STEAM returned to Haigh Hall Miniature Railway after an absence of 29 years on October 29/30. The special event weekend was arranged around a visit to the line by a 2-8-0 tender loco completed as LNER No. 6284, a quarterscale model of an ex-ROD 04 which first ran at the Cleethorpes Coast Miniature Railway following completion in March 2009. The guest loco provided 15-minute steam-hauled rides around the grounds of Haigh Country Park in Greater Manchester.
The 15in gauge Haigh Hall line originally opened in July 1986. Following changes in operators, the one-mile circuit officially reopened on April 20, 2014, running over largely the original track layout. Operations are normally handled by resident 1992 Alan Keef-built steam outline 0-6-2DH Helen.
The railway also has Bo-Bo Railcar KD-1, previously known as the Rapido Railcar, which was originally part of a four-car unit, the three other carriages having been deemed beyond repair and stripped of components to return KD-1 to operation as a locomotive.
POLAR BEAR UNDER OVERHAUL: During its final day in traffic prior to withdrawal for 10-year overhaul, Amberley Museum’s ex-Groudle Glen Railway Bagnall 2-4-0T Polar Bear is pictured on October 29 hauling appropriate ex-Groudle Glen coaches. The well-loaded train has left Brockham station behind and is passing the storage sheds on its way to Cragside. As this RM went to press, dismantling for its overhaul had already commenced. A Just Giving page has been set up seeking donations to the Polar Bear repair fund.
PHIL BARNES