You will be hearing from my lawyers forthwith Isles!!!
Slrmidge of the SLR(N)
The Great Forum Railway Inspection
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SLRmidge
It has come to my notice that so called Inspector 'bl@@dy' Isles has gone too far with his so called inspecting! This photograph of me relieving myself in the gents urinal has come into my possession, obtained via a rogue Chinese spy satellite which had been inadvertently 'spying' on a certain member of the Ingleton community!!
You will be hearing from my lawyers forthwith Isles!!!
Slrmidge of the SLR(N)
You will be hearing from my lawyers forthwith Isles!!!
Slrmidge of the SLR(N)
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Peter L
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LMS-Jools
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Victor Isle
Mr SLR Midge, I recommend you go back to trying to put your shambolic railway to rights instead of trying to pour slander against my good name. That photo was taken against my will after I had been picked up and then put down in the most compromising position. The letter from your solicitor was fed to that man eating rabbit, as indeed I believe was the solicitor himself (and also the postman, come to think of it)
Meanwhile, I have been on my travels again. Yesterday I was taken to Wales to visit one of the "Great Little Trains". The Wigfa and Llanrwst is indeed rather nice, and somewhat annoyingly I found little to complain about bar the usual lack of signalling and point control during my brief inspection (shortened due to rain which was starting to saturate my clipboard). A full report and photos will be posted in the next couple of days.
Meanwhile, I have been on my travels again. Yesterday I was taken to Wales to visit one of the "Great Little Trains". The Wigfa and Llanrwst is indeed rather nice, and somewhat annoyingly I found little to complain about bar the usual lack of signalling and point control during my brief inspection (shortened due to rain which was starting to saturate my clipboard). A full report and photos will be posted in the next couple of days.
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Victor Isle
I have now found time to compile my thoughts of the Wigfa and Llanrwst Railway. This line is located in North Wales, a new part of the country for me, and is understood to be one of the most well known lines in the country, thanks to appearances in various magazines.
I arrived at the intermediate station "Bwlch Pennant", a station generally devoid of facilities, barring a well constructed shelter with a small booking office. The quality of the trackbed, track and other infrastructure was generally very good indeed on the whole line.
I walked to the hamlet of Excelsior's Leap, formerly served by a small halt which was closed a few years ago. Goods trains seemed to form the majority of traffic on the day I visited, however I believe that passenger services can become quite extensive at busy times. Visiting locos were working all trains on the day of my visit, and as such do not come under the brief of my visit, except to note that the SLR north had not sent any locos this time, much to everyone's relief.
The line crosses a great chasm on this impressive girder bridge. Even the guard rails have been provided to prevent derailed trains from trying to stray too far off the line. The only point of note is the lack of signs indicating the reduced clearance on this section.
The line then passes through a short rock tunnel, again well constructed. Improvements in signage would also be welcome here with the provision of whistle boards.
I then arrived into Abbey Junction, serving a small community. The signal box, as so often seems to be the case, is not connected to anything. The junction is where a cut off line from Excelsior's Leap joins the main line.
The station at Abbey Junction is again quite basic. This is the main hub of the line at present, with loco preparation facilities. There is also access to the adjacent slate quarry.
There is one final larger viaduct, crossing the great chasm. I'm not sure how I ended up here, and frankly I wish I'd just decided to inspect it from riding over it. It's a long way down....
This coming weekend, I am expecting to be inspecting my penultimate railway for this part of the tour. The Scorton Bank Railway has been in operation for 10 years, and is celebrating with a North West Area Group steamup. After this, just one more line awaits my examination (subject to the NWAG steamup diary), the Pine Tree Light Railway.
I arrived at the intermediate station "Bwlch Pennant", a station generally devoid of facilities, barring a well constructed shelter with a small booking office. The quality of the trackbed, track and other infrastructure was generally very good indeed on the whole line.
I walked to the hamlet of Excelsior's Leap, formerly served by a small halt which was closed a few years ago. Goods trains seemed to form the majority of traffic on the day I visited, however I believe that passenger services can become quite extensive at busy times. Visiting locos were working all trains on the day of my visit, and as such do not come under the brief of my visit, except to note that the SLR north had not sent any locos this time, much to everyone's relief.
The line crosses a great chasm on this impressive girder bridge. Even the guard rails have been provided to prevent derailed trains from trying to stray too far off the line. The only point of note is the lack of signs indicating the reduced clearance on this section.
The line then passes through a short rock tunnel, again well constructed. Improvements in signage would also be welcome here with the provision of whistle boards.
I then arrived into Abbey Junction, serving a small community. The signal box, as so often seems to be the case, is not connected to anything. The junction is where a cut off line from Excelsior's Leap joins the main line.
The station at Abbey Junction is again quite basic. This is the main hub of the line at present, with loco preparation facilities. There is also access to the adjacent slate quarry.
There is one final larger viaduct, crossing the great chasm. I'm not sure how I ended up here, and frankly I wish I'd just decided to inspect it from riding over it. It's a long way down....
This coming weekend, I am expecting to be inspecting my penultimate railway for this part of the tour. The Scorton Bank Railway has been in operation for 10 years, and is celebrating with a North West Area Group steamup. After this, just one more line awaits my examination (subject to the NWAG steamup diary), the Pine Tree Light Railway.
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Victor Isle
The Scorton Bank Railway was the latest NWAG line to come under my scrutiny on Saturday. The SBR was celebrating its 10th Anniversary, and as usual there were many visiting locos. As none of these were from the SLR north again this was a double bonus.
I arrived at the Greenlands terminus, which was rather devoid of passenger facilities. Many of the lines locos were based here, along with the rolling stock. The track layout seemed to be reliant on big hands from the sky, with a lack of run round loops.
Above Greenlands was this very small railway indeed, believed to be part of a different system.
The locos appeared to be more like toys....
The next station, Wyre, appeared to be devoid of facilities, and this local yokal was particularly rude and uncommunicative.
The Scorton Bank terminus was a compact affair, with a building strangely similar to the one at Abbey Junction.
The main intermediate station Wyre Bay was nicely laid out, and the standard of the station buildings and platforms was excellent. Wyre Bay featured my old personal "favourite", an unconnected and unworking signal box. Since trains seemed to go round and round following each other, train control wasn't exactly an issue.
The Wyre Bay goods facilities were being used for the preparation of more steam locos. Just as well there weren't any goods trains running.
The goods sheds themselves were all of a good size, and the facilities are all a big improvement over other railways.
This level crossing was recently installed, all appeared to be in order except that the lack of walling makes it easy to walk around the gates....
There were few structures of any note, exception this fine bridge, similar to the one good thing about the SLR north. The track was all in good condition as well, with evidence of recent reballasting in some sections.
There is now only 1 more railway for me to inspect in this area, the famous Pine Tree Light Railway.....
I arrived at the Greenlands terminus, which was rather devoid of passenger facilities. Many of the lines locos were based here, along with the rolling stock. The track layout seemed to be reliant on big hands from the sky, with a lack of run round loops.
Above Greenlands was this very small railway indeed, believed to be part of a different system.
The locos appeared to be more like toys....
The next station, Wyre, appeared to be devoid of facilities, and this local yokal was particularly rude and uncommunicative.
The Scorton Bank terminus was a compact affair, with a building strangely similar to the one at Abbey Junction.
The main intermediate station Wyre Bay was nicely laid out, and the standard of the station buildings and platforms was excellent. Wyre Bay featured my old personal "favourite", an unconnected and unworking signal box. Since trains seemed to go round and round following each other, train control wasn't exactly an issue.
The Wyre Bay goods facilities were being used for the preparation of more steam locos. Just as well there weren't any goods trains running.
The goods sheds themselves were all of a good size, and the facilities are all a big improvement over other railways.
This level crossing was recently installed, all appeared to be in order except that the lack of walling makes it easy to walk around the gates....
There were few structures of any note, exception this fine bridge, similar to the one good thing about the SLR north. The track was all in good condition as well, with evidence of recent reballasting in some sections.
There is now only 1 more railway for me to inspect in this area, the famous Pine Tree Light Railway.....
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kandnwlr
Victor Isle:99194 wrote:I have now found time to compile my thoughts of the Wigfa and Llanrwst Railway. This line is located in North Wales, a new part of the country for me, and is understood to be one of the most well known lines in the country, thanks to appearances in various magazines.
I arrived at the intermediate station "Bwlch Pennant", a station generally devoid of facilities, barring a well constructed shelter with a small booking office. The quality of the trackbed, track and other infrastructure was generally very good indeed on the whole line.
I walked to the hamlet of Excelsior's Leap, formerly served by a small halt which was closed a few years ago. Goods trains seemed to form the majority of traffic on the day I visited, however I believe that passenger services can become quite extensive at busy times. Visiting locos were working all trains on the day of my visit, and as such do not come under the brief of my visit, except to note that the SLR north had not sent any locos this time, much to everyone's relief.
The line crosses a great chasm on this impressive girder bridge. Even the guard rails have been provided to prevent derailed trains from trying to stray too far off the line. The only point of note is the lack of signs indicating the reduced clearance on this section.
The line then passes through a short rock tunnel, again well constructed. Improvements in signage would also be welcome here with the provision of whistle boards.
I then arrived into Abbey Junction, serving a small community. The signal box, as so often seems to be the case, is not connected to anything. The junction is where a cut off line from Excelsior's Leap joins the main line.
The station at Abbey Junction is again quite basic. This is the main hub of the line at present, with loco preparation facilities. There is also access to the adjacent slate quarry.
There is one final larger viaduct, crossing the great chasm. I'm not sure how I ended up here, and frankly I wish I'd just decided to inspect it from riding over it. It's a long way down....
This coming weekend, I am expecting to be inspecting my penultimate railway for this part of the tour. The Scorton Bank Railway has been in operation for 10 years, and is celebrating with a North West Area Group steamup. After this, just one more line awaits my examination (subject to the NWAG steamup diary), the Pine Tree Light Railway.
Amazing viaduct. More pics, pleae. With or without inspector
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Dannypenguin
- Trainee Driver
- Posts: 632
- Joined: Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:57 am
- Location: Forest of Dean, UK
- Contact:
Great report once more 
Dan
Visit the PFLR website - http://poultonfarmlightrailway.webs.com/
Dean Forest Railway Society website - http://dfrsociety.org/
Visit the PFLR website - http://poultonfarmlightrailway.webs.com/
Dean Forest Railway Society website - http://dfrsociety.org/
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Victor Isle
An additional railway has been added to my itinerary. I will be visiting the Silverdale Light Railway (South), which I am assured is under a completely different management to that of the SLR north. I can only hope that this is true, for I should not like to find that this railway is as poor as the northern section.
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SLRmidge
Before your know doubt proposed scandalous comments on my personage being in attendance today at my sister railway, may I remind you that since the recent unfortunate demise of my former Solicitor Ivor Bigun, I now have in my employ the famous libel lawyer Ivan R. Don, who will be reading every word you write with regards my running of SLR(N) locomotives, thank you very much !!!
Slrmidge owner of the SLR(N)
Slrmidge owner of the SLR(N)
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Victor Isle
He just refuses to give up doesn't he, assuming that he can ride straight over the wishes of the HMRI's senior inspectors. Indeed Mr Midge was present today, although the many derailments his train was involved in were mostly down to the state of the SLR South wagons. However, the speed of his locomotive "Curlew" was also a factor in the derailments.
Anyway, onto my inspection of the southern half of the Silverdale Light Railway system. This is under different management, which immediately becomes clear from the much better trackwork, and the complete lack of lineside vegetation in many places.
My inspection commenced at the surprisingly empty motive power depot, where only the ANLR loco Russell and a rake of SLR south coaches were to be found.
Further along the depot, I found this macabre and disturbing sight, Health and Safety being an obvious concern. However, the shed staff assured me that this poor fellow had been dropped from great height by one of the big people and that a trip to hospital for life saving superglue surgery would follow promptly.
His head was located outside the MPD, with a visiting driver playing some form of sick joke.
The first station at Arnside Castle looked to be a somewhat barren affair, the platform shelters were apparently away for refurbishment. The footbridge seemed in poor condition.
The platform and track were both very good, although these obviously don't help the passenger who turns up on a wet day.
The next section of line contained two bridges, both of sound construction, however the stone structure over the river did not have handrails. Neither bridge had checkrails as well.
Beyond the bridge, the line runs on a shelf. The track here was of some concern, with loose sleepers contributing to derailments experienced later in the day. The track needs to be packed properly. Additionally, the east loop point for Yealand had no means over being held over correctly, the spring being missing. This must be addressed.
Yealand station itself is of good construction, and is well kept.
Beyond Yealand the line runs along a substantial embankment, of good construction.
Woodwell is another attractive station, although it is served by very few trains.
Recent deforestation has left to local area looking very barren indeed, although the passengers enjoy the unrestricted views. The track was weed free and well ballasted generally, completely different to the northern section.
Silverdale Junction, the end of the line. Beyond, the line joins the SLR north. I did not want to endure the sight of this section again.
There is a small engine shed at the junction, although it is obviously little used.
Since it was such a lovely day, I gave myself the rest of the day off and had a nice lie down beside a local lake.
This line is generally in very good order, with a couple of areas that do need attention. Train operation (from what I could see from my lakeside spot) seemed to be civilised, with no reportable incidents beyond the derailments of the freight train.
Anyway, onto my inspection of the southern half of the Silverdale Light Railway system. This is under different management, which immediately becomes clear from the much better trackwork, and the complete lack of lineside vegetation in many places.
My inspection commenced at the surprisingly empty motive power depot, where only the ANLR loco Russell and a rake of SLR south coaches were to be found.
Further along the depot, I found this macabre and disturbing sight, Health and Safety being an obvious concern. However, the shed staff assured me that this poor fellow had been dropped from great height by one of the big people and that a trip to hospital for life saving superglue surgery would follow promptly.
His head was located outside the MPD, with a visiting driver playing some form of sick joke.
The first station at Arnside Castle looked to be a somewhat barren affair, the platform shelters were apparently away for refurbishment. The footbridge seemed in poor condition.
The platform and track were both very good, although these obviously don't help the passenger who turns up on a wet day.
The next section of line contained two bridges, both of sound construction, however the stone structure over the river did not have handrails. Neither bridge had checkrails as well.
Beyond the bridge, the line runs on a shelf. The track here was of some concern, with loose sleepers contributing to derailments experienced later in the day. The track needs to be packed properly. Additionally, the east loop point for Yealand had no means over being held over correctly, the spring being missing. This must be addressed.
Yealand station itself is of good construction, and is well kept.
Beyond Yealand the line runs along a substantial embankment, of good construction.
Woodwell is another attractive station, although it is served by very few trains.
Recent deforestation has left to local area looking very barren indeed, although the passengers enjoy the unrestricted views. The track was weed free and well ballasted generally, completely different to the northern section.
Silverdale Junction, the end of the line. Beyond, the line joins the SLR north. I did not want to endure the sight of this section again.
There is a small engine shed at the junction, although it is obviously little used.
Since it was such a lovely day, I gave myself the rest of the day off and had a nice lie down beside a local lake.
This line is generally in very good order, with a couple of areas that do need attention. Train operation (from what I could see from my lakeside spot) seemed to be civilised, with no reportable incidents beyond the derailments of the freight train.
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Soar Valley Light
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