NORTH BAY RAILWAY
Scarborough’s North Bay Railway is one of Britain’s most historical seaside railways. Designed by Scarborough Borough Engineer H.W. Smith, work started in early 1931, and the ⅞-mile line was completed in time for that year’s summer season. Although planned as a 15in gauge railway, it was built at 20in gauge, using 20lb rail. Two Hudswell Clarke 4‑6‑2DHS were delivered in 1931 and 1932, respectively. Although the line closed between 1940 and 1945, it’s still operating today. It was ‘privatised’ in 2007, when Scarborough Borough Council transferred ownership to a private company. Above: Curving left out of the terminus, the route passes beneath a huge children’s climbing frame, under the first of three footbridges and past a ‘cosmetic’ signal box (as photographed). Straightening out, it passes the boating lake, with its historical water chute and much-modernised open air theatre. There’s a 24-yard tunnel about halfway along this section, before it passes below the second footbridge, after which the line heads right towards the coast. Here it runs parallel with North Bay Promenade/cleveland Way. Each square represents 1 foot The terminus for the 1.4km North Bay Railway is situated at the southern end of Peasholm Park, the largest of all three stations comprising a return loop for running-round, locomotive shed and a number of sidings, including one for coaching stock added at the end of the first season. Left: Finally we arrive at Scalby Mills, which originally featured a return loop, partially located in a preformed concrete section tunnel which was removed in 1962. The station was rebuilt in 1977, and a turntable added. The bay platform, left, is no longer linked to the main line and is now used for a display train.