The Battlefield line.

Are there any plans to extend this line in the future?

 

Carriage Swap

During December BR Mark ! Open First 3087, latterly in departmental service http://www.cs.vintagecarriagestrust.org/se/CarriageInfo.asp?Ref=5021 was moved from the railway to Nemesis Rail, Burton-upon-Trent. At the same time a carriage was moved in the opposite direction. Does anyone know the identity of the carriage that moved from Burton-upon-Trent to the Battlefield Railway?

 

... please?

Manners cost nothing.

 

50044 Exeter - I can't see them being able to extend any further as if I remember rightly the trackbed is severed both ends so a definite no go unfortunately.

 

No possibility of going to Nuneaton.

There was a speculative plan to extend to Coalville for the Snibston Discovery Park but as that's now gone I can't see that happeing, and I think Burton is also no longer realistic either.

 

The line does at least have a destination with the battlefield centre. I suspect that they would be well served to get a bit more undercover and develop the customer facilities (although my last visit was in 2012 so this maybe on the cards already). For people with small children it's the optimum length just needs a soft play centre which can be open all year round (like the one at pecorama) and I think they may find it a good money earner!

 

Talking to 1 of the loco crews on my last visit it was mentioned that some of the trackbed beyond shenton still exists.

As for expansion at shackerstone I think a shed would be a good idea for the diesel lads as working in the elements particularly during winter isn't ideal.

 

Personally I think the line is a decent length. I guess it struggles with the closeness to the GC as it seems to lack the investment needed to raise it up the table of preserved lines.

 

It's a really decent line & the staff & general atmosphere are really friendly. I reckon it needs:

(1)Scrap stock clearing - I noticed on my last visit that heading out of shackerstone there was a lot of scrap stock stored on quite a lengthy siding which doesn't help the image.

(2)Diesel shed - the diesel groups are having to work outside all yr round whatever the weather & undercover accommodation would benefit them loads.

(3)Passing loop at market bosworth - the line is a single track branch but if they could install a loop here it'd enable them to run a 2 train service on regular we weekends & expand on galas. Having looked at photos of the station there's a siding laid in the 2nd platform which ends about 1/2 way along & could be connected to the running line.

Not sure what their resident steam is atm, I know the T9 30120 is visiting. On my visit they were using a 2-8-0. The diesels get some running which will hopefully be better advertised in 2017.

 

I think this is an example of a line run by enthusiasts who like to play trains, finance it largely by themselves and are basically content with what they have. It is said that they own all the land and track and are basically debt-free. The public are welcome to ride on the trains and help pay the bills but are not the be-all and end-all to them.

 

I've been there twice and enjoyed both trips - Mayflower was running on the first occasion and two LSWR engines on the second. The set up at Shenton is great and the railway links well into other attractions. Market Bosworth and Shackerstone could both do with some tidying up of stock - there is a bit of a feel of a 'linear scrapyard' at both. It is however one of my favourite little lines below the 'premier league' of heritage railways.

 

Battlefield is a cracking little railway. I agree about the linear scrapyard feeling, mega friendly staff though & a very welcoming atmosphere.

 

Their Bubble Car is the best way to see the line too!

Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

 

Nice line, decent length. I agree about adding more interest by making Market Bosworth a passing place.

 

Agreed on all points. Great little Tea Room at Shakerstone too, unusual Victorian feel. Riding behind the Driver on the Bubble Car gives great views of the line. Staff excellent with kids

 

What serviceable locos is there onsite (exc the T9)?

 

This line is a favourite of mine, and closeness to Market Bosworth is a plus; it is a lovely old country town.

 

This line combines pleasant countryside with the battlefield at Shenton, a lovely old country town at Market Bosworth (long way from the railway, scope for a vintage bus connection?) and canal village with pub at Shackerstone. For me, a pleasant unhurried day out to break a long journey - there are some nice hotels in the area - from the Westcountry to the North. And the bubble car brings back memories of branch line explorations of my youth.

 

I've never been, but the long-term visit of one of my favourite steam locos of all (T9 30120) this spring is a tempting prospect.