A word of warning...

Stuart tells a sorry tale to alert clubs to the dangers at tracks that seem safe...

Encouraged by the articles I wrote in recent times for EIM I became involved in the restoration of a 5-inch gauge half-amile long track formally known as the Moss Bank Model Engineering Society. It was run for the public in the 1980s but the then society eventually closed down and the track was used by a local fairground as part of the attractions in the park – eventually it stopped altogether about six years ago.

The population of Bolton that frequent this park have fond memories of having rides on the line with their parents and were very disappointed at the closure. Some 2½ years ago and with encouragement from our council a very small group decided to attempt a rescue – I joined the group and since most of the physical engineering work had been done to the track, passenger trucks and locos I concentrated on the legal, health & safety and insurance side of things.

Eight weeks ago we opened to the public, running only diesel-outline locos for now and in a quiet way whilst we allowed the track to settle and our volunteers got used to the procedures. I have to say that it proved a huge success and the line has received massive amounts of encouragement from the residents who were able to take their children on a nostalgia trip.

Around 1am on Saturday 5th June, however, a group of thieves stole all the aluminium rail on the line including the new stock we had for repairs and in doing so destroyed all of the track.

I write this in order to warn other societies that though they believe their property is secure, which ours was, it proved easy for these crooks who with the right equipment did not have any problems getting what they wanted. We do not know what we will do now, restoration again is a major

“It proved easy for these crooks who with the right equipment did not have any problems

getting what they wanted...”

undertaking with very few people and no finance, but we will see.

The Editor adds: A cautionary tale indeed. Sadly such thefts are becoming more common due to rising prices of metal. If any person or organisation feels able to help Stuart and his fellow members we will gladly pass on your contact details.