THE Swindon & Cricklade Railway (SCR) has achieved a breakthrough with its ambition to extend public services north to the Wiltshire town which features in the second half of the line’s name.
On November 21, Hunslet 0-6-0 No. 3871 became the first steam locomotive to pass over South Meadow Crossing since 1961. The blue-liveried ‘Austerity’ was on hire from the Mid-Hants Railway to assist with festive season trains.
The development came three weeks after volunteers surfaced the level crossing – which will be gated in due course – and laid approximately 100 yards of track, including a point. In the fullness of time, the latter will serve a permanent way siding on the western side of the line, accessible from the north.
Volunteers are now forging ahead on laying the 600 yards of plain line to North Meadow Crossing, which will take the railway up to the start of Farfield Lane cutting.