Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway 2009 Gallery http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1716197.html A catch-up on recent events at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway during 2009, including the beautiful scale outline Great Central Railway 'ROD' 2-8-0, the visit of 'Typhoon' from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway plus other happenings, such as the debut run of Minirail 4w-wDH 'The Cub' to North Sea Lane, the May gala and various visits in between. Photos taken on 3rd March, 11th and 15th April, 5th and 31st May 2009. Monday 22 June 2009: A catch-up on recent events at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway during 2009, including the beautiful scale outline Great Central Railway 'ROD' 2-8-0, the visit of 'Typhoon' from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway plus other happenings, such as the debut run of Minirail 4w-wDH 'The Cub' to North Sea Lane, the May gala and various visits in between. Photos taken on 3rd March, 11th and 15th April, 5th and 31st May 2009.

29/03/09: The ROD hides in the museum shortly after arrival at Cleethorpes. The ROD from the rear in the museum building. The steam crane 'Little Titan' is another recent arrival at Cleethorpes. This generator van is familiar to anyone who visited Lightwater Valley in steam days! Another view of the ROD at Cleethorpes. 11/04/09: Typhoon called in at Cleethorpes on the way home from Barrow Hill. Running around at Kingsway station, CCLR. Typhoon on arrival at North Sea Lane. The CCLR headshunts were made to measure for a Romney pacific! Only the North Sea Lane signal box looks a little smaller next to Typhoon. Typhoon draws up the the train at North Sea Lane. A view of the backhead of Typhoon. Typhoon receives attention prior to departure from North Sea Lane. Sutton Flyer arrives at Lakeside Station heading to North Sea Lane. I was given the opportunity of a cab ride in The Cub to North Sea Lane. Another View of The Cub at Meridian Loop. The other side of the loco, with detail differences. Typhoon passes The Cub in Meridian Loop. Typhoon passes through the loop and floodgate. Meanwhile at the shed, steam is raised in Yvette. Typhoon on arrival at Kingsway station. Another accurately measured headshunt at Kingsway station. 15/04/09: Days later and the ROD is subject to tinkering outside the sheds. Sutton Flyer rounds the floodgate curve. No. 24 is seen at long range along Lakeside loop. 02/05/09: The ROD, numbered as 6284, debuted in traffic for the May gala. The ROD runs around at North Sea Lane. Co-builder Roger Loxley is driving. Getting ready to depart from North Sea Lane. A low level view of the new scale miniature. The ROD runs around at Kingsway station, CCLR. Another low-level shot of the Great Central replica. Having shunted the train into platform 2, the driver oils around. Squint and its almost impossible to tell its 15 Typhoon stayed unil the May gala, seen here at North Sea Lane. 6284 and Sutton Flyer double head at the May gala. Typhoon sets off from Lakeside loop into the station... Snaking across the crossover... Cautiously entering the pointwork for platform 3... Over the switched diamond crossing... and into platform 3 bound for North Sea Lane. A view of Typhoon at Kingsway Station. Heading along the floodbank behing Typhoon. The ROD and Yvette provide a little LNER flavour. DA1 running around at Kingsway. 05/05/09: The day after the gala and DA1 made a rare appearance in passenger service. DA1 at North Sea Lane. Running along the floodbank towards Lakeside station. DA1 pauses to pick up the guard after crossing Meridian Road. 31/05/09: The ROD is in service again on a glorious sunny day.

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]]> Mon Jun 22 2009 Evesham Vale Light Railway http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1715521.html Over the weekend of 20th and 21st June 2009 the 15" gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway held it's 'intensive running' weekend, with four locos in steam. We had been planning to visit the EVLR at some point this year anyway, but this seemed to be an opportunity too good to miss, the EVLR fleet includes several historical and diverse locomotive types and to see most of them in steam together would kill several birs with one stone. In steam were: - Barnes 4-4-2 'John' (ex-Rhyl) - Bassett-Lowke 4-4-2 'Count Louis' (ex-Fairbourne) - Exmoor 0-4-0T+T 'St Egwin' - Severn Lamb 0-6-2T+T 'Dougal' (ex-Longleat) On display were: - Morse 0-4-0 - Lister 4w 'Sludge' - Morse 4-4w (ex-Dreamland) The EVLR also owns the Keef rebuilt Ruston 'Cromwell' and Guest 4-6-2 'Prince William', whilst parts of the former were seen, it is understood that the Pacific is off-site for overhaul. The railway itself is a twisting route from 'Twyford Downs' station next to the Evesham Country Park car park, to 'Evesham Vale', overlooking the Vale of Evesham and with stunning views all around. The line is in the form of a baloon loop but for the intensive running days trains terminated at Evesham Vale station and a second loco took the train back around the balloon loop, with the first engine then reversing around the loop to take up it's next duty. This operational method mean that at any time there were two locos at Evesham Vale, one at Twyford Downs, and another somewhere in between! A network of paths around the line at the Evesham Vale end made photography very easy and with locos moving every few minutes nothing sat still for long. Sunday 21 June 2009: Over the weekend of 20th and 21st June 2009 the 15" gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway held it's 'intensive running' weekend, with four locos in steam. We had been planning to visit the EVLR at some point this year anyway, but this seemed to be an opportunity too good to miss, the EVLR fleet includes several historical and diverse locomotive types and to see most of them in steam together would kill several birs with one stone. In steam were: - Barnes 4-4-2 'John' (ex-Rhyl) - Bassett-Lowke 4-4-2 'Count Louis' (ex-Fairbourne) - Exmoor 0-4-0T+T 'St Egwin' - Severn Lamb 0-6-2T+T 'Dougal' (ex-Longleat) On display were: - Morse 0-4-0 - Lister 4w 'Sludge' - Morse 4-4w (ex-Dreamland) The EVLR also owns the Keef rebuilt Ruston 'Cromwell' and Guest 4-6-2 'Prince William', whilst parts of the former were seen, it is understood that the Pacific is off-site for overhaul. The railway itself is a twisting route from 'Twyford Downs' station next to the Evesham Country Park car park, to 'Evesham Vale', overlooking the Vale of Evesham and with stunning views all around. The line is in the form of a baloon loop but for the intensive running days trains terminated at Evesham Vale station and a second loco took the train back around the balloon loop, with the first engine then reversing around the loop to take up it's next duty. This operational method mean that at any time there were two locos at Evesham Vale, one at Twyford Downs, and another somewhere in between! A network of paths around the line at the Evesham Vale end made photography very easy and with locos moving every few minutes nothing sat still for long.

A view of the ex-Fairbourne articulated stock, much rebuilt and improved. A short while later John has arrived ay Evesham Vale. The EVLR's tipper wagon. A novel tank wagon on the EVLR... ... complete with ballcock! Count Louis on the turntable. Turning Count Louis at Twyford Down. The Lister workhorse of the Evesham Vale Light Railway. A view of the overall roof, which doubles as carraige shed. The loco shed/workshop, converted 40' containers. St Egwin climbs the final stretch into Twyford Downs. A closer view of St Egwin. Around the bend into the station. Count Louis leaves Twyford Downs with the ex-Fairbourne artic rake. The atractive station building at Twyford Downs. One of two ex-Fairbourne end-balcony coaches at the EVLR. Built to match the Fairboune stock is this wheelchair accessible coach St Edgwin heads into the short tunnel. After arrival at Evesham Vale station Dougal backs onto the train. An overview of Evesham Vale station with Dougal and train. Dougle sets off 'wrong way' around the baloon loop. Count Louis awaits the next duty in the loop at Evesham Vale. St Egwin, prior to drawing forward and reversing around the baloon loop. Dougal passes the station on the way to Twyford Downs. Count Louis has taken over the artic rake for the next trip. Count Louis passes Evesham Vale and St Edgwin, bound for Twyford Downs. Dougal out in the country side. St Egwin heads away from Evesham Vale station towards the tunnel. A minute later St Egwn passes on the other line in the opposite direction. Even the smartest of locos gets caught with the lubricator cover up... Dougal poses, showing off the new boiler recently fitted. Count Louis arrives back at Evesham Vale. John takes over the reins and prepares to depart. John sets off from Evesham Vale station heading for the tunnel. This was Dougal's first day in traffic with the new boiler fitted. Count Louis waits patiently for the next movement. Back at Twyford Downs the Mose 'switcher' has been rolled out of the shed for photography. Also out for inspection is the ex-Dreamland i/c loco. Count Louis heads back into Twyford Down station. Moments later Dougal sets off past the sheds.

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]]> Sun Jun 21 2009 Twinlakes Park, Melton Mowbray http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1692356.html Visit 22/02/2009. The 15” gauge line at Twinlakes Park opened in late October/November 2008. The line is approx 3/4 of a mile long in the form of a terminus to a balloon loop at the far end of the line, where a second station is under construction. The line has a 1 in 58 gradient on the return to the main station, which features a turntable built in the park workshop. Motive power on the day of my visit was Severn Lamb steam outline 2-6-0DH (works no. 76.3.88) ex-American Adventure, Shipley, Derbys with three coaches from the same source, which had been thoroughly refurbished on-site. The other ex-American Adventure loco (works no. RG.11/86) is on site being overhauled and repainted. The intention is that this will become the main service loco with the other as spare. Five coaches are stored on site in the workshop area, however due to the length of the loop in the terminus station three coaches will be the maximum train length for the foreseeable future. There are no plans for two-train operation. The driver, a member of park maintenance staff, was very knowledgeable about the equipment in use, and turned out to also be ex- American Adventure with 18 years prior experience with the stock! Please note that Twinlakes Park is a family attraction and that admission policy is refuse admission to all-adult parties. Friday 1 May 2009: Visit 22/02/2009. The 15_ gauge line at Twinlakes Park opened in late October/November 2008. The line is approx 3/4 of a mile long in the form of a terminus to a balloon loop at the far end of the line, where a second station is under construction. The line has a 1 in 58 gradient on the return to the main station, which features a turntable built in the park workshop. Motive power on the day of my visit was Severn Lamb steam outline 2-6-0DH (works no. 76.3.88) ex-American Adventure, Shipley, Derbys with three coaches from the same source, which had been thoroughly refurbished on-site. The other ex-American Adventure loco (works no. RG.11/86) is on site being overhauled and repainted. The intention is that this will become the main service loco with the other as spare. Five coaches are stored on site in the workshop area, however due to the length of the loop in the terminus station three coaches will be the maximum train length for the foreseeable future. There are no plans for two-train operation. The driver, a member of park maintenance staff, was very knowledgeable about the equipment in use, and turned out to also be ex- American Adventure with 18 years prior experience with the stock! Please note that Twinlakes Park is a family attraction and that admission policy is refuse admission to all-adult parties.

The turntable, built in the park workshop. Severn Lamb 76.3.88 waits to take the first train of the day. One of the coaches has been modified by removing several seats, pushchair storage? The quirky station building, still under construction. Another view over the terminus from behind the turntable. A view over the terminus station area. Severn Lamb 76.3.88. Severn Lamb 76.3.88. Setting off from the station the line swings left. Heading down the grade alongside the lakes. Heading towards the crossing. On the balloon loop a second station is underway. Rejoining the other line. Alongside the Buffalo ride (alo ex-American Adventure). Heading back into the terminus. Pulling into the platfom at the end of the trip. Uncoupled and forward onto the Turntable. Turning Severn Lamb 76.3.88. Almost all the way around. Heading off the turntable to run around. Posed at the loop points. Severn Lamb 76.3.88 running around. Backing up to the coaches. The rather neat coupling bar arrangement. This is all we saw of Severn Lamb RG.11/86! The second set of coaches in the storage area. The train heads over the crossing.

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]]> Fri May 1 2009 Sherwood Forest End-of-Season http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1591717.html The Sherwood Forest Railway's now traditional end of season weekend is always sure to turn out something unusual. This year was no exception, although there were no visiting locos we were treated to a couple of passenger runs by the lines latest locomotive acquisition, the 1947 petrol loco 'Pioneer', possibly for the first time in 10+ years since it ran at Brocklands, ironically with two Minirail coaches, both of which are now at the SFR. Two trains were in operation, the Minirail pair (the third was still under restoration) and a mixed rake with the Exmoor coach and wagons. Locos took it in turns although 'Anne ' sadly had an electrical fault not resolved until late aftenoon, allowing the author to have a drive just as the public service ended! As the light faded the coaching stock was re-marshalled and a test run made before service for invited guests started in the evening. This train was also used to plant the lanterns and candles around the railway to illuminate the line in darkness, a ride on which is truly a different experience.... Shortly after the weekend parts of four more Minirail coaches arrived at the railway, which we suspect are the remainder of the coaches built to the design. Tuesday 7 October 2008: The Sherwood Forest Railway's now traditional end of season weekend is always sure to turn out something unusual. This year was no exception, although there were no visiting locos we were treated to a couple of passenger runs by the lines latest locomotive acquisition, the 1947 petrol loco 'Pioneer', possibly for the first time in 10+ years since it ran at Brocklands, ironically with two Minirail coaches, both of which are now at the SFR. Two trains were in operation, the Minirail pair (the third was still under restoration) and a mixed rake with the Exmoor coach and wagons. Locos took it in turns although 'Anne ' sadly had an electrical fault not resolved until late aftenoon, allowing the author to have a drive just as the public service ended! As the light faded the coaching stock was re-marshalled and a test run made before service for invited guests started in the evening. This train was also used to plant the lanterns and candles around the railway to illuminate the line in darkness, a ride on which is truly a different experience.... Shortly after the weekend parts of four more Minirail coaches arrived at the railway, which we suspect are the remainder of the coaches built to the design.

David Colley Snr with Anne at Weldale. Pet arrives at Loxley. Lottie the Lister on the mixed set at Loxley. David Snr sets off with Lottie, an interesting drive! Smokey Joe and Pet at Loxley. The end of the line... literally! Pet on the mixed train at Weldale. Pet arrives back at Loxley again. A rare event - Pioneer on a passenger train! Smokey Joe seen beyond Pioneer. Pioneer after the historic first passenger run in years. Shades of the Brocklands train... Pet follows Pioneer's train to pull it back. Pet at the signal. Smokey Joe exudes narrow gauge atmosphere. Under the Treehouse, another deceptive shot! As the light fades the evening top-and-tail formation is tested. Smokey Joe at Loxley after the test run.

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]]> Tue Oct 7 2008 Sherwood Summer 2008 http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1583446.html A selection of photos from various trips to the Sherwood Forest Railway over the summer of 2008, taken on 14th June, 12th July, 11th and 30th August. Over this time both locos have been in use, and later in August 'Pet' was being worked on for the gala at the Kirklees Light Railway in September. Seeking new angls on a familiar line I was given permision to walk the lineside on 12th July, finding some interesting new viewpoints along the way. The Sherwood Forest Railway's season ends in less than a week, on Sunday 28th September, with the usual intense service over the final weekend with all available stock in use... Monday 22 September 2008: A selection of photos from various trips to the Sherwood Forest Railway over the summer of 2008, taken on 14th June, 12th July, 11th and 30th August. Over this time both locos have been in use, and later in August 'Pet' was being worked on for the gala at the Kirklees Light Railway in September. Seeking new angls on a familiar line I was given permision to walk the lineside on 12th July, finding some interesting new viewpoints along the way. The Sherwood Forest Railway's season ends in less than a week, on Sunday 28th September, with the usual intense service over the final weekend with all available stock in use...

14/06/08: Pet rounds the bottom curve. Pet arrives at Loxley station. Pet running around at Loxley. Pet climbs the bank into Loxley station. 12/07/08: One of the ex-Brocklands coaches undergoing attention. A low-level shot of Pet approaching Loxley. Still at low-level, Pet arrives at Loxley. Pet departs again for Weldale. Pet approaches the tunnel. Down-grade under the treehouse. Signalling at the SFR is non-working... Through the trees near the Wallabies. Rounding the bottom curve approaching Welldale. Returning from Welldale. Heading back uphill towards Loxley. 11/08/08: Smokey Joe seen from Welldale station. Pet undergoing attention at the shed. Another view of Pet and Anne. Smokey Joe arrives at Loxley. 30/08/08: Smokey Joe passes under the treehouse. Smokey Joe at Loxley. Waiting to take on water. Smokey Joe arrives at Loxley. Smokey Joe at Welldale.

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]]> Mon Sep 22 2008 Kirklees: The Battle of the Atlantics http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1578152.html Or the one we've all been (secretly) waiting for! For a railway founded on narrow gauge outline locomotives and stock to pull off a gala starring miniature outline locomotives is something of an achievement. The Kirklees Light Railway's 'Battle of the Atlantics' gala was truly one of the greatest gatherings of miniature railway equipment seen in some time. Not just locomotives, but complete rakes of stock journeyed to West Yorkshire from Lincolnshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and North Wales for the event. Attending were: Atlantics 'Sutton Belle' and 'Sutton Flyer', plus railcar no.4, and six enclosed, two open coaches from the Sutton Collection at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; Atlantic 'Red Dragon' from Windmill Farm; Atlantic 'Synolda' from Ravenglass; Atlantic 'Joan' from Rhyl; 0-4-0ST 'Pet' from Sherwood Forest Seeing these smaller than usual trains operating on the Kirklees Light Railway appears to have attracted a great number of enthusiasts to the railway and all trains appeared to run to capacity. Double headed trains took the graded 4-mile run with ease, whilst a solo performance from 'Sutton Flyer' earlier in the day showed that the smaller locos could handle the longer than usual runs and grades. Whether they could day in day out is another question, but the weekend was about enjoyment and everyone certainly seemed to have a smile on their face! Saturday 13 September 2008: Or the one we've all been (secretly) waiting for! For a railway founded on narrow gauge outline locomotives and stock to pull off a gala starring miniature outline locomotives is something of an achievement. The Kirklees Light Railway's 'Battle of the Atlantics' gala was truly one of the greatest gatherings of miniature railway equipment seen in some time. Not just locomotives, but complete rakes of stock journeyed to West Yorkshire from Lincolnshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire and North Wales for the event. Attending were: Atlantics 'Sutton Belle' and 'Sutton Flyer', plus railcar no.4, and six enclosed, two open coaches from the Sutton Collection at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; Atlantic 'Red Dragon' from Windmill Farm; Atlantic 'Synolda' from Ravenglass; Atlantic 'Joan' from Rhyl; 0-4-0ST 'Pet' from Sherwood Forest Seeing these smaller than usual trains operating on the Kirklees Light Railway appears to have attracted a great number of enthusiasts to the railway and all trains appeared to run to capacity. Double headed trains took the graded 4-mile run with ease, whilst a solo performance from 'Sutton Flyer' earlier in the day showed that the smaller locos could handle the longer than usual runs and grades. Whether they could day in day out is another question, but the weekend was about enjoyment and everyone certainly seemed to have a smile on their face!

Sutton Flyer is prepared for the day. Red Dragon takes to the turntable. A busy scene outside the shed before services really got going. Sutton Flyer prepares to take the first vintage train of the day out. Looking ahead from Sutton Flyer's cab. Joan exercises along the platform line. Sutton Flyer after arrival at Shelley. Sutton Flyer takes water on the turntable. Another view of Sutton Flyer on the turntable. Coupling up the open coach (used as brake vehicle) for the return run. Sutton Flyer ready for departure from Shelley. Sutton Flyer waits in the loop at Skelmanthorpe. The vast difference in scale - standard gauge architecture/miniature loco! Sutton Flyer after arrival at Clayton West. A tripple headed shuttle working storms to Cuckoo's Nest. Red Dragon and Pet at Cuckoo's Nest. A closer view of Red Dragon from Windmill Farm. A closer view of Sherwood Forest Railway loco Pet. Joan and Synolda on arrival at Shelley. Synolda heads for the turntable. Synolda takes water at Shelley for the return run. Joan receives some attention at Shelley. Joan and Synolda await departure. The KLR's own super powered duo arrive at Shelley. Joan waits patiently at Skelmanthorpe. Joan and Synolda await passage othe next vinatage train... ...headed by Sutton Belle and Flyer. A view of Suton Belle in the sunlight. Red Dragon departs from Clayton West wth a shuttle working. Synolda in perfect sunlight at Clayton West. 'Little and Large' outside the Clayton West shed.

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]]> Sat Sep 13 2008 Cleethorpes: Sutton Gala and Museum Launch http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1577755.html An annual fixture in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway calendar is the 'Sutton Collection' gala, starring the locomotives and stock of the former Sutton Miniature Railway. This year the event was combined with the annual model railway event in the Griffin Hall building on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September. Another change from the ordinary was the launch of the Miniature Railway Museum Trust, with the event marked by the dedication of new interpretation boards on the history of the Sutton Collection by former SMR driver John Tidmarsh and Trust Chairman David Humphreys. More information on the museum trust can be found on the website www.miniaturerailwaymuseum.co.uk Visiting from Ravenglass for the weekend was 'Synolda' from Ravenglass, a staging move between Eaton Hall and Kirklees Galas. Sadly 'Red Dragon', also due to visit, was unable to attend due to repairs under way at Windmill Farm. Saturday was, to hark back to the 1980s, wet, wet,wet. Sunday however was a lot brighter and photographer friendly, which is when the majority of these pictures were taken. Synolda and Sutton Flyer provided an interesting contrast in the first Greenly class 30 design and perhaps the ultimate 'evolved' version from 1952.... Friday 12 September 2008: An annual fixture in the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway calendar is the 'Sutton Collection' gala, starring the locomotives and stock of the former Sutton Miniature Railway. This year the event was combined with the annual model railway event in the Griffin Hall building on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September. Another change from the ordinary was the launch of the Miniature Railway Museum Trust, with the event marked by the dedication of new interpretation boards on the history of the Sutton Collection by former SMR driver John Tidmarsh and Trust Chairman David Humphreys. More information on the museum trust can be found on the website www.miniaturerailwaymuseum.co.uk Visiting from Ravenglass for the weekend was 'Synolda' from Ravenglass, a staging move between Eaton Hall and Kirklees Galas. Sadly 'Red Dragon', also due to visit, was unable to attend due to repairs under way at Windmill Farm. Saturday was, to hark back to the 1980s, wet, wet,wet. Sunday however was a lot brighter and photographer friendly, which is when the majority of these pictures were taken. Synolda and Sutton Flyer provided an interesting contrast in the first Greenly class 30 design and perhaps the ultimate 'evolved' version from 1952....

Visiting for the first time in 13 years, Synolda from Ravenglass. The Railway Channel film the Griffin Hall display launch. Chris Shaw, David Humphreys and John Tidmarsh. Synolda heads over Meridian Road towards North Sea Lane. Synolda and Sutton Belle arrive at Lakeside from Kingsway. Sutton Belle heads away from Lakeside towards Kingsway. The blue pairing - Synolda and Sutton Flyer at North Sea Lane. Synolda runs around at Kingsway. The blue duo prepare to depart from Kingsway. The red pairing - No.4 and Sutton Belle at Kingsway. Posing for more photos by the CCLR webmaster and former Sutton driver! John Tidmarsh with Sutton Belle. Railcar no.4 heads over the road southwards. Synolda and Sutton Flyer await their tun at Lakeside. Looking almost model-like in this view. The display includes a brief history of the CCLR. The public admire the new display boards. On show in Griffin Hall was Paul Windle's 'Moorton Bottom Yard'.

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]]> Fri Sep 12 2008 A day at the Bure Valley Railway http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1557192.html It must be nearly a decade since I last visited the Bure Valley Railway, this would only be my second visit and I was keen to see how the railway had developed. Through the kindness of BVR Chairman David Barnes I was able to sample a cab ride along this nine mile railway, which is built on the formation of the former standard gauge line between Wroxham and Aylsham. We started our journey at Wroxham on the 29th July and there was only a short wait before the arrival of no. 8 'Thunder', built in the railway's workshop using parts supplied by Winson Engineering. This loco was in traffic for the first time following a major overhaul and conversion to coal firing from oil, plus a repaint in black lined in red and white. We travelled to Aylsham in one of the lines' newer coaches, designed as convertable 20 seaters/wheelchair saloons. As with all BVR stock, this proved to be comfortable and spacious. At the third loop from Wroxham, at Brampton, we passed what I count as my favourite BVR loco, no. 1 'Wroxham Broad', rebuilt from Guest steam outline diesel 'Tracey-Jo'. On arrival at Aylsham there was able time to look at the other equipment the railway uses, including coaching stock undergoing refurbishment, diesel/internal combustion locos and the other Winson Engineering locos, ZB tender locos 6 and 7 and the magnificent no. 10 'Mark Timothy' styled after a Leek & Manifold Railway loco - which I really would have loved to have seen in service. It wad actually in light steam as a reserve loco in case of problems with no. 8. Just before the 13.25 departure time I boarded the footplate of no. 8 for a trip to Wroxham with driver Bob. Bob had been involved with the rebuild of the loco and explained some of the subtle changes made to improve the design. The Bure Valley is a different railway from the footplate, the changes in grade are a lot more noticeable and I started to appreciate the work being done by the locomotive. We were due to pass 'Wroxham Broad' at Hautbois loop, halfway along the line. The news from control over the radio wasn't good, a late departure for no. 1 from Wroxham was going to delay us slightly. The Guard was concerned as two passengers with a disability had to make a main line connection at Wroxham, could we make it in time? 'Wroxham Broad' eventually appeared on the horizon and we were soon on the move again, making up for lost time, arriving at Wroxham in time to make the connection. One of the volunteers on board with the Guard assisted the passengers to the main line station. Sadly I'm told no. 8 failed on the return trip to Aylsham, having to be rescued by 'Wroxham Broad' - in a way I'm sad I didn't get to see that! My thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Bure Valley Railway for making this wonderful day out. Wednesday 6 August 2008: It must be nearly a decade since I last visited the Bure Valley Railway, this would only be my second visit and I was keen to see how the railway had developed. Through the kindness of BVR Chairman David Barnes I was able to sample a cab ride along this nine mile railway, which is built on the formation of the former standard gauge line between Wroxham and Aylsham. We started our journey at Wroxham on the 29th July and there was only a short wait before the arrival of no. 8 'Thunder', built in the railway's workshop using parts supplied by Winson Engineering. This loco was in traffic for the first time following a major overhaul and conversion to coal firing from oil, plus a repaint in black lined in red and white. We travelled to Aylsham in one of the lines' newer coaches, designed as convertable 20 seaters/wheelchair saloons. As with all BVR stock, this proved to be comfortable and spacious. At the third loop from Wroxham, at Brampton, we passed what I count as my favourite BVR loco, no. 1 'Wroxham Broad', rebuilt from Guest steam outline diesel 'Tracey-Jo'. On arrival at Aylsham there was able time to look at the other equipment the railway uses, including coaching stock undergoing refurbishment, diesel/internal combustion locos and the other Winson Engineering locos, ZB tender locos 6 and 7 and the magnificent no. 10 'Mark Timothy' styled after a Leek & Manifold Railway loco - which I really would have loved to have seen in service. It wad actually in light steam as a reserve loco in case of problems with no. 8. Just before the 13.25 departure time I boarded the footplate of no. 8 for a trip to Wroxham with driver Bob. Bob had been involved with the rebuild of the loco and explained some of the subtle changes made to improve the design. The Bure Valley is a different railway from the footplate, the changes in grade are a lot more noticeable and I started to appreciate the work being done by the locomotive. We were due to pass 'Wroxham Broad' at Hautbois loop, halfway along the line. The news from control over the radio wasn't good, a late departure for no. 1 from Wroxham was going to delay us slightly. The Guard was concerned as two passengers with a disability had to make a main line connection at Wroxham, could we make it in time? 'Wroxham Broad' eventually appeared on the horizon and we were soon on the move again, making up for lost time, arriving at Wroxham in time to make the connection. One of the volunteers on board with the Guard assisted the passengers to the main line station. Sadly I'm told no. 8 failed on the return trip to Aylsham, having to be rescued by 'Wroxham Broad' - in a way I'm sad I didn't get to see that! My thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the Bure Valley Railway for making this wonderful day out.

No. 8 'Thunder' awaits departure from Wroxham. Passing 'Wroxham Broad' in Brampton loop. Coaching stock freshly painted during refurbishment. 'Thunder' on arrival at Aylsham. A view inside the running shed at Aylsham. A glimpse of no. 10 'Mark Timothy' through the shed doors. A further view of no. 10 outside the shed. Side-on the size of the loco becomes apparent. A look along the station throat at Aylsham. 'Thunder' takes on water having been turned for the return trip to Wroxham. No. 4, a rebuilt Hudson-Hunslet used as station pilot. One of the more recently built coaches, designed to also carry wheelchair bound passengers. The line's main line diesel No. 3 '2nd Air Division USAAF' at Aylsham. An elderley Lister disguised as a Great Eastern tram loco. For 'Thomas' events these former Fairbourne 16-seater coaches act as Annie & Clarabel. Thunder returns to Aylsham from Wroxham. Ready to depart from Aylsham with the 15.25. A view of the footplate of no. 8. The author sits aboard no. 8 for the trip to Wroxham. Approaching a level crossing, seen through the spectacle plate. A view from the footplate of 'Thunder' as we head towards Wroxham. Passing a late running no. 1 'Wroxham Broad' at Coltishall loop. Taking on water at Wroxham for the trip back to Aylsham.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Wed Aug 6 2008 Saville Brothers, Garforth http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1541239.html We called in at Saville's Garden Centre in Garforth between other visits on Saturday 5th July 2008, a wet day in West Yorkshire. This line dates from the late 1970s and has been equipped from day one with a Severn Lamb 'Rio Grande' 2-8-0DH and open coaches. For many years the line was operated by the Garforth Lions Club, however it now appears to be under the control of the garden centre itself. Alas, it was not operating when we visited, due to the wet weather creating flooding over the line. The line usually operates at weekends and school holidays, weather permitting, all year round. The line has the unique feature of that when in use the station is actually in the glasshouses of the garden centre. Out on the line there are several features including a girder bridge over a pond and the remains of a tunnel, which has sadly lost it's corrugated tunnel sections. Despite the wet weather it could be seen that this must be a very attractive line. As the line was not operational we ventured to the far balloon loop to observe the layout of that part of the line, including the site of the tunnel. Monday 7 July 2008: We called in at Saville's Garden Centre in Garforth between other visits on Saturday 5th July 2008, a wet day in West Yorkshire. This line dates from the late 1970s and has been equipped from day one with a Severn Lamb 'Rio Grande' 2-8-0DH and open coaches. For many years the line was operated by the Garforth Lions Club, however it now appears to be under the control of the garden centre itself. Alas, it was not operating when we visited, due to the wet weather creating flooding over the line. The line usually operates at weekends and school holidays, weather permitting, all year round. The line has the unique feature of that when in use the station is actually in the glasshouses of the garden centre. Out on the line there are several features including a girder bridge over a pond and the remains of a tunnel, which has sadly lost it's corrugated tunnel sections. Despite the wet weather it could be seen that this must be a very attractive line. As the line was not operational we ventured to the far balloon loop to observe the layout of that part of the line, including the site of the tunnel.

At the other end of the glasshouse the door was open... the track leading out headed straight for another flood! A very attractive bridge over the pond. The 'Rio Grande' in the shelter of the garden centre. A view of the cab of the Severn-Lamb loco. A view from the rear of the tender, the loco is in quite original condition. The well engineered Severn Lamb wheels and motion. Through the fence at the back of the site the coaches could be glimpsed. At the back of the centre the line was under water and blocked by trollies. On the other balloon loop the grass was well kept. One of the former tunnel mouths. The tunnel itself has vanished. Outside the tunnel mouth was the junction for the balloon loop. The other tunnel mouth. The balloon loop heads off into the distance. Looking along the trackbed towards the main garden centre site.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Mon Jul 7 2008 Markeaton Park Light Railway 2008 http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1526429.html A quick stop-in at Markeaton Park on Sunday 8th June 2008. As usual, 'Markeaton Lady' the Exmoor 0-4-2T was in service on a hot, busy afternoon. Some progress has been made on the ex-Fairbourne coaches since our last visit, hopefully these should be in service soon. Thanks to Michael for driving the diesel 'City of Derby' out of the shed for photography. Wednesday 11 June 2008: A quick stop-in at Markeaton Park on Sunday 8th June 2008. As usual, 'Markeaton Lady' the Exmoor 0-4-2T was in service on a hot, busy afternoon. Some progress has been made on the ex-Fairbourne coaches since our last visit, hopefully these should be in service soon. Thanks to Michael for driving the diesel 'City of Derby' out of the shed for photography.

Markeaton Lady runs around at Mundy Station. Preparing to move up to the train. Markeaton Lady ready to depart from Mundy Station. The train on arrival at Markeaton Station. Running around at Markeaton Station. Markeaton Lady running around. The ex-Fairbourne stock in the shed. The lines' only works wagon. City of Derby poses outside the shed. Markeaton Lady returns from another run. Ready to depart from Markeaton Station. Setting off in little cloud of steam!

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Wed Jun 11 2008 A Visit To Scarborough http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1516624.html Saturday 24th May saw the opening of the latest development at Scarborough's North Bay Railway, 'The Glass House' is a cafe/bistro situated alongside the new station building at Peasholme Park station. This buiding is an imaginative rebuild of one of the former shelters in Northstead Manor Gardens. Arriving early at Peasholme we greeted with a promised locomotive line-up of the NBR's three Hudswell Clarke 4-6-2 diesel hydraulic locomotives 'Neptune', 'Triton' and 'Poseidon' outside the shed. 'Robin Hood', the 4-6-4 DH tank loco was sadly not in traffic as it is awaiting return of it's wheels from turning. After the line-up we proceded to The Glass House for the formal opening by the Mayor of Scarborough, who was then treated to a trip up the line behind Poseidon. At Scalby Mills David Humphreys of the NBR Co explained some of the railway's future plans for deveopments to further enhance this attractive railway. The rest of the day was spent travelling on the railway and doing some lineside photography, which enabled me to get some pictures in locations that had previously eluded me! Tohis was also my first chance to see some of the other recent developments since my August 2007 trip, including the two newly rebuilt enclosed coaches and the new station building at Peasholme Park, all equally impressive! My thanks to David Humphreys of the NBR Co and Peter Bryant of Miniature Railway World for a great day out. Visit the Glass House online at: http://www.glasshousebistro.co.uk/ Sunday 25 May 2008: Saturday 24th May saw the opening of the latest development at Scarborough's North Bay Railway, 'The Glass House' is a cafe/bistro situated alongside the new station building at Peasholme Park station. This buiding is an imaginative rebuild of one of the former shelters in Northstead Manor Gardens. Arriving early at Peasholme we greeted with a promised locomotive line-up of the NBR's three Hudswell Clarke 4-6-2 diesel hydraulic locomotives 'Neptune', 'Triton' and 'Poseidon' outside the shed. 'Robin Hood', the 4-6-4 DH tank loco was sadly not in traffic as it is awaiting return of it's wheels from turning. After the line-up we proceded to The Glass House for the formal opening by the Mayor of Scarborough, who was then treated to a trip up the line behind Poseidon. At Scalby Mills David Humphreys of the NBR Co explained some of the railway's future plans for deveopments to further enhance this attractive railway. The rest of the day was spent travelling on the railway and doing some lineside photography, which enabled me to get some pictures in locations that had previously eluded me! Tohis was also my first chance to see some of the other recent developments since my August 2007 trip, including the two newly rebuilt enclosed coaches and the new station building at Peasholme Park, all equally impressive! My thanks to David Humphreys of the NBR Co and Peter Bryant of Miniature Railway World for a great day out. Visit the Glass House online at: http://www.glasshousebistro.co.uk/

Poseidon, Triton and Neptune pose outside the shed. A further view of the three pacifics. Triton and Neptune outside the shed extension. Trying something new, the three locos in age order, Neptune was 77 the previous day! Inside the shed, Robin Hood awaits wheelsets. Poseidon and Triton await the start of services. The opening speeches in the glass house. The Mayor reachs the end of her speech... ...before making the ceremonical first cup of coffee! At Scalby Mills David Humphreys explains future plans. Poeidon at Scalby Mills after turning. Developments on the North Bay visible from the train. Triton passes the boating lake and water chute, both now operated by the NBR Co. The Glass House Cafe/Bistro at Peasholme Park station. The new staion building at Peasholme Park. The old station building relocated to use as a ticket office. The station building at Peasholme Park seen from the railway side. Triton departs from Peashole Park station. Poseidon in the trees between Peasholme and Beach. Triton heading for Peasholme from the loop at Beach. Triton arrives back at Beach heading for Scalby Mils. Poseidon at Beach, note the two enclosed coaches delivered last year. Triton in the loop at Beach with the sea and Sea Life Centre in the background. Poseidon at Scalby Mills awaiting departure.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sun May 25 2008 Night Owls, Cubs and Bugs - Cleethorpes May Gala http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1508560.html The May Day Bank Holiday weekend dawned bright, warm and sunny on the east coast, which was just as well s I had booked a caravan for the weeken to enjoy the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway's May gala! Visiting locomotives were 'Owl' from the Kirklees Light Railway, making it's first visit away from home and 'The Bug' from the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch, making a return trip to Cleethorpes. With 'Battison', the resident steam outline loco also in use, there was a distinct 'Yellow engines' theme.... As this was the 60th anniversary of the first miniature railway along the boating lake at Cleethorpes, 60 hours of continuous steam operation took place from Saturday morning through to Monday evening. In honour of one of the guest locomotives, this was christened the 'Night Owl'. There were even some passengers on board as the Cleethorpes Beer Festival was in full swing at lakeside station! I managed to come into contact with the railway every day of my stay, but not always with camera in hand. So here is a selection from Friday, Saturday and Monday. Of particular note to some, the CCLR's diesel 'The Cub' was started up on Saturday and Monday for the first time in several years following an extended overhaul. Sunday 11 May 2008: The May Day Bank Holiday weekend dawned bright, warm and sunny on the east coast, which was just as well s I had booked a caravan for the weeken to enjoy the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway's May gala! Visiting locomotives were 'Owl' from the Kirklees Light Railway, making it's first visit away from home and 'The Bug' from the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch, making a return trip to Cleethorpes. With 'Battison', the resident steam outline loco also in use, there was a distinct 'Yellow engines' theme.... As this was the 60th anniversary of the first miniature railway along the boating lake at Cleethorpes, 60 hours of continuous steam operation took place from Saturday morning through to Monday evening. In honour of one of the guest locomotives, this was christened the 'Night Owl'. There were even some passengers on board as the Cleethorpes Beer Festival was in full swing at lakeside station! I managed to come into contact with the railway every day of my stay, but not always with camera in hand. So here is a selection from Friday, Saturday and Monday. Of particular note to some, the CCLR's diesel 'The Cub' was started up on Saturday and Monday for the first time in several years following an extended overhaul.

Friday 2nd: Owl on a service train, passes The Bug on a test run to Kingsway. Mountaineer sat this gala out, the boiler having only just come back from professional attention. The Bug returns from Kingsway having sucessfully made it's way around the whole railway to check clearances. The Bug is the centre of conversation outside the shed. Owl heads to Kingsway with a service working - the CCLR had used this loco all week! After services finished Owl ran up to North Sea Lane for the benefit of staff. Owl prepares to head back to Lakeside from North Sea Lane. Saturday 3rd: Effie awaits departure from Kingsway. Sadly she failed on Sunday with leaking tubes. A view of The Bug's footplate and controls. No. 24 heads into Lakeside station to collect coaching stock. An interesting comparison in size between The Bug and No. 24. The Bug at North Sea Lane on her first passenger trip to the terminus. Another view of The Bug at North Sea Laane. Tim eases The Bug onto the coaching stock. The Bug ready for departure from North Sea Lane. A little later The Bug departs from Kingsway. Sutton Belle and Sutton Flyer head up a non-stop Kingsway-North Sea Lane working. The Bug oatiently awaits a loco changeover at Lakeside Loop. The Bug heads over the crossing towards North Sea Lane. A little later No. 24 heads over the crossing. A contrast in ages, styles, technology and colour at Lakeside. A further comparison of Sutton Belle and Owl. Owl arrives at Lakeside from Kingsway, having swapped stock ready for the night service. The 'Night Owl' at North Sea Lane. Monday 5th: The Bug and Battison exchange tokens at Meridian Loop. Owl rests at Lakeside station. The Cub outside the shed awaiting testing. The bonnet panels are carefully reattached. Looking like a loco again, The Cub poses outside the shed. The short-bonnet end of The Cub. The Bug has come on shed for the night whilst Owl keeps going! The Bug and The Cub engaged in some shunting. The Bug is cleaned up after a hard weekend's working. No. 24 arrives at Lakeside from North Sea Lane as services start to wind-down. A familiar view with a new aspect, sea... a great end to a great weekend. My last run of the weekend was to North Sea Lane, where the tide was in! Is this really Cleethorpes?

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sun May 11 2008 Windmill Farm Railway http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1493397.html In the company of Miniature Railway World webmaster Peter Bryant I visited the Windmill Farm Railway at Burscough in Lancashire on Saturday 12th April. We were met at the Burscough Bridge station by Craig Gluyas who showed us around the railway and even removed one or two items from the sheds for us to inspect. When we arrived it was raining heavily so it was straight into the sheds to see some of the treasures stored here. Owner Austin Moss has ammassed a historical collection of 15" gauge material over many years, some of which is working, some under restoration and some in need of major work. Almost every mainstream builder of stock and most major lines are represented. Starting in the museum and shed area delights included the rather home-brewed 'Black Smoke', a steam outline loco built in Oxfordshire. Also stored here at present is the Ravenglass loco 'Bonnie Dundee'. Other loco include Austin's battery Black 5, and the operational locos 'Sian', 'Red Dragon' and the Severn Lamb 'Rio Grande'. A peek in the workshops found ex-Fairbourne 'Katie' and Austin's in-build atlantic from a multitude of different parts. As the rain cleared Craig pulled some stock from the shed for a better look. This included the half-built saloon coach and the last intact Jaywick railway coach. Inside we found a multitude of historic stock including ex-RHDR coach frames, the last surviving Porthcawl railway coach (itself ex-RHDR) and a Minirail coach modified to a railcar at Blaise Castle. The operational stock was just as interesting, hailing from Liverpool Garden Festival, Dudley Zoo and German exhibition railways. The Dudley Zoo artic coaches feature an interesting propelling cab for use in push-pull fashion on the out and back line at Dudley that had no loops. Steam power was provided by Exmoor built 2-6-2T 'St Christopher', a fine machine built for operation on the WFR. Trains every half hour were well patronised by families, some of whom spent some time on the play area in the tranquil setting of Lakeview station at the far end of the line. My thanks to Peter and Craig for making this a special day. (the collection runs to two pages, I was camera-happy!) Monday 14 April 2008: In the company of Miniature Railway World webmaster Peter Bryant I visited the Windmill Farm Railway at Burscough in Lancashire on Saturday 12th April. We were met at the Burscough Bridge station by Craig Gluyas who showed us around the railway and even removed one or two items from the sheds for us to inspect. When we arrived it was raining heavily so it was straight into the sheds to see some of the treasures stored here. Owner Austin Moss has ammassed a historical collection of 15" gauge material over many years, some of which is working, some under restoration and some in need of major work. Almost every mainstream builder of stock and most major lines are represented. Starting in the museum and shed area delights included the rather home-brewed 'Black Smoke', a steam outline loco built in Oxfordshire. Also stored here at present is the Ravenglass loco 'Bonnie Dundee'. Other loco include Austin's battery Black 5, and the operational locos 'Sian', 'Red Dragon' and the Severn Lamb 'Rio Grande'. A peek in the workshops found ex-Fairbourne 'Katie' and Austin's in-build atlantic from a multitude of different parts. As the rain cleared Craig pulled some stock from the shed for a better look. This included the half-built saloon coach and the last intact Jaywick railway coach. Inside we found a multitude of historic stock including ex-RHDR coach frames, the last surviving Porthcawl railway coach (itself ex-RHDR) and a Minirail coach modified to a railcar at Blaise Castle. The operational stock was just as interesting, hailing from Liverpool Garden Festival, Dudley Zoo and German exhibition railways. The Dudley Zoo artic coaches feature an interesting propelling cab for use in push-pull fashion on the out and back line at Dudley that had no loops. Steam power was provided by Exmoor built 2-6-2T 'St Christopher', a fine machine built for operation on the WFR. Trains every half hour were well patronised by families, some of whom spent some time on the play area in the tranquil setting of Lakeview station at the far end of the line. My thanks to Peter and Craig for making this a special day. (the collection runs to two pages, I was camera-happy!)

Seats from a former Ravenglass 4w coach The battery powered Black 5 built by Austin Moss. 'Black Smoke' seen in the museum. Signs from Steamtown Carnforth adorn the walls. More Steamtown signs. A view of 'Bonnie Dundee's' Cab. 'Sian',sits in the shed awaiting her next duty. The much-rebuilt Rio Grande 2-8-0, ex-Cleethorpes with the body from Longleat. In the workshop we see the frames of 'Katie' under restoration. Austin's under-construction atlantic, a mix of designs. The Eaton Estate sawmill wagon. The guards/driving cab of the former Dudley Zoo artic stock. A view of the station area at the farm end. A tightly squeezed in Fairbourne coach - don't open the doors! 'St Christopher' is the resident Exmoor Steam Railway loco. A view of St Christophers cab. The Windmill Farm Railway logo on the cabside. St Christopher's builders plate. St Christopher's nameplate. Steam pipe arrangement on the Exmoor loco. A head on view ready for departure for Lakeview. One of eight former Liverpool Garden Festival coaches on-site. The bogie under the Liverpool coaches. The frames from former battery-powered 'Foxglove'. Open wagon with Fairbourne 4w coach chassis. A close-up of the axlebox. Lister 'Gwril' ex-Fairbourne. The under-construction saloon coach, real luxory on 15 The former Jaywick 18 Inside the saloon coach, you can just about stand up in the clerestory. Inside is a shadow of it's former self, must have been comfy. Around the other side more restoration is required. 8 seat bogie coaches built for a line in Canada but now in store. The unusual bogie design under Goram. The railcar from the other end. The coach section started life as a Minirail coach at Longleat. The ex-Porthcawl/RHDR coach. Bassett Lowke coach chassis in need of a lot of work. 'Goram' the ex-Blaise Castle railcar with Minirail parentage. 'Blue Pacific' a unique vertical boilered pacific. 'Konigswinter' ex-Cleethorpes shunts stock back into the shed. St Christopher returns from a run to Lakeview. The next run was cab-first, seen here on arrival at Lakeview. 'Katie's' old boiler on an ex-RHDR Theakston wagon chassis in the yard. The two Jaywick coach chassis outside the workshop. The train heads along the straight towards 'Pensioner's Halt'. Rounding the curve at Pensioner's Halt. St Christopher waits patiently at Lakeview. Four more Liverpool coaches in the loop at Lakeview. Former Belle Vue coach chassis in the undergrowth at Lakeview.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Mon Apr 14 2008 A Good Friday in Sherwood Forest http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1478933.html Good Friday dawned bright and clear in Nottinghamshire, but very cold and windy! We made the short journey to the Sherwood Forest Farm Park to ride the Sherwood Forest Railway on the first day of the 2008 season. This year sees several changes in the operation of the railway following the completion of the loop at Weldale station at the far end of the line and the acquisition of the rolling stock from the former Brocklands railway (aka 'Pixie Land'). For the first time three coach trains were operated in turn by Smokey Joe and Pet and all trains ran loco-first thanks to the new loop. Work on the newly acquired ex-Longleat/Brocklands Minirail built coaches is ongoing, but for the first time in perhaps 30 years three of these distinctive coaches were in operation together. I believe that there may be another coach to this design out there somewhere, possibly sold at the auction of the Axe & Lyme railway scheme in the 1970s. A picture exists of a similar coach with higher armrests, taken at Longleat in the 1960s. This doesn't appear to be any of the three vehicles on the SFR. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of this coach, or it's fate, could they please get in touch via the 'Contact Me' option on the frontpage of this site. All in all another great day out, thanks to the Colley family for their hospitality once again. Friday 21 March 2008: Good Friday dawned bright and clear in Nottinghamshire, but very cold and windy! We made the short journey to the Sherwood Forest Farm Park to ride the Sherwood Forest Railway on the first day of the 2008 season. This year sees several changes in the operation of the railway following the completion of the loop at Weldale station at the far end of the line and the acquisition of the rolling stock from the former Brocklands railway (aka 'Pixie Land'). For the first time three coach trains were operated in turn by Smokey Joe and Pet and all trains ran loco-first thanks to the new loop. Work on the newly acquired ex-Longleat/Brocklands Minirail built coaches is ongoing, but for the first time in perhaps 30 years three of these distinctive coaches were in operation together. I believe that there may be another coach to this design out there somewhere, possibly sold at the auction of the Axe & Lyme railway scheme in the 1970s. A picture exists of a similar coach with higher armrests, taken at Longleat in the 1960s. This doesn't appear to be any of the three vehicles on the SFR. If anyone knows of the whereabouts of this coach, or it's fate, could they please get in touch via the 'Contact Me' option on the frontpage of this site. All in all another great day out, thanks to the Colley family for their hospitality once again.

11.00 at the shed as locos are prepared for the first day of the season. Pet and Smokey Joe raising steam and getting a good polish. The two ex-Brocklands coaches have had a lick of paint and general tidy up. Under the bonnet Pioneer is an 'interesting' loco... Pioneer, ex-Brocklands, stands in the station. Pioneer prepares to take the goods stock down the line. Smokey Joe arrives at Weldale with the first train of the season. Pet arrives at Loxley with a full train. Pet waits at Loxley for her next duty. Smokey Joe climbs the bank into Loxley station. I couldn't decide between the shots so here's the second one! Smokey Joe and Pet at Loxley station. From the other side of the valley we spy Smokey Joe. Pet runs around the last working of the day at Weldale. The last train posed at Weldale, I was the only passenger!

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Fri Mar 21 2008 Cleethorpes 'Sutton 45' Gala http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1388193.html To mark the 45th anniversary of the last day of operation of the Sutton Miniature Railway (7th October 1962), a 'Sutton 45' event was held at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, over the weekend of 6th/7th October 2007. All of the resident 'Sutton Collection' locomotives were present and correct, Sutton Belle, Sutton Flyer, the Guest railcar and 10 coaches (plus some extra stock to cope with the crowds!) However something was missing... Sutton had a third steam loco, a rebuilt Bassett Lowke class 10 atlantic called 'Prince of Wales' (built for Sutton as 'Mighty Atom'). This loco does still survive in the ownership of the last operator of the Sutton line, but it has not run since 1953. However in a cunning act of impersonation, the CCLR had repainted Austin Moss' atlantic Red Dragon in Sutton colours and carrying the name Prince of Wales as a stand-in. To say the paint job has transformed the look of the loco is an understatement, and happily the livery is set to be worn for the foreseeable future, complete with SMR on the tender. I'm so impressed there are more than a couple of pictures of the loco in this collection. Saturday 13 October 2007: To mark the 45th anniversary of the last day of operation of the Sutton Miniature Railway (7th October 1962), a 'Sutton 45' event was held at the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, over the weekend of 6th/7th October 2007. All of the resident 'Sutton Collection' locomotives were present and correct, Sutton Belle, Sutton Flyer, the Guest railcar and 10 coaches (plus some extra stock to cope with the crowds!) However something was missing... Sutton had a third steam loco, a rebuilt Bassett Lowke class 10 atlantic called 'Prince of Wales' (built for Sutton as 'Mighty Atom'). This loco does still survive in the ownership of the last operator of the Sutton line, but it has not run since 1953. However in a cunning act of impersonation, the CCLR had repainted Austin Moss' atlantic Red Dragon in Sutton colours and carrying the name Prince of Wales as a stand-in. To say the paint job has transformed the look of the loco is an understatement, and happily the livery is set to be worn for the foreseeable future, complete with SMR on the tender. I'm so impressed there are more than a couple of pictures of the loco in this collection.

Prince of Wales awaits departure from North Sea Lane. The railcar arrives with some non-Sutton stock. Red Dragon's alternative splashers were on display. The railcar arrives at Lakeside heading south. Prince of Wales poses at Kingsway. Another view of Prince of Wales. A side on view at Kingsway before ECS shunt. Prince of Wales awaits departure at Kingsway. The railcar at Kingsway awaiting arrival of the next train. Sutton Belle crosses Meridian Road. John and Kristian exchange tokens at the Meridian loop. Sutton Belle makes a sprint around the loop. Sutton Flyer heads uphill towards the loop. Flyer heads into the loop, where Belle is waiting.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sat Oct 13 2007 Sherwood Forest Railway Gala 2007 http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1388166.html I'm not sure where the last year has gone. Is it really that long since Effie and Mountaineer were visiting the Farm Park? Actually, to be pedantic, it was a year and a week, but let's not dwell on that... This year's Sherwood Forest gala was a little different. No visiting locos, but the whole of he home fleet in use, even battery-electric 'Anne' and 'Lottie' the 5/8th scale Lister replica. Anne was looking smart sporting a fresh coat of black paint and the line's two wagons had also had a lick of paint, into grey with black ironwork and SFR lettering. On the Saturday the service pattern was for each loco to work passenger and freight trains in turn, whilst on Sunday steam worked passenger trains and the bttery and i/c locos on the freight. We visited on Saturday and stayed into the evening at the invitation of the Colley family, who made everyone feel most welcome and part of the event. It had been hoped that the items recently acquired from Brocklands in Cornwall would be at the railway for the gala. Alas they arrived on the Tuesday afterwards, but they should make next year an interesting one! My thanks to David and Colleen, David and Robert Colley, Ian and Callum, plus the rest of the crew, for a memorable day! Saturday 13 October 2007: I'm not sure where the last year has gone. Is it really that long since Effie and Mountaineer were visiting the Farm Park? Actually, to be pedantic, it was a year and a week, but let's not dwell on that... This year's Sherwood Forest gala was a little different. No visiting locos, but the whole of he home fleet in use, even battery-electric 'Anne' and 'Lottie' the 5/8th scale Lister replica. Anne was looking smart sporting a fresh coat of black paint and the line's two wagons had also had a lick of paint, into grey with black ironwork and SFR lettering. On the Saturday the service pattern was for each loco to work passenger and freight trains in turn, whilst on Sunday steam worked passenger trains and the bttery and i/c locos on the freight. We visited on Saturday and stayed into the evening at the invitation of the Colley family, who made everyone feel most welcome and part of the event. It had been hoped that the items recently acquired from Brocklands in Cornwall would be at the railway for the gala. Alas they arrived on the Tuesday afterwards, but they should make next year an interesting one! My thanks to David and Colleen, David and Robert Colley, Ian and Callum, plus the rest of the crew, for a memorable day!

The new arrivals from Brocklands before being placed on the track. Smokey Joe engaged in some pre-gala shunting. Anne arrives at Weldale with the freight train. A view of the repainted wagons. Smokey Joe on arrival at Loxley station. Lottie waits for a rare passenger duty David Colley Snr takes Lottie for a trip down the line. Anne arrives uphill with a full train. A side view of Anne. A head-on view of Anne. Everyone present agreed the black livery suited Anne. But don't suggest wasp stripes... David Jnr waits for the off with Pet Smokey Joe arrives at Weldale with the goods. A deceptive view of Smokey Joe at rest. Smokey Joe awaits the arrival of the next passenger train. Ian brings Pet around the curve into Weldale. Smokey Joe takes over the passenger duty. Once the goods train has arrived, Pet couples up. Callum on Lottie near the first crossing. Followed by Smokey Joe on the goods. Anne passes under the treehouse with an uphill passenger train. Smokey Joe glimpsed over the pig pens. Anne sits patiently in the dark. A night time view of Smokey Joe.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sat Oct 13 2007 Kirklees Light Railway Gala Sept 2007 (plus return trip) http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1370955.html The second gala at the Kirklees Light Railway under the present management took place over the weekend of 15th and 16th September 2007. An intensive timetable was planned with half hourly trains running the full Clayton West - Shelley route, interspersed with shuttles running from either end of the line. All this was explained to passengers via a nicely printed timetable handout - full marks to the railway for this! Visiting locos were: CCLR No. 24 from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway 'Mountaineer' from the CCLR 'Effie' from the CCLR 'Smokey Joe' from the Sherwood Forest Railway Effie was operating shuttles from Shelley to just outside the line's tunnel, top-and-tailing with the loco from the last incomming train. Shuttles at the Clayton West end ran as far as Cuckoo's Nest, with additional rus by Smokey Joe. I was privelidged to get a seat on a special run down to Cuckoo's Nest behind Smokey Joe, which had apparently completed a full-line trip the previous evening.... in 2 hours. Somehow I managed to forgot to photograph Effie (oops!) and Hawk and Owl also managed to evade the camera most of the time, despite having a ride on a train double headed by the pair! Updated 23/09/07: After a tip-off on the Miniature Railway World forum (thanks Kristian!) I discovered that No. 24 and Mountaineer would be running again the following weekend. A trip on Sunday 23rd September found 24 doing the honours, with Hawk in reserve in case 24 played up! Kristian and Stuart from Cleethorpes had come over to drive, having held the fort on the Humber estuary whilst the rest of us enjoyed the Kirklees Gala! I've included a bonus clickable of a long-shot of 24 arriving at Shelley, it is my present desktop image... Sunday 23 September 2007: The second gala at the Kirklees Light Railway under the present management took place over the weekend of 15th and 16th September 2007. An intensive timetable was planned with half hourly trains running the full Clayton West - Shelley route, interspersed with shuttles running from either end of the line. All this was explained to passengers via a nicely printed timetable handout - full marks to the railway for this! Visiting locos were: CCLR No. 24 from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway 'Mountaineer' from the CCLR 'Effie' from the CCLR 'Smokey Joe' from the Sherwood Forest Railway Effie was operating shuttles from Shelley to just outside the line's tunnel, top-and-tailing with the loco from the last incomming train. Shuttles at the Clayton West end ran as far as Cuckoo's Nest, with additional rus by Smokey Joe. I was privelidged to get a seat on a special run down to Cuckoo's Nest behind Smokey Joe, which had apparently completed a full-line trip the previous evening.... in 2 hours. Somehow I managed to forgot to photograph Effie (oops!) and Hawk and Owl also managed to evade the camera most of the time, despite having a ride on a train double headed by the pair! Updated 23/09/07: After a tip-off on the Miniature Railway World forum (thanks Kristian!) I discovered that No. 24 and Mountaineer would be running again the following weekend. A trip on Sunday 23rd September found 24 doing the honours, with Hawk in reserve in case 24 played up! Kristian and Stuart from Cleethorpes had come over to drive, having held the fort on the Humber estuary whilst the rest of us enjoyed the Kirklees Gala! I've included a bonus clickable of a long-shot of 24 arriving at Shelley, it is my present desktop image...

24 prepares for it's first run of the day. Another coach under construction at Clayton West. Smokey Joe couples up to it's makeshift coach. Mountaineer and Badger at Shelley. Mountaineer and Badger depart from Shelley. No. 24 on the Shelley shuttle, seen near the tunnel. Owl arrives at Skelmanthorpe with the KLR's latest coach first in the train. Mountaineer and Fox ready to depart from Clayton West. A view over Smokey Joe heading out of Clayton West. Smokey Joe after arrival at Cuckoo's Nest. Having run around Smokey Joe poses at Cuckoo's Nest. Another portrait of Smokey Joe. Heading back to Clayton West along the tree lined route. An impression of speed, we weren't going *that* fast... No. 24 runs around at Shelley - who forgot to turn the loco? Fox at Skelmanthorpe. Mountaineer at Clayton West, with Badger again. Hawk departs from Clayton West. No. 24 arrives back with a shuttle working. Fox approaches Clayton West station... the driver hands over his instructions. Ready to depart from Shelley for Clayton West. 24 comes into view at Shelley. Bonus: larger version of the long-shot! Arriving at Shelley station. 24 pulls forward onto the turntable. Back at Clayton West 24 takes on water... 23/09/07: Hawk simmers outside the shed at Clayton West. before trying to hide in a smoke screen. Ready to depart again from Clayton West. No. 24 ready to depart from Clayton West. 24 pulls out of Clyton West heading for Shelley. the small 7 1/4

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]]> Sun Sep 23 2007 More from the Meridian Line http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1349393.html A sunny couple of days at the coast found us in Cleethorpes on 9th/10th August. Sutton Flyer and #24 were in service on both days with a half-hourly two-train service. At Lakeside station it was possible to finally take a half-decent picture of ex-Bush Mill DA1 and also take a closer look at the ex-Jacot railway brakevan owned by Andrew Neale and now vased here. In the museum shed was the 0-4-0 'Katie' replica awaiting completion. At North Sea Lane progress was being made on the new station building, a converted Portacabin, which is being rebuilt internally and clad externally to look like a traditional railway building. Progress was rapid over the two days we were there, as seen in the two pictures. The building should be completed in a couple of weeks, certainly in time for the September Models & Steam gala. September 8th/9th should see visiting locos from the Kirklees Light Railway, Windmill Farm and Sherwood Forest Railways. Model railways will include my own O9 layout 'Shifting Sands', a seaside miniature railway not dissimilar to the CCLR! The views from North Sea Lane on a clear day are stunning, the view over to Spurn Point was familiar, but the view south to Tetney was new to me, I've included a high-res version of this as compressed it looks like nothing! Click on 'full-size' to get the larger image. My thanks to Chris and Kris for their making my visit an interesting one! UPDATE 25/08/07: A Further visit on 24th August found Sutton Flyer and Sutton Belle in charge, and very visual progress made at North Sea Lane station. UPDATE 24/02/08: The station building at North Sea Lane is seen completed, with the addition of a generator room disguised as a signal box. Saturday 25 August 2007: A sunny couple of days at the coast found us in Cleethorpes on 9th/10th August. Sutton Flyer and #24 were in service on both days with a half-hourly two-train service. At Lakeside station it was possible to finally take a half-decent picture of ex-Bush Mill DA1 and also take a closer look at the ex-Jacot railway brakevan owned by Andrew Neale and now vased here. In the museum shed was the 0-4-0 'Katie' replica awaiting completion. At North Sea Lane progress was being made on the new station building, a converted Portacabin, which is being rebuilt internally and clad externally to look like a traditional railway building. Progress was rapid over the two days we were there, as seen in the two pictures. The building should be completed in a couple of weeks, certainly in time for the September Models & Steam gala. September 8th/9th should see visiting locos from the Kirklees Light Railway, Windmill Farm and Sherwood Forest Railways. Model railways will include my own O9 layout 'Shifting Sands', a seaside miniature railway not dissimilar to the CCLR! The views from North Sea Lane on a clear day are stunning, the view over to Spurn Point was familiar, but the view south to Tetney was new to me, I've included a high-res version of this as compressed it looks like nothing! Click on 'full-size' to get the larger image. My thanks to Chris and Kris for their making my visit an interesting one! UPDATE 25/08/07: A Further visit on 24th August found Sutton Flyer and Sutton Belle in charge, and very visual progress made at North Sea Lane station. UPDATE 24/02/08: The station building at North Sea Lane is seen completed, with the addition of a generator room disguised as a signal box.

9th August: #24 awaits departure from Lakeside. DA1 under the canopy at Lakeside. The Jacot Railway brake van. The underframe of the Jacot van, which came from the Eaton Estate. Andrew Neale's 'Katie' replica in the museum. A side view of the replica, to be completed here. Token exchange at Lakeside level crossing. Sutton Flyer at rest at Kingsway station. The portacabin on 9th August. Sutton Flyer arrives at North Sea Lane station. 10th August: #24 at Kingsway station. Passing Sutton Flyer in the Lakeside loop. Sutton Flyer takes the road for platform 3 at Lakeside. Awaiting the off at Lakeside for North Sea Lane. Sutton Flyer crossing Meridian Road. #24 arrives at Lakeside from Kingsway. #24 on arrival at North Sea Lane. #24 is due a coat of paint before September. Black of course! North Sea Lane Station from the bank. Ready for departure from North Sea Lane. Heading back to Kingsway via Lakeside. The view south from North Sea Lane (click Full Size...) Buck Beck meandering towards the sea. Progress on the Portacabin cladding. Sutton Flyer heads through the loop at the Meridian marker. Progress on North Sea Lane station. Spot the Portacabin! 24th August: Sutton Belle heads north towards the Meridian Road Crossing. A few minutes later Sutton Flyer approaches from Lakeside. Sutton Flyer heads over the crossing towards North Sea Lane. Sutton Belle tries to hide in a cloud of steam. Sutton Belle heads for Lakeside, Sutton Flyer waits patiently in the loop. 6th October: Progress on the building at North Sea Lane. The generator room/signal box with it's smart nameboard. The station building seen from the platform. 24th Feb 2008: The (almost) complete station building at North Sea Lane.

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]]> Sat Aug 25 2007 North Bay Railway - Handover Event http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1243086.html After months (and longer behind the scenes) of hard work by the North Bay Railway Co the operation of the railway was officially handed over from Scarborough Borough Council at noon on Friday 30th March 2007. I had the honour of an invite to watch this event, again driving 80 miles each way to visit the line. Having arrived early I was pressed into action as a loco polisher, giving Triton the Mr Sheen treatment, miniature locomotives are no doubt one of the 'umpteen' things it will clean! The Hudswell Clarke locomotives seem much bigger from ground level than they do from the station platforms, a certain amount of clambering over them is needed to polish them. At around 11.00 Harry Gration from BBC Look North arrived for some filming, chatting to Chris Shaw and going for a ride along the line. It was fascinating to watch the filming take place, a few retakes were required but thankfully despite the best efforts of Robin Hood and train there wasn't anything to make the blooper reel. At noon the Mayor of Scarborourgh arrived and speeches were made by the Mayor, David Humphreys and Chris Shaw before Ron Redman, a former Hudswell Clarke employee and historian of the company, officially renamed no. 1933 as Poseidon. After the ceremonies there was a spacial train to Scalby Mills headed by Poseidon and Neptune, after which guests walked to the Scalby Mills Pub for a buffet and drinks. I returned to Peasholme on the first train back (behind Neptune), after which Triton was coupled to the train to return to Scalby Mills. I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank David and Chris for their hospitality and to the railway staff for being reasonable to the demands of the photographers! The railway's first Gala Weekend is this weekend - Saturday and Sunday 31st March and 1st April - all four locomotives will be in operation. Friday 30 March 2007: After months (and longer behind the scenes) of hard work by the North Bay Railway Co the operation of the railway was officially handed over from Scarborough Borough Council at noon on Friday 30th March 2007. I had the honour of an invite to watch this event, again driving 80 miles each way to visit the line. Having arrived early I was pressed into action as a loco polisher, giving Triton the Mr Sheen treatment, miniature locomotives are no doubt one of the 'umpteen' things it will clean! The Hudswell Clarke locomotives seem much bigger from ground level than they do from the station platforms, a certain amount of clambering over them is needed to polish them. At around 11.00 Harry Gration from BBC Look North arrived for some filming, chatting to Chris Shaw and going for a ride along the line. It was fascinating to watch the filming take place, a few retakes were required but thankfully despite the best efforts of Robin Hood and train there wasn't anything to make the blooper reel. At noon the Mayor of Scarborourgh arrived and speeches were made by the Mayor, David Humphreys and Chris Shaw before Ron Redman, a former Hudswell Clarke employee and historian of the company, officially renamed no. 1933 as Poseidon. After the ceremonies there was a spacial train to Scalby Mills headed by Poseidon and Neptune, after which guests walked to the Scalby Mills Pub for a buffet and drinks. I returned to Peasholme on the first train back (behind Neptune), after which Triton was coupled to the train to return to Scalby Mills. I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank David and Chris for their hospitality and to the railway staff for being reasonable to the demands of the photographers! The railway's first Gala Weekend is this weekend - Saturday and Sunday 31st March and 1st April - all four locomotives will be in operation.

Harry Gration speaks to Chris Shaw More filming in progress. Three Pacifics lined up outside the shed. Another line up shot... L-R Poseidon, Triton, Neptune... built 1993, 1932, 1931 respectively. Poseidon with decorations for naming ceremony. Triton in the loop at Peasholme. The Mayor of Scarborough makes his speech... before handing over the operation of the railway to David Humphreys. Chris Shaw outlines future plans for the railway. Poseidon's nameplate as unveiled by Ron Redman. Poseidon and Neptune at Scalby Mills. Another view of Poseidon. Poseidon waits to be turned. Poseidon moves onto the turntable. The first of the obligatory turntable shots. Halfway round on the turntable. Almost all the way around! Poseidon ready to run off the turntable. Poseidon moves off. Neptune ready to depart from Scalby Mills. A view over the loco near the closed Beach station. Neptune backs around the reversing loop at Peasholme. Triton ready to depart from Peasholme station. Robin Hood in a springtime pose outside the shed. A side view of Robin Hood.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Fri Mar 30 2007 Cleethorpes - Crossing the Meridian Line http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1228145.html I've been meaning to take a trip to Cleethorpes for a few week now, but one thing or another got in the way. I finally made it on Saturday 10th March, which the weather forecasters thought would be the warmest day of the year so far. They may have been right... Managing to catch the 11.15 from Kingsway I was soon at the Lakeside 'hub' of the CCLR. Here work over the winter has removed the headshunt for the run-round, so trains (hauled today by 'Yvette') were being propelled empty stock to the passing loop outside the station, then returning once the loco had run around. The main reason for my visit was to view work on the new extension of the railway south over two level crossings and the Greenwich Meridian to a new terminus near Buck Beck and the Thorpe Park holiday park. Having viewed progress on Dave Enefer's website I was keen to see the work for myself. With permission from Chris Shaw I was able to walk the formation of the extension between the level crossings to see the work in progress. Further up the extension I found Lister diesel 'Toby' with a works train whilst two of the railway's team raked ballast around the sleepers. I later saw then take 'Toby' back to lakeside for their lunch break. If all goes to plan the extension will open over the May Day bank holiday weekend, when the CCLR will be holding a gala weekend. The same weekend there will be a vintage vehicle rally adjacent to the railway, and a beer festival ar Lakeside station! With the kind assistance of another of the CCLR volunteers I was able to visit the workshops and sheds. Here I found Sandy River no. 24 awaiting driving wheelset refitting, 'The Cub' undergoing a rebuild and the recently arrived FMB Engineering built Heywood 'Katie' replica, along with regulars DA1, 'Battison', 'Effie', 'Sutton Belle' and 'Sutton Flyer'. 'Mountaineer', was sidelined in the musuem building at Lakeside with motion problems. Finally, I'd just like to again thank Chris Shaw and his staff for making me feel so welcome at the railway. Update 14th April: Turnouts have been arriving over the last few weeks and are now in place at the passing loop and North Sea Lane Station site. Sadly I didn't have my camera handy to record this, but please take my word for it! Saturday 10 March 2007: I've been meaning to take a trip to Cleethorpes for a few week now, but one thing or another got in the way. I finally made it on Saturday 10th March, which the weather forecasters thought would be the warmest day of the year so far. They may have been right... Managing to catch the 11.15 from Kingsway I was soon at the Lakeside 'hub' of the CCLR. Here work over the winter has removed the headshunt for the run-round, so trains (hauled today by 'Yvette') were being propelled empty stock to the passing loop outside the station, then returning once the loco had run around. The main reason for my visit was to view work on the new extension of the railway south over two level crossings and the Greenwich Meridian to a new terminus near Buck Beck and the Thorpe Park holiday park. Having viewed progress on Dave Enefer's website I was keen to see the work for myself. With permission from Chris Shaw I was able to walk the formation of the extension between the level crossings to see the work in progress. Further up the extension I found Lister diesel 'Toby' with a works train whilst two of the railway's team raked ballast around the sleepers. I later saw then take 'Toby' back to lakeside for their lunch break. If all goes to plan the extension will open over the May Day bank holiday weekend, when the CCLR will be holding a gala weekend. The same weekend there will be a vintage vehicle rally adjacent to the railway, and a beer festival ar Lakeside station! With the kind assistance of another of the CCLR volunteers I was able to visit the workshops and sheds. Here I found Sandy River no. 24 awaiting driving wheelset refitting, 'The Cub' undergoing a rebuild and the recently arrived FMB Engineering built Heywood 'Katie' replica, along with regulars DA1, 'Battison', 'Effie', 'Sutton Belle' and 'Sutton Flyer'. 'Mountaineer', was sidelined in the musuem building at Lakeside with motion problems. Finally, I'd just like to again thank Chris Shaw and his staff for making me feel so welcome at the railway. Update 14th April: Turnouts have been arriving over the last few weeks and are now in place at the passing loop and North Sea Lane Station site. Sadly I didn't have my camera handy to record this, but please take my word for it!

Yvette prepares to propell her train to the loop. The cut back headshunt at Lakeside. Yvette ready for departure. Yvette makes a smoky exit. The Bush Mill coaches in platform 3. The start of the extension at the Lakeside level crossing. The formation curves away to the left. The first foot crossing. This will serve craft units adjacent to the railway. Around the corner the line runs alongside the new arena. The future site for a CCLR stock shed, at present there are drainage problems. Looking back around the corner. Looking seawards, the line on the left will be the stock shed headshunt. The very solid buffer stop for the headshunt. Looking back from the second level crossing at the headshunt. The second crossing - this will be a good photo point in the future. Looking south along the new trackbed. The crossing looking south along Meridian Road. The crossing - another good vantage point! Toby with a works train. Looking north along the new formation. The line is on a rsing grade towards the camera. At the top of the grade the line swings towards a floodgate and the passing loop. Looking through the floodgate. Points are awaited to connect in the loop. Looking back from the floodgate to the top of the straight. The gated crossing at the south end of the loop. After a further foot crossing the line swings into the new terminus. The new terminus will be a single platform and loop. The headshunt, with the view to Thorpe Park over Buck Beck. Pointwork is still awaited to complete the trackwork here. A view of the bend from the station end. After the crossing the line passes in front of the car park, note the lower fences. The other end of the loop, there is a level crossing here. The view from the floodgate of the loop. Toby heads back to Lakeside for the worker's lunch break. Toby heads to the level crossing, crossing at a slow pace. Toby heads off towards Lakeside (and lunch). Back on the existing line Yvette storms past the sheds towards Kingsway. The diamonf crossing at Lakeside is now switched - very impressive. No. 24 on blocks in the shed at Lakeside. The Heywood 'Katie' replica in the stock shed. Yvette returns from Kingsway past the sheds. Yvette runs around at Kingsway. Yvette prepares to take the next train from Kingsway.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sat Mar 10 2007 Sherwood Forest Railway - A Trip Along the Line http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1057623.html Another visit to the Sherwood Forest Railway on Tuesday 8th August 2006. Smokey Joe was in service with plenty of passengers in evidence during the day. Work on the extension of the line has now reached the point where the station will be, and one point is roughly laid in the field where the station will be, guarded at the moment by a cow. I have presented the pictures in the form of a trip down the line, although one or two have been taken with the train actually reversing up the hill. Sunday 20 August 2006: Another visit to the Sherwood Forest Railway on Tuesday 8th August 2006. Smokey Joe was in service with plenty of passengers in evidence during the day. Work on the extension of the line has now reached the point where the station will be, and one point is roughly laid in the field where the station will be, guarded at the moment by a cow. I have presented the pictures in the form of a trip down the line, although one or two have been taken with the train actually reversing up the hill.

Smokey Joe was the loco on duty, seen here at Loxley station. Believe it or not, this used to be a caravan! The station building at Loxley station. Pet was in the shed, amongst the equipment that fills every corner. Smokey Joe's driver attends to the fire before another trip down the line. After the tunnel, the train approaches the crossing... Under the Treehouse... Past the pigs... Over the crossing... Through the trees... The current 'head of steel' just beyond the crossing. The cow guards the station site! Around the bend... To the end of the line. Smokey Joe propels the train back up the line to Loxley station. At the station the train is reversed towards the shed to take on water.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sun Aug 20 2006 Wolds Way Lavender Railway http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1050990.html Visit 29/07/2006. Taking a diversion on the way home from our holiday, we ventured down a back lane to find Wolds Way Lavender, at Wintringham near Malton, just off the A64. The Lavender farm here opened to the public in 2003 and in 2005 a 7 1/4" gauge railway opened on the site. Don't be fooled by the presence of a passenger train, the primary purpose of the railway is to carry Lavender and wood to the distillery and remove the waste product of the distilling process. To this end there are at least four wagons on site, all built on site with wooden bodies, some removable for tipping and transport off the railway. An excellent video of the line in use during the brief (three week) harvest period is shown in the distillery, which also gives an insight into how the Lavender oil is produced. Passenger rides are available for a pound in two smart open coaches, hauled by the resident Roanoke 0-4-0 petrol hydraulic locomotive, works no. 0502019, built in 2005. According to a display on the wall of the distillery a Bagnal outline 0-4-0ST is under construction for use here. Sunday 13 August 2006: Visit 29/07/2006. Taking a diversion on the way home from our holiday, we ventured down a back lane to find Wolds Way Lavender, at Wintringham near Malton, just off the A64. The Lavender farm here opened to the public in 2003 and in 2005 a 7 1/4" gauge railway opened on the site. Don't be fooled by the presence of a passenger train, the primary purpose of the railway is to carry Lavender and wood to the distillery and remove the waste product of the distilling process. To this end there are at least four wagons on site, all built on site with wooden bodies, some removable for tipping and transport off the railway. An excellent video of the line in use during the brief (three week) harvest period is shown in the distillery, which also gives an insight into how the Lavender oil is produced. Passenger rides are available for a pound in two smart open coaches, hauled by the resident Roanoke 0-4-0 petrol hydraulic locomotive, works no. 0502019, built in 2005. According to a display on the wall of the distillery a Bagnal outline 0-4-0ST is under construction for use here.

A closer view of the 4 wheel truck, built on-site. The locomotive was built new for the line by Roanoke in 2005. At the other end of the building we find the 0-4-0 perol locomotive and coaches. Two of the lavender carring bogie wagons. The wooden bodies are removable. A view of the distillery equipment, used during the harvest to produce Lavender oils. A look along the line in the opposite direction, the line is currently a few hundred yards long. At the far end you there is a Lavender loading hopper. An overall view of the outside of the distillery, the passenger platform was not in use during our visit. A look at the neat 4 seat coaches in the distillery building. A detail shot of one of the coach bogies. The distillery building from the outside, note the truck to the right of the picture. A look at the inside of the truck, showing the framing.

Published in Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs

]]> Sun Aug 13 2006