Mid Suffolk Light Railway

Yes. It only needs to be a microcosm to invoke the spirit and atmosphere of the original. In this case, small really is beautiful.

 

There's a lot to be said for a short railway with small engines!

 

The Mid Suffolk Facebook page got hacked, however new one has been set up here - Facebook.

The running dates have just been posted on there including provisional opening days for the extension of 2nd/3rd August 2025.

 

Posted on the Facebook, but posted below for those that don't use it... Facebook

"Middy Extension Opening Approved

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is pleased to announce that following its submission for a Transport & Works Act Order, the application was approved on the 21st February 2025 by the Secretary of State for Transport and following the end of the 42 day period for any challenges against the decision, no such challenges were received.

This means is that the Middy can now operate trains over the full length of its line, already laid, subject to various existing planning permissions and to maintain and operate the level crossing over the public footpath as required by the Office of Road & Rail."

As mentioned above the first opening dates of the extension are due to be 2nd/3rd August 2025.

 

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway and the Vintage Carriages Trust are pleased to be able to inform you that Sir Berkeley will be returning to the Middy in Mid July staying until the end of August and will be the star of the show for the opening of the Aspell Extension on Friday 1st August and the subsequent public open days until the end of the month. Watch this space for further details.

 

Just a plug for the weekend - 2nd/3rd the extension opens with Sir Berkeley running to Aspall Halt (which is still being built - so won't be able to get off there as yet, but we're working on it!).

Sir Berkeley will also be running up to Aspall on 10th, 17th, 24th, 25th and 31st August.

 

All the very best wishes for the weekend, and shame I cannot join for the festivities. I really do have to get up there soon, as there's something quite irresistible about the Middy.

 

Is Lady Ingrid undergoing maintenance at the moment, hence Sir B visiting? Or is Sir B there just as an extra loco for the summer?

Also, how's the Hudswell Clarke coming along?

 

"Lady Ingrid" is being renamed on Saturday morning by her new owner to "David Patrick". Although, is currently out of service due to a mechanical failure.

The Hudswell Clarke is making steady progress, although I believe the efforts are going to be pushed towards Y7 985, which is hoped to be back for Easter next year.

 

Visited yesterday to get a ride on the extension and see Sir Berkeley in action, wasn't able to make it at Easter. Trains didn't stop at Dovebrook, though they did stop at the foot crossing in both directions. Made the walk down to the crossing in the afternoon to capture some photos.




Last train arrives at Brockford.

 

Those are very good and very atmospheric photos. Much appreciated. I was told that a Dovebrook stop is on the cards again for when the service has bedded down. Also told that the number of operating days permitted has gone up - and that the press day went well (tho' very wet) with many people of local importance attending.

On what is still a short line (though longer than it was) the Middy will have the advantage of three stations, all with contrasting placing and "look", none of which is visible from another! Scope for some very creative future re-enactments of the old Middy. James

 

Thats correct, the whole weekend was very much a success! All trains for August will be going up the extension so if you missed the weekend come along, over the next few Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday (not many other lines will be more than doubling there length).

Likely that the Dovebrook stop will be just in one direction, the return from Aspall.

 

Was there a few weeks ago on a photo shoot and I can’t wait to experience the extension. Sir Berkeley on four wheelers epitomises the early Light Railway era IMO.

 

I think I might have to make the journey too... oh, and

Heritage railway celebrates track extension

 

Link doesn't work

 

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway celebrates track extension - BBC News

Hopefully this one will, believe its the same...

 

Thanks

 

There is an excellent bar there in a grounded Edwardian coach body.

 

Fixed.

 

These photos so totally capture the light railway atmosphere.