‘First and last chance’ at Middleton
A short-notice ‘First and Last Chance Event’ at the Middleton Railway, Leeds, will introduce its newly-overhauled locomotive and say farewell to an old stalwart.
The September 4/5 weekend will be the first opportunity to see 1935built Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Swanscombe No .6, as it works freight trains on the little-used Balm Road Branch, in addition to passenger trains on the ‘main line’ to Middleton Park.
Last steamed in 1974, it spent many years in store before major repairs, including to the frames and boiler. It is in Associated Portland Cement’s ornate livery, as carried when at Swanscombe quarry, Kent, now the site of Bluewater Shopping Centre.
This event will be the last chance to see 1891-built NER 0-4-0T 1310, also working on the branch and main lines, as it retires from service shortly after the event. Also in service will be two vintage Leeds-built Hudswell Clarke diesel locomotives, Mary and Carroll. Visit www.middletonrailway.org.uk for more information.