Toddington Narrow Gauge

I have recently found myself in a position to help out at a railway and this was the one that chose me.

I have been sorting the website out and we intend to keep it updated and will adding to it as things progress.

http://www.toddington-narrow-gauge.co.uk

We also have a Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Gloucestershire-Railway-Toddington-Narrow-Gauge/731219073580555

If you are at the Glos & Warks do spare us a visit on one of our operating days if you can.

If you live in the area and fancy helping out, you will be made welcome.

 

Moving California Crossing

Early 1970's cine footage showing the preparation and moving of a signal box by road to the Dowty Railway Preservation site at Ashchurch.

 

That site looks much better now, great job. Haven't been on the narrow gauge line for ages, will try and make an effort this Sunday for the classic cars day.

 

Thank you both for your kind words re: the website.
I should be adding a stock list soon (well this summer anyway) but need to take a few photos of some of the "stored" IC engine and wagons, which will mean getting them out!

I have been given 3 DVDs of old Dowty stuff to trim down for Youtube, all in good time - back to painting fences!

Here's a short video of Justine last Sunday running at the classic car event.

 

Did the box survive the journey and does it still exist?

 

Like the revised website - well done. I visit with my family and have a steam hauled trip on the narrow gauge line every summer - here's one I shot earlier



That's fantastic footage of California Crossing - I remember it in use when travelling on Birmingham to Bristol trains in the early 70s, invariably hauled by a Peak on Mark 1 or 2 coaches.

Back to Toddington, Look forward to hearing more about this charming, smart, well run NG line. Paul

 

Yes the box did survive and what is more, was moved again in the early eighties from Ashchurch to Toddington when Dowtys closed. The box now controls the passing loop at the station adjacent to the engine shed.

 

Yep, here are a couple of (bad) photos I took on Sunday:




And finally some of the wagons:



Do these ever run or are they display purposes only? Whatever, they were very well restored indeed!

 

The first two (nearest the transit van) are used a lot in the works train as they contain tools (shovels, picks saws and the like) and somewhere to jump in if it rains

Indeed they were used today (only a phone photo) as we still had a bit of "trimming" to do down approaching Didbrook loop to enable the monster that is Chakka to get down there without any grief.



Close up you'll notice that they could do with a rub down (so could I but that's another thing) and repaint on the woodwork. As I'm quite keen on them, I'll add that to my "to do" list as well.

 

Quite tempted to come and give you a hand actually, painting wagons is my favourite job at Winchcombe - giving the gunpowder van a facelift at the moment.

 

I'll remind you of that FS123 when the time comes

 

Please do, would only be too happy, I'll bring along my little brushes.

 

Another Steaming day on the NGR, Sun 12th July, as part of the GWSR Bus Rally.

Should be Chakka in steam, first public steaming ... well unless you could endure the Thomas event a couple of weeks back!
Normal fares, so cheaper than Thomas as well.

 

A short video of Chakka running at the Bus Rally on Sun 12th July 2015.

 

2015 Steam up

Our 2015 "steam up" is less than a month away, being over the first weekend (3/4th) in October.

Do come along if you can and help support the railway.

Full details and any updates at ....
http://www.toddington-narrow-gauge.co.uk/steam-up-2015/

 

I'm on TTI duty but will try and pop along to say hello during lunch!

 

A new arrival at Toddington.

 

Ooh snazzy! Is that here to stay, or just visiting?

 

Should be resident for a year at least.
She was building up steam for a test yesterday after the inspector giving the boiler the go ahead. First time with a fire in her for 3 years apparently. Alas I has to leave before the test had been completed but would be surprised if she failed.

BTW FS123 I hadn't been to Toddington over the summer hols and arrived last week to find the wagons had all had a splash of paint! Sorry to disappoint you