On the right track! Chasewater Railway General Manager Steve Organ cheers the news that the line extension can continue as Lorne Grey, who is in charge of Centrac’s recycling operations, gives the project the green flag. July 1998.
We have been given some more old photos, I think from Steve Organ’s collection. These are some photos of the causeway in the early days at Chasewater Railway .
In 1982 the Preservation Society was forced to lift the track on the Causeway and commence work on an ambitious rebuilding scheme. Sadly owing to the Society’s finances and lack of support, the scheme collapsed and the Preservation Society was forced to close to passenger traffic for a number of years, even though work continued on basic restoration at the Brownhills West site.
A scheme to restore the Causeway commenced in May 1993, with the basic engineering elements being completed some 11 months later. Approx. 120,000 tons of fill material were imported on to the site for grading and compaction. With the completion of one of the largest civil engineering schemes in railway preservation to be carried out to date, work was able to proceed with the opening of Norton Lakeside Station. The station was opened in December 1995.
Click on a photo for a larger version.
We have been given some more old photos, I think from Steve Organ’s collection. These are some photos of Asbestos in the early days at Chasewater Railway .
Click on a photo for a larger version.
Hawthorn, Leslie 0-4-0ST, 2780 of 1909. Built at the company’s Forth Bank Works, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The loco has outside cylinders 14” diameter x 22” stroke, 3’6” driving wheels with a fixed wheelbase of 5’6”. Weight in working order 27.5 tons.
Delivered when new to Washington Chemical Company, County Durham, which became a subsidiary of the Turner and Newall Company Ltd. in 1920.
A large industrial complex served by sidings and a half mile branch just south of Washington station on the line between Pelaw and Penshaw, the locomotive working here until 1933, when transferred to Turner and Newall, Trafford Park Works, Manchester.
The locomotive came to Chasewater in 1968 from the Turner and Newall factory, Trafford Park, Manchester, where asbestos was produced – hence the name. The company asked for £100 for the loco and was asked if they could wait while the Preservation Society could organize a raffle, being short of funds. Upon realizing the situation, the company generously waived the fee and donated the loco.
Chasewater Railway ran an “Asbestos Day Special” on 1st January 2012 from 10 am to 5 pm. This event marked the end of 1909 built Hawthorn Leslie No.2780 “Asbestos” 0-4-0ST’s current time in traffic and it’s 10 year steam ticket. The one day event will see Chasewater’s favourite steam engine, 102 year old Asbestos providing traction. Resident loco RSH 0-6-0 No.7684 Nechells No.4 was also in steam to accompany Asbestos on her last day as was Barclay loco ‘Colin McAndrew’. It was a time of celebration for the railway owned locomotive which is always very popular with our visitors, and it has been the main stay of service at the colliery line having arrived over 40 years ago. Shortly after the event Asbestos is going to be retired to undergo a heavy general overhaul. Subject to the required funds being raised we expect that the work needed to return it to traffic should take approximately three years to complete.
At the time of writing, June 2018, the money required to return the loco to traffic has been collected and available, but the time hasn’t!
Events News: Made In Staffordshire Gala – May 26th/27th/28th
Made in Staffordshire Gala
Our Chasewater Railway Made in Staffordshire gala May 26th/27th/28th. 10am-5pm each day.
Details of our locos appearing during the gala.over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend “Made in Staffordshire”
Steam loco guest is Kerr Stuart & Co. 0-4-0 “Willy” the Well-tank visiting us in its centennial year having been built in Staffordshire in 1918 and Diesel guest is last but one built Bagnall 0-4-0DH built Stafford 1961, number 3207 “Leys”. Thanks to the respective owners for allowing them to visit us.
Home fleet locos representing Staffordshire are Bagnall “Dunlop No.6” and Bagnall “Kent No.2” plus Diesel E E Baguley “Bass no.5” with Bagnall “Myfanwy” availble to view nearing the completion of her restoration.
Museum, Heritage Centre, Tea Room, Model Railway, Gift shops, Bric-A-Brac and more.
Rover Ticket prices for this event are £8.95 Adult, £7.95 Concession, £4.50 Child 3-15yrs and Non-working members with valid card, 0-2yrs free. A fantastic value family ticket is £24.95 for 2 adults and up to 2 children. No passes or vouchers valid during the gala and for everyone’s safety strictly no track/shed/signal box access without permission.
For weather & travel updates why not tune into our friends at Cannock Chase Radio FM on 89.6 & 94 FM.
More info: http://www.chasewaterrailway.co.uk/
Posted in Events, Locomotives
Tagged Aldridge, “Willy” the Well-tank, Bagnall No 3207 “Leys”, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Burntwood, Cannock, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Railway Museum, Diesel Locomotives, Hednesford, Lichfield, Made In Staffordshire Gala, Old Railway Lines, Staffordshire, Steam Locomotives, Steam Trains, Walsall, Walsall Wood
The signals are set to go on the Chasewater Light Railway in Staffordshire. Members have just launched a big recruiting campaign to get a larger labour force together for working on the picturesque railway around Chasewater Pool, near Brownhills. Throughout the winter, work has taken place in the compound and on the track.
The Society was heartened when their Maryport and Carlisle Railway coach of 1875 was accepted for the S&D Rail 150 Exhibition. It is believed to be the sole surviving stock from that company.
The Society has just re-vamped its own magazine to produce an unusual, yet chatty, style which should go down well with supporters!
Invicta – pic Mike Wood
Chasewater’s Barclay 0-4-0ST No.2220 of 1946, on which members have been working this winter.
Maryport and Carlisle Railway six-wheel third (No.11 of 1875), pride of the Chasewater Collection, before its journey to the S&D Rail 150 exhibition at Shildon. Pic – Mike Wood
Rylands
One of Chasewater Railway’s unusual shunters is this tiny 0-4-0 diesel with spartan conditions for its driver.
A rare LNWR slotted post signal from the National Coal Board’s Cannock Wood Colliery, Rawnsley, now preserved on the Chasewater Light Railway. Pic: Mike Wood
Click on a pic for a larger version and use the side arrows to move on.
Chasewater Railway Museum 