LICKEY INCLINE

Max. gradient: 1-in-37¾

The Lickey Incline is something special. It’s arguably unique among main line climbs as it’s called an ‘incline’ rather than a ‘bank’. This terminology reflects the extreme nature of the task that faces northbound trains, with two miles of uninterrupted 1‑in‑37¾ to negotiate between Bromsgrove and Blackwell. Of course, there are steeper main line gradients ‑ the short section of 1‑in‑36 on the climb to Dainton, for example, but nothing matches the sheer slog of the Lickey. It’s one of the few locations in Britain where you can still find locomotives regularly used on banking duties. You won’t notice them too much, however, in the air‑condi‑ tioned comfort of a ‘Voyager’.

CHRIS NEVARD Bob Bangs has managed to squeeze a ‘OO’ gauge re-creation of Bromsgrove station, with a stretch of the Lickey, into a 16ft by 8ft space. For more, see MR200 (September 2014). Layout idea LICKEY INCLINE 51 55