I have now performed the final inspection of my visit to the North West of England. This was to the Pine Tree Light Railway, during what appeared to be a very large "NWAG" steamup. This organisation has often lived up this the reputation that proceeded them with regard to very haphazard control of trains, and I was extremely apprehensive going into this event. However, it must be said that there was not a single reportable incident, even with SLR midge present. The PTLR itself proved to be a sound railway.
I first arrived at the main hub of the railway, Pine Tree Road. Here, there was a station of slightly shabby exterior condition. The state of the passengers was somewhat shocking, but obviously not a fault of the railway, although at the time I wasn't sure. Later, the local pub serving the infamous local brew "Midgley's Special Disaster" was found to be the cause.
My attempt to find the Station Master was unfortunately futile, (it is believed that he was also in the pub) but several assistants were present on the platform, which was very busy with passengers because of the special event.
The goods facilities and cattle dock looked disused, and the cows looked like they hadn't moved for a while. All trains that were sighted were passenger trains.
I moved on to Sleighton Heathers, a small request stop where a little used branch to Conishead diverges. Although there was supposed to be a passenger service to Conishead, no trains were sighted going there, and the only passengers waiting to go there had no head.... Most odd.
The signal box looked uncared for, and some of the levers were obviously broken. However, the point was obviously locally controlled anyway. Signal where present looked to be there just for show. Standard garden railway then *sigh*
Beyond Sleighton Heathers, the line entered this tunnel, which had greatly limited clearance, but no obvious signage, despite the fact people could walk in from a nearby road (or get mis-directed in by errant sat navs) It is understood that there have also been strange incidents on this crossing, from steam rollers hitting railcars deliberately to trains crossing on the road, and a land rover crossing on the rails....
Coppermill Junction is the last station, here a short branch to somewhere called "The Shed" diverges. The station seems busy despite no local amenities at all.
The Station Master was far too happy and talkative for my liking.
Here, I encountered a loco from the Silverdale Light Railway (North) and I decided that it was my duty to stop the loco from running, having seen the trouble caused on other lines.
However, Midge still tried to depart. Luckily my legs held firm, although it was rather painful. The loco was derailed, but then a big hand took me away and re-railed the loco, which then promptly failed with flat batteries (not sure how this happens on a steam loco)
Coppermill is also where the great "Jubilee Bridge" begins. After my encounter with the tall bridge on the Wigfa and Llanrwst Railway, I decided not to walk over this one. The major failing of an otherwise splendid structure is the lack of parapet walls, indeed trains have been known to fall off this extremely tall structure.
Back at Pine Tree Road, I was able to observe the rest of the day, ready to investigate any accidents that happened. As I mentioned at the start, there were none!
Before departing, I had a look round Pine Tree Road sheds, full of many locos of types I have not encountered before, and I must admit I did find it all quite interesting (much to my own disappointment).
Overall, the PTLR is a well engineered line, with some dodgy operating practices, and I really recommend walking if you have vertigo. The viaduct should have a maximum speed limit of 10 mph, and trains should stop running should the wind speed exceed 30mph. Signage needs to be improved, and the chief engineer (I believe he goes by the name "Cecil") should stop running trains to bad operating practices just for some cheap laughs on a Youtube video.
Since my time here is drawing to an end, I would grudgingly like to thank the Afonglas and Nant Llywyd Railway for looking after me for the past 4 1/2 months, and also thanks to the railways I visited to allow me to inspect them (apart from the SLR North, who should be avoided by everyone at all costs). I believe that I am next off to Lincolnshire, and the Lindsay Joint system. I hope I should be as well looked after there!