Middleton Railway Victorian Gala 16th - 17th July

Over the weekend the Middleton Railway will be playing host to all three of the Vintage Carriage Trust's locomotives. For the first time in over 40 years Bellerophon, Sir Berkeley and Lord Mayor will be together. Joining Bellerophon and Sir Berkeley in steam will be 1601 Matthew Murray and NER H Class 1310. All locomotives from the Victorian era and a fitting farewell to Sir Berkeley which is to come out of traffic later this year of it's major overhaul.

An intensive service over the weekend including the use of the Balm Road branch with opportunities over the weekend to photograph all three VCT locomotives together.

On both days a special timetable will be operated, providing an intensive service over both our main passenger line and the little-used Balm Road branch. Two train sets will be in operation, with one running as a mixed train with both passenger and goods stock.

There will be a variety of patterns of operation, including some trains that will have a locomotive at each end, and some that will be double-headed. The first train is currently scheduled to be at 10.30 am and the last one at about 4.00 pm, but further details of the timetable should be available nearer the event.

By popular request, we will also be running guided tours of our workshop during each day, so that you can see the various restoration projects that we are working on.

Special fares will apply for each day, namely £10 for an adult, £4 for a child and £25 for a family ticket (covering up to 2 adults and 3 children). The various travel concessions that apply to our normal train services will, however, not apply for this event.

For further information visit www.middletonrailway.org.uk

 

Never been to the Middleton railway mite just go up to this for the day by train from Cambridge and then a taxi (is there taxis out side Leeds station)

 

Yes plenty of them. You need to ask for Moor Road, Hunslet, hope to see you there

 

On Friday 15th July you can get a taste of our gala by riding Bellerophon and our mixed train at 2pm, 2.45pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm. After the last train approx. 4.45pm there will be an opportunity to photograph all three VCT locos and possibly other gala stars 'on shed' at Moor Road. The best part is, our cafe and shop are open and a ticket to ride all afternoon is just £5 Adult and £2.50 child! Come down and avoid the weekend crowds.

 

I'm planning to visit on Saturday, is there going to be a timetable/roster available before the event?

TIA

 

It's in the final stages of being written now. Should be on website and Facebook in next day or so.

 

Haven't been to a Middleton gala in years. I presume being allowed to walk through the M1 tunnel in between trains is no longer allowed these days.
What's the lineside access policy now?

 

Walking through the rail tunnel is not advised but there is a parallel pedestrian tunnel connected to the foothpath down the side of the site. This gives access onto the moor so tthere are lots of line side viewing opportunities and two overbridges on the line up to Park Halt. The Balm Road branch is also very accessible. Just ask for directions when you arrive.

 

Thanks !!

 

Timetables are now available on the Middleton Railway website

http://c9425687.myzen.co.uk/MRT2/images/events/year2016/galaTT2016enthusiasts.pdf

 

my pictures from the prequel on friday - http://steamingnorth.com/thumbnails.php?album=202


must have been next to me Lee

John

 

Look like I was John, nice shots.

Some stills from Friday from me here... http://preservedrailway.weebly.com/middleton…

 

Had a look over Saturday afternoon & very nice to see plenty of activity going on, all loco's running including Bellerophon although it did seem to be leaking steam quite badly & surprisingly plenty of sun as well!!

My thanks to all those who made the gala possible. Just do a few more butties next time!!!

 

Unfortunately, the Sunday before departure from Foxfield on the following Monday, Bellerophon decided she didn't like one of her cylinder drain cocks and spat it out. It appears that 142 years have taken their toll on the threaded hole in the cylinder casting and, despite best attempts, it wasn't possible to make an effective repair in time for her attendance at Middleton so she spent much of the weekend with the drain cock missing. It seems, as a true Lancashire engine, she really doesn't like crossing the Pennines into Yorkshire and this was her way of saying 'If I have to go I'm going to complain the whole time'

 

I really enjoyed participating in the gala, although in a peripheral role. When I reported in on Saturday I was greeted with the comment "You look like an undertaker" and I had to agree. See what you think - picture attached.

 

Or a thin fat controller??