Apedale Valley Light Railway - May 16 and 17 Locos From Leeds Gala

Moseley Railway Trust announces May 2015 Gala – “Locos from Leeds”

The Moseley Railway Trust is pleased to announce that the theme of the 2015 Apedale Valley Light Railway Gala will be “Locos from Leeds”. In a departure from previous practice, the event will be held in May 2015 – May 16 and 17 to be exact.

Phil Robinson, Moseley Railway Trust Chairman said “When we reviewed the success of the September 2014 Tracks to the Trenches Gala, we identified that September was becoming saturated with events aimed at the railway enthusiast. We have therefore taken the decision to move the date of the 2015 Locos from Leeds Gala to May 16 and 17. We are hoping that this will increase the number of visitors, as there will be fewer competing railway events at that time of year”.

The Locos from Leeds theme has been chosen to showcase the Trust’s newly restored Hudswell Clarke steam locomotive, and also the other Leeds-built items in the collection. Leeds was famous for being home to several locomotive builders, including Hunslet, Hudswell and John Fowler – and various Leeds-built locos are held in the Trust collection. However, Leeds was also home to one of the most famous names in narrow gauge history – Robert Hudson Ltd. Hudson did not build (many) locomotives, but manufactured just about everything else – track, wagons etc. which would be need to establish a narrow gauge railway system. Their catalogues have become legendary collector’s items – a bit like an Argos catalogue covering railways! Hudson supplied locomotives which were built by others – for example, the Trust Hudswell steam locomotive was supplied to its original purchaser in Africa via Robert Hudson Ltd.

As is traditional now at Apedale Galas, there will be a full complement of model railways and trade stands for the entertainment of visitors. The replica World War One Trench system – built for the Tracks to the Trenches event – will be open for visitors, with military re-enactor groups working to bring to life the experiences of soldiers in that conflict.

The Trust would be delighted to hear from anyone with a Leeds-built item that they may wish to exhibit at the event.

The event will be open from 1100 to 1700 on Saturday and Sunday 16 and 17 May. Entry prices are Adults £6 and Children £3. The popular “Access All Areas” passes will once again be available, priced at £15. These passes are made available in limited numbers and allow access to otherwise off-limits part of the site for the serious enthusiast photographer. All tickets will be available for purchase on the gate, or in advance. Details of advance ticket purchase release will be advised in due course.

 

Will there be Fowler and McLaren traction engines as well? That would be a nice addition.

 

It would be nice to have an example of every type of 1' 11.5" Hunslet. I guess anything from the Bala/Llanberris lAke for the babies, Jerry M or Lilla for the medium and Linda or Blanche for the giant. I know there are other kinds preserved but I don't think any of them are operational. Handing out leaflets was a good idea last year. I nearly went to the 'tracks to the trenches' gala but, as you say, there was something else on.

 

I would advise you to send someone to Steel, Steam and Stars III with leaflets.

 

We would be delighted to see Leeds-built road engines - if anyone has any contact details for owners, especially those relatively local to us in Newcastle-under-Lyme, we would be pleased to issue invitations.

 

Simon, please get in touch, I can find you at least 4 that I can think of who might come, but they need to book asap.

 

The Advance ticket sales for the Locos from Leeds Gala in May have now commenced. See www.avlr.org.uk for full details. Adults £6, children £3. We're also doing the popular Access All Areas passes again, aimed at the serious enthusiast photographer for just £15. If you book in advance, not only do you get to avoid the inevitable entry queue, but you'll also receive a voucher giving you 5% off books, DVDs and replica plates in the Station Shop. The event itself is looking good - all visiting locos confirmed and the shed plan shows an excellent array of model railways and traders. So, clear your diary - May 16 and 17 is the big weekend and book those tickets right now.

 

Just a quick note - we will be closing for advance ticket sales on Sunday 10 May - this to allow time for tickets to be sent out. With four new-to-Apedale locos expected to be around, plus the usual supporting cast of models, traders and classic road vehicles, it's shaping up to be a good weekend.

We also still have a few of the Access All Areas passes available. Again, advance purchase can be made until Sunday. It is possible that a FEW may be available on the day - just depends how many are left. Visit www.avlr.org.uk for all advance tickets.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you.

 

The Knotty Trust will be attending with a sales / information stand. Please come and say hello whist visiting this great event.

 

Just a quick note to let you know that the Locos from Leeds gala is running this weekend at the Apedale Valley Light Railway.

WEB PAGE FOR INFO (www.avlr.org.uk).
In addition to a plethora of Leeds built or related locos and stock operating on both the mainline and field railways, the replica trench will be open complete with living history camp; manned by members of the Manchester Regiment, Birmingham Pals and MECO during the days. The trench tramway will also be in operation over the weekend with authentic First World War railway equipment in use.
As if this was not enough, there is also a model railway display, a real ale bar, vintage cars and the adjoining heritage centre will be offering mine tours (separate charge).

I hope this is of interest!