Narrow Gauge and Industrial Railways http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/ 18 rows en-gb 60 Baguley Drewry 4wDH 3751 testing http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1746923.html Whilst it may look like our ex RNAD Dean Hill Baguley Drewry diesel hydraulic (w/n 3751 of 1980) has sat outside the workshops at Amberley for a number of years unloved and untouched, in fact a lot of work behind the scenes and more importantly between the frames has been ongoing since it was purchased. When acquired, not only was the loco 2’ 6” gauge but it had also been involved in an accident resulting in a snapped front axle. Over the past few years we have been busy stripping down between the frames, overhauling, repainting and regauing. A number of major alterations were necessary to regauge to 2’ 0” gauge and we’re quite proud of the fact that all the work except the pressing off and back on of the wheels was carried out by us on site at Amberley, including the manufacture of a new front axle. During this time, one other ex Dean Hill Baguley was regauged professionally to 2’ 0” and another completed shortly after – obviously proving all those who said it couldn’t be done completely wrong (although it is only just possible!). So with everything bolted back in, air brakes and other systems overhauled and re-commissioned, the time had come to manoeuvre the loco from its position at 90° to the workshop access tracks. With the museum crane out of action the job was carried out manually. A large heavy-duty Easy-out/sector plate was fabricated, a large Turfor winch borrowed and the loco literally pulled round. In all, the entire manoeuvre to driving off the ramp onto Amberley rail proper took exactly one hour! We now need to thoroughly test the loco and our alterations before any further major work is carried out. Air brakes to Amberley standards are in the process of being fitted and it is hoped that the Baguley will be available in it’s current industrial condition for passenger duties at our forthcoming Industrial Trains Day in October. Sunday 23 August 2009: Whilst it may look like our ex RNAD Dean Hill Baguley Drewry diesel hydraulic (w/n 3751 of 1980) has sat outside the workshops at Amberley for a number of years unloved and untouched, in fact a lot of work behind the scenes and more importantly between the frames has been ongoing since it was purchased. When acquired, not only was the loco 2_ 6_ gauge but it had also been involved in an accident resulting in a snapped front axle. Over the past few years we have been busy stripping down between the frames, overhauling, repainting and regauing. A number of major alterations were necessary to regauge to 2_ 0_ gauge and we_re quite proud of the fact that all the work except the pressing off and back on of the wheels was carried out by us on site at Amberley, including the manufacture of a new front axle. During this time, one other ex Dean Hill Baguley was regauged professionally to 2_ 0_ and another completed shortly after _ obviously proving all those who said it couldn_t be done completely wrong (although it is only just possible!). So with everything bolted back in, air brakes and other systems overhauled and re-commissioned, the time had come to manoeuvre the loco from its position at 90_ to the workshop access tracks. With the museum crane out of action the job was carried out manually. A large heavy-duty Easy-out/sector plate was fabricated, a large Turfor winch borrowed and the loco literally pulled round. In all, the entire manoeuvre to driving off the ramp onto Amberley rail proper took exactly one hour! We now need to thoroughly test the loco and our alterations before any further major work is carried out. Air brakes to Amberley standards are in the process of being fitted and it is hoped that the Baguley will be available in it_s current industrial condition for passenger duties at our forthcoming Industrial Trains Day in October.

Temporary track and sector plate laid down, packed and bolted up. Almost ready to start up and drive back. Almost ready to drive back onto the sector plate. Climbing up ready for the first move. Gently driving back over the temporary track. Just coming onto the sector plate. Fully on and a couple of test pulls with the Turfor to ensure everything was safe. Turning round slowly..... .....and a bit further...... ... not far off, winching going well and surprisingly easily. Turned all the way round and ready to drive off the ramp. Carefully dropping down the temporary ramp, using a Hudson easy-out for the last section. Safely manoeuvred onto the Amberley system, without a hitch and exactly to the minute, taking one hour. The various track parts used in the extraction seen in the foreground. Fowler 'Peldon' proved to be a very useful ground anchor for the Turfor and provides a good comparison. Both locos are almost identical in dimensions, wheelbase, and weight although the Baguley is almost twice as powerful. Years of being stored outside at both Amberley and RNAD Dean Hill have taken their toll on the cosmetic appearance. First stop after a quick test run was the high level line in the main workshop for a check of clearances and adjustments. Everything seemed fine with just a couple of tweaks required. Then time for a quick wash to remove years worth of algae and moss. Looking much more presentable if a little rusty. Outside the running shed looking a little smarter. Pressed into service shunting the museum's ex RAF Fauld coach away after the days service. Test running on the industrial line. Test running on the industrial line.

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]]> Sun Aug 23 2009 Thakeham Tiles Petrol Locomotive No 4 of c1946 http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1579943.html Thakeham Tiles petrol locomotive No 4 moved from storage at a private site in the Loughborough area to it's new home at Amberley Working Museum. More details to follow shortly....... Monday 15 September 2008: Thakeham Tiles petrol locomotive No 4 moved from storage at a private site in the Loughborough area to it's new home at Amberley Working Museum. More details to follow shortly.......

Thakeham Tiles No 4 as previously preserved at Cadeby shares very little resemblance with No 5. Thakeham Tiles No 4 at Cadeby.

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]]> Mon Sep 15 2008 Lister 4wDM 41803 of 1955 <p> Collection from a garden in Shoreham for display at Amberley Working Museum http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1569350.html In conjunction with Amberley Working Museum's Lister railtruck gala weekend, the opportunity was taken to collect Lister 41803 of 1955 from its normal resting place in a private garden in Shoreham, West Sussex for display. The loco was acquired purely by chance by a Sussex enthusiast whilst visiting the Clay Cross Company's (former Biwater Pipes) Chesterfield works and was previously stored at the Lavender Line in East Sussex. We thought it would be good to have an unrestored and normally unseen Lister on display over the gala weekend, also giving an idea of the work involved to restore a loco to working condition. We also offered to carry out some work on the Lister whilst at Amberley to assist its owner with some of the heavier tasks, including fitting an operational, albeit single cylinder engine in place of the seized and incomplete Lister SR2 originally fitted. Other work carried out included freeing up the seized gearbox and clutch. The Lister was returned to it's normal resting place - the owner's front garden! - on 10th January 2009. Wednesday 18 June 2008: In conjunction with Amberley Working Museum's Lister railtruck gala weekend, the opportunity was taken to collect Lister 41803 of 1955 from its normal resting place in a private garden in Shoreham, West Sussex for display. The loco was acquired purely by chance by a Sussex enthusiast whilst visiting the Clay Cross Company's (former Biwater Pipes) Chesterfield works and was previously stored at the Lavender Line in East Sussex. We thought it would be good to have an unrestored and normally unseen Lister on display over the gala weekend, also giving an idea of the work involved to restore a loco to working condition. We also offered to carry out some work on the Lister whilst at Amberley to assist its owner with some of the heavier tasks, including fitting an operational, albeit single cylinder engine in place of the seized and incomplete Lister SR2 originally fitted. Other work carried out included freeing up the seized gearbox and clutch. The Lister was returned to it's normal resting place - the owner's front garden! - on 10th January 2009.

The Lister as normally found, amongst the shrubbery! View from the rear With some temporary track panels loosely laid down we can start to extract the Lister Ready to roll backwards onto the temporary track. Here the lightweight nature of these locos is very useful indeed. The trailer waits in the background for loading It was necessary to turn the loco twice through 90 degrees to get it to a suitable location for winching onto our trailer. This was carried out using an 'easy-out' turnplate Turned once toward the road and ready to cross the pavement The first half of the move complete. The 'easy-out' turnplate and temporary track can be seen behind Having crossed the pavement it was necessary to turn through 90 degrees again to bring the Lister parallel to the road for loading With the trailer and ramp set up it was time to winch the Lister onto the bed Safely loaded and strapped down ready for the short journey to Amberley Off-loaded and parked up in front of the running shed at Amberley. The loco at this stage was not a runner with a seized engine and gearbox Examination of the gearbox showed it had sat filled with a large amount of water and sludge for quite some time. The 'box was eventually freed up but will required further work by the owner Lister 41803 being shunted by Brian Faulkner's Lister Blackstone w/n 56371 over the July Lister gala weekend at Amberley After gala weekend further work continued. The seized engine was removed ready for the running single cylinder replacement supplied by the owner to be fitted Fitting of the single cylinder replacement engine was quick and straight forward only requiring two extra holes to be drilled in the engine cross-bearers With the running engine fitted and bolted up we were able to have a test run. The loco couldn't move under it's own power at this stage due to the lack of a primary drive chain to link the engine and gearbox togther - something the owner has yet to source

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]]> Wed Jun 18 2008 Hollycombe Steam Collection, West Sussex<p> Our Decauville 'Barbouilleur' visits for Hollycombe's Railway Weekend http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1299025.html With our 10 year boiler certificate due to expire at the end of July, we decided to have one last visit away with 'Barbouilleur'. It had been many years since we last visited another railway, the last being to Froissy-Cappy-Dompierre in France via Leighton Buzzard and Maldegem in Belgium. Arrangements were duly made with Hollycombe for the Decauville to visit for their Railway Gala Weekend and it departed a week or so in advance in the very capable hands of Exmoor Transport with their lowloader geared up for moving 2ft gauge stock. Hollycombe has the advantage of not being too far to travel, but is still quite a demanding line for smaller steam locos, especially whose requiring heavy overhaul! Getting a train of four loaded Ramsgate Tunnel Railway coaches (which weigh about 5 tons each empty) away from the station, up the hill and round the corner was hard work but we did manage a few trips successfully. A great weekend was had, and the Decauville later returned in time for Amberley's own Railway Gala Weekend. Saturday 2 June 2007: With our 10 year boiler certificate due to expire at the end of July, we decided to have one last visit away with 'Barbouilleur'. It had been many years since we last visited another railway, the last being to Froissy-Cappy-Dompierre in France via Leighton Buzzard and Maldegem in Belgium. Arrangements were duly made with Hollycombe for the Decauville to visit for their Railway Gala Weekend and it departed a week or so in advance in the very capable hands of Exmoor Transport with their lowloader geared up for moving 2ft gauge stock. Hollycombe has the advantage of not being too far to travel, but is still quite a demanding line for smaller steam locos, especially whose requiring heavy overhaul! Getting a train of four loaded Ramsgate Tunnel Railway coaches (which weigh about 5 tons each empty) away from the station, up the hill and round the corner was hard work but we did manage a few trips successfully. A great weekend was had, and the Decauville later returned in time for Amberley's own Railway Gala Weekend.

Loading at Amberley, Exmoor Transport's ex-Derby Works lowloader (now converted with 2ft gauge track as well) is set up behind. The Decauville being winched onto the trailer. Safely up onto the lowloader and ready for strapping down. Chained down and ready for the short journey to Hollycombe. Lighting up at Hollycombe. Barbouilleur alongside resident Hunslet 'Jerry M' (w/n 638 of 1895). Hollycombe's Barclay E class 0-4-0WT 'Caledonia' (w/n 1995 of 1931) shunts whilst our Decauville raises steam in the station. 'Caledonia' works a passenger train past 'Jerry M'. Both locos came to Hollycombe from Dinorwic Quarries, North Wales. A view from 'Barbouilleur's' drivers spectacle waiting for our turn; 'Caledonia' backs her train down into the station whilst 'Jerry M' sits outside the shed. A slightly different view; a rickety signal post provided this unusual shot of the Decauville waiting at the station. 'Jerry M' fresh from major overhaul sits looking beautiful outside the small loco shed. Unfortunately, a few small jobs and no test steaming meant she missed the weekend by literally days. Ex RAF Fauld, Staffordshire, Ruston 48DL 4wDM (w/n 203016 of 1940) is the regular shunter/works loco. Ex Arnold's, Leighton Buzzard Motor Rail 20/28hp 4wDM (w/n 8994 of 1946) sits round the back of the station. Normally resident at the Quarry, it did make a few trips over the weekend but was burning an excessive amount of engine oil to be heavily used. The Decauville making its way up the hill out of the station with a few wagons. Much more effort was required to get a full rake of ex Ramsgate coaches up the bank. Waiting for the all-clear to reverse back down the hill into the station the Decauville is passed by one of the many traction engines on site. Again waiting to leave the loop and head back to the station with a works train. Motor Rail 8994 is behind in the siding. Hot, dirty, but happy! Motor Rail 8994 heads off with a single skip. Ruston 203016 trundles round with a prototypical ex RNAD box van. Paused in the woods, the Decauville in dappled sunshine. Heading light engine towards the quarry. Hollycombe have some incredibly picturesque parts to their line. Amongst the wild flowers. Heading past the fields. Waiting in the quarry with safety valves lifting. 'Caledonia' emerges from the woods and disrupts the locals! 'Caledonia' light engine at the top of the fields 'Barbouilleur' working as hard a possible to get a fully loaded train of four ex Ramsgate Tunnel Railway coaches up the hill. Hard work indeed! Comforting to know though is that there is time for a quick blow-up whilst pausing in the quarry. Passing the horse's field with a passenger train. Yorkshire 0-4-0DH 2679 of 1962 sits on the standard gauge line awaiting repairs.

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]]> Sat Jun 2 2007 Twyford Waterworks, Hampshire<p>Hibberd Y Type 3627 visits from Amberley Working Museum http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1299017.html Captions coming soon..... Sunday 10 June 2007: Captions coming soon.....

Amberley's Hibberd Y Type safely loaded onto the trailer and strapped down with the ex Colne Valley Waterworks manrider. Another shot of the Hibberd and manrider, loaded the day before travelling the short distance to Twyford.

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]]> Sun Jun 10 2007 WANTED <p> Parts etc. wanted to assist our restoration projects at Amberley http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1170569.html A list of parts we are in need of for our restoration projects at Amberley Museum. If you think you might be able to help us with any of these items, or know somebody who can then please get in touch using the contact box on the Index page. We are always interested in expanding our family-owned collection based at Amberley with interesting locomotives and items of rolling stock. Monday 25 August 2008: A list of parts we are in need of for our restoration projects at Amberley Museum. If you think you might be able to help us with any of these items, or know somebody who can then please get in touch using the contact box on the Index page. We are always interested in expanding our family-owned collection based at Amberley with interesting locomotives and items of rolling stock.

Also wanted, one or two ex. Monkton Farleigh ammunition wagons as seen here. Ideally complete with dropsides but any wagons in any condition considered. Wanted for Lister 33937 - one buffer block casting

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]]> Mon Aug 25 2008 Twyford Waterworks, Hampshire<p> Thakeham Tiles petrol loco No.5 visits from Amberley http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c1042096.html The opportunity arose for us to take a visiting loco to the narrow gauge railway being developed by our friends the Feldwick family and co at Twyford Waterworks in Hampshire. We chose to take our Thakeham Tiles petrol loco number 5, normally based as part of the industrial railway collection at Amberley Working Museum in West Sussex. Weighing in at under one ton this is an ideal small loco to travel around on a trailer, and as ours had enough space available we also took along the restored Colne Valley Waterworks (Hertfordshire) skip-chassis based manrider wagon. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day trundling up and down the short demonstration line and before long it was time to winch everything back onto the trailer ready for the hour or so drive back to unload at Amberley. Our thanks to Graham and Matthew Feldwick for the invitation and for letting us loose for the day. Sunday 4 June 2006: The opportunity arose for us to take a visiting loco to the narrow gauge railway being developed by our friends the Feldwick family and co at Twyford Waterworks in Hampshire. We chose to take our Thakeham Tiles petrol loco number 5, normally based as part of the industrial railway collection at Amberley Working Museum in West Sussex. Weighing in at under one ton this is an ideal small loco to travel around on a trailer, and as ours had enough space available we also took along the restored Colne Valley Waterworks (Hertfordshire) skip-chassis based manrider wagon. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day trundling up and down the short demonstration line and before long it was time to winch everything back onto the trailer ready for the hour or so drive back to unload at Amberley. Our thanks to Graham and Matthew Feldwick for the invitation and for letting us loose for the day.

Our Thakeham Tiles petrol loco number 5 and the museum's manrider loaded onto the trailer the day before departing to Twyford. With the loco and manrider loaded all that remains is to strap everything down safely for the journey. After manoeuvring into place at Twyford unloading begins. Descending the ramp from the trailer. Safely down and coupled up ready for the first run of the day. Matthew Feldwick takes the opportunity of a test run down the short demonstration line. A general view of the lime kiln area of the waterworks. The small corrugated building now serves as a loco shed for the two Lister locos based here. Thakeham no.5 and manrider standing in front of the kilns. Setting off down the line with the lime kilns in the background. A view looking down the line, no.5 returning back to the kilns. Thakeham no.5 coupled to the Colne Valley Waterworks manirder. Amberley's Gerry Cork rides the manrider whislt collecting a skip from one of the sidings. Thakeham no.5, Colne Valley manrider and an Allen's of Tipton skip stand waiting for another demonstration run. Running into the kiln charging floor, now used as a small loco shed. The doorway in the background leads to the head of the water-powered incline. Eventually the incline will link the two separate 2ft gauge lines togther. Another view standing inside the kiln buildings. Note the small turntable under the front of the loco. Looking from the charging floor another turntable can be seen in front of Thakeham Tiles 5. Leaving the loco shed/charging floor building. The Feldwick's smartly restored petrol Lister loco w/n 3961 of 1931. Diesel Lister w/n 4294 of 1956 also owned by the Feldwick family was in use throughout the day. Lister 4294 with the kiln complex as a backdrop. A small minimum gauge clay tub from a brickworks in Berkshire. A general view of the lime kilns and associated buildings. The lime was added at the waterworks as an aid to water softening. On static display on the lower quarry line was Hibberd Planet Type 39 4wDM w/n 3983 of 1956, formerly in use with the D.o.E. on Hoo Ness island in the Medway estuary. Ex. Leighton Buzzard Motor Rail 20/28hp plate frame w/n 7374 of 1939 'Ayala' was operating on the lower quarry demonstration line. Motor Rail 4wPM w/n 5355 of 1932 ex. Southampton Docks. Whilst at Southampton it was rebuilt with outriggers and longer axles to operate on the standard gauge system. Restoration has started at Twyford including regauging back to 2ft gauge. The outriggers, now cut away, can be seen placed in posistion as can the extended axles in front of the chassis.

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]]> Sun Jun 4 2006 Alan Keef Ltd., Lea Line near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c925652.html A brief visit to collect some loco spares provided the opportunity to have a look round the yard and workshops. Many projects on the go and business seems to be good. Thursday 2 March 2006: A brief visit to collect some loco spares provided the opportunity to have a look round the yard and workshops. Many projects on the go and business seems to be good.

Hudswell Clarke 573 of 1900 'Handyman' was stored in the yard awaiting restoration to working order. Originally destined for Ireland, in July 2008 it was moved to the NRM at York. Ex Channel Tunnel 900mm gauge RFS built diesel hydraulic L106 of 1989. Ex RNAD bogies stacked. The yard alongside the workshop with an assortment of stock. Ex Minworth Sewage Works Motor Rail 40SD502 rebuilt in 2004 by Alan Keef Ltd. The cutout in the bonnet was to allow a flagman to travel with the train at Minworth for crossing a main road. Alan Keef w/n 2 of 1976 named 'Skippy' for obvious reasons. An unrestored Motor Rail 20/28hp plate frame, presumed 5877 of 1935. Partially dismantled Wingrove and Rogers 1393 of 1939. Hire loco 'Digger', Motor Rail 20/28hp 8882 of 1944. The steam shed to the rear of the main workshop normally houses DeWinton replica 'Taffy' and Bagnall 'Woto'. In front of the shed is a (replica?) Penrhyn Quarrymans coach belonging to the Moseley Railway Trust. A pair of Schoema diesel hydraulic locos (5239 and 5240 of 1991) in the headshunt. A busy scene in the workshop. In the foreground and the complex axles for a pair of 600mm gauge 'Brigadelok' 0-8-0T's currently in Portland. Behind are the frames of 900mm gauge O&K 5201 of 1912. In the background can be seen the largely complete Baldwin 4-6-0T 44656 of 1917 for Leighton Buzzard. A closer view of the Baldwin, formerly named 'Lion' and initially preserved at Amberley before being passed onto Leigton Buzzard. Alan Keef w/n 67 of 2002 undergoing repairs for Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Standard gauge 'Puffing Billy' replica under construction for Bemish Museum.

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]]> Thu Mar 2 2006 Tunnelling Plant dealer, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c701230.html A journey to Stoke-on-Trent to collect a manrider wagon built for use on underground and tunnelling contracts, now part of the railway collection at Amberley Working Museum. Also present in the yard were a number of other mining and tunnelling related items of rolling stock. Monday 22 August 2005: A journey to Stoke-on-Trent to collect a manrider wagon built for use on underground and tunnelling contracts, now part of the railway collection at Amberley Working Museum. Also present in the yard were a number of other mining and tunnelling related items of rolling stock.

The manrider ready for loading for transport south to Amberley. A tiny Wingrove & Rogers BEV type WR7. Another stored Pikrose Wingrove & Rogers BEV (BO366V), apparently then awaiting delivery to the Welsh Highland Railway (Gelerts Farm), but later found a home with the Moseley Railway Trust at Apedale. A large, modern high capacity mine u-tub. A stack of heavy duty flat wagons, one of which has been quickly converted to a manrider. The frame from 20/28hp Motorail Simplex loco w/n 7201 stored for a private owner. Thanks to Jonathan Flood for the identification. Also stored for a private owner was this Wickham target trolley w/n 3238 of 1943 (RTT 767165) ex Lydd Gun Ranges, Kent. Thanks to Jonathan Flood for the identification. Stored at Dilhorne Colliery, on the Foxfield Railway was this 5 ton Greenwood & Batley battery loco. Originally destined for us at Amberley, it was resold to Statfold Barn before we could arrange collection. Also stored at Dilhorne Colliery was this Clayton 'Pony' battery loco, complete with rubber tyres for greater adhesion on steap gradients underground. Assorted mine tubs, semi-derelict at Dilhorne Colliery. Another view of the GreenBat at Dilhorne Colliery. The manrider loaded, ready for the journey south, parked in Tesco's car park! Unloading in progress. Unloading the manrider. Safely down off the trailer. Coupled to the museum's BEV battery loco, ready for the first run on the system.

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]]> Mon Aug 22 2005 Twyford Waterworks, Hampshire http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c572818.html A first visit to the fledgling narrow gauge industrial railway project at Twyford Waterworks Trust, Hampshire. Headed by the Feldwick Family, their private collection of i/c locos and rolling stock have finally been brought out of many years storage. Work at present is centred around a set of limekilns, expanding the original basic handworked system. Chalk was excavated in the Waterwork's own quarry and burnt in the kilns, producing lime for water softening purposes. An extensive yet authenic system is at the planning stages, linking the limekilns on the upper site with the quarry and pumping station on the lower site via the original incline. The upper system will remain the home of the Feldwick's nicely restored Listers, ideal for the lightweight nature of the trackwork, whilst the lower system, when constructed will be home to the family's ex Leighton Buzzard Motor Rail and Hoo Ness Hibberd Planet. A wonderful location with a promising future. Sunday 5 June 2005: A first visit to the fledgling narrow gauge industrial railway project at Twyford Waterworks Trust, Hampshire. Headed by the Feldwick Family, their private collection of i/c locos and rolling stock have finally been brought out of many years storage. Work at present is centred around a set of limekilns, expanding the original basic handworked system. Chalk was excavated in the Waterwork's own quarry and burnt in the kilns, producing lime for water softening purposes. An extensive yet authenic system is at the planning stages, linking the limekilns on the upper site with the quarry and pumping station on the lower site via the original incline. The upper system will remain the home of the Feldwick's nicely restored Listers, ideal for the lightweight nature of the trackwork, whilst the lower system, when constructed will be home to the family's ex Leighton Buzzard Motor Rail and Hoo Ness Hibberd Planet. A wonderful location with a promising future.

Ex. Leighton Buzzard Motor Rail 20/28hp plate frame w/n 7374 of 1939 'Ayala'. Ex. D.O.E. Hoo Ness Hibberd Planet w/n 3983 of 1962. Both locos are normally kept in the container behind. More rolling stock stored in the quarry area. The feldwicks other two i/c locos parked on a temporary length of track in the quarry. Inside the boiler house some track still surives, along with this tiny 2ft gauge weighbridge (more like scales!). The base of the incline, painted lines were added some years ago to give an idea of the original alignment of the handworked system. Inside the doorway an ex. Southampton Power Station skip stands. A view down the incline to the lower site and chalk quarry. This incline will eventually link the two levels. A general view of the Waterworks buildings from the upper level. A siding alongside the kilns leads through a doorway onto the raised coal tipping dock. Only a hundred yards or so of track have been laid at present, the limekiln buildings are located just behind the camera. The two Listers parked up, the site of the tin building behind will become a small loco shed in due course. Interesting to see one of the 12 Diesel Lister w/n 42494 of 1956 with an Allens of Tipton 'Ezeetip' pattern skip. Another ex. Southampton skip is used to demonstrate the partially relaid water-powered incline. A closer view of the kilns, trackwork in the foreground follows the alignment of the orginal handworked system and was replicated some years ago. Lister w/n 3961 of 1931 as restored by Graham Feldwick and his family. Another view of the diesel Lister. The Feldwick's two Listers on the newly laid track. The door in the building in the distance accesses the kiln charging floor and the water-powered incline to the lower site. A general view of the limekilns area, the current centre of activity for the narrow gauge industrial railway project. Ex. Southampton Power Station skips, these were already at Twyford before the industrial railway project started.

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]]> Sun Jun 5 2005 George &amp; Charlotte Mine, Morwellham Quay, near Tavistock, Devon. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c454152.html Not an industrial line but in fact part of the Morwellham Quay Museum near Tavistock in Devon. Morwellham portrays the trades of the local mining industries and as part of this the George and Charlotte mine has been developed. It is possible to ride behind Wingrove and Rogers BEV battery locos along a narrow ledge parallel with the River Tamar then into the mine itself, where passengers are presented with a number of 'Son et Lumieres' before exiting via another adit and returning along the banks of the Tamar. Although the George and Charlotte mine is an authentic copper mine, part of the adits used by the 2ft gauge line today were driven in the late 1970’s to lengthen the existing system. A number of interesting wagons and spare (or under repair/derelict) locos are kept in sidings both at the station area and at the run round loop at the far end of the line. It is worth noting that the route of the line is laid on a public footpath, so it is possible to walk the length of the line (NOT the mine itself) during operational periods, but beware that some of the line is laid on very narrow ledges where clearance for people and trains is very limited so it is best to alert the mine staff to your intentions. The following pictures were taken whilst briefly passing through the area, on a quiet weekday and unfortunately I missed the only train to operate whilst I was there! Tuesday 16 November 2004: Not an industrial line but in fact part of the Morwellham Quay Museum near Tavistock in Devon. Morwellham portrays the trades of the local mining industries and as part of this the George and Charlotte mine has been developed. It is possible to ride behind Wingrove and Rogers BEV battery locos along a narrow ledge parallel with the River Tamar then into the mine itself, where passengers are presented with a number of 'Son et Lumieres' before exiting via another adit and returning along the banks of the Tamar. Although the George and Charlotte mine is an authentic copper mine, part of the adits used by the 2ft gauge line today were driven in the late 1970_s to lengthen the existing system. A number of interesting wagons and spare (or under repair/derelict) locos are kept in sidings both at the station area and at the run round loop at the far end of the line. It is worth noting that the route of the line is laid on a public footpath, so it is possible to walk the length of the line (NOT the mine itself) during operational periods, but beware that some of the line is laid on very narrow ledges where clearance for people and trains is very limited so it is best to alert the mine staff to your intentions. The following pictures were taken whilst briefly passing through the area, on a quiet weekday and unfortunately I missed the only train to operate whilst I was there!

A general view of the route along the ledge with the Tamar to the left. Looking towards the mine entrance, just visible in the distance. Note the narrow ledge in the middle distance with a precipitous drop! The mine entrance, returning trains use the line on the right. Various U-tubs and skips kept in the sidings at the run round loop. The other adit where trains exit after passing through the mine. Another couple of sets of spare man-riders and basic maintenance facilities. A derelict BEV chassis dumped off the track at the far end of the line. Yet another spare BEV with a new battery box being constructed. A view of the run round loop, maintenance facilities, and general equipment. Various wagons and the breakdown/emergency wagon converted from one of the standard public man-riders. Another two BEV locos spare. One of the spare battery locos with a rake of man-riders parked up. A pair of rock shovels in the station area. One built by Atlas, the other presumably by Eimco. The line leaving the station area, with various wagons stored on the right, and a spare train set kept on the siding in the distance. General view of the basic station, looking back to the museum. An interesting mine tub parked with some more typical u-tubs. Rear view of 'Bertha'. The track plan displayed for safety reasons, but it is incredibly accurate! A closer view of 'Bertha' parked in the headshunt. Wingrove and Rogers w/n 6298 of 1960. The view that greets passengers after a short walk from the main museum site. One BEV is stationed in the headshunt.

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]]> Tue Nov 16 2004 Ardoisières d'Angers, Trélazé, Maine et Loire, France. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428847.html Part of a once extensive network of 500mm gauge, 600mm gauge and metre gauge lines connecting winding shafts, waste tips and splitting factories of the slate producing region near Angers, Loire, France. When these photos were taken only one small section of the surface 600mm gauge line was still in operation. Slate was being wound at 'Puits 25' in the village of St Lezin, battery locos built by Bartz being used underground. Slate came to the surface in either slabs or waste on a combination of modular wagons. These consisted of a standard four-wheel bogie onto which large blocks could be loaded alone. For smaller blocks a flat body with stakes was fitted to the standard bogie and for waste a tub body was used. The various wagon combinations were marshalled into long rakes at the surface loop sidings before being taken to the splitting factory at ‘Tire-Poche’ by one of the two Gmeinder diesel locos. There, trains were unloaded and returned to the marshalling sidings at the pit-head shaft. Shortly before my visit much of the line near ‘Puits 25’ had been re-laid bypassing a large triangular junction which had linked this system with the extensive waste tips and ‘Puits 26’, another shaft recently closed. Unfortunately, this system finally gave way to road transport and a new, gigantic road-served adit constructed for slate extraction. Apologies for the poor quality of these images, they are scanned prints - never ideal! If anyone has information regarding the Bartz battery locos I'd be very interested to hear from them, I'd particularly like dimensions, drawings and manufacturers information to enable me to produce a CAD drawing for modelling purposes. I believe the examples used here are types GA04-J01, GA04-J02 and GA04-J03. Tuesday 23 September 1997: Part of a once extensive network of 500mm gauge, 600mm gauge and metre gauge lines connecting winding shafts, waste tips and splitting factories of the slate producing region near Angers, Loire, France. When these photos were taken only one small section of the surface 600mm gauge line was still in operation. Slate was being wound at 'Puits 25' in the village of St Lezin, battery locos built by Bartz being used underground. Slate came to the surface in either slabs or waste on a combination of modular wagons. These consisted of a standard four-wheel bogie onto which large blocks could be loaded alone. For smaller blocks a flat body with stakes was fitted to the standard bogie and for waste a tub body was used. The various wagon combinations were marshalled into long rakes at the surface loop sidings before being taken to the splitting factory at _Tire-Poche_ by one of the two Gmeinder diesel locos. There, trains were unloaded and returned to the marshalling sidings at the pit-head shaft. Shortly before my visit much of the line near _Puits 25_ had been re-laid bypassing a large triangular junction which had linked this system with the extensive waste tips and _Puits 26_, another shaft recently closed. Unfortunately, this system finally gave way to road transport and a new, gigantic road-served adit constructed for slate extraction. Apologies for the poor quality of these images, they are scanned prints - never ideal! If anyone has information regarding the Bartz battery locos I'd be very interested to hear from them, I'd particularly like dimensions, drawings and manufacturers information to enable me to produce a CAD drawing for modelling purposes. I believe the examples used here are types GA04-J01, GA04-J02 and GA04-J03.

A first glimpse of a Gmeinder diesel loco through the gates of 'Puits 25'. One of the Gmeinders arriving with a train of empty wagons. Propelling the empty rake into the loop sidings ready to be lowered one-by-one down the shaft. Crossing one of the internal roads. Ready to depart with a loaded train for the slate splitting factory. A long rake of empty waste slate tubs being propelled towards the shaft. A good view of a Gmeinder diesel loco, re-engined with a large 100hp Deutz air-cooled engine, hence the bonnet extensions. A rake of empty bogies. Onto these different bodies could be quickly fitted depending on the load to be carried. Bogies passing into the pit-head building before going underground. An automatic traverser and hydraulic rams constantly loaded empty wagons into the cage, thus pushing loaded wagons out the other side. Loaded wagons rolled into the loops to be made up into rakes. General view of the head-gear and pit-head buildings. A busy scene at the surface yard. Dumped fuel bowser wagon. A Gmeinder with train en-route to 'Tire-Poche' and the splitting factory. Returning from the splitting factory, passing through the waste tips. Another loaded train passes through the tips. The disused waste line ended at this tipping dock where waste was then moved to the tips by mechanical shovel. A general view of the semi disused yard at 'Tire-Poche'. Behind the camera is the slate splitting factory and run-round loop. The conveyor in the centre originally loaded rakes of Decauville skips destined for the vast waste tips. A Bartz battery-electric loco undergoing overhaul in the modest workshop. At the time these photos were taken a number of these small but powerful battery locos were used underground. One of the derelict pit-heads and winding houses. This was opposite 'Puits 25' and was orginally served by a dual gauge 600mm/metre gauge line.

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]]> Tue Sep 23 1997 Thakeham Tiles Petrol Locomotive No 5 of c1950 http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428817.html This 2ft gauge 4wPM locomotive was the fifth and last built by Thakeham Tiles, near Storrington in West Sussex for use on their short line in the sand pit. Commonly, but wrongly, referred to as a skip-chassis loco, it was in fact entirely built in the workshop at the Tileworks using commercially available wheelsets and axleboxes from William Jones. The loco is only about 5 feet tall, having to pass under some very low sand hoppers. Also, like most Thakeham locos including the two Hudson-Hunslets, it has no couplings on the rear, only ever required to couple to two skips at the front. The fourth Thakeham built loco formerly preserved in the Cadeby collection near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire has now also moved to Amberley. Originally built with a rear entry cab and powered by a single-cylinder air cooled Armstrong Siddelely engine, it was later quickly modified to a side entry cab and fitted with a Wisconsin single-cylinder petrol engine, but retained the original Armstrong Siddeley pre-select automotive gearbox. The loco passed into preservation in 1974 and was subject to a very vivid makeover being painted in a purple, red and yellow livery. The rear cab sheet was replaced with two round spectacle windows and at one point it even carried a bell! Eventually it became a static exhibit at the former Gloddfa Ganol railway collection, the engine having been dismantled for repairs many years previous but most parts had since been lost. The loco was acquired by the Smith family in 2001 and transported to Amberley Working Museum in West Sussex where restoration to its later industrial condition commenced. A replacement Wisconsin petrol engine was sourced locally, a new cab back sheet was made to replicate the replaced original and a new roof had to be formed and rolled to replace the badly corroded original. Restoration complete, work continued to get the temperamental Wisconsin petrol engine to run reliably, but the loco has since seen action at Amberley hauling two original Thakeham Tiles inside framed skips. A picture of this loco, taken by C.G. Down before engine replacement, can be found in Industrial Railways of the South-East, published by Middleton Press. Friday 18 May 2001: This 2ft gauge 4wPM locomotive was the fifth and last built by Thakeham Tiles, near Storrington in West Sussex for use on their short line in the sand pit. Commonly, but wrongly, referred to as a skip-chassis loco, it was in fact entirely built in the workshop at the Tileworks using commercially available wheelsets and axleboxes from William Jones. The loco is only about 5 feet tall, having to pass under some very low sand hoppers. Also, like most Thakeham locos including the two Hudson-Hunslets, it has no couplings on the rear, only ever required to couple to two skips at the front. The fourth Thakeham built loco formerly preserved in the Cadeby collection near Market Bosworth in Leicestershire has now also moved to Amberley. Originally built with a rear entry cab and powered by a single-cylinder air cooled Armstrong Siddelely engine, it was later quickly modified to a side entry cab and fitted with a Wisconsin single-cylinder petrol engine, but retained the original Armstrong Siddeley pre-select automotive gearbox. The loco passed into preservation in 1974 and was subject to a very vivid makeover being painted in a purple, red and yellow livery. The rear cab sheet was replaced with two round spectacle windows and at one point it even carried a bell! Eventually it became a static exhibit at the former Gloddfa Ganol railway collection, the engine having been dismantled for repairs many years previous but most parts had since been lost. The loco was acquired by the Smith family in 2001 and transported to Amberley Working Museum in West Sussex where restoration to its later industrial condition commenced. A replacement Wisconsin petrol engine was sourced locally, a new cab back sheet was made to replicate the replaced original and a new roof had to be formed and rolled to replace the badly corroded original. Restoration complete, work continued to get the temperamental Wisconsin petrol engine to run reliably, but the loco has since seen action at Amberley hauling two original Thakeham Tiles inside framed skips. A picture of this loco, taken by C.G. Down before engine replacement, can be found in Industrial Railways of the South-East, published by Middleton Press.

The loco after unloading at Amberley, direct from Rich Morris at Gloddfa Ganol in its very unprototypical livery! After unloading, bonnet lifted forward and propped on it's stand. Engineless! With the replacement engine installed a trial run was made down the passenger line before any other work was carried out. In cabless form, actually a designed-in feature was the removable upper cab and roof as one unit. During dismantling for restoration. Removing the wheelsets for restoration. The cab had been made easily removable when built at Thakeham by just undoing five bolts. This view also show the single-cylinder Wisconsin petrol engine. The Armstrong Siddeley automotive pre-select gearbox located under the drivers seat. More commonly found in expensive classic cars, this one uses just 1st forward and reverse, the other gears being blanked. With final painting and a myriad of small jobs yet to be completed, a test run brought about the opportunity to be the first, unofficial, loco to work into the new exhibition building, despite the access track not yet properly fish-plated or spiked! An arty shot, sunlight through the foliage. Hiding in the undergrowth. With skips in the sidings. Amongst the bushes on the industrial line. From the other side behind the pottery, the large curved cut-out in the bonnet clears the buffer beam when tilted fully forward. Behind the pottery on the industrial line. From the other side in the industrial sidings. Restoration now complete, a run down the industrial line. Restoration almost complete, standing outside the railway workshops, showing cab entry and starting handle. Another view coupled to the original Thakeham skips. Running during the 2004 Railway Gala Weekend with two skips from Thakeham Tiles.

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]]> Fri May 18 2001 Baguley-Drewry 4wDH 3751 of 1980 Ex. RNAD Dean Hill, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428771.html Built in 1980, Baguley-Drewry 3751 was supplied new to Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Trecwn in Pembrokeshire (OS Grid Ref SM970325). Later, it transferred to RNAD Dean Hill in Wiltshire (OS Grid Ref SU276266). Here it was used for transporting Naval armaments, including nuclear weapons, between the Underground Store Houses and the road/rail transfer sheds. At some time, the loco was involved in a collision with another train whilst exiting a Store House, which resulted in a broken front axle and bent frame. Having lain out of use for quite some time, this loco was included in the surplus tender held in February 2004. I secured the loco and it is now at Amberley Museum in West Sussex. Here, the wheels have been removed and pressed off for re-gauging from 2'6" to 60cm gauge and machining a new axle, also missing engine components have been sourced and the engine run successfully. Powered by a 60hp Perkins 4-236 diesel engine via a Brockhouse hydraulic transmission it will, eventually, prove to be a very useful loco after restoration to original condition. Thursday 19 February 2004: Built in 1980, Baguley-Drewry 3751 was supplied new to Royal Naval Armaments Depot (RNAD) Trecwn in Pembrokeshire (OS Grid Ref SM970325). Later, it transferred to RNAD Dean Hill in Wiltshire (OS Grid Ref SU276266). Here it was used for transporting Naval armaments, including nuclear weapons, between the Underground Store Houses and the road/rail transfer sheds. At some time, the loco was involved in a collision with another train whilst exiting a Store House, which resulted in a broken front axle and bent frame. Having lain out of use for quite some time, this loco was included in the surplus tender held in February 2004. I secured the loco and it is now at Amberley Museum in West Sussex. Here, the wheels have been removed and pressed off for re-gauging from 2'6" to 60cm gauge and machining a new axle, also missing engine components have been sourced and the engine run successfully. Powered by a 60hp Perkins 4-236 diesel engine via a Brockhouse hydraulic transmission it will, eventually, prove to be a very useful loco after restoration to original condition.

The Baguley as lying out of use at RNAD Dean Hill shortly before loading. The tarpaulin had covered the side window broken in the collision. Rear view showing the prototype coupling block. Being craned onto the lorry ready for the journey to Amberley. With the bonnet sides removed you can see the engine bay. Loading ready for transport to Amberley. Bryon Shaw, the loco's former driver stands alongside. Arrival at Amberley later the same day, positioning ready to crane off. Unloading at the railway workshops. Rear view showing the cab side and also the experiemtal replacement ballast weights and couplers. They weren't a success. Side view. Safely on the ground, unloading complete. Note the missing cast buffer block.

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]]> Thu Feb 19 2004 Bath & Portland Stone Ltd., Monks Park Mine, Corsham, Wiltshire. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428754.html This Bath Stone Mine located on the outskirts of Corsham (OS Grid Ref. ST878682) still quarries Bathstone from part of the once massive network of mines in the Corsham area of Wiltshire. A narrow gauge system of 2'5½" gauge is used both underground and on the surface to carry the huge stone blocks up the slope shaft. The surface system has been somewhat truncated in recent years but plenty of traces can still be found, as can the remains of many wooden framed wagons. A couple of Ruston 4wDM's used to shunt the surface, whilst a Greenwood and Batley 4wBE loco is still used underground. A footpath passes through a corner of the site. Wednesday 3 March 2004: This Bath Stone Mine located on the outskirts of Corsham (OS Grid Ref. ST878682) still quarries Bathstone from part of the once massive network of mines in the Corsham area of Wiltshire. A narrow gauge system of 2'5_" gauge is used both underground and on the surface to carry the huge stone blocks up the slope shaft. The surface system has been somewhat truncated in recent years but plenty of traces can still be found, as can the remains of many wooden framed wagons. A couple of Ruston 4wDM's used to shunt the surface, whilst a Greenwood and Batley 4wBE loco is still used underground. A footpath passes through a corner of the site.

A general view looking back towards the main gate. On the left is a more modern steel-framed stone wagon and on the right is the winding house for the slope shaft. Another view of the wagon standing on the site of the turntable. The winding house. The stone wagon waiting to be unloaded by the forklift. Where the wagon stands used to be a turntable accessing the former surface system. The top of the slope shaft going underground with massive Bathstone blocks stacked behind. A look down the slope shaft, the steps on the left form the access for workers. End view of the wagon, note the lack of any buffer-beam and the slats designed to stop stone blocks slipping off the bed whilst being wound to the surface. The stock yard formerly served by the surface system. Some rails remain and can just be seen in the mud behind the lefthand end of the wagon. Side view of the wagon. Wheels and axleboxes appear to be from the earlier 19th century wooden wagons. A view showing the chain and wire-rope Hawser used to connect the wagon to the haulage cable. Another general view of the surface. General top of slope shaft view. A final overall view of the yard.

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]]> Wed Mar 3 2004 Vitacress Ltd., Doddings Farm, Bere Regis, Dorset. formerly Sylvasprings Watercress Ltd. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428691.html Laid down to connect the watercress beds alongside the Bere Stream (OS Grid Ref. SY852932) in a picturesque Dorset valley, to the Packing sheds (OS Grid Ref. SY847946) near Bere Regis village, this 18" gauge line ran quite some distance across fields, rivers, watercress beds, roads and even under a cattle bridge. In recent years the northern part of the system has been abandoned (although it is still laid but completely overgrown) between the Packing sheds and Doddings Farm (OS Grid Ref. SY851937), although the southern part of the line is still in use occasionally. Most watercress beds here are now accessible by tractors but a few beds remain inaccessible by road vehicles necessitating the retention if the railway and its single, homebuilt, locomotive. Rolling stock today consists of the 4-wheel petrol-hydraulic loco built in 1948 by Bedford and Jesty, the original company, but has since been rebuilt many times since. It has recently had a new petrol engine fitted. There are four small 4-wheel steel flat wagons used to carry the crates of watercress once harvested. There were two 'Jubilee' type skip wagons and a flat wagon converted to a man-rider but these has long been scrapped. Monday 6 September 2004: Laid down to connect the watercress beds alongside the Bere Stream (OS Grid Ref. SY852932) in a picturesque Dorset valley, to the Packing sheds (OS Grid Ref. SY847946) near Bere Regis village, this 18" gauge line ran quite some distance across fields, rivers, watercress beds, roads and even under a cattle bridge. In recent years the northern part of the system has been abandoned (although it is still laid but completely overgrown) between the Packing sheds and Doddings Farm (OS Grid Ref. SY851937), although the southern part of the line is still in use occasionally. Most watercress beds here are now accessible by tractors but a few beds remain inaccessible by road vehicles necessitating the retention if the railway and its single, homebuilt, locomotive. Rolling stock today consists of the 4-wheel petrol-hydraulic loco built in 1948 by Bedford and Jesty, the original company, but has since been rebuilt many times since. It has recently had a new petrol engine fitted. There are four small 4-wheel steel flat wagons used to carry the crates of watercress once harvested. There were two 'Jubilee' type skip wagons and a flat wagon converted to a man-rider but these has long been scrapped.

A few slightly earlier shots, taken late 1990's just after Sylvasprings had been taken over by Vitacress, and the loco repainted to its present Vitacress livery. Stabled at the far end of the line with plastic crates loaded ready for the next morning's harvest. Each wagon carried three or four crates, in which the watercress was packed in bunches. Another few even earlier shots, quite poor prints to start with so these scans aren't brilliant at all. Taken in May 1991 still under the control of Sylvasprings. The loco before repainting, looking beautifully tatty! Loco and wagons opposite the packing sheds at the Bere Regis end of the line. Looking back towards the packing sheds. The bridges in the foreground are standard girder bridges crossing the Bere Stream. The white roof of the loco can just be made out in the distance. The cattle bridge looking towards Doddings Farm. One of the two Jubilee skips dumped at the far end of the line, rather rotten. This overgrown siding is where the loco is now kept. General view of the siding where the loco and wagons are kept since the line was severed near Doddings Farm. A general view of the Jesty loco. Closer view of the loco, behind is the Bere Stream which feeds fresh water to all the watrecress beds. Side view of the loco, which is really quite tiny, the cab only just big enough for a man seated. Behind is one of the simple girder bridges crossing the stream and watercress beds. Rear three-quarter view, previously the loco was named 'Watercress Queen'. For the modellers amongst us. Divisions on the scale stick are 3 Front view. Rear view. One of the flat wagons, this one sits lower than all the rest. A standard flat wagon. Part of the old loop, curving round to pass back between the next couple of beds. A really quite tight curve (not that apparent in the picture) plus a climb up from the beds. The end of the line, with undergrowth slowly burying the trackwork. The line once curved just in front of the gate and continued to join the siding now used to store the rolling stock. The other side of the loco, showing the new Honda petrol engine and the machinery shed behind. This houses tractors which now largely carry out harvesting work instead of the railway. The other side, unfortunately I couldn't get the scale stick on this side due to the steep river bank! Looking back towards the cottages from Doddings Farm the reason why trains can't work back to the Packing sheds becomes apparant, the missing bridge! The lines entire stock, the wagon nearest the camera is usually kept as spare. The stock siding with track to the left heading to the beds in the background and Doddings Farm. Off to the right the line forms an incomplete loop round some very large beds and once connected back to the system behind the loco in this view. Running between watercress beds, the majority of the system runs on narrow concrete causeways like this. Heading back to Doddings Farm and Bere Regis the line crosses an unsurfaced road which provides access to the cottages on the left. Also visable on the left is a ramp which allows tractors to carry the harvesting and transport work once the role of the railway. A closer view of the crossing. Although track is still in place and passable along the next section, the level crossing has for some years now been the limit of working. With the level crossing by the white hut, the line to the packing sheds snakes off to the left between the Bere Stream and watercress beds. The white building in the distance is part of Doddings Farm. The cottages overlooking the level crossing, watercress beds and valley, how pleasant!

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]]> Mon Sep 6 2004 R.M.C. Aggregates, Dove Holes Quarry & Buxton Lime Industries Ltd., Buxton, Derbyshire. http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428653.html A brief visit to the massive Limestone quarries complex just north-east of the Derbyshire town of Buxton. A pair of Sentinel 0-6-0DH locos shunt the sidings at R.M.C. Aggregates at Dove Holes Quarry (OS Grid Ref. SK088773) where mainline locos then take the trains onto the national network. These sidings are easily viewed from the surrounding public roads and also an over-bridge where a number of class 60 and 66's can be seen stabled. About 1 mile south of Dove Holes Quarry is Buxton Lime Industries Ltd., at Tunstead Works (OS Grid Ref. SK101743 and 097755). Here, the industrial lines parallel the double track mainline cutting through the picturesque Derbyshire Dales. Mainly operated by Thomas Hill and Sentinel diesels this system is also home to the modern and massive German built Vollert 6w-6wDH supplied in 2003, part of the system is easily overlooked from a public footpath running to the East of the works and which also cuts through the site, crossing the railway on a footbridge. The road bridge at Great Rocks Junction also affords good views of the railway and works complex, possibly one of the biggest quarries I have ever seen! Thursday 25 November 2004: A brief visit to the massive Limestone quarries complex just north-east of the Derbyshire town of Buxton. A pair of Sentinel 0-6-0DH locos shunt the sidings at R.M.C. Aggregates at Dove Holes Quarry (OS Grid Ref. SK088773) where mainline locos then take the trains onto the national network. These sidings are easily viewed from the surrounding public roads and also an over-bridge where a number of class 60 and 66's can be seen stabled. About 1 mile south of Dove Holes Quarry is Buxton Lime Industries Ltd., at Tunstead Works (OS Grid Ref. SK101743 and 097755). Here, the industrial lines parallel the double track mainline cutting through the picturesque Derbyshire Dales. Mainly operated by Thomas Hill and Sentinel diesels this system is also home to the modern and massive German built Vollert 6w-6wDH supplied in 2003, part of the system is easily overlooked from a public footpath running to the East of the works and which also cuts through the site, crossing the railway on a footbridge. The road bridge at Great Rocks Junction also affords good views of the railway and works complex, possibly one of the biggest quarries I have ever seen!

Cutting through the works on the public footpath this building caught my eye with the way in which years of limestone dust have encrusted onto the RSJ uprights. A view of the sidings south of Dove Holes Quarry from the road overbridge near the village of Peak Dale. Two class 60's can be seen along with a ballast tamper. Behind the Signal Box was an EWS class 66. A snow plough, another was stabled elsewhere in the sidings. 60 076 with R.M.C. Dove Holes Quarry in the background. Sentinel works no. 10186 of 1964 coupled to a rake of R.M.C. wagons with the quarry complex in the background. A closer view of Sentinel 10186, rebuilt by Barclay's in 1989. A closer view of 60 076 from the road running alongside the sidings. Thomas Hill 4wDH works no. 289V of 1980 in the works of Buxton Lime Industries. This loco also carries the name 'Harry Townley' and number SCW 1 05. From the footpath alongside the works high on top of the Derbyshire Dales a large area of the woks can be viewed, including a glimpse of the huge 6w-6wDH built by Vollert of Germany. A view of just a small portion of the massive Buxton Lime Industries site, with the double track mainline just visable in the centre with the industrial lines directly behind that. Sentinel works no. 10107 of 1963 (on the right in blue livery) joins its stable-mate by the exchange sidings.

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]]> Thu Nov 25 2004 Rinxent, Ferques and Caffiers, Pas de Calais, France http://narrowgaugeindustrial.fotopic.net/c428583.html A day trip on the ferry to France resulted in a few spare hours so a short drive was made to Rinxent, Pas de Calais, an area with huge Marble quarries, mostly rail-served off the SNCF mainline. First stop on the map was a large factory complex in Rinxent itself, shown as rail-served. The site was in fact the derelict buildings of les Usines Métallurgiques de Marquise à Rinxent, a massive foundry complex. Some standard gauge track was found, still laid in cobbles within the site amongst some wonderful French industrial architecture. Found inside some of the buildings was the remnants of a hand worked 600mm gauge line, probably used for moving large castings and forgings from the furnaces to the machine shop floor. Because of the darkness inside the buildings, these photos did not reproduce suitably to be uploaded here. The complex is no longer connected to SNCF and some areas of the site are undergoing demolition and redevelopment. North-East of Rinxent is the large quarry area of Ferques. One standard gauge branch worked by industrials runs from quarries at La Providence, paralleling the SNCF mainline to exchange sidings at Caffiers Station. This line is worked by a pair of modern 4wDH locos, can anyone identify them? A third line, normally worked by SNCF Bo-Bo's runs to the Marble quarries of Ferques. Some industrial locos can be seen from a distance here too. This line also runs to Caffiers Station, on the other side of the SNCF mainline. At one point it is possible to cross all three lines, four tracks worth, firstly on a level crossing, the mainline in a cutting via an over bridge and final another level crossing. Tuesday 4 January 2005: A day trip on the ferry to France resulted in a few spare hours so a short drive was made to Rinxent, Pas de Calais, an area with huge Marble quarries, mostly rail-served off the SNCF mainline. First stop on the map was a large factory complex in Rinxent itself, shown as rail-served. The site was in fact the derelict buildings of les Usines M_tallurgiques de Marquise _ Rinxent, a massive foundry complex. Some standard gauge track was found, still laid in cobbles within the site amongst some wonderful French industrial architecture. Found inside some of the buildings was the remnants of a hand worked 600mm gauge line, probably used for moving large castings and forgings from the furnaces to the machine shop floor. Because of the darkness inside the buildings, these photos did not reproduce suitably to be uploaded here. The complex is no longer connected to SNCF and some areas of the site are undergoing demolition and redevelopment. North-East of Rinxent is the large quarry area of Ferques. One standard gauge branch worked by industrials runs from quarries at La Providence, paralleling the SNCF mainline to exchange sidings at Caffiers Station. This line is worked by a pair of modern 4wDH locos, can anyone identify them? A third line, normally worked by SNCF Bo-Bo's runs to the Marble quarries of Ferques. Some industrial locos can be seen from a distance here too. This line also runs to Caffiers Station, on the other side of the SNCF mainline. At one point it is possible to cross all three lines, four tracks worth, firstly on a level crossing, the mainline in a cutting via an over bridge and final another level crossing.

Part of the foundry complex, showing the standard gauge internal system passing through one of the loading bays. Typical French industrial architecture, with the track still set in cobbles in the foreground. The loading bay from the other direction, showing the trackwork splitting into sidings. The workers entrance. Another part of the foundry, trackwork ran through the gap in the buildings, roughly where the pile of rubble is. A pair of diesel-hydraulics working a rake along the branch to Caffiers station. Heading towards Caffiers, shortly to parallel the SNCF mainline. Arriving at the exchange sidings in Caffiers station. Uncoupling to run round. Running round, ready to take the last rake of empties back today, ready for the morning. Sheeted over SNCF B-B electric loco 16510 parked at the end of the private siding, off the wires following a collision with a truck on the Caffiers level crossing in 2001. Thanks to Gordon Wiseman of the SNCF Society for the info. All was revealed with a look under the tarpaulin. A crushed cab suggests quite a bad crash. Nearby, a very bent hopper wagon, without bogies. Side view of crashed hopper wagon. Close up of damage, possibly involved with the accident damaged Bo-Bo loco? A pair of SNCF Bo-Bo diesel locos stabled in Caffiers station, with a marble train behind.

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]]> Tue Jan 4 2005