SINGLE LINES

■ MOTOR Rail 4wDM 9837/1944, which Fairbourne Railway converted from 2ft to 12.25in gauge following its purchase earlier this year, ran to Barmouth Ferry for the first time on October 21, hauling a three-carriage test train. The loco is really intended to work maintenance trains rather than passenger services, but at least the Fairbourne line knows it is capable of hauling carriages over the full length of the line.

■ REVIVAL of the Alford Valley Community Railway continues apace, with overgrowth clearance allowing a short works train hauled by Motor Rail 4wDM (converted to steam outline) The Bra´ Lass reaching Haughton Park station from Alford on October 29. AVCR has been nominated as a beneficiary of the Co-Op Community Fund, with payments to boost revival efforts anticipated in October and November 2023.

■ ISLE of Man’s Groudle Glen Railway commenced the largest track relaying project it has ever undertaken on October 9. All track between the passing loop at Headland and the Sea Lion Rocks terminus is being lifted, the trackbed graded, and the track itself replaced.

■ LESLEY Lowey, formerly a Manx Electric Railway (MER) conductor, was passed as a tram driver on October 12. Although she is not the first woman to qualify as an MER motorman, she is the first female tram driver to be employed on the MER as a regular member of staff.