Middleton Railway Gala 17/18th Sept

Is there anyone on here that can give me an update on the Middleton Railway Gala due in a couple of weeks? I'm hoping to get there but would like a heads-up before I set out.

Thanks

 

Hi there,

Sorry for the late reply, I seemed to miss this thread.

Hopefully we will have four locomotives out, Sentinel diesel 138C, Peckett diesel Austins No.1 (fresh from repaint and works) along with resident steam locos Matthew Murray and MSC 67 (last gala appearence). All the locos will alternate on trains to Park Halt and the Balm Road branch. Im hoping we can possibly also run "driver for a fiver" in the Moor Road station yard, similar to our model railway exhibiton, but this is not yet confirmed. All being well we will also have workshop tours during the day, with visitors able to see progress on the H Class (LNER Y7) which is very close to completion.

Many thanks

Andy

 

Further to Andy's response, we are hopeful that the 'H' class (1310) will be in steam but it ran the metal in a big end when tried the other day and repairs are ongoing. It is not likely to get the repiars completed and then tested until just before the gala, too close to advertise its availability.

I should also add that 67 has been turned to face south following its recent visit to Beamish. The loco is in the last four months of its boiler certificate so this going to be one of the few opportinites to see and photograph it working this way round.

 

Just a quick further update.

The railway will be open from 10am until 5pm with a frequent train service with two steam and two diesel operating all day. Freight trains (with passenger accomodation in the brakevan) will run on the Balm Road branch, with the passenger set running to Park Halt. The NER H class (LNER Y7) will be on display at Moor Road, hopefully in light steam.

Also at Moor Road we will be running "Driver for a Fiver" with our locomotives.

Fares are £6 for adult, £3 for children and £15 for a familly of 2+3.

Many thanks

Andy

 

A quick update for everyone.

Todays and tomorrows gala will see 11 trains in each direction from Moor Road to Park Halt and Balm Roa, a very regular service. Matthew Murray , MSC 67, Thomas Hill 138C And Peckett Austins No.1 all sharing the duties on both the passenger and freight sets.

All four locos will be used on the "Driver for a Fiver" activites. Also the NER H Class (LNER Y7) will be on static display at the front of the Engine House.

Many thanks

Andy Hardy

 

A few pictures from a enjoyable sunday afternoon here -( the LNER Y7 looks great !! ) - http://www.steamingnorth.com/thumbnails.php?album=129

John

 

Glad you enjoyed it. The Y7 or Class H as we've now been asked to refer to it by the owners, couldn't take part in train operations as it's not quite match fit, yet. Should be officially launched back into service in a couple of weeks. Watch this space.