The Moseley Railway Trust has reached the end of another
successful running season. Highlights of the year are many, but the Stanhope
Gala in May was particularly well-received. A new event for 2017 was the Diesel
Delights event in October. Of particular note is that this event was conceived
and planned by a small group of the railway’s younger members. During this
weekend, no fewer than 18 of the railway’s fleet of diesel and petrol
locomotives had an outing on the passenger train – a figure which puts many
Diesel Gala events on standard gauge railways to shame! 2017 was the first time
an event focussed on the non-steam locomotives at Apedale had been run – but it
seems set to be a firm fixture in the calendar in future years.
Phil Robinson, the Trust Chairman said “We are delighted
with how the Diesel Delights event went. The weekend was a real testament to
the abilities of our younger members, who showed that the have the organisation
abilities to run a significant event – well done to all!”
The Diesel Delights weekend also saw three locomotives
visit Apedale from the West Lancashire Light Railway at Hesketh Bank – a Lister
petrol engine (which used to work at a tileworks near to Apedale), a Hunslet
and a Motor Rail. This was part of an “exchange deal” which saw the
Apedale-based Kerr, Stuart steam loco “Stanhope” return to Hesketh Bank for a
few weeks. “Stanhope” ran regularly at Hesketh Bank in the years prior to the
Moseley Railway Trust establishing a permanent railway at Apedale.
“Stanhope” is now approaching the end of its current
10-year boiler certificate; it is currently planned that the locomotive will
operate the popular Santa Specials at Apedale prior to work commencing on the
locomotive’s overhaul. The loco has been well cared for, and it is hoped that
it will be back steaming at Apedale before too long.
The 2018 season at Apedale will see the usual array of
special events, but the centrepiece of the year will be the third Tracks to the
Trenches event, on July 13, 14 and 15 2018. These large and justly popular
events mark the First World War Centenary and the role that light railways
played in that conflict.
The Trust would be pleased to hear from organisations
interested in sponsorship opportunities at this high-profile event, and also
from potential exhibitors of items relevant to the 1914-1918 period.
More details of the Trust and the Apedale Valley Light
Railway can be found on Facebook or on the website www.mrt.org.uk.
