) - (rev) - Siding 'A' - Dn Main - (rev) - 'C' Up & Dn Goods - Carlisle South Jn - Up Main - (rev) -
Carlisle South Jn - Carlisle P6 - (break; rev) - Up Main - Upperby Jn - Up Through Goods - Upperby Bridge Jn - Plumpton
UGL - Eden Valley UGL - Shap UGL - Grayrigg UGL - Oxenholme UGL (recently extended) - Carnforth UPL - Lancaster Up
Main - Oubeck UGL - Oxheys UPL - Preston Up & Down Goods Loop (P7) - Ribble Jn - Up Goods - Wigan North
Western Down & Up Passenger Loop (P6) - Wigan South Jn - Up Main - Dn Goods - second X/O (5m 30ch) - Up Goods
- Bamfurlong Jn - Up Slow - Golborne Jn - Parkside Jn - Oxford Road P4 - Manchester Pic P13.

No time now for a break in P1, but no complaints from me. Thank you very much Carlisle PSB and train
crew for all the extras, especially the connection into P6 and the slow run past Kingmoor depot for the
spotters. Another 'short leg stretch' (!) and it is time to head south and for me a beer. Almost at once
on departure another extra move, via the Up Through Siding from Upperby Jn to Upperby Bridge Jn.

On to the WCML and it is the time to go loopy, all the way south. Unfortunately, the jewel in the
crown, Tebay Up & Down loop, is unavailable due to a points failure at the north end.

FROM TO Miles A case of you can't always get what

Manchester Piccadilly P12 163m 76ch you want. But, we do: Plumpton Up

Huddersfield P8 ….each to Carlisle P6: 138m 42ch Goods Loop, Eden Valley Up Goods
Leeds P16 121m 29ch Loop, Shap Up Goods Loop, Grayrigg
Ouston Crossovers, Up Main Shunt Neck EOL Up Goods Loop, Oxenholme Up
Dunston P2 High Wapping Siding No3 65m 38ch Goods Loop (extended), Carnforth Up
Carlisle P6 Carlisle North Jn, Dn Main 59m 25ch Passenger Loop, Oubeck Up Goods
Carlisle South Jn, Up Main 0m 34ch Loop, and finally Oxheys Goods Loop.
Kingmoor Jn, Dn Main A689* Carlisle P6 2m 36ch The first set down at Preston is in P7
(the Up & Down Goods Loop) and I
High Wapping Siding No3 0m 50ch
Carlisle North Jn, Dn Main 0m 46ch
Carlisle South Jn, Up Main 0m 12ch

Carlisle P6 to: Wigan North Western P6 105m 10ch believe near enough on time. This is
Manchester Piccadilly P13 127m 13ch another claw back as it was missed on

our Y Triongl Gogledd Cymru tour two weeks earlier. *Road overbridge; (miles thanks to Jim Sellens).

During the journey south, the organisers and stewards are still busy. Whether it is litter picks, cleaning
toilets, trying to sell mugs, giving out unused tickets, free carrier bags, or distributing the Junior
Explorer's Fun Pack. They just keep on going. Leaving Preston and across at Ribble Jn to the Up Goods
Loop, Kev is giving an update on future tours and his message is interrupted, news breaking that there
is a lineside fire on the WCML, that may hinder our journey home. Another set down at Wigan North
Western P6, then it was over to the Up Goods via the crossover at 5m 28ch. A stop/start journey to
Bamfurlong Jn, slow line to Golborne Jn and onwards to Parkside Jn. Once on to the Chat Moss it is
back up to speed and into Manchester Piccadilly about twenty minutes down due to the fire delays.

Well done to all the organisers, stewards and helpers for another splendid railtour that well exceeded
expectations. A whopping £10,252.07 was raised for Railway Children and the Valium was not needed!
Here is to the next TPE tour, maybe with one of the shiny new units due to come into service?
You probably won't hear from me until 2037 and the HS3 tour of crossovers and loops. [After such a
good report, we were actually thinking of promotion to every 20 months - Ed] The End (Geoff Treby).
Some more pictures https://goo.gl/qfmmiz with a big 'thank you' to our photographer Geoff Plumb.

1332] Jordan Railtour, by Iain Scotchman (mainly): The map is thanks to Iain S and Martyn Brailsford.

 Day 1: Amman (and Museum) - Mafraq (furthest north) - See map on next page….
 Day 2: Amman - El-Jiza - Qatrana - Al-Abiad.
 Day 3: Al-Abiad (and disused branch) - El-Hassa (and disused branch) - Ma'an (old station).
 Day 4: Ma'an (and Depot) - Aqaba (El)-Hedjas - Wadi Rum.
 Day 5: Wadi Rum - Aqaba Port (and Depot) - Aqaba Port.

Our first ever non-European Society railtour, with 38 participants at various times (mostly from the UK
but also Germany, Austria and Israel), in Jordan from 10-15 May 2017 and supported by the LCGB, was
ably operated by the Jordan-Hejaz Railway (JHR). It successfully traversed the remaining operational
section of the unusual 1,050mm (5' 3⅓") gauge once mandated across Palestine, Lebanon, Syria and
Saudi Arabia but unique to this part of the world, former Hejaz Railway (HR). This was Al Mafraq -
Amman - Ma'an to the 1970s constructed junction with the Aqaba Railway Corporation (ARC) line
north of Batn el Ghul (Belly of the Devil!) and then the ARC freight line to Aqaba Port, on the Red Sea.

This is the Gulf of Aqaba whose shores are closely shared with Israel and Egypt; in fact this area was
swapped for a large tract of interior desert with Saudi Arabia to extend the coastline only for the
interior to be found to be full of oil deposits! As the Jordanians joke they got the fish oil instead!

Currently the former Hejaz route from Damascus in Syria to Medina in Saudi Arabia only remains
operable within the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the northern section across the Syrian border north
of Mafraq reportedly seeing its last passenger train on 1 Jan 2011, prior to the so-called 'Arab Spring'
uprising which lead to the Syrian Civil War. Nominally open is Al Mafraq - Amman - El Jiza - Qatrana
but the only regular train operations by JHR are the FSO daily excursion trains from Amman to El Jiza.



South of Qatrana, the JHR section to Al-Abiad had been long out of use but fortunately was re-fettled
to allow a JHR loco to work through to Wadi Rum in October 2016 to collect the tourist train which
resides there and take it back north to the JHR workshops in Amman for maintenance, the train being
returned to Wadi Rum the following month. The northern extremity of the Aqaba Railway Corporation
(ARC) was reached at Al-Abiad (Menzil) where the phosphate mine branch of the same name trails in
from the east. This was clearly OOU in Mar 2015 and required considerable remedial work, particularly
at road crossings, to allow our train to traverse it. The work was done that very night as the flangeways
on the level crossing near the junction were so filled up with stones as to make a passage quite
precarious. Some participants actually slept here and were tasked if necessary overnight with clearing
any offending rocks before we returned from Amman by coach in the morning! Near the end of the
branch, the track to the mine loading facilities is no longer accessible due to a service road across the
rails, the tour train reaching just short of this obstruction some 2.3km from the junction.

The JHR from Al Abiad southwards through Ma'an to the former Medina line divergence is leased to
the ARC and was rebuilt in the early 1970s, at the same time as the new line was constructed onwards
to Aqaba Port. A feature of the station at Al Abaid with its three long loops (once there were five but
the pair on the west side have gone) is the now OOU British-built multi-aspect colour light signalling
controlled from a Westinghouse NX-type (entrance/exit) panel in the modern station building.
We were told that the signalling was de-commissioned some 'four years' ago, presumably when rail
traffic from the mine to Aqaba Port ceased, production continuing but using road traffic as evidenced
by the large number of trucks seen queuing for loading. About 10km south, the former HR forms a
trailing connection with the 'main' line from the newer phosphate mine at El-Hassa at a location
known as Junction Point, again fully signalled with control from an NX panel. As at the Al-Abiad Mine
branch, the tour train was propelled down the branch reaching the El-Hassa Phosphate Mine 'station'
4km from the junction. Can you imagine a four carriage train being propelled down a line in UK that
has not had traffic for two years‽ Again the rail traffic from the mine has been transferred to road, an
examination of the station train register found that the last loaded train for Aqaba departed at 12.40
on 25 Oct 2015, indicating that the whole ARC line north of Ma'an has no traffic.

The line south through El-Hassa to Ma'an has staffed and signalled stations with crossing loops at
El-Hassa (where the station master's children gave out free mint tea and were rewarded with orange
juice and sandwiches from the picnic lunch stock!), Jerouf, Anieza and Jourdan, the first two at least
having Plessey NX signalling panels. Jourdan provided a rare cultural corner as there is a 15th century
Ottoman fort just across the Desert Highway from the station and our very affable guide 'Mr Ali'
actually got to do his day job rather than absorbing interesting facts about railways of the world! As
well as a historical interlude it also provided an elevated position to photo the train from the ramparts.

At Ma'an the tour ran to the 1970s ARC station with the loco depot and wagon maintenance facility,
instead of the agreed original Hejaz Railway station, now located on a spur branching off short of the
new station. Quick negotiations with the ARC manager resulted in all tour participants being moved
into the first coach which was then shunted back to the junction, gaining a loop line. Then the train ran
through to the Hejaz station (which features on a Jordanian bank note) to reach the former steam loco
sheds. These are used for track machine maintenance at the current limit of the former Medina line
which ends in a headshunt through the depot boundary gate. No trace was seen of the long-closed
1940s built freight line to serve the early Naqb Ashtar phosphate mines. From Google Earth 2004
satellite images it appears to have diverged west from between the station buildings and the engine
sheds. After a short visit our train returned to the ARC station.

A coach ride from an overnight stay in Petra featured a dramatic U-turn across the central reservation
of a dual carriageway adjacent to a sign to turn right for Iraq! Departure from Ma'an ARC station was
firstly over new line built in the 1970s, replacing the former HR route from the old station which has
been lifted beyond it and the trackbed largely destroyed, with the junction with the ARC line removed.

[BLN 1283]
This section of former HR route through to Aqaba (El)-Hedjas is now only used for workings to the
depot and workshops at Ma'an. At Aqaba (El)-Hedjas a siding to a phosphate loading facility trails into
the southern end of the station from the east. It is fed by road from the nearby El Shidiye mine and
sadly is the only remaining source of traffic on the ARC. A phosphate train was being loaded and it was
therefore unfortunately not possible to take our train down the short branch.

A little south of Aqaba (El)-Hedjas, the line makes a very curvaceous and steep descent down from the
high desert plateau (elevations of around 1,100m) into the 'Belly of the Devil' with temperatures in the
shade of 41oC through the site of the short-lived junction for the lifted continuation of the HR south to
Medina. This is the zero point of the 1970s Aqaba Railway. The location has had a chequered history to
say the least and, after probable complete closure in about 1925 and subsequent track removal, the
line was partially rebuilt southwards after a 1960s agreement between Jordan and Saudi Arabia to
reconstruct the line. A junction was installed when the ARC was built but lay dormant due to political
changes in Saudi Arabia (apparently the whole Arabian Peninsula was formally called the Hejez before
the house of Saud effectively changed that, they did not like the name of the railway acting as a
reminder!) This resulted in the line being cut at the Jordanian border and being lifted for a second
time, reportedly in 1999. It was suggested the trackbed from here through the Ghul might make a very
interesting railway ramble but some on board who indulge in that sort of thing speculated that if
attempted it would probably be their last! From the former junction, with its 0.0 km post, the tour
continued onto ARC track to Wadi Rum.

At Wadi Rum, the former 'tourist train' (for hire to groups) was used behind diesel ARC GE 955, (but
without the usual attack by Lawrence of Arabia's Bedouin tribesmen!) for a trundle of a few Kilometres
before returning to the back line at Wadi Rum. Next the tour train continued via the steep descent
from El-Umran station (equipped with an incongruous footbridge over the tracks until it was realized
this provides a viewing platform for custom officials checking train leaving the Free Trade area of
Aqaba for contraband) through to Aqaba where the 'station' and loco maintenance depot are located
on the outskirts of the city. After a depot visit (in now sweltering temperatures actually unseasonable
even for this part of Jordan which is often the hottest part of this region) the tour completed the final
4km descent to Aqaba Port - becoming the first ever passenger train known to have used this line.
The Port has unloading facilities and large storage silos for phosphate exports. Following a reception
from the port management and viewing of a phosphate train unloading, the tour returned to Aqaba
station to end with a big sigh of relief from the organiser! E-BLNI has a more detailed illustrated report.

Please mention the BLS when booking or enquiring. .1283 CONNECTIONS… .Details must be checked with the organisers.

1333] Kirkby Green PRIVATE Light Railway: (BLN 1282.1226) (MR p20) Water Mill Farm, Scopwick,
Lincs, LN4 3PE, (TF 090580). As mentioned there is public running unusually starting 10.30 until 16.30
on Sat 22 Jul which fits with our 18.00 Loughborough (GCR) to Mountsorrel through trip (see earlier).

Admission is by donation; charity open day free rides, 'over two miles' of 10¼"gauge track in three
circuits. The friends of the LT Museum arranged a visit on 10 June. They were welcomed by the owner
and given a short talk about the railway's history then were free to take train rides, photographs etc.
Locos running were: ●66510 (recent build) ●1946 'William Bell' (Stanier pacific) ●5091 'Victory'
(Atlantic, from Poole) ●4808 Vanguard (ditto) and ●Santa Fe triple set (build 1956 at Liphook with a
1950s Ford engine). Outside the shed but not operating were: ●4906 (another Atlantic) ●Union Pacific
7312, and ●37501 (fairly recent build). Trains used all three platforms (it was not difficult to do an
arrival and departure at each) and ran via outer or both loops, covering all available track. The 1937
LNER Scopwick signal box (which used to be down the road at the level crossing on the 'Joint Line')
controls the railway and can be viewed with its 1894 vintage lever frame.

(BELOW: The box with the railway's owner Stuart Ravell - all pictures by Stuart Hicks 10 Jun 2017.)





PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: The original lever frame; of note the former level crossing gate wheel is top
right but mostly off the picture. PREVIOUS PAGE LOWER: Kirkby Green, the main station.

1334] Sat 22 Jul: From Kirkby Green to Loughborough other suggestions (all MR p20) include: Belton
House 7¼" Miniature Railway, £11.50 admission to grounds, near Grantham, NG32 2LS (SK 927394).
The 2ft gauge Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway, Skegness Water Leisure Park, Walls Lane, Ingoldmells,
PE25 1JF, (TF 5626710) runs 11.00-15.45. Mablethorpe Miniature Railway, Queen's Park, LN12 2AD,
(TF 510847) 10.00-16.00. Springfields Miniature Railway, Spalding PE12 6EU, (TF 265240) 12.00-16.00
or longer. The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway (15" gauge) DN35 0AG runs half-hourly 10.00 to 17.00.

1335] PROPERTY SECTION, Coalport Station: Near Ironbridge on the ex-Severn Valley Railway
Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury section (CP 9 Sep 1963) https://goo.gl/7blrXl . This delightful rural
former station is now a 5-bed home in 2 acres with two 'luxurious' self catering coaches (2-bed
and 3-bed) providing a 'lucrative' business. The waiting room on the other platform is an office,
two goods vans are used for storage and as a workshop. Nick Tart Estate Agent 01952 200255;
£950K. For interesting pictures and to stay: https://goo.gl/YkRHcW also with historical photos.

1336] Free to a good home: Indexed paper BLNs 961-1232 (10 Jan 2004 - 2 May 2015) PSUL Booklets 2004-14.
Collect (Minehead, or on our 15 Jul tour) or pay postage. Robert Green [email protected] or ring the Editor.
1337] Wanted please! Paper BLNs 1233 (23 May 2015) to 1247 (19 Dec 2015) inclusive, to buy or borrow to
copy - Mike McCabe (Scotland Regional Editor per back page/07772433489). All expenses fully reimbursed.

PREVIOUS PAGE: Highgate Northern Line station
entrance (2 May 1974). ABOVE: Highgate Great
Northern Railway (bottom left corner is a bridge
parapet) 28 Sep 2007. (Both Angus McDougall.)

1338] Hidden London, Highgate, 3 Aug until 3 Sep
Wednesdays to Sundays at various times:
A 60 minute London Transport Museum conducted
tour of this ex-GNR Alexandra Palace branch
station. In 1941 it was redeveloped with Charles
Holden architecture as an interchange on part of
the 'Northern Heights' railway from Finsbury Park.

This was cancelled due to WW2 and it CP 5 Jul
1954. Now a secluded area, an urban wilderness it
is home to protected species (you may even see a
great crested gricer). Good ticket availability for
later dates; over 14s only, Adult £31.50,
concessions £26.50 includes a half-price day pass to London Transport Museum within a month of the
tour and 10% shop discount (or online). See https://goo.gl/8ubMNC or 020 7565 7298 (line open
10.00-17.30 daily). Https://goo.gl/urzUan has more pictures and information and the map above left.

1339] Minor Railways Level Crossing Technical Workshop, 9/10 Sep: Institute of Railway Signal Engineers,
at Signet Solutions Ltd, Derby. Open to, and aimed at, those involved with minor railway level crossings.
Eight sessions, two lunches and an evening meal £90 details/booking https://goo.gl/MJqaWA or SAE to:
Mike Tyrrell, 10 Portsmouth Wood Close, Lindfield, RH16 2DQ. Please advise anyone possibly interested.

[BLN 1283]
1340] Southend Cliff Railway: (MR p34) The 130ft long 4' 6" gauge line with a gradient of 1 in 2.3
between Clifton Terrace (500yd from Southend Central station) and Western Esplanade, SS1 1EE,
(TQ 881851), runs 10.00-15.00 Fridays & Sundays only. Return: Adult £1, Concession 50p, Group of up
to 5 (minimum one child) £2.50. The aim, subject to volunteer availability, is to run more (and to 17.00
in the summer). To volunteer as a cliff railway operator: https://goo.gl/Wlm7B2 or 01702 356060.

1341] Dreaming of unusual track (partial steam haulage): Sun 1 Oct Paddington (08.00/21.30), Gerrards
Cross & Banbury (10.30/19.30) through to Bewdley, Severn Valley Railway (13.00/16.30) from £116 with
unlimited SVR travel on the day. Tue 24 Oct Leamington Spa (15.00/21.00) through to the Midland
Railway, Butterley from £100. Sat 2 Dec Southend East (09.10/21.30) & Upminster (09.40/21.00) through
to Alresford, Mid Hants Railway (13.50/17.30) from £120. See Steam Dreams website or 01483 209888.

X.97] GWR Advance Ticket Sale! Book by 26 Jun for travel between 8 Jul and 10 Sep, selected routes,
tickets must be purchased at least 17 days in advance. Single fares, 25,000 First Class and 25,000
Standard Class available. No further reductions. Examples: London - Oxford £5 (First £20), Swindon,
Cheltenham Spa, Bath or Bristol £10 (£27-£29), Cardiff or Swansea £15 (£39) https://goo.gl/K5pPUq

X.98] South Tynedale Railway, Lintley Halt (excl) - Slaggyford station (incl): (BLN 1282.1136) The
railway expects the 1½ mile extension to ROP Tue 25 Jul 2017 a week later than previously advertised.

X.99] Breich: NR is proposing closure https://goo.gl/pWfgug of the station (more in BLN 1284).

X.100] Manchester Metrolink, Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jun: Victoria tram stop is closed with turnbacks on the
Second City Crossing from St Peter's Square at Exchange Square and passenger use of the trailing
crossover south of the stop on departure. Rochdale services turn back at Monsall (ECS shunt beyond
the platform). Queens Road, Shudehill and Market Street are closed all weekend and on Sunday the
entire Bury line. On Saturday Bury trains turn back at Abraham Moss (Queens Road Depot ECS shunt?).

1342] . FINAL REMINDER . Vinter's Railway Gazetteer: By Jeff Vinter (from Railway Ramblers)
about four times bigger, with four times the number of pictures than the first edition and more are
in colour. There are many new routes, far more content and extra articles. Paperback, 226mm x
248mm ('Coffee Table' format); 168 pages: all known trackbeds accessible to the public to walk or
cycle over two miles long and shorter sections of particular interest with end to end six figure OS
references. There is a thumbnail description with the length and suitability for walking, horse riding
and/or cycling. Normally £19.99 plus P&P;  UNTIL 30 June  only £15 post free for BLS members
(UK addresses only). Quote: 'KT8' email [email protected] or 01256 302 699. Everyone
should have one and will find it useful and interesting; you could even start ticking the routes off…!

X.101] STOP PRESS. .UPDATE, The Pickering Paxman, Sat 15 Jul:. On our next tour (from Derby) First
Class is full but Standard Class seats are only £69 (BLS/125 Group members and EMT staff), £81 others.
Details and a booking form were with BLN 1282 or http://www.branchline.org.uk/events.php on our
website..Discussions are underway to add an attractive track & traction feature to the very start..

X.102]: PLEG East Kent Traction Event, Fri 4 Aug: 08685 & 08799 are expected to run on passenger
stock 19.00 to 20.00 (time to be confirmed) £10 cash pay on the day 100% of which will go to the East
Kent Railway. The date and time have been chosen to enable participation in our Victoria LUL Line
railtour afterwards (connections via HS1) and for those attending the Spa Valley Railway diesel gala.

Fixtures Secretary: Kev Adlam, 53 Kemble Close, Wistaston, CREWE CW2 6XN. [email protected] Twitter: @BLSGeneralSec
Fixture Bookings Assistant: Jill Everitt, 4 Barnside Way, Moulton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8PT. [email protected]
Scotland Regional Editor: Mike McCabe, Lawrenceholme Barn, Oulton, WIGTON, CA7 0PH. [email protected]
Editor/Head Lines: Paul Stewart, 4 Clarence Close, MALVERN, WR14 3HX [email protected] 01684562862 07790652351.

Published by the Branch Line Society, 10 Sandringham Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8NP. ISSN 1354-0947.