Miniature Railways - Colin Peake's Photographs http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/ 22 rows en-gb 60 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.

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]]> 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, 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, and it does not appear to operate very regularly at the moment. 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 lost it's corrugated tunnel sections. In it's heyday this must have been 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, 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, and it does not appear to operate very regularly at the moment. 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 lost it's corrugated tunnel sections. In it's heyday this must have been 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. It doesn't look like the loco has moved for some time. 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.

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]]> 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?

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]]> 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.

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]]> 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!

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]]> Fri Mar 21 2008 Two Years, Two Sundays in Cleethorpes http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1465260.html My last visit of 2007 and first visit of 2008 in one collection. Guess where? Cleethorpes of course! Sunday December 30th 2007 found the CCLR operating an unusual service, 'Battison' and 'Yvette' operating in top-and-tail fashion either end of a rake of Sutton collection coaches. The trip was made even more interesting by the fact that at North Sea Lane crossing the train stopped and the driver of the rear loco operated the crossing lights! By contrast, Sunday 24th February 2008 found the line on the last day of a fortnights running for school half term weeks (Yorkshire in the first, then the local schools). Two trains were in operation, 'Sutton Flyer' and 'Sutton Belle' performing the honours. 'Yvette' had been scheduled to operate but had suffered problems the previous day and failed again at steam up. The station at North Sea Lane is now externally complete and is open for business, with just a few jobs to finish off inside. At the far end of the station, the generator room cum signal box was sporting a smart signboard and looking very railway-like. Monday 25 February 2008: My last visit of 2007 and first visit of 2008 in one collection. Guess where? Cleethorpes of course! Sunday December 30th 2007 found the CCLR operating an unusual service, 'Battison' and 'Yvette' operating in top-and-tail fashion either end of a rake of Sutton collection coaches. The trip was made even more interesting by the fact that at North Sea Lane crossing the train stopped and the driver of the rear loco operated the crossing lights! By contrast, Sunday 24th February 2008 found the line on the last day of a fortnights running for school half term weeks (Yorkshire in the first, then the local schools). Two trains were in operation, 'Sutton Flyer' and 'Sutton Belle' performing the honours. 'Yvette' had been scheduled to operate but had suffered problems the previous day and failed again at steam up. The station at North Sea Lane is now externally complete and is open for business, with just a few jobs to finish off inside. At the far end of the station, the generator room cum signal box was sporting a smart signboard and looking very railway-like.

30th Dec 2007: Battison awaits departure from Kingsway. Yvette at the rear of the train. Yvette arrives at Kingsway station. At North Sea Lane the signal box can be seen in the background. Yvette cautiously crosses North Sea Lane, Battison's driver at the crossing controls. An atmospheric shot of Yvette at Lakeside. With light fading fast Battison approaches Lakeside from Kingsway. Diesel DA1 awaits duties at Lakeside. The generator room/signal box with it's smart nameboard. The station building seen from the platform. Sutton Flyer arrives at North Sea Lane. Flyer approaches the stock to couple up. A little later in the day, we pass Flyer in the loop at Lakeside. Sutton Belle awaits departure from Kingsway with an all-Sutton formation. A view of Sutton Belle, immaculate as ever. Belle rounds the curve close to the sheds. A new background, the control tower of the Cleethorpes Arena. Flyer gives an impression of power as she crosses over at Lakeside. Some experimental camerawork at Lakeside. Sutton Flyer arrives at Lakeside. Heading over North Sea Lane behind Sutton Flyer. I watched Sutton Flyer depart before heading to the car to drive home.... 24th Feb 2008: The (almost) complete station building at North Sea Lane. ... but not before taking one last shot of Sutton Belle from the car park!

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]]> Mon Feb 25 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. Whilst at Cleethorpes the opportunity was taken to have a look at the North Sea Lane building, which is externally complete bar painting. Yes, it really is a portacabin under there... somewhere... 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. Whilst at Cleethorpes the opportunity was taken to have a look at the North Sea Lane building, which is externally complete bar painting. Yes, it really is a portacabin under there... somewhere...

Progress on the building at North Sea Lane. 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.

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]]> 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.

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]]> Sat Oct 13 2007 UPDATED: 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 Cleethorpes Models & Steam Gala Sept 8th/9th http://miniaturerailways.fotopic.net/c1368057.html Every September the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway host their annual 'Models & Steam' gala, with visiting locomotives accompanied by model railway layouts in the Griffin Hall musuem building. This year we were honoured to be invited to exhibit 'Shifting Sands', my own O9 model of a seaside miniature railway, not dissimilar to the CCLR. So for the first time I was able to spend both days at the railway and see some of the activity before trains started running and as services wound down in the evening. Visiting locos were 'Badger' from the Kirklees Light Railway, 'Smokey Joe' from the Sherwood Forest Railway, 'Red Dragon' and the Austin Moss built battery powered Black 5 from Windmill Farm. Everything went well until late on Sunday afternoon, when 'Yvette' double headed with the Black 5 (running dead in train), a combination which sadly failed on the bank on the new extension. 'Sutton Flyer' and 'Sutton Belle' were despatched to push the train to North Sea Lane and haul it back to Lakeside. The CCLR wasn't the only line with visitors, Andrew Blackwell travelled down from the North-East to bring his three O9 locomotives to run/photograph on Shifting Sands. We had out own mini gala for a half an hour or so! Tuesday 11 September 2007: Every September the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway host their annual 'Models & Steam' gala, with visiting locomotives accompanied by model railway layouts in the Griffin Hall musuem building. This year we were honoured to be invited to exhibit 'Shifting Sands', my own O9 model of a seaside miniature railway, not dissimilar to the CCLR. So for the first time I was able to spend both days at the railway and see some of the activity before trains started running and as services wound down in the evening. Visiting locos were 'Badger' from the Kirklees Light Railway, 'Smokey Joe' from the Sherwood Forest Railway, 'Red Dragon' and the Austin Moss built battery powered Black 5 from Windmill Farm. Everything went well until late on Sunday afternoon, when 'Yvette' double headed with the Black 5 (running dead in train), a combination which sadly failed on the bank on the new extension. 'Sutton Flyer' and 'Sutton Belle' were despatched to push the train to North Sea Lane and haul it back to Lakeside. The CCLR wasn't the only line with visitors, Andrew Blackwell travelled down from the North-East to bring his three O9 locomotives to run/photograph on Shifting Sands. We had out own mini gala for a half an hour or so!

08/09/07: Effie arrives at Lakeside bound for North Sea Lane. Badger is prepared for the day at Lakeside. No. 24 with a fresh coat of paint. No.24 is now lettered CCLR on the tender. Surton Belle and Sutton Flyer pose at North Sea Lane. Andrew's still to be finished Pacific on Shifting Sands. A very R&ER-like 2-8-2 looks very much at home. Shades of the RH&DR in this Bo-Bo diesel. The Bo-Bo with with my own 'Pandora'. 09/09/07: An early morning line-up at Lakeside. Mountaineer simmers away at Lakeside. Smokey Joe poses in platform 2. Red Dragon arrives from Kingsway. An interesting shot of Red Dragon without splashers during oiling. Smokey Joe approaches the 2nd crossing over Meridian Road. Smokey Joe is incoupled at North Sea Lane. Smokey Joe at North Sea Lane. Ready for departure from North Sea Lane. Sutton Flyer seen at the loop from the waiting train. The Black 5, battery powered and originally built for a customer in Canada. Saddle tank comparisons at Lakeside. Ready for the off... Mountaineer with Bush Mill stock at Kingsway. At Lakeside Effie was added to the train for the onward journey.