Chappel Miniature Railway Public Opening 24th October 2020
After much effort over three years by many, the opening of the miniature railway is imminent, pending an absence of any further government restrictions beyond the known Level 2. Built as an open-air railway with un-enclosed carriages it has some advantages in current circumstances.
From the viewpoint of our visitors it is
a major advancement in the amenity of the site. While restoration of course is
something as rail enthusiast we like to progress, the thrill of a journey is
often the most memorable part of a visit to the museum.
Being a miniature railway, it appeals especially to a younger
visitor – it’s not too scary, is more understandable in its smaller scale.
Adults get a payback too , with smiling faces children can take home a memorable
experience. Another benefit to the museum is that this railway is expandable,
we have the land, perhaps just one -third, or less, of its potential has been realised.
Rob West reports:
On the first public running day, it is planned to ‘cut the
ribbon’ to officially open the first section of the new railway. Unfortunately,
there’s no planned ceremony in mind, mainly because of the Covid-19 safety
measures. Ryan Gant and myself will be operating the railway that day, with
Isaac as Op-Sup also present for the first run, it is intended to use our oldest locomotive “Ricardo
Lampwick” to do the honours.
Thinking about the construction period, would just like to
say how proud I am to have been a part of this fantastic project, having
enjoyed working on the previous railway for some years. Both Tim and I want to thank everybody who has contributed
towards the scheme in any way, big or small, assembling track panels, laying
down ballast or hardcore, painting, electrical wiring, even just lending a hand
to lift heavy equipment or make the tea! The list of names is beyond counting,
but to everyone concerned, a big thank you to you all. Our new railway would
never have taken shape without your combined efforts.
For me, the highlights of the construction include the
delivery of our first new coaches in August 2019. These are very different from
the previous stock, being larger and vacuum braked, more reliable in running with heavy loadings,
it helped to give the first taste of what our new trains would be like. It is expected
to have delivery of two more coaches
after the half term period.
Another milestone was the relocation of our steam loco,
Frederick, from the old sheds to the new line in February 2020; loading him
onto the lorry proved to be a challenge, I breathed a great sign of relief when
he was safely mounted on his new rails! On that same day, we tested out our
coaches for the first time with our old electric loco, Ricardo Lampwick, which
was a delight to see running again after more than a year out of use.
A crowning achievement of all - was running Frederick for the first time a few months ago. After being mothballed for 20 months, it was a long-awaited moment to see our powerful steam engine make its first moves on the new railway.
The latest development is provision of a staff access path from the staff car park to the depot container. At one end a loading bay has been built, to enable rolling stock to be easily delivered or taken away by road transport. A set of buffers prevents trains from overshooting the end of the running line in normal service and can be temporarily removed when the loading bay is required.
Gardens Lane and in future maybe extensions to consider!
Members are welcome to look at both the Facebook and What’s App channels to see progress picturing the works. A “Chappel Miniature Railway” group chronicles their works posted on Facebook.
Tim Rice and Isaac Ferneyhough remind all of us that it will operate with a set of rules not dis-similar to the standard gauge, so the Level Crossing is under the control of Mini Rail staff. causal walking alongside the track is prohibited, care and caution should be taken especially in the depot area. Signs for the guidance of the public will be installed to show the route of safe public access.
