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The Amerton Railway is located a little way to the east of Stafford, as part of a "working farm" project.

The line is operated by the Staffordshire Narrow Gauge Railway Society; currently an end-to-end layout, their objective is to achieve a complete circuit of about 1 mile in length, through pleasant countryside where sheep graze.

Taking pride of place on the line is "Isabel", a product of Bagnall's of Stafford, works no. 1491 of 1897. The first time I met Isabel, in 1974, she was on a plinth outside Stafford station. Now lovingly restored, Isabel was in action on the occasion of my visit.

There are other locomotives on the line - the picture (left) shows the bright yellow "Motor-rail" Simplex, ex-Minworth sewage works. Behind the Simplex can be seen the side tanks and frames of a huge ex-african german-built 0-8-0T, which I was assured would (one day) be able to run around the tightly curved track.

Inside the shed lurked another Bagnall -  "Woto" (WB 2133/24),  just visiting on this occasion. A very successful Bagnall "gathering" was held on the line a few years ago. Also in the shed can be seen a green Ruston diesel.

Isabel is seen (top) running around the train - two coaches and a brake van, then (top right and below right) heading out away from the station for another trip around the fields.

The operators hope to have the circuit completed later this year - "We'll be able to achieve the longest narrow-gauge trips in the country" commented the day's driver.

What a great little railway setup this is - if you're ever out that way, call in. If you're made as welcome as I was, you'll enjoy it thoroughly.

Links:

• The Amerton Railway

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