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.
:twisted:
