Middleton Railway

jim · Post by **jim** » Sat 09 Jun, 2012 8:09 pm

The current (June 7 - July 4 2012) edition of Heritage Railway magazine contains a fine four page article on the design, building, lives,and versions elsewhere of the 1812 Blenkinsop/Murray steam locomotives, and reminds us that this is their 200th anniversary year.It also includes the information that "To celebrate 200 years of steam on the Middleton Railway the line will be holding its biggest ever all-steam gala on June 23 and 24. The event will feature the railway's own fleet of locomotives along with three visiting locomotives. To find out more, visit the event's website at www.middleton2012.com"

leedslad_ · Post by **leedslad_** » Sun 10 Jun, 2012 6:20 pm

Thanks Jim.Always thought it would be great if the line did cross over the main line and run up the disused line toward the back of Crown Point. Having a station within walking distance of the city centre would be such a boost for usage of the railway. Pipedream unfortnately...I did wonder though if the "Tram-train" concept ever took off whether that could be a possible route, and then via Middleton Park out toward the proposed Stourton P&R.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Sun 10 Jun, 2012 7:10 pm

Here's the main line connection in 2004, it's heavily overgrown and doesn't look like a train has been over it for years. It's hard to tell, but I can't really see any trap or catch points to stop trains reaching the main line on this photo. As Jim says there would be so much red tape running locos from that branch onto the mainline, plus the fact the cost involved.cliffordstead, on FlickrHere's looking towards the main line from the Middleton railway, the connection is gated off these days. They only use that branch line 2-3 times a year when it's enthusiasts weekends e.t.c.You see a lot of locos going on the back of low loaders to various heritage railways, or even for scrap these days, the break up of the railway into different sectors has complicated things too much and it's cheaper, and easier to move stock by road.

leedslad_ · Post by **leedslad_** » Sun 10 Jun, 2012 11:39 pm

Thanks - great pics. I tried looking on google maps satellite but very hard to tell, so that clears things up.I'm guessing it wouldn't be impossible - I know the North York Moors runs on the main line sometimes to Whitby, albeit on what I assume is a very quiet branch anyway.Though for rare one off visiting trains can see it makes sense to send by road (which seems somewhat ironic).Just a real shame for the Middleton railway they don't have much track to play with, and hardly through the most attractive parts.There's my pipedream idea above of reaching toward the city centre, but more realistically I wonder if they could ever head much further into Middleton Park to give a more attractive end point and destination? Or is there too much gradient/earth works required?

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Sun 10 Jun, 2012 11:48 pm

You can get a good view of the track layout herehttp://binged.it/LJ8nsWThere limited for space really, It would be good if they could have run at the side of the main line with a little halt at the end, but those down sidings are back in use after been empty for years. The road stone traffic from the new EWS traction depot has breathed new life into the place.I have read they would like to extend up into the woods at some point, I guess a rich benefactor is what they need really

somme1916 · Post by **somme1916** » Mon 11 Jun, 2012 10:43 am

Phill_dvsn wrote: You can get a good view of the track layout herehttp://binged.it/LJ8nsWThere limited for space really, It would be good if they could have run at the side of the main line with a little halt at the end, but those down sidings are back in use after been empty for years. The road stone traffic from the new EWS traction depot has breathed new life into the place.I have read they would like to extend up into the woods at some point, I guess a rich benefactor is what they need really Yes Phill.that's the ultimate goal.Pity there's too many vandals and metal thieves holding progress back.It's a disgrace.Good pics mate....be good to see new track being laid/used.

Phill_dvsn · Post by **Phill_dvsn** » Thu 14 Jun, 2012 10:55 pm

And the very same truck at York museum, and a fine truck it is too

somme1916 · Post by **somme1916** » Thu 14 Jun, 2012 11:00 pm

Phill_dvsn wrote: And the very same truck at York museum, and a fine truck it is too Eee lad,it looks as good as new.....!

patter · Post by **patter** » Fri 15 Jun, 2012 11:03 am

somme1916 wrote: Phill_dvsn wrote: I have read they would like to extend up into the woods at some point, I guess a rich benefactor is what they need really Yes Phill.that's the ultimate goal.Pity there's too many vandals and metal thieves holding progress back.It's a disgrace.Good pics mate....be good to see new track being laid/used. Maybe they could go 3rd-rail

somme1916 · Post by **somme1916** » Fri 15 Jun, 2012 11:54 am

patter wrote: somme1916 wrote: Phill_dvsn wrote: I have read they would like to extend up into the woods at some point, I guess a rich benefactor is what they need really Yes Phill.that's the ultimate goal.Pity there's too many vandals and metal thieves holding progress back.It's a disgrace.Good pics mate....be good to see new track being laid/used. Maybe they could go 3rd-rail Nah,be a waste of good electric.