Midsummer’s Day at Chasewater
Coal Trains Day
© Geoff’s Rail Diaries 2015
Geoff’s Rail Diaries
21 June 2015
They’re putting on some good events at
Chasewater these days - for a line that styles
itself “The Colliery Line”, a coal trains day ought
to be good - which it was, of course.
It was never going to be a railway photography day -
simply, we’d ride the trains (yes, a normal passenger
service, the coal trains slotting in-between) and record
the ongoing activity, provided by steam locos Colin
McAndrew (AB 1223 of 1911), Holly Bank No.3 (HE 3783
of 1953) and the day-glo Bagnall no 2 (WB 2842 of 1946). The Hunslet is
in reality the former Darfield No 1, currently recreating the identity of
its visually similar brother which worked at local pits. The 08 took its
turn (D3429?), and NB “D2911” (never a BR loco) helped out with the
shunting at Brownhills West.
We took a ride out to the far end - Chasetown
Church Street - and walked back, snapping a
passing coal train en route. We arrived back at
Brownhills West just in time for the next
passenger train, so we rode again, this time as
far as Chasewater Heaths station - where we
detrained and walked to the Chasetown Church
Street. It’s not far - we beat the train, as
expected (more photo opportunities). Then it
was back to Brownhills West again - this time
following the clockwise route across the dam. No trains this way, of
course, but it’s a shorter route back. which meant there was time for a
well earned ice-cream before recording the last passenger departure
and heading for home. A most enjoyable afternoon!
Link: Chasewater Railway
