Quote:
Originally Posted by Gandalf
The post regarding Stapleford brought back many happy memories from years gone by when it was open regularly to the public. In those days there was a small Safari Park near the car park and the Berkshire somehow got around what to me seemed a ridiculously small radius curve on its way from the car park to the house. That must have been in the early 80 as I do not remember us having any children with us.
My most treasured memory of the railway though was at a private running for the NVR where we even had a steam coal fired BBQ and I must say that sausages cremated on a bed of glowing Welsh Steam Coal have a flavour all of their own. It was on that occassion that I had perhaps my most memorable railway experience. We were being shown a huge pile of castings (2 sets I seem to recall) destined to become the Niagara or two if my memory is correct and were admiring these beautiful pieces of cast metal when an elderly lady and gentleman came in. For those familiar with the early steam miniature railways Henry Greenly is of course well known however all his drawings in later years were done by his daughter Elenora who married Earnest Steele. It so happend I had with me my copy of Earnest's book on H G and along with two or three others who also were clutching their copies were had our books signed by both of them. It is not surprising that the lady knew more about steam locomotives and their workings than any of us there her father being who he was. Memories never to be forgotten and I still treasure my book.
Anyway now I know that there are two dates I could visit again I will endeavour to make the trip into the heart of Pork Pie Land it only being an hour away, but do we have to apply for entrance tickets or simply turn up on the days wearing a grease top cap?
John (G)
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What a fascinating story, i will forward it to the members
Both public events in 12th 13th June and 30th 31st August are pay on the gate and again full details on the website
The August event is just £2 per car and both events also have camping pitches available if you want to spend a weekend
If you have an exhibit, please use the contact details on the website. This obviously also entitles you to free weekend camping as well
I attach a shot of the 1/5th NKP Berkshire 2-8-4 with our latest addition from the builder of the Niagara, a 1/4 scale oil burning Vulcan 31 class EAR metre guage 2-8-4 which went into service in October 2008 putting the steam fleet at 6 now
Also an original poster for the Lion reserve which closed before the line and hal closed to the public in 1982
The line was restored for 1992 by the Friends and has opened once or twice per year in the summer since 1995 supporting the local hospice as part of steam rallies. Mid June and August BH weekend
We do run for ourselves and other groups though throughout the year.