Hello again. This time out, we're going to have a look at places
to go to maybe re-kindle a part of that lost youth, or show the kids something
different to the "Playstation", if yours are anything like mine! Wherever possible,
I'll give details of additional places of interest, so there should be something
for all the family, including the ladies! Also, we'll be having a look at signaling
through the ages, for those of a more technical bent. Thanks go to Mr. I. Fyvie,
Mr. S. Smalley, Mr. A. Wood (Watercress Line), and countless others for contents.
| Shackerston Railway |
A classic example of a country branch line, which runs most weekends. Set in the
Leicestershire area of Twycross, this superb little railway sports an excellent period
museum within Shackerston station, displaying artifacts from the Edwardian era .
Trains run up the line to the Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre, which is situated
on the battlefield site. If you're careful about your planning, you'll get to meet "
The Howard Household"; these are a re-enactment society who put on a most
impressive display, complete with tents, armour etc. (This was a big hit with my lad-
"Better than the Playstation" to quote his words), as they don't mind a "hands-on"
approach and will provide an interesting brief about the times and weapons that
they display from the 1500's. Also not too far away is Twycross Zoo, providing a good general entertainment for
most families at a loose end. All of this, and a stone's throw away from the A444, between the M42, junction
11 and Hinckley ! A great day's outing.
| Foxfield Steam Railway |
Situated at Blythe Bridge, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs., this is a delightful example of an Industrial branch line, with over thirty historic engines on view at Caverswall Road Station. A five mile round trip through Staffordshire countryside with a stop at the woodland halt or Dilhorne Park provides a pleasant walk to Dilhorne, an ancient moorlands village. A recent purchase is winding gear at Foxfield Colliery, and volunteers are always needed. Information can be obtained on 01782 396210, or visit http:www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk .
| Nene Valley Railway |
Originally the Peterborough branch connecting with Rugby and Market Harborough, this preserved line also runs and displays continental rolling stock and locomotives, giving it an international flavour.
Wansford station is an excellent example of architecture reminiscent of the L.N.W.R., and sports adequate car-parking and facilities for visitors, including the disabled. The sheds here have guided tours for visitors, and catering facilities are also available, along with a well stocked visitors' shop.
A trip on the railway includes a visit to Wansford tunnel, which is reputedly haunted, then a leisurely trip up to Peterborough North, passing various halts en route. At these, one can enjoy countryside walks, with an information centre and static exhibits at Peterborough, which is two minutes walk from the B.R. station, and sited on the old loco shed grounds, where once a loco is reputed to have been driven too fast onto the turntable during the war with a wash in the Nene as a result. Regretfully, the original station is now a car-park.
There's some good shops to be found too, so the ladies need not be "at a loose end".
Nene Valley Railway is accessible via Stibbington village, southbound off the A1 from the A47 junction, and services run most weekends. For those with larger appetites, the transport cafe at the junction of the A1 provides a good meal.
| Severn Valley Railway |
Probably my favourite amongst preserved branch lines, running between Kidderminster and Bridgenorth. The flavour here is decidedly GWR, and demonstrated at it's very best. A very handy rail-link exists at Kidderminster with the station within a few feet, providing easy access to the historical GWR station, which also boasts an excellent car-park.
A miniature railway and visitors' centre are provided at the old goods shed, and snacks are available. Disabled access is fine, too.
Bewdley station sports a fine example of a GWR footbridge, and occasional shunting duties can be observed here, along with loco maintenance. The viaduct at the northern end of the station is of interest to photographers and architectural students alike, and provides an excellent view when travelled upon.
The line terminates at Bridgenorth, which sports some excellent shops and a rack and pinion railway provides easy access to the town. Here, the bulk of engineering for the line is carried out at the main sheds, including several preserved diesel locos.
Definitely worth a visit in my opinion !
| Great Central Railway |
Running between Loughborough and Birstall and Belgrave (Leicester North), the Great Central offers the only example of a preserved Main Line, with on-going work to produce a twin track run throughout it's length. Admission to the loco- sheds at Loughborough is included, and whilst there, pay the signal-box some attention.
The station offers excellent facilities including a buffet, which is highly recommended, and an inbuilt museum, which you shouldn't miss. Other stations on the line have been characterised to depict different eras, even down to working gas lamps, and enameled advertising boards in the original style.
Plans are in the making for further extending the line northwards in towards Ruddinton, and an extension to the Leicester North site to include a visitors centre and engine shed complete with turntable, giving the visitor a wider range of interest. The line is depicted as was during it's B.R. heyday, giving rise to locos from various regions. Special "windcutter" freight demos and "Master Cutler" services are also available.
