That was the year that...
Narrow gauge news stories from the archives and their legacy...
From 20 years ago
Corris Railway Corris, Gwynedd (2ft 3in gauge)
On 3rd June 2002 the Corris Railway ran its first public train for 72 years, comprising Ruston & Hornsby 4wDM no 6, a single coach for 16 passengers, and a brake van. The train operates an hourly service between Corris station and the shed at Maespoeth, where a short talk on the history of the line is given. (NGN, July 2002)
East Hayling Light Railway Hayling Island, Hampshire (2ft gauge) After an unexpected delay, tracklaying has now commenced. By the end of May, most of the track and pointwork in Beachlands station had been laid, but not ballasted. Once it is completed and the rolling stock can be shunted in the yard, work on the mainline to Eastoke will begin. (NGN, July 2002)
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Woody Bay Stn, North Devon (60cm gauge) The railway’s board has announced that tracklaying will commence at Woody Bay in August, once the supply of new sleepers, rail fixings and some brand-new rail has been delivered.
Public operations will commence on 18th April 2003, when visitors will be able to ride down the line on a specially constructed works train, as far as bridge 67 (currently under construction).
(NGN, July 2002) Definitely an encouraging issue of Narrow Gauge News! All three lines soon progressed and tracklaying at The L&B actually started that June as in the picture at right, featured in NGW130 – the young Murray Dodds to the rear now manages the Fairbourne Railway. The three lines are now long-established and while the East Hayling line makes few headlines the Corris and Lynton & Barnstaple are both moving towards future major expansion, though both yet to extend much beyond the length of lines described in 2002.
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Rly Llanfair Caereinion, Powys (2ft 6in gauge) The railway celebrated the centenary of ‘cutting the first sod’ on Saturday 4th May .... the Earl of Powis re-enacted the Cutting of the First Sod on the lawn outside the Raven Square terminus in company with chairman Ken Fenton, and with music provided by members of the Newtown Silver Band. The last time this band had played at the railway was when the last train under British Railways ran in 1956. Amazingly, several members of the band were present on both occasions! (NGN, July 2002) Your editor remembers this event very well! Inspired by the suitably period outfits worn by those performing the first sod recreation, when the centenary celebrations a year later included an ‘Edwardian Weekend’ I persuaded my entire family to dress accordingly (right). I don’t think my three children have ever quite forgiven me...