Looking for a disused line
 

Hi everyone

My name is Charlotte

I'm making a film about a Stationmaster and Diesel line, can anyone recommend any abandoned lines in the U.K that still have track on them?

Many thanks

You'll be very lucky to find track still down as when a railway line becomes surplus to requirements the track is usually very quickly removed due to the cost savings they may get out of it and so the land can be sold off

You may be better off with a smaller preserved line

The problem with using a preserved line is that it will cost you! We would be happy to provide facilities for you to film at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in Derbyshire but there would be a charge.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Hi Charlotte

I don't want to be discouraging but, even if you did find a length of "disused" line, it still belongs to someone - probably Network Rail, an operator or a private company. Filming on it without permission would certainly be trespassing. You might get permission (eventually) to film but I bet it would be much harder and more time-consuming than approaching a preserved railway. They will welcome you but yes, quite reasonably, they will make a charge.

I know Network Rail are currently lifting the Denby branch, but how far have they got?

(Just north of Derby, running from Little Eaton)

What about the Gaerwen-Amlwch branch on Anglesey in North Wales? Hasn't had a train in about 18 years but all 17 miles of track still in place - if you can find it beneath the undergrowth, of course...

Another one in North Wales - the Blaenau-Ffestiniog line. That one might be relatively free of undergrowth - I think there's some sort of agreement with the nuclear power authority to keep it clear of weeds.

There was an article about this line on the local ITV Welsh News tonight. Apparently volnteers are currently clearing the Blaenau Ffestiniog - Trawsfynedd line. This is apparently in connection with a pedal-powered transport and tourist project!

Sorry not to be more informative about this but I'm afraid I didn't catch the whole piece.

Further Info: They have just repeated the piece and apparently it's called a Velorail. The vehicle seems to consist of a 4 wheeled and disc-braked lightweight vehicle which is pedal powered by two passengers. Actually seems like it could be fun.

And probably faster than a Parry Peoplemover...

Just found this link on the web about the Velorail...

http://www.caernarfonherald.co.uk/ca...8817-29625843/

I reckon Lydd Town on the freight only Dungeness branch in Kent would be perfect in terms of the look of the place. Trouble is, it's part of Network Rail, so permission would be needed and 'the diesel' hired in (would need to be main line registered). Only 1 timetabled train in each direction per week I believe - Nuclear Flask train to/from Dungeness Power Station.
Somewhere else to check out is the Churnet Valley Railway as the next extension has track in situ (mothballed) and could perhaps be used.

Tony

Dont know where you are but the mid suffolk railway on the A140 between Ipswich and Diss is not in regular use
They seem nice people and I bet they would let you film there much cheaper than the established preserved lines.prob more of a donation than fee
They only have about 1/2 mile of track and a station

Thanks everyone for your help, I didn't expect such a great response!!!
I'm definitely going to check out all those links, we've had a look at Epping railway this week and that was great but very expensive!
Don't forget to take a look at our website, www.stationmasterthefilm.co.uk
If you have any pennies lying around to donate towards our film they would be very much appreciated.
Charlotte xx

Thanks, that's great, I'm going to take a look
Charlotte x

Thanks John
I'll take a look at your website
Kind regards
Charlotte xx

Few old lines round wrexham area.......

Branch lines to recently closed collieries like Welbeck?

Hi Charlotte,
Track is still down and disused just north of Durham City. Its a twin track and runs between the A1 and the A690 opposite Ramside Golf Club. See Google map and zoom in.

People have been asking questions via the local press, but not One answer has been given, because they no longer have a Secretary, and their current chairman is too busy getting involved in other projects. Oh dear!
lol!

Pardon me having only read the first post of this thread, The Branch Line Between St Helns Cwntral and St Helns Junction (Merseyside) now compleatlly Dissused Still has track as far as Raven Heas Works but you would still have to have permison to access it from St Helns Ctl Station even to go along there on foot as I would Immagine that it is still ownwned by the Railways.

You can wiew it from a footpath crossing by the canal, but last time I looked, it was overgown with vegetation, unsuitable for your purpose, - and not a place you would want to be on your own with expensive equipment.

Theres disused railway line in Birkenhead,on the Wirral,its the old bidstan dock railway.......track and signals are stil there with all the trees and grass.....