Summer of steam – trains are back at Foxfield
AFTER an extended period of closure for track maintenance, trains started running once more on the Foxfield Railway in Stoke-on-Trent.
The railway fully reopened on July 17 and is now operating on Wednesdays and Sundays throughout the school holidays, with special services including the operation of the heritage Knotty Train and Afternoon Tea trains, and special events including a Dinosaur Academy and Classic Vehicle Rally forming part of the calendar for the remainder of 2022.
Kerr Stuart 0-4-0ST No. 4388 of 1926 has also returned to service following the completion of its restoration by Jack Dibnah. It underwent its first test runs on July 9 and is set to star at the railway’s Made in Stoke event, which (as reported in HR 294) will celebrate North Staffordshire’s railway history.
The event will give particular focus to the Kerr Stuart locomotive builders, who were also based in Stoke-onTrent. Volunteers in period costume will enhance the atmosphere of the event, which will see the heritage Knotty Train operating on an hourly service with two steam locomotives working turn-and-turn-about.
The first purpose-built standard gauge diesel locomotive – 6Wdm No. 4421 Rom River of 1929, also built by Kerr Stuart – will also be in operation.
To book tickets for the event, or for more information about the line, visit www.foxfieldrailway.co.uk