Hello Everybody
 

I stumbled across this forum quite by accident. I was looking for information on the Border Counties railway when I followed a link that brought me here.

I'm not much of an expert on railways, although I have always enjoyed travelling by train in preference to other forms of transport. However, of late, I have uncovered a fascination with closed and disused lines in North-East England. It began with me browsing a copy of Lost Railways of Durham & Teeside in a Garden Centre of all places while my better half was weighing up the merits of a dozen varieties of bedding plants.

I'm ashamed to admit that I never knew just how extensive was the old network, or to what extraordinary routes were conceived and built. I live in hope that the Leamside line - on my doorstep - will one day thunder to the roar of passing trains.

Welcome Swanley. friendly bunch. Whatever you want to know..someone does!

Hello Swanley and welcome to the Railway Forum. There are many people who have a fascination with closed and disused lines. No shortage of them around the whole country.

Welcome to the Forum Swanley. Look forward to more info on the railways in your area.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Hi Swanley and a warm welcome to the forum. Just a thought re your comment "I live in hope that the Leamside line - on my doorstep - will one day thunder to the roar of passing trains" have you tried the preserved railways close to your area, Obvious one the Beamish Museum, The Tanfield Steam Railway, South Tyneside Railway, Bowes Railway and of course Locomotion Shildon. There are many more further afield. Anyway hope you enjoy the forum.
Regards
phil

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

Thanks to everyone for the welcoming messages.

Phil
I've visited a few of the preserved lines you mention, and a few of the very well known lines elsewhere in the north, notably North York Moors and Worth Valley, but as I'm just starting out with this interest, there's much to discover.