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‘SIR LAMIEL’ IN WENSLEYDALE
The original plan was that ‘King Arthur’ No 30777 Sir Lamiel would spend some time at the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire. It so happened that plans changed and the engine worked only two weekends, one a steam gala and the second, July 30/31, the line’s ‘1940s weekend’, sharing the six trains each way with Great Western 0-6-2T no 5643.
Sir Lamiel at Leyburn
Running round at Redmire
The line is 16 miles long and, notwithstanding a few short level and downhill stretches along the way, otherwise climbs steadily from Leeming Bar, just off the A1, to Redmire, at which place the quarry that kept the line open until 1992 was sited. The train passes through some splendid scenery and stops at three charming stations – Bedale, Finghall and Leyburn – before arriving at the current terminus some 200 m (650 ft in old money) up in the Dales. 
Awaiting the Right Away at Leeming Bar
The railway has plans to extend beyond Redmire, and even has a bridge to span the road beyond the current headshunt, but fettling the existing track and clearing trees and vegetation to open up the views – no mean task over 16 miles – is a bigger priority at the moment.
The pictures are from the second weekend’s operation, for which we sent a three-man crew to run ‘Lamiel’. They report that they had a splendid time: the engine ran perfectly, the weather was lovely, the trains were packed and the hospitality from the friendly people at the Wensleydale Railway was first-rate (for which many thanks – we wish you continued success).
They report that they had a splendid time!
By Info | Monday, August 1, 2011 | Tags : 30777