Branch lines: part 3

Midland Region track plans, including Worth Valley - perfect for the Model Rail exclusive ‘USA’ 0-6-0T No. 72.

Built for: Midland Railway Terminus: Oxenhope Main line connection: Keighley (Shipley-skipton) Opened: April 13 1867 Length of line: 5 miles Intermediate stations: 4 Closed: December 31 1961 (passengers), June 18 1962 (goods) Key locomotives you’ll need? Johnson ‘1P’ 0‑4‑4T, Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2‑6‑2T Why’s Oxenhope special? This is the West Riding equivalent of the classic GWR branch line. Oxenhope boasted a simple loop on a graceful curve, and a goods yard featuring a shed built from heavy stone. The line is

beautifully rugged rather than quaint and ‘chocolate boxy’. A true branch line classic! What’s left? Although new sheds and buildings have been built, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway has maintained the atmosphere of a rural Yorkshire branch. Where can I find out more? Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Through Time by Mark Bowling (Amberley)

TRAVEL AND LANDSCAPE UK/MARK SYKES/ALAMY The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway might be one of Britain’s premier preserved railways but it hasn’t lost any of its branch line charm, despite the fact it now plays host to far bigger locomotives and train lengths than it did during steam days....