Mid Suffolk Light Railway

Couldn't find a thread for The Mid Suffolk Light Railway so thought I'd create one...

Visited yesterday for "The Wetheringsett Victorian Christmas Fayre" where the Cockerill 0-4-0VBWT Tram no. 2525 was running. This was the first time she'd run passenger trains solo (photo below). Speaking to one of the volunteers yesterday they are hoping to make this a regular occurrence next year during the main running season so there should be plenty of opportunities to see the quirky little engine running up and down The MSLR line. It is also unique as the MSLR is currently the only place in the UK with a working Cockerill tram!



Also whilst there yesterday I was told about an exciting visitor which will be arriving very soon! Below quote is taken from the Facebook page: (Link here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154352624897564&set=o.149676318379612&type=3&theater)

 

The MSLR is in a remote location, its a very small operation, but recomended for an hour or more if in the area. However the team there are very friendly and when i visited the line was not running but we were still escorted and allowed to walk the trackbed. Some interesting rolling stock on the site as well. Trouble is its really car only, but i believe they have run a vintage bus at times to somewhere to bring people in.

What are the long term plans for the line though? Is ther potential for a extension?

 

When I visited about 5 years ago there was talk of a half mile extension but concerns about whether the local council would support it. I really enjoyed my trip there and would heartily recommend to anyone who is nearby - the best set up of a 'small' under 1 mile railway I have seen anywhere.

 

I visited a few years ago

Its delightful

 

Three from the Easter Steam up this year great day out well worth going.

 

I believe an extension to double the length of the line is on the cards & they already have the track. It's just a case of securing the planning permission.

Also Y7's visit next year has been confirmed on the MSLR website - http://www.mslr.org.uk/new-mslr-visitor-for-2016/

 

Been reported that last year was a good year for the MSLR, hopefully 2016 will be even better!

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/mid_suff...ett_reports_rise_in_visitor_numbers_1_4410380

 

The Y7 has arrived at Brockford for 2016 season looking forward to see this little engine running up & down the line at the middy.



(Photo taken from the middy Facebook page)

 

Middy in the War Years returns on 1st & 2nd May. For more information see the dedicated event website at www.middyatwar.co.uk

 

Update on stuff going on at the MSLR...

Last week we lifted the body of our 1863-built Great Eastern Railway coach, no. 140, onto a new underframe to all but complete its restoration. A few minor jobs followed by running in and fettling should mean a return to service in the coming weeks and certainly in time for our September gala.

On the subject of the gala, we have four locos in service (not bad for 1/4mi of line) on Sept. 10 and 11. There will be some goods train running in the morning and then an intensive passenger service for the rest of the day. Engines (subject to availability) will be: Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0ST w/no 1700 Wissington (regular season-long visitor, courtesy of the Midland and Great Northern Jt Rly Soc); Bagnall 0-4-0ST w/no 2565 (home loco); Cockerill 0-4-0VBWT w/no 2525 (home loco) and LNER 0-4-0T Y7 no 985.

Pics from John Reeve. More details soon at www.mslr.org.uk

 

This has appeared on the local rags website this afternoon..........
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/m...rail_line_despite_villagers_protest_1_4857560

 

Extension news....
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/m...nsion-from-brockford-to-aspall-halt-1-5168688

 

Whenever I see the initials MSLR I think the subject is the Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway... which, as we all know, was a rather grander undertaking!

 

I visited the MSLR first in the evening of Friday 26th, we were staying at Brockford Sidings just over the road

http://www.brockfordsiding.co.uk/

Possibly a holiday idea - or inspiration for @flying scotsman123

My oldest son & I went for a short walk, via the station. Every Friday in summer the bar is open & seemed to be doing good business, there is also a food van if you are peckish. After a look at Sirapite, a discussion on geared locos & meeting a former Midsomer Norton resident we headed on our way.

On the Sunday we rode the train several times, there is a talk given when you get to the end of the line - it seems that a garage has been built over the line blocking future extensions much to the annoyance of residents further up the line who want a train to take them to the bar on Friday night.

I might describe the line as 'small but perfectly formed' with a very appropriate collection of well cared for locos & rolling stock. What was rather nice was that a final train was run just as it was proposed to pack up as some more visitors had arrived.

For a very small 'puff up and down on a Sunday' it is well worth a visit

 

Another item from the local paper...

https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/things-to-do/days-out/mid-suffolk-light-railway-wins-award-7938616

 

Surprised nobody has posted a link to this...

 

We took a bus to their vintage bus day yesterday....



Weather was rather indifferent (to say the least) but two locos were in steam, one of which was the Belgian tram loco, and both ended up working the passenger train at some point during the day...



Current state of the line extension looks like this....



...the new terminus being level with the tree-line at the top end of the field.

The place was a lot busier than I was expecting, given the weather, and they managed to sell out of most of the beer in the real ale bar.....

 

I visited again today - 29th August with middle son (12)

It was the Hornby Collectors event which aged quite a bit to a small line, nudging by the queue for the cafe the day looked like a success.

My son was fascinated by the radio controlled tanks & planes, and we enjoyed talking to the exhibitors.

As ever it was a nice ride up the line in the lines marvellous collection of 4 wheeled coaches.

 

I visited a couple of weeks ago. A pleasant interlude in rural Suffolk and the ale in the Kitchener Bar was most excellent.

 

Anyone who has been recently might like this image from 20 years ago of the site at Brockford....