Railway Research Trip; The Steeple Grange Light Railway

Another research trip, another railway, and something a bit interesting and unusual. 

Derbyshire has quite a few preserved railways, but nowt as eccentric as this one. The Steeple Grange Light Railway is built on the track-bed of a standard-gauge quarry branch line, itself an offshoot of the famous Cromford and High Peak line. We parked up at the National Stone Centre, then strolled down the track bed to the station.

This was the target of the visit; ZM32, the ex-Horwich Works shunter, one of the smallest locomotives employed by BR. The whole line here though is rather fun, comprising preserved industrial locomotives and stock, including quite a few mineral-sector battery locomotives. The passenger vehicles are ex-Coal Board mining stock 'Manriders'.

A lovely little machine; the plan is to something inspired by this loco for Garden Rail.

The ride on the train was great fun; propelled up by ZM32, the view from the end of the Manrider was an interesting way to see the line. Plus, as it was ex-mining stock, we were sat very low down in the carriage.

Up at the terminus, which was delightfully basic, and very modellable. 

The trackwork is nicely overgrown and weathered.

Back at the station; I know I'm sad for liking this stuff, but I was very taken with the moss growing on this old wagon turntable which was propped up against the retaining wall.

There's actually two lines here, a short one going off from the main station into another bit of quarry. A quick run on the open carriages (again, eminently modellable) with a battery locomotive.

Pic in Trackside magazine.